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2012-01-25T09:38:00.000-06:00

Trust me on this: The day of your fortieth anniversary is not a time to reflect on your life and analyze it. I had so many memories crop up yesterday and literally laughed until I wet my pants. Not once but several times. I talked to my best friend who was (of course!) my maid of honor and we giggled about the way she signed her maiden name on my marriage license. She'd been married a whole three months and hadn't gotten used to the new moniker. So my marriage license has her name scratched out and rewritten all proper. She said the only thing she remembered about the whole ceremony was that she ruined my marriage certificate. The best man has Alzheimer's and when asked if he remembered what he was doing forty years ago replied, "I can't remember what I was doing yesterday!". Amazingly, he was able to recall the church we were married in and how uncomfortable Ronnie looked in his borrowed suit and tie.

We left town with only a TV set that my parents handed down and some wedding shower presents. It never occurred to us that we didn't even have a bank account. Life was good in 1972.

Last night, Lacey and Jack cooked a little celebration supper for us. We had steaks and all the trimmings, including a cake that shouted "Happy Anniversary!" in bright red colors (for older eyes, I guess!). Fortunately, we ate early so we had time to watch part of a movie on the Western Channel before falling asleep in our recliners. That man of mine! It's been forty years and he's still the life of the party!

120 on Snow

2012-01-24T13:00:00.002-06:00

This morning when Ronnie woke up he asked what the weather was like. I said, "I don't know what it's like today but forty years ago today there was two inches of snow on the ground." His response: "I was doing a hundred and twenty miles an hour on snow?!" As usual I had no idea what he was talking about. I had gone to bed last night remembering the young girl/woman who had gone to bed forty years ago anticipating her early morning wedding the next day. I thought about the dress that had a hemline three inches above my knees and the Bible my dad offered with a red rose tied on top with satin ribbons that I carried down the aisle. I remembered my older brother at the piano as I walked into the tiny church and the glare of sunlight on new fallen snow when I stepped outside. All Ronnie could remember was being chased out of town by friends who had smeared our windows with shaving cream sentiments--and yes, he managed to outrun them by driving 120 mph on snow. That should have been my first clue.

120 on snow is a pretty apt description of the last forty years of life with Ronnie. We've known the thrill of the ride as well as hit the ditch a time or two. Life is good today and I am thankful for the ways God has used Ronnie to complete my life and make me the person I am today. Happy anniversary to me today!

Love y'all!

Mammy

January--love it or hate it?

2012-01-10T09:51:00.000-06:00

I always enjoy the newness of January. Love putting the new calendar in the frame in the kitchen. Love taking time to list everybody's birthday as I leaf through each page. Love cleaning out the closets and pantry in anticipation of being neater next year. Hate the resolutions. I just can't seem to keep them until the first calendar page is flipped. This year I decided not to resolve anything. I'm just trying to release a few things. Here's a little ditty for those of you who (once again) chose to make that weight loss resolution:

Methusaleh

Methusaleh ate what he found on his plate,
And never as people do now,
Did he note the amount of the calorie count;
He ate it because it was chow.
He wasn't disturbed as at dinner he sat,
Devouring a roast or a pie,
To think it was lacking in granular fat
Or a couple of vitamins shy.
He cheerfully chewed each species of food,
Unmindful of troubles or fears
Lest his health might be hurt
By some fancy dessert;
And he lived over nine hundred years.

"Methusaleh," Author Unknown, The Best Loved Poems of the American People, Hazel Felleman, Editor, Copyright 1936, Doubleday and Company.

Love y'all!

Mammy

2012

2012-01-02T15:13:00.000-06:00

Ahhh. A new year. New opportunities. New challenges. Love it.

I look forward to the new year and the changes it will bring. Tomorrow my daughter-in-law will be home from prison and will join us in our home. We'll begin to share the responsibilities of raising Caden and learning to function as a family. I know I'll be released of a lot of responsibility as she takes over the mommy role--and I'm sure that won't often be easy for me after four years of being in charge. But I love Lacey and believe with my whole heart that this is going to work. You certainly won't be wasting a prayer on our family as we work to know what God would have each of us to do to make this as easy for Caden as possible.

On a brighter note, less parenting responsibilities mean more time for me. Hopefully, I'll be able to blog more often, enjoy my other grandchildren and even get some much needed exercise.

Blessings to you and yours. Let me hear from you. What do you expect 2012 has in store for you?

Oh Lawd, it's hot!

2011-06-14T14:04:00.000-05:00

Summer has hit with a vengeance already. It has really been hot this week--so hot that Poppa actually overheated when he worked outdoors to help set up a swimming pool for Jessen on Saturday. He came home exhausted but thrilled that Jess and his little brothers have a great place to play this summer. Unfortunately, Poppa was seriously dehydrated and had to miss church on Sunday because his blood pressure was 54/47. I wanted to take him to the hospital but he insisted that he could rest in his recliner and drink water and get better easier than he could sit in an emergency room waiting to see a doctor. It has taken him until today to get his legs back under himself but I think he is on the road to recovery if he won't get out in the heat again for a while.

I am continuing to walk every day but I'm not walking on my lunch break anymore. It's just too hot. Now I wait until after 8 in the evening and walk at home. That's harder to do because there are always forty things I need to be doing after I get home from work each day but I just keep telling myself that walking is now a top priority. And it's paying off. I've lost 13 pounds and my cholesterol is 163 (down from 499) and my triglycerides are 293 (down from a whopping 2,120!). I am pretty proud of myself.

There's been a lot going on around Mammy's House that has kept me from blogging. In the first place, I've been really bummed that I can't add pictures to my posts. The copier continues to copy but refuses to scan or download images. And I so wanted to show you the pictures from Caden's graduation. I'm waiting for my whiz brain daughter-in-law to come for a visit and I will see what she can do to rectify that situation. We also got a new great niece yesterday. I expect that she will come home from the hospital tomorrow and I am just itching to get my hands on her. I love babies that are fresh from the hand of God. And of course, I have been busy canning and putting up all the fresh produce that comes with this season of the year. Last week I canned green beans, made pickles and pickled beets. Tomorrow I plan to make plum jelly. We've also had meals of fresh corn, home-grown tomatoes and new potatoes. Lettuce straight from the garden has gone into salads and vine-ripe strawberries have been eaten for breakfast. It just doesn't get any better than this!

I planted cherry tomatoes in a large pot next to my back door so that Caden could enjoy being a farmer and gathering the ripe tomatoes. I told his dad that I'd rather have planted Better Boys or Beefsteak but I wanted Caden to enjoy gathering LOTS of little tomatoes. Sunday afternoon Caden went outside and when he came back in, he was carrying a double handful of little yellow blossoms. He said, "Here, Mammy! I brought you some flowers!" So much for fresh tomatoes. I got flowers instead....

Blessings to you today!

Mammy

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

2011-05-30T09:50:00.000-05:00

Saddle up your horses and come on over!

What's the point?

2011-05-24T08:59:00.001-05:00

I swore I wasn't going to blog about my diet dilemma but there's so much good material in it that it is going to be hard to ignore. I've been doing Weight Watchers online for three weeks now and Points have become the main focus of my life. If you have been living on another planet and are unaware that WW has a new Points Plus program, let me quickly fill you in on the highlights. The program assigns a point value to each food item and the dieter is allotted a certain number of points each day. If you eat all your points at breakfast, you do without for the rest of the day. At least that's what I've been told. Haven't had any experience with that personally, of course. All veggies with the exception of the starchy (read delicious) ones are free and all fruits are free. The obvious object of the game is to eat foods that offer free or low points and avoid foods with high point values. Yeah, right.

So obviously the next question you'll be asking is how am I doing. Well, glad you asked. It's been a learning experience for me. I was flabbergasted (I think that is the same word Frank Camping used to describe his reaction to the world not coming to an end this past weekend but it's the best word I can think of to describe my emotion so forgive me) to learn how many points I've been munching away on each day. I've been totally Point Oblivious for a lifetime. Now I am learning that lunch at Sonic can wipe out several days worth of Points. Let's not even talk about a trip to Olive Garden. That would be totally Death by Points. I've also learned that I actually enjoy strawberries and bananas for breakfast (Free points! Hallelujah!) and simple baked sweet potatoes are a delight I haven't tasted in years. Additionally, there is life after Coke and--just as Momma always told me--exercise won't kill me. I am proud to announce that I walk every day there isn't tornadic activity. That's not saying a lot in southeastern Oklahoma but I'm giving it my best shot.

I go back to see the heart specialist tomorrow and will have lab tests to see how my chubby little body is reacting to all these changes. I am praying for significantly lower numbers (in my triglyceride level, not my Points. Lord, please don't ever let them lower my Points!) and am already planning what I'll have for lunch after the appointment (Some things never change!). You won't be wasting a prayer on me tomorrow as I drive down Preston Road while fasting. And of course, I'll keep you posted.

Love y'all.
Mammy

Graduation Day

2011-05-17T09:30:00.001-05:00

Caden graduates from kindergarden tonight. I have a great picture of him dressed in his cap and gown but my scanner has been on the blink since a recent storm. I promise I'll spend time today trying to get it fixed because I want you all to see how he has grown. He has been practicing walking down the aisle in his cap and gown with his best friend Mikey Jones for several weeks. He has a little verse to say and it is memorized to perfection. New clothes and shoes have been pressed and are laid out on the bed already. Miss Sharon is giving him a haircut this afternoon. He is so prepared for this.

