Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Photo Op--OOPS!
Well, we DID get some snow. Actually it was kind of a faux snow! The sun popped out briefly and that ruined the peaceful beauty of the scant ground cover we had. Now it is just patchy and slushy. It was enough snow (and ice on the roads) for school to be cancelled. Lots of happy children and teachers--some of both in my family!

I know. I know. Why did they get out of school for just a little snow? It's the SOUTH, ya'll! Those of you who live in the really cold places with snow of the ground for long periods of time don't want to be on our roads when we get snow! Remember we don't have enough of the white stuff to have the clearing equipment/experience that you guys have. It gets cleared and we get on with life pretty quickly. But the first day of it is rough going!

I had really good intentions of getting a photo to share with you. I even sneaked out to the deck quietly to try to catch one of the neighborhood cardinals in my back yard. Good intentions! The battery on my camera was down! Of course, no replacement! Oh well!

The camera is a challenge to me in blogging. Lee has served as our main family photographer for years. We have always depended on him to bring the camera and actually remember to take pictures. Now that he has turned that responsibility over to me, we have fewer pictures! I am having to discipline myself to know where the camera is and, oh yes, remember to click it at a few appropriate moments!

You would think having the blog would help me get my photography act together. It's a BIG challenge, ya'll! Good thing I don't have to do the whole getting-film-developed thing. That would probably just put me over the edge!


One more birthday for this week!
Happy birthday to my niece, Karen!

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  posted at 12:35 PM  
  12 comments



Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Luke--and then a little snow dance!
'Tis the season at our house!
The Birthday Season!

Happy Birthday, Luke!

Luke is our seven-year-old grandson!
Yes, seven years today!
I can't believe it!
He is growing up so fast!


Luke spends time with us after school some days.
While he is here he loves ice cream,
playing games, watching TV, and using the computer.
One of his favorite computer sites is the "puzzle place."
Here's a special birthday puzzle just for you, Luke!

Click to Mix and Solve

Truly, my family is in the birthday season. You will be seeing birthday greetings several times in the next few weeks. What fun!

Guess what's going on outside our door right this very minute--SNOW!

We have not had a really good snow in our neck of the woods all winter. There have been a few flakes, but that's about it. I even heard that there was snow on the ground here last Saturday. However, it was gone before I even got up that morning! This time there may be hope for a white landscape tomorrow morning. I'll keep you posted! I would love to sit and look out the window at a beautiful snow scene. I don't care to get out in it much--just enjoy the peaceful while beauty of snow--And then I'm ready for SPRING!!

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  posted at 5:16 PM  
  5 comments



Sunday, February 24, 2008
Kevin!!
Normally on Sunday I post some Praise/Worship music and scripture. I know a lot of people take Sunday off from blogging. but it seems an appropriate way to mark the day.

HOWEVER, today, I'm going to make a change. Today is my younger son Kevin's birthday. I think a little celebrating is in order! (BTW--Just ignore the "To"part of this video. It's to KEVIN) :-)





HAPPY BIRTHDAY,
KEVIN!!


Kevin with Holly and boys, Joshua and Spoony.

Have a great day!
We love you!

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  posted at 12:06 AM  
  11 comments



Saturday, February 23, 2008
Post #200 Drawing!
I haven't been around much this week. Too much real life stuff going on!
But I'm back for the little giveaway drawing,
Here we go!

Double your pleasure!
Double your fun!
A double drawing!
Let's see who won!



To celebrate post #200 of
Cherish. . . the word!
copies of Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon


are on the way to . . .


Midlife Mom at Home on the Range and
Ginger at Just a Thought.

Ginger and MMom, email me an address and the books will be on their way1

One suggestion ladies--If you have never read the Mitford series I suggest you read it first. Holly Springs is a wonderful book and I think you will enjoy it even if you have not read the others. However, you will understand the very intricate relationships and great characters in Holly Springs a little better if you know Father Tim's wonderful story from Mitford. Jan Karon writes about people in a way that makes you think of them as your neighbors. You will enjoy getting to know the people of Mitford. The books are easy to read and you can probably find them at most second hand bookstores--or ask a friend--You'd be surprised how many people own these books. I know people who read the whole series over and over1 Really!

Congratulations MMom and Ginger! I hope you enjoy the book!

BTW, friends. I have several celebratory events coming up in March. Maybe we'll just have another giveaway, or something!