On the other hand, his Mammy is less than ready. I am excited to see him hit this milestone and so proud of how well he has handled this school year. And yet this morning I am remembering the baby that I have carried to bed every night for four years. Remembering those early morning hours spent rocking my little snuggle buddy. Remembering lots of giggles and tickles too. It is so easy to forget the pain and the anxiety that surrounded his birth. He has come so far.

This morning I walked him to class and as I went out the door, I said, "Goodbye, Cadie. Have a great day!" and he said, "I'm NOT Cadie. My name is CADEN JAMES." I've called him Cadie for five years. But this morning he is Caden James. My little boy has grown up.

Gettin' sassy....

2011-05-09T12:53:00.001-05:00

I'm back and won't even bother to bore you with an apology for my absence. I'm sure you know me well enough to know that I would never stay away this long without good reason. I WILL say it's been a crazy year so far. On February 2, Ronnie's horse fell with him and he was in ICU for two weeks. There is absolutely nothing worse than having a sick man on your hands (or in your bed, as it were!). Two months later, he fell a second time. This time he got a broken arm out of the deal. I am unsure he has learned his lesson as he has recently started riding the same horse again. Some of us are just slow learners, I guess.

I have my own medical drama going, as well. After exhibiting some pretty serious symptoms, I was seen in Plano by a heart specialist who--after testing--informed me that my triglycerides are high--read "over the moon so far you wouldn't believe the number if I told you which is why I am not revealing it"--and I need to make a serious attempt to bring those numbers down. Faster than you can say "diet and exercise", I found myself eliminating everything white (flour, sugar, pasta, potatoes) from my diet and taking long power walks every afternoon per Dr Samaan's instructions. I am also on not one but two triglyceride-reducing medicines. This is serious business and I am taking it seriously, I promise. Already I have lost eight pounds in less than two weeks. Watch for details on the next "Oprah." Or maybe "Jerry Springer". Honestly, this is a huge lifestyle change for me, a professed foodaholic who loves to cook and entertain. I have literally been driven to my knees most days and am spending lots of time talking to the only One who can really get me through these first tough days of a new diet. It's already getting easier but I'd love to encourage anyone who's starting--or just trying to stay on-- a diet to give me a call so we can encourage each other. Or maybe make plans to celebrate with Blue Bell when we hit goal weight. Oops. Guess you can see my old attitude still creeps in every once in a while.

On a brighter note, Caden will graduate from kindergarden on May 17. He has already had pictures taken in his cap and gown. He is so adorable. Grandmothers have a right to make statements like that. I'll share those photos as soon as they are delivered because I want you all to see how my little man has grown. We are so proud of Caden. He has come so far this year.

Did you notice the new blog layout? It was created by a wonderfully talented bloggy friend. Many of you who know me personally have received gifts from her handmade soap store, Bittersweet. I love all her wonderful goods and Ronnie is absolutely sold on her dry oil. I've listed her blogsite in my Favorites so you can easily check her out--and don't forget to leave a comment and tell her Mammy sent you!

I hope you all had a wonderful Mother's Day. I had both sons at my house on Sunday and couldn't help but think how proud I am to call them my children. They have given me three wonderful little grandcowboys in addition to two sweet and thoughtful daughters-in-love. I am a blessed woman.

I am already second guessing whether I should have told y'all about the Triglyceride Event. For Pete's sake, don't call me and act all worried and everything. I'm really going to be fine. I am already feeling lots better and plan to get back in the blogging groove. It relieves stress for me to put stuff on paper and relieving stress is one of my new goals. Besides, I've got to keep things lively here at Mammy's. So just know that we're gonna have some fun! I am already planning a Spring Giveaway that I think you'll love and will be posting that info soon. There are family recipes and photos in the works too. If anyone would like to do a guest post (Yes, Aunt Martha, you can write again. We all love to hear what you have to say!) just let me know.

As always, I love to hear that you've been to Mammy's Place so leave me a comment. Tell me what you think of the new format. Tell me what your favorite things are. Tell me what your momma used to say. Share your favorite family recipe. Just let me hear from you. Don't you think including Aunt Mozie's peanut brittle recipe in the header was a stroke of genius?

Love y'all!
Mammy

In the year of our Lord, 2011.....

2011-01-02T16:07:00.001-06:00

I love beginnings: the first pages of a book, babies fresh from the hand of God, calendars with big empty squares representing a full year of days that I am allowed to choose to fill in whatever way I please. It just doesn't get any better than that....

I am thankful to see the disappearing coat tail of the year 2010. It certainly won't go down in history as one of my better years. It was a year of sadness as our family lost three cousins, a nephew and numerous dear and precious friends. But it was also a year of gladness as we saw Caden soar to new levels with the help of a new para, Jessen and Levi maturing in their roping abilities and a new great niece arriving just days ago. God is good. He is always there in good times and bad. We run to Him with our grief and He is there to comfort. In times of joy, He sings over us.

For the past several years, I have asked God for a word for the coming year. Two years ago, the word was "Simplify" and throughout the year, I attempted to do just that--and throughout the year I saw reason after reason why God had given me that word. This year, I believe the word is "Radical." If you've not read the book by that same title, I urge you to grab a copy. If you can't afford the $15 asking price, just email me and I will pray and ask God to show you which snack food you can give up in order to purchase a copy. I believe that God is calling His people to live deliberately--and yes, make some radical choices--for Him in 2011. I'll share more about that as the year moves forward. For now, just trust me when I say my mind is made up that I will live radically for Him this year. Here's a promise for the new year:

For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart." Jer 29:11-13

Blessings in the new year!

Matthew West - Save A Place For Me

2010-12-29T11:42:00.000-06:00

Thankful

2010-09-24T14:03:00.000-05:00

I am thankful today because--

It's Friday. I don't have to be at work for two whole days.
It's raining. I am praying it will rain all night. Great sleeping weather.
I'm going to a jewelry party at Jennifer's office after work. There's something about free refreshments and spending money that agrees with me.
I'm picking up the new chair to go in my living room tomorrow. I've waited more than two months and can't wait to move it in. And sit in it. And rock and rock and rock.....
Before I pick up the chair, I am going to do some shopping. Hobby Lobby and Dillards, put your sales associates on alert!

Isn't it amazing that sometimes it's just little things that make us feel really happy? Hope y'all enjoy your weekend too.

And remember those in chains.....

2010-07-07T13:10:00.001-05:00

My life changed three years ago and it will never be the same. At least I hope not. I had just arrived home from my very normal day at my very normal job when the phone rang. At that moment, normal went out the window and hasn't been seen since.  My grandson came to live with me that day and I began a new life that involved courthouses and prisons, lawyers and legal fees, rules and regulations. Lots of rules and regulations. Since that day, I've come to know a world that I previously never even knew existed. Amazingly, it is populated by people I shop, work, live, and even go to church with. I just never knew.

I get a lot of comments about having a daughter-in-law in prison. Many are hurtful, some are just ignorant, few are supportive. It amazes me that we are so self-righteous and judgmental--even the people down at the church. Maybe especially the people down at the church.  But then I realize that I felt the same way before the day the phone rang. Today I am slower to point the finger and quicker to shed a tear. I have been humbled and for that I am grateful.

I just have a hard time understanding how we can call ourselves Christians while we cluster in our little churches and refuse to step outside the doors to extend a hand to the needy or those in prison. Aren't those the very ones Christ said He came to save? In His very own description of His mission on this earth, Jesus stated that "He has sent Me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners..." (Luke 4:18) Jesus came to give hope and encouragement to those who had messed up their lives so badly that there was no earthly way they could ever make it right. They needed a Savior. And He offered mercy and grace without measure. Not just to the drug addict or the prostitute but to the gossipy neighbor and the unforgiving wife. We are no different. We're all sinners, totally dependent on the grace of our God.

So I've had my say. I've wanted to address this for a long time but didn't want to hurt or embarass anyone. But I think it's time someone stood up and spoke out for those who are in prison. I can say from personal experience that many in prison are more receptive to hearing and acting on the message of the gospel than many people who will sit in the church pew Sunday morning.  The first time I stepped inside a prison, I was amazed to meet women who would blend in just fine at my local church service. Beautiful women. Women who had made mistakes. Women who wished they could do things differently. Lonely women who missed their families. Yes, of course there are those who continue to rebel and will go right back to their old way of life when released. But look at us. Are we much different?

During this past weekend, I was made so aware that although we live in a free country, many of us continue to live in a bound state. We must begin to be obedient in following the command to "proclaim liberty to the captives"--whether those in prison or living nearby. I pray every day that God has His hand on my daughter-in-law and is protecting her and drawing her to Himself. In the same way, I believe that He is using this situation in my life for my good and His glory.

Blessings to you today. Be encouraged!

.....where was I?

2010-07-02T11:23:00.001-05:00

My goodness. I've been on vacation for three months. So why don't I feel rested? I can't believe I just checked out and didn't even tell anyone where I was going. It's so unlike me. But now I'm back and life is good and I've even had a little facelift. I hope you noticed that I'm in the pink now.

So what's going on with you? You look like you've lost a little weight since the last time we visited. Got any plans for the weekend? Caden and I bought fireworks yesterday. He was so excited that we just had to pop a few on the back porch last night. After about six loud bangs, we noticed all the horses were freaking out, running all over the pasture. So we had to quit. We'll have to fire off the rest of our crackers at Uncle Gene's house in town because ol' Spot and ol' Gus are liable to run through a fence. Horses don't have a lick of sense when it comes to having a good time.

The Fourth of July has always been one of my favorite holidays. I'm planning to barbecue a couple of pork tenderloins and spend my weekend doing as little productive work as possible. I'll let you know how it turns out. Let me know what you're planning for the weekend too. Aren't you glad I'm back? I've missed you too.

A Place Called Simplicity....

2010-04-07T11:56:00.000-05:00

I want you to meet a precious woman. I have come to love Linny just from reading her blog and never cease to be amazed at her wisdom and generous spirit. You will love her too. Her post today contains some of the best advice I've seen in a long, long time. Check her out at A Place Called Simplicity . You'll thank me.

Here comes Peter Cottontail....

2010-03-31T12:26:00.000-05:00

I love this time of year. Specifically, I love Easter. I love the resurrection story and the hope that it brings. I love the newness of life that surrounds us. I love new Easter dresses and finery. I love little cowboys scurrying to find eggs in tall grass. I love chocolate bunnies. I just love the whole package.

At Mammy's house we are stuffing eggs with chocolate as fast as we can in an effort to supplement Peter Cottontail's efforts to provide holiday fun. We've stuffed plastic eggs for the hunt at school on Thursday. We've stuffed more eggs for the church's hunt on Saturday. We've stuffed eggs--and will dye real eggs Saturday night--for a hunt at our house on Sunday. Caden is loving all the excitement even though he is the worst egg hunter I've ever seen. He tends to look straight up while hunting instead of looking down which limits the number of eggs he is able to put into his basket. He really doesn't care though. He just enjoys the thrill of the chase. He loves to run and tumble while every one else loads their baskets with prizes. Nobody can accuse him of being a poor sport!

When I was a little girl, Easter meant the fanciest dress of the year. My mom and Lou Ann's mom would take us both to the second floor of the J.C. Penney's store thirty miles from our home in search of the fullest can-can petticoats available. These little petticoats usually went underneath homemade dresses which sometimes had little matching short jackets or even a full coat if Easter was arriving early that year. Of course, we got white patent leather shoes, ruffled socks, tiny purses, gloves and straw hats with elastic straps to go under our chins to hold them on. Baby, we were stylin'! Our moms had their own fancy dresses that were accented by corsages that were usually made from two carnations (Mother thought a three-carnation corsage was gaudy--and it was so heavy it literally drooped from her bosom!). But she wouldn't have dreamed of not wearing a corsage on Easter and she made sure that Daddy ordered one that matched her dress (A white corsage was only ordered on holidays when she was still undecided which new dress to wear for the occasion!). I also got a tiny corsage that tied with satin ribbons at my wrist. I took it off as soon as I got home from church and put it in the refrigerator, taking it out again hours later to wear to church that night. We had to get all the good out of those corsages that we could!

We hunted eggs on Sunday afternoon, hiding them over and over again as the cousins arrived to hunt. At supper time, we peeled and ate the cracked and mutilated eggs and no one ever mentioned the possibility of salmonella poisoning. And I never recall anyone getting sick from the feast. When the eggs got old after a couple of days, we threw the remaining eggs at make-believe targets over the sideyard fence. We would have been leery of anyone who suggested we might prefer using plastic eggs for our hunt.

We enjoyed the music of Easter: "Christ Arose" and "Were You There?" and "Early in the Morning"--and of course, "In Your Easter Bonnet," "Here Comes Peter Cottontail," and "The Funny Little Bunny with the Powderpuff Tail." Our family celebrated every holiday with music and Easter was one of our favorite times to sing. I can still hear Momma singing every time I hear the words to "He Lives", even though she has been gone for ten years. It makes me smile today to think that Momma and Daddy are probably rehearsing even today for their part in the heavenly Easter cantata along with Lois Duncan and Jo Phillips, Hugh Harvey and Junior Easton. They've got to be having a great time....

Easter blessings and happy memories to you all. When you eat your Cadbury eggs, eat an extra one for me!Love you the most.

Mammy

Prayer

2010-03-10T14:09:00.001-06:00

I'm re-reading a book on prayer that was written by Alice Smith, co-founder of the U.S. Prayer Center in Houston TX. Beyond the Veil is a wonderfully inspiring book on spiritual intimacy that I found several years ago. It's still very relevant today and I'd encourage you to check it out. It seems that the need for powerful, persevering prayer is something God is really dealing with me about these days. I'm not talking about what's going on in our nation, community, school system or even our church. I'm talking about my own personal life. There are just some things that I can't do anything about. No matter how hard I try to "figure it out" I realize deep in my heart that it's going to take divine intervention to turn it around. Which makes me ask myself, "How badly do I want change?" Do I want it enough to turn off the TV? Or enough to humble myself in front of others? Would I be willing to get up early in the morning or stay up a little later at night to spend time at the feet of Jesus? Some days I think He must be so disappointed that I call myself a Christian yet I didn't even talk to Him all day long. Try that with your mate and see how long you call yourself married. Yet God loves us anyway and was willing to send His Son to die so that we could spend eternity with Him. I realize this isn't a post that will set the blog world on fire today. But it's what's on my mind so I just thought I'd share it with you. Love y'all.....

No time to blog, but thinking of you today.....

2010-03-03T10:34:00.002-06:00

Mammy visits Facebook (aka Lucy is on the computer again...)

2010-02-23T09:58:00.000-06:00

My daughter-in-law called the other day to tell me she had just posted new photos of my #2 grandson on her Facebook page. I was anxious to see them but I've never even looked at the Facebook website. I've got plenty to keep me busy over here at Mammy's without sticking my nose in anywhere else every day. BUT I LOGGED IN and SIGNED UP because it's all about the grandkids, you know and the suspense was killing me. I had to see what my little Levi had been up to. Well, naturally the pictures were too cute. Mom's a great photographer and she has a nifty new camera and plenty of time to play with it--if she's not neck deep in mud trying to feed horses or goats or some other critter in this nasty winter weather. Anyhoo, I enjoyed the pictures but before dark that day I was inundated with folks who wanted to "be my friend" or borrow a dozen eggs or ask for a few nails. That Facebook bunch is a little different. I've been surveyed and poked, received awards and saluted--and I just got there. Strange. But out of all that wierdness, I found a wonderful gift: 2 friends that I haven't heard from since high school days popped up the very first day. What fun to know where they are and what they are now doing. Sunday afternoon in just a matter of seconds, I found a former neighbor who was a precious friend. Ronnie and I had two little boys and she and her husband had 2 little girls. Cathy and I spent many hours giggling at the antics of our babies over our shared back fence. She moved and moved again and we just lost track of each other. I had tried many times to locate her. Had done people searches and contacted mutual friends. And lo and behold, Facebook located her almost as quickly as I could type her name. What fun it will be to hear about her two pretty little daughters and how they have grown up! She was a wonderful artist and it will be exciting to see where her talent has taken her. Say what you will about "the good ol' days" but technology is a wonderful thing. I love being able to receive FLIPvideos of my new little nephew eating his first bowl of cereal or sending an email to ask for my sister-in-law's prune cake recipe. Life is good.

Hard pressed but not crushed....

2010-02-04T10:42:00.000-06:00

I continue to deal with difficulties. We buried another sister-in-law on Wednesday of this week. Nancy was 62 and had just recently learned that she had cancer. She was a lady who cared for others and loved to laugh. We will miss her.

I made a trip to the hospital myself last week and am dealing with health issues of my own, nothing nearly as serious as cancer but I'm making "lifestyle changes" that are taking most of my attention these days. I guess it's one of the prices we pay for growing older.

Tomorrow will be Ms. Z's last day to work with Caden. I have shared often about our wonderful paraprofessional who helps our grandson Caden at school each day. Ms Z is leaving to care for a seriously ill child of her own. I have blogged several times about the blessing this wonderful lady has been to us. We know that we will have some serious explaining to do when Caden realizes that he won't be seeing Ms Z every day. Please pray that we will find a replacement who will also love our Caden and help us teach him to be the best he can be. Also pray for Z as she ministers to her own large, loving family.

I realize you didn't drop by today to be depressed but I wanted you to know that I'm still alive and kicking--just not too high right now. I'll be back in the swing of things soon and we'll have a good laugh. Love y'all.

How are you?

2010-01-20T13:00:00.001-06:00

I'm back. I really don't even know what to say about where I've been. The New Year hasn't gotten off to a very good start, I'm afraid. Most of you who know me are aware that life has been tough lately. I lost most of my "holiday spirit" when my sister-in-law Fern passed away just before Thanksgiving. Fern was a family member I talked to every day, just to check in and see how she was doing. It seems strange not to call and see if she needs me to pick up a few groceries or a prescription for her on my way home from work. She was a good friend and I miss her a lot. On Wednesday of last week I got a huge shock when I learned that one of my dearest friends had found her husband deceased that morning. Susan had a great marriage and I grieve for her and with her. Her husband was a great guy and a wonderful father and he will be sorely missed in our community. The final blow came Thursday evening when the paraprofessional who accompanies our special needs grandson at school each day came by our house to let us know that she would be tendering her two-week notice the next day. I have written about our Ms Z before and the wonderful relationship that has developed between her and our family. Z is the most patient person I have ever known and has a wonderful way with kids. She is leaving because she has four special needs children of her own and one is seriously ill. I don't blame her for resigning but I cannot imagine life without her. Caden loves her--as we all do--and although we may find a good "substitute" there will never be a replacement for her. She is one of a kind. That's just the highlights of what is going on at Mammy's house. We're also trying to get the house back in order from the holidays and maintain some semblance of sanity. It's a fact that you won't be wasting a prayer on our family these days. I hope things are well with all of you. In spite of troubles, we are so blessed. Remember to pray for Susan, her children and grandchildren as they deal with their loss, for Ms Z and her family as they deal with serious illness and for our new para wherever she is. Pray for us as we search for her (or him). Blessings to you all.

Come on over.....

2010-01-05T09:24:00.001-06:00

Come on over. I'll make us one of these.