My first Blogaversary is in March! I have another special day in March! Hmmmm! AND
There's a Blog Party, ya'll!

Ultimate Blog Party 2008

I'm looking forward to a little March Madness--Blogging style!

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  posted at 2:12 PM  
  4 comments



Monday, February 18, 2008
Post #200!!!
I have closed comments on this giveaway post. I will return tomorrow (Saturday) to announce the winner.

It's a Celebration!!



I'm celebrating Post #200!!!

Celebrate with me with a little Post #200 Giveaway!

I love to read and I know a lot of you do also.
Therefore, I think a book giveaway is in order!
One of my favorite books
among those I have read in the last few months is--

So--Here's the deal!
Leave a comment on this post.
Be sure I know where to reach you.
Even if you have read the book,
it makes a great gift for someone who has not.
I will close comments here on Friday about noon
and announce the results by Saturday.
The winner can then give me an address by email
and it will be on its way to you.
EASY!

OH--BY THE WAY--
I THINK BECAUSE IT IS FOR POST #200, I'LL
DRAW TWO NAMES !
Two friends will receive Jan Karon's latest book,
Home to Holly Springs.

OK!
Now go tell your friends to come on over!

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  posted at 11:29 AM  
  17 comments



Sunday, February 17, 2008
Amazing Grace
Chris Tomlin--



John 1:16
From the fullness of his grace
we have all received one blessing after another.

2 Corinthians 8:9
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ,
that though he was rich,
Yet for your sakes he became poor,
so that you through his poverty might become rich.


Ephesians 1:7-8
7In him we have redeemption through his blood,
the forgiveness of sins,
in accordance with the riches of God's grace
8that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.








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  posted at 12:06 AM  
  2 comments



Thursday, February 14, 2008
Happy Valentine's Day!!!


Happy Valentine's Day!!!!
I hope you are having a great day with the ones you love!

Valentine's day marks a "monthaversary" for my husband and me. We became engaged 468 months ago! Every year he reminds me--usually with a note in my Valentine's Day gift--how many months we "have been engaged." We were married about four months after he gave me that sweet ring. Just in case you didn't do the month math--It's been 39 years! Here we are on the day we married--as we were leaving the church! We were so young!
So what do you do for Valentine's Day 39 years later? My husband had a plan! A few days ago an early Valentine's Day gift was delivered. Lee had ordered fudge and other goodies sent to me from one of our favorite places--Mackinac Island!


YUM! YUM! YUM!
The gift of candy was a deliciously sweet surprise. However, the memories that this gift brings to mind makes it an even sweeter Valentine treat! We discovered Mackinaw Island in Michigan about ten years ago. It was suggested to me as a good vacation spot by a work colleague. It became one of our favorite vacations retreats. We have been back two times. (BTW--Mackinac is pronounced Mackinaw).

Mackinac Island is a delightful place to visit. Take a minute to take a look online at some of its highlights. You may want to plan a trip! There are no motorized vehicles on the island--only a couple of emergency fire trucks and such. It is an Historical Landmark; some of its buildings and homes date back to Revolutionary War times. During The War of 1812 , the British and Americans fought several battles on the island. I believe the British won those battles. Reenactments are staged at the fort every day. The island gained some noteriety with the 1980 movie Somewhere In Time, starring Christopher Reeve.

The Island provides a peaceful, pretty, relaxing (or busy) place to have some fun. Take your walking shoes because--remember no cars! There are LOTS of horses and bicycles! I sound like I'm being paid for PR. I'm not! It truly is a wonderful vacation spot.


We did not elect to stay at the Grand Hotel.
It is a huge, beautiful hotel that has an illustrious history, including being featured in the movie. It would be a great place to stay--very elegant. We always stayed at less expensive hotels off the island in Mackinaw City (Go figure--the city spells it the way it sounds!) on the banks of Lake Huron. There are some tourist type attractions, including another fort, lighthouse, and reconstructed historical French settlement in Mackinaw City.

We traveled to the island by jet ferry. That's a fun way to start the day!




Here we are on the ferry--Off to our island adventure!








As we approached the island we passed Round Island Lighthouse .



We also got a good view of The MIGHTY MAC Bridge

that spans the dangerous stretch of water between
Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.


On the island there is plenty to see and do--or you can opt for some peaceful people and creature watching! This is the main street near the waterfront. It takes a little while to get used to seeing so many horses.
There are plenty of horses, carriages, wagons, and bicycles to rent. There are several hundred people who live on the island year round. There are more horses than people!
Actually, my pictures do not really do the horse population justice--There are usually more carriages, surries, etc. on the street. As you travel around the island you see people on horseback also.