We can sit and visit all afternoon. You can tell me what you got for Christmas. I'll tell you what my favorite gift was. We'll laugh about what we messed up when we were cooking Christmas dinner. I'll even share the recipe for the new Christmas cookie my daughter-in-law brought. It'll be a favorite for years to come. Can't come today? Well, send me an email or leave a comment. Tell me what your plans are for the New Year or give me a glimpse at what God's doing in your life right now. In the past month, I've really been impressed that life is too short. And I'm rushing through it with little focus on what's truly important. This year I intend to change that. I think I'll pour myself a second cup of hot chocolate while I wait to hear from you....

Happy New Year, Y'all!

2010-01-01T17:39:00.000-06:00

I've spent the day packing away boxes of Christmas decorations. I made sure I got a pot of black eyed peas on to cook early this morning and then went to work on undecorating the house. It's my joy to report tonight that everything is safely back in the storage building. Perhaps tomorrow I'll actually be able to do a little house cleaning before I return to work on Monday.

I hope you've taken time to consider the new year. I loved replacing last year's calendar with a fresh slate this morning. It's one of my New Year's Day rituals. Who knows what the new year will bring? I'm looking forward to sharing it with you. Blessings to you all today. Love you much.

2009-12-25T09:53:00.000-06:00

From our home to yours....

Merry Christmas!

Let heaven and nature sing....

This has nothing to do with Christmas....

2009-12-22T09:03:00.000-06:00

I know you are all scurrying around trying to get your last minute shopping done. You can tell from the length of time it's taken me to get around to posting this that I've been pretty busy myself. We have already opened our family presents and are now just waiting for Santa to arrive on Friday morning. Caden is one excited little fellow. He loved having his cousins over Sunday afternoon to open presents early. It was one of the best decisions I've made this season. Everyone enjoyed the food and nobody was rushing to get to the next house. We had a great time.

I realize I haven't posted the old family Christmas pictures but I'm hoping there is still time. I seriously considered taking pictures of my Christmas tree (the lights went out on the top 1/3 of the tree two days after I put it up) and photos of the gifts I wrapped with double sided tape (They all came unglued and were open on both ends). I thought it would really brighten the day of some of my friends who may have been looking at all the perfectly decorated homes on the different blogsites and feeling sad that their homes didn't measure up. Believe me, my house would make anyone feel a lot better about the appearance of their own house this holiday season!!

I read this story today (It's short and I won't tell you where I was when I read it) and it really made me stop and think. So take off your elf's hat for a minute and listen. I think there may be a New Year's resolution in here somewhere...

The story is told of a psychologist who was considered an icon in his field. A couple from Phoenix who were experiencing marital difficulties had visited him for a consultation. Both parties could, of course, only see the rightness of their view of the other person and his/her limitations. Each was looking to this impartial third party to correct the thinking of the other. The counselor asked the couple to complete an exercise; the woman he directed to a botanical garden with specific instructions to monitor her feelings while touring there. The husband was to take a trek up a small mountain called Squaw Peak. The woman returned and informed the counselor that hers was a life-changing experience; she had seen a cactus that blooms once every hundred years and it was blooming that day. The man returned from his hike complaining that his Italian shoes got scuffed, his suit was soiled, and that other than the trash on the trail all he saw was pollution hanging over the city. The counselor then asked the couple to repeat the exercises in reverse. The woman returned with excited tales of getting in touch with herself and nature on the walk up the mountain. The man said of the gardens, "Well, at least the trails were paved, but if you've seen one dumb cactus, you've seen 'em all." After a few moments the psychologist's response in relating what each had seen and felt was simply, "If you're going up Squaw Peak you might as well walk up with someone who sees the same things that you see."
How's that for something to think about today?

I could use a silent night.....

2009-12-08T11:53:00.002-06:00

I bought a little nativity set for Caden. It's unbreakable and I thought it would be great to bring out each character of the beloved Christmas story and make it come to life for our little four year old. He got a thrill out of handling the sheep, the cow and the camel. He enjoyed hearing how the shepherds were taking care of the animals on the hillside when the angel appeared. Loved holding the angel up in the air as she proclaimed, "Peace and goodwill to all men." I wondered why other grandmothers hadn't thought of this wonderful approach to making the Christmas story real to their little ones and smugly patted myself on the back for having the spiritual insight to use this approach with our little guy....until I overheard him playing at the kitchen table with his new creche. When the angel accidentally dropped over the edge of the table onto the floor, he immediately grabbed a wise man and said, "Quick! Call Buzz Lightyear! The angel is in a ditch!" He's obviously been reading from the CJV (Caden James Version) of the Bible.

It's beginning to look a lot like.....

2009-12-02T12:05:00.000-06:00

.....a bomb went off at our house. I'm not kidding. If I weren't so embarrassed, I would have posted pictures of how my kitchen looked as I was leaving for work this morning. Empty McDonald's sack still on the kitchen table from last night. Dirty dishes in the sink. Damp dish towel draped over the counter. I dread going home tonight because I'm pretty sure the maid won't have things sparkling by the time I get there.

The Christmas rush has already begun at the post office. I spent most of the past two days mailing parcels and selling stamps for Christmas cards. I think this may be the year that Christmas cards reach new heights.  Several of my customers told me yesterday that they were just sending gift or greeting cards this year instead of their usual gift packages. It's pretty obvious that the recession is being felt in our little corner of the world. All of yesterday's customers were happy and smiling. Obviously, they were mailing early and were thrilled to have their gifts prepared and ready to go. In three weeks it will be a different story. Those customers will be surly and anxious.  And they will ask questions like, "Why can't you get my poorly wrapped gift box to Timbuktu overnight?" I dread the days just before Christmas. But I really enjoyed yesterday even though I was too tired to heat a cup of soup for supper last night.

This is one of my favorite times of the year to work at the post office. It's always interesting to hear the stories my customers share about past Christmases and the gifts they sent or received. My older ladies bring samplings of their latest batch of fudge--or yes, the traditional fruitcake-- and the little ones drop off their letters to Santa. I found a Santa letter in my collection box yesterday that was addressed simply "To Santa" and was covered in hand-drawn hearts. I'm pretty sure the little girl who sent it will get everything on her list but that's sure not the case for all the kids who write. One year I had a letter from a little girl who just wanted her parents to be together for Christmas.  She didn't ask for another thing.

I have started pulling out the boxes of ornaments and even set out a few decorations but the tree isn't up yet. It will probably be the weekend before I get that done. I don't want to peak too early!  I've been so enthused about Christmas this year but after seeing all the beautiful trees and decorations on the different blogs, I'm a bit intimidated. My decorated tree obviously leaves a lot to be desired when you look at those which have been professionally decorated. But mine is covered with love and memories so it is pretty to me. And it doesn't have to be perfect to be beautiful, right?

I've got photos from Christmas past to share soon. The trees in those pictures will make you laugh for sure--but as a child, I thought they were beautful so maybe my grandkids will have happy memories of gifts found under Mammy's tree as well. Thanks for being patient as I get back on track. It's going to be a great Christmas. I'm glad we're sharing it together. Love y'all.

In remembrance....

2009-11-24T08:47:00.002-06:00

My sister-in-law passed away Sunday morning. Fern was a special person, full of laughter and vitality. She was also a wonderful friend and I will miss our daily phone conversations, swapping secrets and giggling like girls. I'm taking a blog break for a few days to take care of things at home but I'll be back soon. Thank you for remembering our family in your prayers.

Favorite Things Blog Party!

2009-11-19T11:41:00.004-06:00

I'm linking to the blog party at 320 Sycamore today. I loved her list of favorites and thought I'd share a few of my own.....

#1 on the list: Aromatique's "The Smell of Christmas" potpourri. My brother Jim sent my first package of this wonderful potpourri years ago. It's not Christmas until a bowl of this stuff is sitting on the end table beside my spot on the couch....

http://www.aromatique.com/

Of course, Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without gifts for the little grandcowboys. This year I'll be shopping for Levi here:

mylittleranchhand.com

It's hard to find realistic cowboy toys for little cowboys who insist on playing with the "real deal." Levi will love Mammy forever after he opens this package!

Jessen (the eight year old grandcowboy) will receive new ropes and this "I'm Goin' Pro" hoodie made by "Say I Won't."

nrsworld.com

Caden, my little geek, will be playing with the big boys on his Nintendo DS~

nintendods.com

That's just the shopping for the little guys. There will also be Pioneer Woman cookbooks, Lisa Leonard jewelry and gift cards to Pete's Place in Krebs. It's going to be a wonderful holiday. I just hope someone gives me a Snuggie and a Bedazzler!

Have you started shopping yet? Checked out the Black Friday ads? Will you be shopping that day? I can't wait to hear what's on your list. Better not pout!

Holiday fever/fervor....

2009-11-18T12:07:00.006-06:00

I realize it's been another week since I've posted. Time flies when you're having a good time, doesn't it? And believe me, I am having a good time. My new PMR is working out really well. He's catching on to a lot of stuff really quickly which is a "good thing", as our friend Martha would say. It's almost (the definitive word here is "almost") a joy to come to work because Dale is so much fun to work with. As a rule, I work alone all day which can get pretty boring. Dale and I keep a lively conversation going as we toss mail into the different boxes. He is a very talented florist and he's full of great ideas for holiday decorating. He's putting up his third tree in his home today and each tree is wonderfully different from the last. One of his trees this year will have zebra ribbon and red ornaments. Wowzer. His outdoor lights went up yesterday. I guess I am living vicariously through him. I know there's no way I'll put lights up outdoors this year because no one will help me do it. That's one of the problems of living in an all-male household. Especially an all-male household that thinks Thanksgiving was made to allow everyone to spend the day team roping. I'm not one to be deterred this year though. I'm seriously excited about decorating the inside of our home on Thanksgiving afternoon while the cowboys are chasing steers in a circle. My house is going to look like Santa's workshop by the time they unload their horses for the last time. That is, it will look like Santa's workshop if God in His mercy will allow Caden to take a nap that afternoon. If Caden refuses to sleep, I'll probably clean the oven instead. No one in their right mind would try to decorate anything with Caden's assistance.

Speaking of Caden, he insisted I sing "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" as his bedtime song last night. Some nights, I read him to sleep. Other nights I sing. I just allow him to pick his poison and last night he chose singing. I suspect they are learning that song at school because I haven't sung it to him before. Anyway, he loved the song so I'm sure it will be a regular part of our repertoire for the next few weeks.

Back to the holiday at hand: What are you doing for Thanksgiving? I'll be serving ham, potato salad and a pot of pinto beans to my little band of merry men for supper. Not your traditional Thanksgiving dinner but I have an untraditional (Read "dysfunctional") bunch. My guys don't like dressing (I could eat my weight in it) so we usually skip turkey and dressing and I try to get my fix at a friend or relative's house. Most of all, I'll be very thankful that this year my family is happy and healthy. We are so blessed. I never cease to be amazed at the goodness of my God.

Leave me a comment--unless you are like Susan and need to call me on the phone--and let me know what your holiday plans are. I know Randy and Tabby are going to her mom's house. Hopefully, they'll have time to stop by my house on their way home. I have fudge, Dearie. Jim and Pam will probably do a peppered ham and have new baby Parker over to share the love. Susan, will you be at the cabin--and can you come by and give me your opinion on the lovely way I've decorated the house? And of course Mandy will be doing her decorating marathon that afternoon like me. If I'm wrong, let me know. I need to know where you all are. You know how I worry. Most of all, remember to be very, very thankful. We're blessed.

P.S. How do you like my new Christmas layout? Did you notice I've got an "Email me" button now for my friends--who shall remain nameless--who are unable to comment on my blogsite? See? I do love y'all.....

Whassup?

2009-11-10T12:14:00.000-06:00

It's heard to believe it's been a week since my last post. Especially since I've just been laying on the couch eating bonbons and painting my toenails. Yeah, right. It's been a hectic--but interesting--week. I've been training my new replacement clerk, filling his head with tons of totally useless but mandatory information. He has handled all the mumbo-jumbo quite well and I think he's going to be a great employee. His name is Dale and he's about my age (quite young!). He has another part time job at a local florist shop.He has owned his own shop for many years and sold it when he moved to our area a couple of years ago. Dale has a very creative mind and his arrangements are unique and gorgeous. He's also a Christmas freak like me. It's been very hard for me to stay focused on explaining the differences between Priority and Express Mail when everything in me is dying to ask how he's decorating his home this year. I have managed to learn that he has seven trees in his house, all decorated with different themes. It was enough to keep me addled for hours. I've got one tree and it's all I can do to get it decorated --or maybe I should say to keep it decorated--with a four year old in the house. I am so looking forward to Christmas this year, even if Caden does take the tree down every day. It is so much fun to see Christmas through the eyes of a child and Caden is more than willing to share his take on the whole thing with me. He can already be heard singing "Jingle Bells" while playing with his toy cars in his room after school. And every time we see a commercial for a new gizmo he wants to know if Santa Claus will bring it to him. Unfortunately, the phrase that struck terror in my heart as a child-- "He sees you when you're sleeping....."--doesn't bother Caden in the least. He'll be naughty and pout all he wants to, regardless of who's watching. He doesn't feel the least bit threatened.

I made the first batch of Chex Party Mix Saturday afternoon so the holiday season is officially kicked off. I haven't done much in the way of holiday cooking the past couple of years so I look forward to batches of peanut brittle and homemade sugar cookies as the month of December progresses. And I must brag a little. My Christmas shopping is almost finished. I've shopped mostly online this year. It has been great to pick out gifts and have them delivered to my front door. I am working hard to make sure I get to spend the month of December really celebrating this year.

I realize we still have Thanksgiving to observe and I sure don't want to take away from the beauty of that season. I've got so very much to be thankful for. But I'm also looking forward to a wonderful Christmas too. I've got several ideas for special holiday posts and even some pictures to share. And of course, there's a holiday giveaway in the works. Come to Mammy's often. I love having you here.....

AUNT MARTHA'S POST...

2009-10-31T15:53:00.001-05:00

NOTE: As promised, Aunt Martha has written a special blog post and I am so happy to share it with you today. I think you'll enjoy it. Hopefully, she will write for us again soon! Here's what she had to share:

Guess what! Pam has consented to let me write some of my Christmas memories on her blog. Christmas is such a warm and wonderful time and one of my memories takes me back to when all of our kids were young. The girls--which consisted of my sisters Mary Gilbreath, Mozelle Hampton, Virginia Willis and my sister-in-law Dorothy Parker and sometimes my mother (Mattie Parker) and yours truly, Martha Mathews always took a day close to Christmas just for Christmas shopping.

So, with our money (around $20 or $25) stashed deep in our purses we proceeded to Paris Texas with our Christmas lists in hand. We all bought presents for each other's children--50 cents was usually our limit for each one. Then the adult name we had drawn in the family was a lot more expensive (around $5). We couldn't buy a pair of socks for that amount now!

Periodically, we would all count our money to see if we had enough left to eat on. At noon we would go to the 5&10 cent store and get lunch (a plate lunch cost 50 cents and it was very good). We would be dragging all our sacks in with us. It must have been quite a sight. But for us it was such a fun day filled with laughter and anticipation.

On one of our trips I found a beautiful beige suit that I wanted so bad. It cost $12 but I only had six or seven dollars left from my Christmas money. So I asked Mary to loan me some of her money (which she did). What a wonderful sister she was. We all laughed our heads off about me borrowing money to buy my own self a present. But I paid her back. (I think I did.) (??)

Then on Christmas Eve we would all go to Mother and Dad's for the tree, carrying our gifts we had wrapped. You can't imagine the excitement of that event. You would have thought the presents cost a fortune instead of $5. The house was filled with love and fellowship.

After we had the tree, Mother always had a delicious applesauce cake and coffee for our refreshments. Writing this brings tears to my eyes, remembering those wonderful days.

In my own family we have always tried to keep these early Christmas traditions. We know we can never recapture those days when all the family was intact and we were young and full of energy. But we still have so many blessings: the celebration of the birth of our Blessed Savior and the promises he has for us. Isn't it wonderful to know who holds our tomorrows?

Thanks, Pam, for letting me share one of my memories of past years.

I know, I know.....

2009-10-25T09:56:00.001-05:00

Edited to add: I haven't been able to catch Aunt Martha at home to pick up her article. I'll be out of town tomorrow so it will be at least Wednesday before we hear from her. I hope I am as hard to keep up with as she is when I get to be her age!

I know I haven't blogged all week. I also know Caden has been home from school all week because the fabulous Miss Z is sick with the flu and can't be with him at school. Believe me when I say, "Raising kids is for the young folk." It's been a week. I do have a special treat lined up for you though. Our Aunt Martha has prepared a special blog post that I'll be sharing either later today or tomorrow. I haven't seen it but I know it will be special because she is so special. So be patient with me and I'll try to do better. And check back for a word of wisdom from Auntie.

WE HAVE A WINNER!

2009-10-16T19:12:00.000-05:00

....MAY I HAVE A DRUMROLL?

Congratulations, Ms Donna! I'll get your laundry basket to you soon!

Welcome, happy morning!

2009-10-16T11:11:00.000-05:00

We have sunshine in southeastern OK this morning! I was beginning to believe I would never see clear skies again. My mood is already lifted. Don't forget we'll be closing the Over the Clothesline giveaway and drawing a winner tonight--probably around 9 p.m. None of that staying up 'til midnight stuff for Mammy. I need my rest. So be sure you've got your name in the coffee can by that time. I plan to let my little random integer generator, aka Caden, draw the winning name. Hopefully, I can snatch the winning name out of his hands before he destroys it. I'm already planning the next giveaway for the Thanksgiving season. It's going to be fun too.

The first of the Christmas goodies that I ordered on Columbus Day arrived yesterday and I was thrilled with everything I'd purchased. It's really going to be hard not to "pre-gift" some of this stuff. I just can't stand to wait.....

Check back tomorrow for the winner of the giveaway. Thanks to all for participating!

WASH DAY

2009-10-14T12:40:00.003-05:00

The "Over the Clothesline" giveaway has really gotten me to thinking about the days when I was a kid and Momma let me "help" gather the clothes from the clothesline late in the afternoon. Mondays were typically wash day at our house. Mother had a wringer type washer that sat on the back porch and that's where most of the day's activity took place. Mom would get up early and put a pot of pinto beans on the stove to cook. Then she'd gather and sort the laundry into piles. "Tide" was our washday friend and Momma sprinkled it generously into the big tub as it filled with water. I can remember what fun it was to watch the sopping wet towels roll through the wringer and come out squeezed flat on the other side. Into the basket they went until everything in the tub had been wrung out. We would then proceed to the back yard, Momma carrying the clothes basket and me with the clothespin bag. Some people left their clothespin bags hanging on the line all the time but Mother usually brought hers inside and hung it on an exposed nail on the back porch (there was no thought of a "laundry room" at our house in those days!). I imagine storing the clothespin bag had more to do with my little brother using it for a batting target than with her concern that the sun would rot the heavy duck material.