Take a look here--Horse drawn lorries deliver goods to stores, hotels, restaurants, etc.


Check out this UPS lorry.





We took a guided tour of the island in a carriage/wagon.
Our horses were Fred and Wilma.





Here are just a few of the sights of the island.

A view of the beach
through a break in a beautiful wooded area.


A peaceful and private beach.


Lee in front of an interesting
natural bridge rock formation.


We have been back two more times. On those trips we made the Mackinac area our base and traveled into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, into Canada, and took several driving tours to see lighthouses. The island was always a highlight of our trips to Michigan.

So--Are you wondering what fudge has to do with all this? When you get off the ferry at the Macinac Island dock the first thing you encounter is a smell. It is NOT the smell of horses--it is FUDGE! There are numerous--and I do mean many--fudge shops on the island. It is a 100 year tradition of the island. Personally, I think they found a good way to cover up the smell of, ahem, the horses! :-) Actually, the fudge is delicious, and what better way to remember a special time with my very sweet husband!

Well, I was ready to post this when the doorbell rang.
Guess what!

I got one more Valentine's Day surprise!

I told you--the man is a sweetheart!

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  posted at 12:00 PM  
  14 comments



Sunday, February 10, 2008
Psalm 121


Psalm 121 (Holman Christian Standard Bible)
The LORD Our Protector
A song of ascent

1I raise my eyes toward the mountains.
Where will my help come from?

2My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.

3He will not allow your foot to slip
your Protector will not slumber.

4Indeed, the Protector of Israel
does not slumber or sleep.

5The LORD protects you;
the LORD is a shelter right by your side.

6The sun will not strike you by day,
or the moon by night.

7The LORD will protect you from all harm;
He will protect your life.

8The LORD will protect your coming and going
both now and forever.

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  posted at 12:06 AM  
  3 comments



Friday, February 8, 2008
Show and Tell Friday--A Special Ring
It is Show and Tell Friday
with Kelli from
There Is No Place Like Home.
Go on over and get in on the fun!


I'm a little late getting my post up, but I just couldn't let another Friday go by without Showing and Telling! I've been missing out on the fun since before Christmas! That just won't do at all!

Today I am sharing a ring that is very special to me.

This is my mother's high school senior ring. I cherish it because it was hers of course. It also reminds me how much she valued education. I think she would appreciate that I was an educator and the fact that I completed three college degrees.

Beulah graduated from Stamford High School in Stamford, Texas in 1928. (Before you start thinking I am ancient, let me tell you--I am the youngest of four children. The others are MUCH older. Well, at least they were all born before me--AND--My mother was not extremely young when I was born). :-) Now, as I was saying--You can tell the ring was important to her because it is very well-worn. She must have worn it for almost twenty-five years. The dates on the side are almost completely worn off. The mascot on the front is a very vague Bulldog. One feature of the ring that does not show the aging is inside the ring--her initials-- BBA. Those letters are very clearly etched on the inside back of the ring.


My mother passed away in 1953. I was in the first grade. I have had the ring for several years. When I first got it I put it in a safe place and didn't wear it much. I didn't want to risk losing it. Later I realized that the well-worn condition testifies to the fact that my mother wore it often. I think she would want the ring to be used. Now I wear it often.

Thank you for taking a look at my special ring. I'm sure you have something you cherish and would like to share with the rest of us. You can still go on over to Kelli's and link up.

  posted at 6:43 PM  
  13 comments



Fmily Feud
Breaking News!!

Dropping in to tell you that Toree, from The Craven 5 , and family will be on Family Feud today. If you miss this SOUTHERN family today, be sure to tune in Monday. You never know--MAYBE they will win and be on more than once. Toree is BFF to my dil, Holly. They have known each other since birth and are truly great friends. Holly blogs (sometimes) at Soccer Mom; Toree's spot is The Craven 5. If you hop over to Toree's place you might want to check out this post about her soon-to-be six daughter, Icie-Mae. Icie is friends with our grandson, Spoony. (I suppose "Spoony" and Icie get some of their creativity from their mothers!) :-) Icie, as you will read, is a spunky, creative little girl. Hilarious!

I hope to be back with a Show and Tell treasure later today--I don't have time to finish the post and get it up right now--It's one of those days! See ya later).