Believe it or not, there is a right and a wrong way to hang out laundry. Momma made sure we hung our laundry out neatly because she didn't want the neighbors to think we were sloppy. Heck, they obviously knew we were dirty by the massive amount of clothes we hung out each week so what did it hurt if they thought we were sloppy too? But Momma insisted the towels were hung together on the first line. The corner of each towel was pegged to the corner of the next one to conserve on clothespin use. Next came washcloths, socks, underwear and our clothes, including Daddy's shirts hung upside down by their tails. The third wire on the clothesline was reserved for sheets. I can tell you right now that I have heard my mother shout through the screen door on more than one occasion for me and Randy to stay away from the sheets. I can also tell you there is nothing more enjoyable on a hot summer day than walking through wet sheets hanging on a clothesline. Momma would always say, "Get away from the sheets! You're going to leave your handprints on 'em!" and that was true. Smudged handprints, sticky Popsicle stains, even the occasional dog or cat hair. We just couldn't stay away from those damp, cool sheets. When they were dry, they made a great place to crawl into during a game of hide and seek. Poor little brother just couldn't figure out why I always found him so fast (The legs hanging out of the bottom of the flapping sheets were my first clue that he might be there. I've always been smarter than the average child when it comes to things like that.)

Late in the afternoon, Mother would start supper by putting a pan of potatoes on to fry. She'd bake cornbread to go with the beans that had simmered all day on the stove. Afterward, we'd go out to the clothesline and take down the clothes and Momma would inspect the sheets. I'd gather the clothespins and drop them back into the little bag knowing that the next Monday we would go through the ritual again. There's something very comforting in that for a child. I think it's called "security." Or maybe "responsibility" or "community." Whatever you call it, it's in short supply for many children in today's world. Like I always say, my childhood was the greatest gift my parents ever gave me....

I've enjoyed the comments and emails about the giveaway. If you haven't signed up, there's still time. Take time today to enjoy the simple things.

Mammy's first giveaway....

2009-10-12T12:42:00.006-05:00

Remember when we used to hang out clothes on the clothesline? Remember all the great conversations that were carried on while we were pinning socks to the wire? Well, Mammy is hosting her first giveaway and I'm honoring that age-old tradition of sharing the latest information over the clothesline. Now, obviously, I could have called this giveaway "Mammy's Blog Giveaway" or "Mammy's E-mail Giveaway" or even "Mammy's Cellphone Giveaway"--but isn't this a lot more nostalgic and fun? And I've got a little laundry basket of goodies for the winner. It contains one of the best books I've read in a while, "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett as well as a Fresh Linen scented candle which will make your house smell like you've done laundry all day--although we'll both know you haven't because you've been sitting in the recliner reading the book, right? And who knows what else I'll find at the bottom of the laundry basket to throw into the mix! Okay, let's make this simple. Just leave me a comment. Or send me an email. Write me a letter. Or ride your bicycle over to my house and ask me to put your name in the coffee can. Whatever. I'll draw a name on Friday, the 17th and the rest will be history. So tell your bloggy friends --or call yer momma-- and tell everybody about the Over the Clothesline Giveaway at Mammy's. Then let me hear from you. This is gonna be fun!

It's raining....again!

2009-10-06T10:04:00.002-05:00

Shhhh! Don't make a sound. Listen closely and you'll hear the sound of rain dripping off the roof again this morning. It's beginning to be the norm around here. I think we may be in for a long winter, folks....

I've been busy lately with stuff that "don't make a hill of beans" as my grandmother used to say. Last week was the end of the fiscal year at the post office so I inventoried every last stamp, envelope and padded bag in the office.   That was a lot of fun. It's always good to practice counting into the thousands. Then Caden and I got sick. We've coughed until we've literally turned blue in the face but we are both on the "improved" list this morning. On Friday evening, my freezer went out so I spent all day Saturday trying to salvage what I could and cart the rest to the trash.  As you can see, life has just been a bowl of cherries at Mammy's. To top everything, I lost all the pictures I took of my gift box from Teresa at A Baby Changes Everything when I removed my camera cord from the computer too quickly while transferring the shots. So I'll get to do that all over again. I do want to share my box of goodies with you but you'll just have to be patient a little longer. I know the suspense is killing you but it is impossible to take pictures with a four-year-old bouncing on your back. And my four-year-old jumps on my back every chance he gets. But I promise some night soon after Caden goes to bed, I will re-take the photos and post them.

Have any of you done any Christmas shopping yet? I plan to spend Monday (Columbus Day, remember?) shopping online. I did most of my shopping on the internet last year and found that it was a wonderful way to get unique items I was really happy to give and have them delivered right to my front door. It's hard to Christmas shop in southeastern Oklahoma unless you enjoy giving shelled pecans or ten-minute oil changes.

Has anyone thought about what you'd like to receive for Christmas? I know you are all thinking, "Well it's more blessed to give than to receive." I appreciate your spirituality--but truthfully, don't we just all love to get a surprise present? I mean a gift from someone you never would have expected to receive a gift from. And don't we love it even more when we open the package and find something we really, really love? Okay, I guess I'm the only selfish person here this morning but at least I'm honest. I LOVE surprises. Always have. Always will. Probably goes back to my childhood. Yep, blame Mom and Dad. But to be truthful, I love to give gifts too. As a matter of fact, it is crazy for me to order gifts in October because if I happen to run into the intended receiver before Christmas I will probably give the gift away before it ever sees the underside of my Christmas tree. So shoot me a note and tell me what you'd love to find under the tree. It can be outlandish or simple. Just tell me where you're coming from so I don't rush out and book a Caribbean cruise to surprise you if it's not really what you're hoping for. Yeah, right.....

So what are you giving this year? Has anyone found the "perfect gift" you'd like to share? I'm always looking for presents for my grandcowboys that will make their little eyes light up. After that's accomplished, Mammy shops for everybody else--but I do love to make the holidays special for my little guys!

So what are you cooking for Christmas? My guys don't like to have turkey and dressing since they will eat that at Thanksgiving and they are so NOT into holiday food. On the other hand, I love cornbread dressing and would eat it every week-- but since it doesn't come chicken-fried, the misters are pretty vocal about what we're eating for Christmas. The last couple of years we have had what I call Christmas on the Run.  There are just too many places we have to be to really enjoy being anywhere and we have just had to try to find a couple of hours when the majority of us are available. So we've done our family get-together on Christmas Eve eve. I'm really fine with that. I've never been a stickler for having everyone at our house at exactly noon on Christmas Day. I just enjoy having everyone together anytime. At any rate, the past two years I have been working on the day we have chosen to open family gifts so I've had supper catered by a Mexican restaurant in a nearby town. I just order enchiladas and all the fixings and pick it up on the way home. It has been wonderful. No muss, no fuss, no wear, no tear. We just eat and open presents and I throw the dishes in the dishwasher after everyone goes home. The food is great and certainly different from the holiday riches we've been stuffing ourselves on for the entire month of December. It may become a new family tradition.

Well, while we're talking Christmas let me ask you this: what are you listening to this Christmas? I have a large box of Christmas music and I've already pulled it out of the closet. There are old cassettes and new CDs and I try to listen to every one of them sometime during the holiday season. I do have my favorites though and they get a lot of playtime during the month of December. I'll be posting my top ten favorite Christmas CDs when Teresa does her list next week but I'd love to hear what your favorites are too. I purchase a new CD every year and haven't chosen one yet for this year so give me some suggestions....

Finally, what will you be remembering this Christmas? I have so many wonderful Christmas memories and I am already making plans to share those during the month of December. I look forward to hearing your stories too and would love to offer an invite to a cousin or three to do a guest blog during December. Maybe Aunt Martha will step up to the challenge too.....

I realize we haven't even had Thanksgiving yet--and I certainly want to enjoy that holiday with you--but I guess the cold, rainy weather just put me in the mood for a little Fa-La-La today. Hope you don't mind. I knew you wouldn't 'cause you love me and love overlooks a lot, right?  Now go make yourself a good cup of wassail and leave me comments. You know I love hearing from you.   Love y'all!

Mary and Martha.....

2009-10-01T18:56:00.000-05:00

These two little girls were best friends all their lives. Never mind that they were also sisters. They just loved each other and enjoyed being together.

They loved their daddy too.

Miscellaneous....

2009-09-22T09:01:00.002-05:00

Have you ever had a day when you just couldn't decide what to write about? Have you ever tried to explain what's going on in your life in words that normal people can understand? I sometimes think I should just write "Aaaaaaarrrgh!" That would pretty much sum up my life these days. So I've just decided to hit the highlights this morning and let you spend the rest of the day trying to decipher it. Let's jump in.

I got new pictures of Parker Wetsell this weekend and he is growing like a weed. These pictures were taken by a photographer so I can't post one to show you but if I could you would agree with me. He is so cute I just want to squeeze him but unfortunately a trip to Fayetteville isn't in the cards for me anytime soon. I will say that he looks more like his daddy in these pictures. I thought the first photos were the spitting image of Jamie Leigh but I can see his dad's features now. Either way, he's going to be a real cutie.

We have another new Parker family member born yesterday to Brad and Brandi Miller. Yes, Janie is officially a nan. Of course I have no photos of Ms Jalie Dawn Miller yet but she's bound to be a little doll. Unfortunately, she will probably have to scrape for clothes and toys. You know how it is with the first grandchild....

It is STILL raining in southeastern Oklahoma. I am wondering if we will ever see another sunny day. There is a rodeo at Boswell this weekend and Jessen is entered in the team roping on Friday night so PaPa will be there if he has to rent a boat to get into the arena. He is so proud of that grandchild. Levi (grandchild #2) is coming along well but he's just not old enough to rope yet--but he's interested so it looks like PaPa will have many years of sitting in the roping pen ahead of him!

Jack and I took Caden to visit his mommy this weekend. It's a three hour trip both ways and we were allowed to visit for six hours so it made a L-O-N-G trip. Sunday was Lacey's birthday. Some day I will write about this but right now it is just too difficult. Just know that we appreciate your prayers for our family. My God is faithful and good and He has plans to use this situation in our lives for His glory. I trust Him to do that.

I received the neatest box in the mail yesterday morning from Teresa at A Baby Changes Everything. I took pictures using my cellphone and if I am able to figure out how to do it, I'll post the pictures of the box and it's contents. It was decorated so cute with stickers and a banner! I'm sure postal workers from Louisiana to Oklahoma got a kick out of it. I was so tired when I walked through the door of the post office to work yesterday morning and it was such joy to find this big beautiful box with my name on it. I just flew through sorting my mail so I could open it and enjoy each piece. I'll share photos as soon as I have time. I promise. But trust me, it's all wonderful and it really put me in the holiday mood.

I am interviewing a potential employee today. As soon as I can get someone hired and trained I can start enjoying my weekends off again. Right now I am working six days a week and it is starting to get very old. I sure hope to have someone on the job before the holidays.

Okay, enough about me. What's happening in your corner of the world? Send me comments. You know I worry.....

Mammy's Cookie Caper

2009-09-15T14:11:00.000-05:00

Help y'all! Caden's Headstart Class is having a bake sale. I need your very best bake sale cookie recipes. Just link to this post and share with the rest of us. It'll be fun!

An award?!

2009-09-15T10:45:00.005-05:00

Since I am new to blogging, I was surprised to see that I had received the Honest Scrap award from the owner of one of my favorite blogsites, A Baby Changes Everything. I certainly invite and encourage you to check out this wonderful Christmasy website and start getting in the holiday mood today! Now I get to share some honest info about myself and pass the award along to seven others. Here are the rules:

1: Say thanks and give a link to the presenter of the award.

2. Share "10 Honest Things" about myself.

3. Present this award to 7 others whose blogs I find brilliant in content and/or design, or those who have encouraged me.

4. Tell those 7 people they've been awarded HONEST SCRAP and inform them of these guidelines in receiving.

NOW HERE ARE MY HONEST THINGS:

1. I LOVE CHRISTMAS. That's what brought me to the A Baby Changes Everything blogsite in the first place. I have so many wonderful memories of Christmas and I want the same thing for my children and grandchildren. I want them to share the joy and excitement of opening presents and singing carols but most important of all, I want them to know my Savior. That's what it's all about.

2. I DRIVE TOO FAST. Well, sometimes I do the speed limit. Like when I have the grandkids or the mister in the car. But on my way to work in the morning with the radio blaring and my mind on the day ahead, stay out of my way!

3. I ENJOY BEING ALONE. There are people who have to be around someone all the time but that is so not me. My idea of a perfect day involves an empty house, a Coke with a glass of crushed ice and a good book. Oh, and the house needs to be clean or I can't sit down and enjoy any of it.

4. A CLEAN HOUSE MAKES ME VERY, VERY HAPPY (see #3). With a 4-year-old running loose, it's hard to keep things immaculate but if I can come home from work to a house that has that "just cleaned" smell, I'll purr like a kitten. I can "fake it" by running the vacuum cleaner and lighting a few candles but I love the real deal.

5. I HAVE A CHILD NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT. I've never told a soul that I support a child through Compassion International. It just seemed like a left hand/right hand thing to me. And I didn't want anyone to think I was patting myself on the back for my "generosity". It's only $30 a month which is less than the cost of a fountain Coke a day for me--but it doubles the family income for little Hendrik in Indonesia. He sent me a letter stating that his favorite food is "rice with meat." I can assure you none of my grandkids would have that meal anywhere on their list of favorites. I'm sharing this today not to say, "Look what I've done!" but so that you might consider sponsoring a child too.

6. I LOVE MY JOB. Ideally, I'd rather be at home raising Caden. But if I have to work, I love the post office. My customers share their good news and bad as well their garden veggies and baked goods. I have seen their babies grow up, shared the loss of their loved ones. After being in this office for 15 years, these folks are like family to me and I love 'em all.

7. I CAN'T MAKE DUMPLINGS. I love to cook and consider it stress therapy. If I've had a good day, I cook. If I've had a bad day, I cook. The most precious thing my mother left me when she died was her Betty Crocker cookbook from the '50's with notes inside. I found at least a dozen different recipes for dumplings and I know she tried every one of them. I don't understand why we can make delicious biscuits and pie dough but we could knock you down with one of our dumplings. I love 'em but I give up.....

8. I TAKE A NAP ON SUNDAY AFTERNOON. It's the only day of the week that I can actually slip in a nap but I will hurt you if you call my house between two and three o'clock in the afternoon on Sunday.

9. FAMILY IS EVERYTHING TO ME. If there is anything I miss, it is getting together with extended family. Now that my parents and grandparents are gone, family reunions are few and far between. I love being with my brothers and their families and miss those cousin get-togethers. We're just all too busy. It's a sad commentary on the way we live.

10. I BUY IN BULK. Because we live at least 30 miles from everything, I stock up when I go to the market. Need a sack of flour? Come on over. A baby gift? Gotcha covered. I can't stand the thought of not being prepared but it sure cuts into my closet space....

Well, now you know all about me and I have the honor of passing the award along to the following friends:

Nikandre at Mommy's on the Edge

Miss Anne at Cupcakes and Sunshine

Judy at The Spice Cupboard

Sandy at Olde Country Cupboard

Mandy at A Peek at the Pierce's

Reeni at Cinnamon, Spice and Everything Nice

Linny at A Place Called Simplicity

A Day in the Park...

2009-09-11T12:11:00.000-05:00

I took the day off from work yesterday to take Caden for his school physical. Jack and I were thrilled to see how well he handled the doctor visit compared to the meltdown he suffered last year during his visit. He has come such a long way in a year's time. After we left the doctor's office, we stopped at McDonald's for a Happy Meal (Caden's reward for being so good) and headed to the park for lunch. Thought you might like to see what a good time we had.

2009-09-07T17:57:00.003-05:00

We've had a quiet weekend. Time to do a little cleaning, a little cooking, a lot of laughing. Perfect. Thought you might like to see PaPa on the new mare. If you recall, it took him two hours to get close enough to touch her the day she arrived. He is so proud of all he's accomplished in two weeks. So he got on her for the first time today. And he didn't get bucked off. Thank you Jesus.

First piece of bubble gum

2009-09-06T16:12:00.002-05:00

I don't have time for a long post today but I thought y'all might get a laugh out of this. This is a photo of Ronnie and his older siblings (Jerry and Darlene) on the day they got their first piece of bubble gum. You got a free visor with purchase. Pretty cute, huh?

Cheesy Spinach & Bacon Dip....

2009-09-04T09:10:00.007-05:00

I'm linking to BooMama's Diptacular post this morning. The dip recipes already posted have me drooling all over my computer and it's only 9 a.m. Here's my recipe. Now grab a Coke and go on over to BooMama's and check out the rest of the goodies. They all look delicious!

Cut 1 lb (16 0z) VELVEETA into 1/2 inch cubes; place in large microwaveable bowl. Add 1 pkg (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained; 4 oz (1/2 of 8 oz pkg) cream cheese, cut up; 1 can (10 oz) Rotel Diced tomatoes and green chilies, undrained; and 8 slices bacon, crisply cooked, drained and crumbled. Microwave on HIGH 5 minutes or until VELVEETA is completely melted and mixture is well blended, stirring after 3 minutes. Serve hot with tortilla chips or assorted cut-up fresh vegetables.

Meet the newest member of our family....

2009-09-03T20:10:00.004-05:00

Brother Jim is proud to show off Jamie and Ryan's first child, Ryan Parker Wetsell. Isn't he a little doll? I think Parker looks a lot like his mommy and I hear he's a very good baby. Gosh, it seems like only yesterday my own boys were that size.....

Are you ready for autumn?

2009-09-03T15:00:00.004-05:00

It's raining outside right now and the overcast skies and cool breeze make it feel like fall has arrived. I'm lovin' it. I can tell you right now that Mammy will be out in the storage room digging out the fall garland and decorations this weekend. I've already replaced the Summer Sorbet room fragrance with Bath and Bodyworks "The Perfect Autumn, Pumpkin" candles. To me, this is the perfect fall smell. I have my sister-in-law Tabby to thank for getting me hooked on that. Tabby has the cutest house, decorated with all sorts of vintage stuff you love to look at but hate to dust. And it always smells so yummy. And that yummy smell is usually Pumpkin. I just love to go to her house and just inhale.....

I'm looking forward to the long weekend. I have absolutely no plans other than going through Caden's top drawer and taking out the clothes he outgrew over the summer and the aforementioned fall decorating. Then I'm going to sit on the couch and read. And then eat a big piece of the apple pie I plan to bake sometime while I'm goofing off (Baking is a stress reliever for me, not a job!). And then I'll probably watch a little HGTV or Food Network. In other words, I'm going to chill out this weekend because I need a little R&R. And besides that, I'm feeling a little bit lazy. What are your plans for the weekend? Anybody going to Canton?

I WON! I WON! I WON!

2009-09-01T09:24:00.002-05:00

I am so excited y'all! Little Miss I-Never-Win-Anything just won a box of goodies from Teresa at the blogsite A Baby Changes Everything! I don't know if I mentioned it, but I AM SO EXCITED, Y'ALL! You know howI love decorating for Christmas so this is going to be fun, fun, fun. Go on over and check out her site. The decorated trees will make you want a cup of wassail and a ginger snap, for sure....