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  posted at 10:24 AM  
  2 comments



Thursday, February 7, 2008
Toilet Seats With Covers
I'm thinking about getting this outfit. Fetching, don't cha think?!
It would be perfect for some of my latest activities!

Here's the story! I told you a couple of posts ago about some plumbing problems and my surprise construction project with a piece of furniture. Well--It didn't stop there!

I started a new Bible study group at my house last week. (I'll post about that soon. It has already been a great blessing to me). HOWEVER, this post is about my unexpected stint as "Myrna, the Handywoman."

Anyway--as I was saying, this lovely group of women was gathered at my house and we were having a great time getting to know one another and starting our study. We took a break. You know with a group of mostly middle-aged women you must take a break in the middle of any meeting that is going to last longer than thirty minutes! Well, wouldn't you just know it! During the break the toilet seat in my guest bathroom cracked!

YES, RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF
THE FIRST MEETING OF THE BIBLE STUDY GROUP!
"YA'LL!"
I was so embarrassed.
I mean, really, what else can go wrong in my bathrooms?!
Don't answer that! :-)


Now, if this is TMI for you, just skip over this part. I'm going to show you the damage.

Yes, ma'am, there was some damage!!

I'm beginning to feel like our house is falling apart--especially anything plumbing related! I knew a Ho*me Dep*ot trip was in order! Online of course! Since I now do not trust anything bathroom related in my house I REALLY went shopping. I bought three! Yes! I got three toilet seats. After much measuring and studying product specifications, I chose what the folks at HD call a"Toilet Seat with Cover." I just figured we would cover all of the bathrooms in the house. Just in case, you know! Do you think I am getting just a tad bit paranoid about the facilities?!!

You may have noticed I get lots of deliveries at my house.
I keep all of the delivery companies in business!
What did we do before online shopping?!
AND--this was the best--Online shopping
with FREE shipping!!

Monday this box was delivered by my good friend the U*PS delivery man! I was so glad to see it. I had been tracking my purchase online so I knew it should make it to the house in time for this week's Bible Study.


Of course then I had to figure out how to get it on the actual toilet! That's what directions are for and I decided to do it the right way and read them first--especially because there were a couple of little items that I wasn't sure about. I was surprised how easy it was. Even I could do it! Really easy! It even fit!

Whew! I got the seat secured just two hours before the ladies were going to be knocking on my door ready for Bible study! What would I have done if it had not arrived in time, you ask? I thought of that! I would have removed the seat in my bathroom and put it in the guest bathroom! Then I would have locked the door to my bathroom!!! :-)

BTW, while we are on the subject of toilets, if you want to know more than you ever thought there was to know about cleaning a toilet, you can go here, here, and here. You can even go here for some free toilet cleaning products. I've never used this product--just thought I would pass info along since I CANNOT SEEM TO GET OFF THE SUBJECT OF TOILETS!!! LOL

I still have two more "seats with covers" to install! That's my "handywoman" job for today. Can you stand the excitement in my life?!

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  posted at 12:06 AM  
  8 comments



Wednesday, February 6, 2008
Weather Report--Storms in Tennessee

Just a quick note to let friends and family know that the horrible storms in Tennessee did not harm us last night. We spent the evening watching on TV as the storm marched across the state, leaving destruction in its path.

It was not until this morning that we realized how really bad it was. I just heard on TV that this is the worst storm in Tennessee--as far as fatalities are concerned--since 1933. I believe the latest fatality count is 26 state-wide and more than 50 across the south.

There was a lot of damage in Sumner County to the north of us--actually just across the lake. Toward the west, Jackson, including
Union University, suffered a lot of damage. I think the latest report is no fatalities at the University, but there are some critical injuries. There are other reports from other towns and counties of unbelievable destruction.

You can see and read about the storms here and here.

We thank the Lord that our family is safe. Please join us in praying for all those who were affected by the storms last night.

Casting Crowns--Praise You in the Storm


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  posted at 11:16 AM  
  4 comments



Saturday, February 2, 2008
Groundhog Day Musings
That yearly delimma is upon us. It is Groundhog Day! The day we contemplate the question of the season:

Will winter end early
or will we be forced to endure
cold weather
a while longer?



People have long followed the predictions of Punxsutawney Phil. Seems today he emerged from his home in the ground and proclaimed:

"As I look around me,
a bright sky I see,
and a shadow beside me.
Six more weeks of winter it will be!"

Gen. Beauregard Lee, Ph.D., Phil's friend in Lilburn, Ga. did not see his shadow at the Yellow River Game Ranch. So the good folks in Georgia have proclaimed the coming of an early spring! They proclaimed:

"Muff the EAR-MUFFS
YA'LL.

Beau did not see his shadow.
Look forward to an early spring!!!!"

If you are not sure you trust these fellows you can find a groundhog near you. Maybe his/her prediction will be just the one you are looking for. Go here to find many more.

Personally, I think I'll just go take a look outside and see what I can see. You can work this little puzzle while I'm gone--
Click to Mix and Solve

Well, here's my report from Middle Tennessee--
The sun is bright and it is cool--51*.
Hmm, according to Groundhog lore
that would mean any groundhogs
or other critters in my back yard
will see a a shadow.
More Winter!!
Bummer!!

But, WAIT JUST A MINUTE, this is TENNESSEE. So--It doesn't really matter what we see today. We'll have spring, then winter, then spring, then winter agian all the way until. . . Well, probably some cold weather all the way into MAY!

So, instead of worrying about the cold, or wishing for a Spring celebration, I think I'll just get me some hot chocolate and let the weather and seasons do what they will!

After all, there is THIS to remember:

Genesis 1:14
And God said,
"Let there be lights in the expanse of the sky
to separate the day from the night,
and let them serve as signs
to mark seasons and days and years,

Psalm 104:19
The moon marks off the seasons,
and the sun knows when to go down.

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  posted at 1:45 PM  
  14 comments



Friday, February 1, 2008
Family Birth Celebration and Some Randomness
Our family is welcoming a precious new baby to the world.

Welcome Kaitlynd!


Kaitlynd Rae
January 24, 2007
7lbs. 6 oz.
20 1/2 inches


What a beauty! I believe she has the long legs to play basketball--or maybe model! :-)

Proud parents are Paula and Chris. Paula is my niece. I have a picture of Kaitlynd and her daddy, but Blogger will just not take it! Go figure! Sorry, Chris! I think mom was being camera shy on Katie's birth day! :-)



Grayson Day is the happy big brother.
He is about 2 1/2 years old--and a VERY precious, sweet child.
I understand Grayson calls his sister Katie Baby!
Carlene (my sister-in-law) is the proud grandmother.

Katie will be well loved by the whole family!


Random Thoughts About Household Upkeep!

I realize I'm a little late welcoming Kaitlynd. I'm just having a little trouble staying connected these days. I'm getting there, but resuming blogging has been more difficult than I thought it would be!

This week has been consumed by exciting things like plumbers! Is there a law that says everything in a house falls apart when it gets near the ten year mark?! I have had to call for a plumber three times in the last month!!

YIKES! I think all water and waste carrying pipes and all faucets are working properly now. If they are not, I think this will have to be my solution to the problem now. I mean enough's enough!
I have another task I need to work on now. Have you ever ordered furniture online? It can be quite an experience! Sometimes it works out--sometimes not so much! Well, we just got a new TV. We are enjoying it, but we needed a new console or something for it because we did not want to put it on the wall.

So--because I do not do much store type shopping these days--I grabbed the trusty laptop and went shopping. We chose this as the piece we would purchase. The description promised--"Very little assembly required." I was sure I could handle putting doors on or something simple like that.


One of the dangers of online shopping for large items is delivery time. No problem there--It arrived very promptly. However, this is what it looks like! Uh! Not exactly the right size box for "very little assembly required."



It has been sitting in the middle of the floor (it weighs 300 lbs!) for several days. I left it there while I decided if it was going back or staying here. I just telling everyone to "watch out for my "assembled" TV console."

I have read the directions, reread them, and reread them again. I have decided I can too put this thing together! I'll keep you posted. Maybe It will be under the TV (a substitute table is there now) in time for the SuperBowl--2009!

Ya'll have a great weekend!

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  posted at 1:47 PM  
  6 comments



The Father Cherishes
Isaiah 40:11 (Holman Christian Standard Bible) 11 He protects His flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in His arms and carries [them] in the fold of His [garment]. He gently leads. . .

About Me
Name:
Myrna

I am a Christian woman who shares a blessed life with my precious husband, our two adult sons and their wives, and four grandchildren. We cherish the adventures God has allowed us to have together. I recently retired from an over thirty year career as an elementary teacher and administrator.

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