The wedding....

2009-08-31T10:16:00.002-05:00

We had a great weekend. Dan went to Kansas and picked up a mare someone gave him. He dropped her off at our house late Saturday afternoon for Ronnie to begin training. This mare is a three-year-old and she has had no training at all so far. Ronnie went out to the lot at 5:30 Sunday morning and worked with her for two hours before he was even able to touch her! This is obviously going to be a long-term project.

Ronnie and I attended a wedding Saturday night and had a great time. The bride was beautiful and the groom handsome. The ceremony was held outdoors overlooking the lake and the weather was perfect. The little flower girls were adorable with their braided hair and long dresses. The father of the bride had hired a deejay and built a dance floor so we were entertained later in the evening by these same adorable little girls who could dance to beat the band. We ate from a buffet that was overflowing with delicious food and visited with friends that we don't see nearly often enough. Overall, it was just a lovely wedding and we had one of the best times we've had in a long time.

We went to church Sunday and that was the weekend. It's so nice to have the occasional do-nothing-if-you-can-avoid-it weekend. It sure made it easier for me to get up this morning and come to work. Unfortunately (hee-hee!) I left my cell phone on the charger at home and will have to spend the entire day without a personal phone. Now if I can just do something to keep the office phone from ringing....

Apples, prayers and wedding bells.....

2009-08-28T14:49:00.005-05:00

I am so happy the weather has cooled off. There's almost the feel of autumn in the air when I leave for work each morning. There's something about the change in the weather that makes me want to start scouring the cookbooks for fall recipes. We've eaten our share of sandwiches and 20 minute meals this summer. It's just been too hot to go home after work and slave (yeah, right!) over a hot stove. We've preferred the simplicity of salads and melons. The cooler temperatures of the past week have left me ready to cook up a pot of stew and maybe a fresh apple cake. I could make a wonderful cake too because my brother-in-law came out two nights ago and dropped off a five gallon bucket full of apples he'd picked from his son's tree. Boy, there is NO COMPARISON between these apples and the ones we buy at the grocery store. These taste wonderful. I made a fresh apple pie last night and if I had put it on top of my head my tongue would have beat my brains out. It was that good. I even had a small spoonful of Blue Bell homemade vanilla ice cream on my piece. I figure if you're going to sin, do it right. Yes, I have already repented. Ate half a sandwich for lunch today. So there.

I've been walking three miles every afternoon. I've decided there's no time like the present to lose some weight and get to feeling better. I enjoy walking but feel guilty about being outside "doing nothing" when there is so much inside the house that needs doing. I just have to keep telling myself that walking is like taking a dose of medicine. I NEED to be out there. And when I get back home I usually feel better than I did before I left.

I think I've told you before that we have a great paraprofessional ( we call her Ms Z) who is working with Caden this year. We've seen improvements in Caden's attitude and actions just since school started and we know his teacher, Mrs Eastwood and Ms Z are the ones to thank. Ms Z has special needs children of her own so she understands many of Caden's problems probably better than we do. As a matter of fact, her son James is having back surgery at OU Children's Hospital on September 4. I don't know the specifics but I know the surgery is scheduled to last for 8-12 hours and he will be hospitalized for a week if there are no complications. Please pray for Ms Z, James and the rest of the family during that time. I am a firm believer in the power of prayer and so is Ms Z so thanks in advance for praying!

There's really nothing going on here to tell about today. I just wanted to touch base before the weekend. I'll try to post a new recipe, scripture and maybe some photos over the weekend. Ronnie and I will be attending the wedding of a friend's son tomorrow night so I'll actually have a little excitement this weekend. I LOVE weddings, especially outdoors by the lake. It's going to be great fun and will probably turn Ronnie into a hopeless romantic. You know how men are about stuff like that! Enough of this (maybe too much!). Love y'all.

Getting back to normal--whatever that is!

2009-08-24T09:24:00.004-05:00

Mammy's back! I've taken a little blogging break due to the fact that my son Jack has been out of town for two weeks leaving the care and feeding of a very active four-year-old to me. Believe me, it'll make you sleep really sound at night to take care of a four-year-old all day. I have actually almost been happy to come to work each day just to get a little rest! Most of you know that our Caden is a special needs child. He has sensory processing disorders and saying that he is "very active" is like saying Mozart was "very musical." Quite an understatement. Maybe that wasn't the best comparison but you get my drift. Caden is a handful every minute of the day--but he is the sweetest kid in the world and I wouldn't trade him for anything. Anyway, I'm glad his dad is back home and helping with the corraling of this little man. Funny story: Yesterday Caden went to church and while he was in the nursery one of the other children had to use the bathroom. Of course, Caden insisted that he had to go too. The worker let the first child use the potty and then she helped Caden get his pants down. She waited and waited and finally asked Caden if he was going to pee-pee. He looked at her and said, "It's empty!" She was still laughing when Jack got to the nursery to pick him up. Caden loves to go to church. Last week they sang, "If You're Happy and You Know It" in "big church" and Jack said Caden really put on a show. He's definitely a happy-and-you-know-it kind of guy.

I'm going to a baby shower this evening and I am taking the cutest gifts. You can see them by checking out my friend Mandy's website. It's in my list of favorite blogs on the right side of the screen. Just check out Mimisue's. Mandy is so talented. She did a great job on these baby gifts. I'll sure be purchasing more of her Polka Dot Factory gift items.

I've found another website that I am so excited about. I've added it to my favorites and urge you to check it out. Teresa Grammy-Girlfriend decorates Christmas trees and she is giving great tips for Christmas decorating. Y'all know how much I love Christmas and I'll sure be incorporating some of her ideas this year. I read her latest blog last night and then I couldn't go to sleep for all the ideas spinning through my head for this year's tree. The last couple of Christmas's have been "downers" for us. One year we were remodeling the house and last year was just a bummer because everyone in the family wasn't there.... but I am buzzed about Christmas this year with a four-year-old in the house! I'm seriously considering doing a western-themed tree complete with spurs, bits and even a horseshoe or two. Even though my sons are avid cowboys, I'm wondering if they won't be a little upset though to find that I didn't use the "traditional" ornaments we include every year. I have a little clothespin reindeer that Dan made in Kindergarden complete with the gift tag in his own handwriting. He looks for it every year. I've also got a whole set of '70-ish ornaments that my sister-in-law Pam made and mailed to me one year from Connecticutt. There's Snoopy on ice skates and Winnie the Pooh. Tigger and Eeyore too. I wouldn't take anything for those because I still get teary-eyed when I remember the day I received them in the mail. Ronnie had a broken leg and we were outside trying to change the oil in his pickup (Try that with a broken leg!) when the mailman came by. I went in the bathroom and locked the door behind me just to have a little peace and quiet. Each ornament was individually wrapped and I had the best time looking at the details on each little felt-and-sequined ornament while I sat all alone in that bathroom. Believe me, it made my Christmas special!

On another note, Jessen won his first check at a team roping this weekend so he is officially ruined. He will be as obsessed as the rest of the men in our family, I guess. Well, actually he already was ruined. The win just solidified that. PaPa came in from the event in Millerton at 4:30 Sunday morning and he couldn't have been more excited if he had won the roping himself. He even had pictures on his cellphone of a very bleary-eyed Jessen holding his first check. He is so proud of that kid it worries me.....

Well, I've got work to do but just wanted to let you know I'm feeling better and am "back in the saddle again." Send me mail. You know I worry. Love y'all.

Mammy's birthday...

2009-08-16T18:17:00.004-05:00

I had a surprise party today. My birthday is actually tomorrow but Lori called and said, "We'll be over this afternoon and we're bringing cake." I never argue with a woman bearing cake. They arrived around 4:30. Jack bought sandwiches from Simple Simon's for supper and the party was on. The cake was pretty with pink roses. Levi announced, "We brought HUNDREDS of candles!" Caden started singing "Happy Birthday to you!" before the cake was even out of the box. Jessen, our eight-year-old, refused to help blow out the candles. I suppose he has reached the stage where he is too old for such foolishness. Anyway, it was fun and thoughtful of the kids to come over and celebrate my day. I thought you might enjoy a few photos of birthdays past. The picture of me with my brother Jim was taken the day I came home from the hospital. Mother said everyone was talking about what a pretty baby I was and Jim said, "She looks like a dead bird to me." He was probably closer to right than the visitors. My BFF, Lou Ann Payne is in the next photo with me. Obviously we'd been jumping on the bed. And then there's a couple of photos of my birthday party at age 4. Just thought you might enjoy sharing the memories.

Life interrupted....

2009-08-15T18:57:00.002-05:00

Well, I just wanted to let you know that I'm still kicking--just not as high as usual. I've had a little health crisis this week and have been away from work since Tuesday. I didn't even feel like talking to y'all. Yeah, I was THAT sick. But I'm making a comeback and hope to have a real post in a day or two. I've got a lot to tell. Most important, I want to let you know I have a new nephew. Ryan Parker Wetsell arrived last Friday evening and he is adorable. We don't know if he can cry or not. He hasn't been given that opportunity yet and from the sound of things, we may never know. PaPa Jim is busting the buttons off his best suit with good reason. Parker is a definite keeper. I'll try to get a picture to post soon. Surely they've taken a few by now!

Birthday blessings to Cousin Jim Bill and Tommy Ray. I intended to post old photos and a birthday wish but it just didn't happen this week. Hope it was a happy day for both. More to come later. Love y'all!

Mozell Parker Hampton...

2009-08-07T15:28:00.011-05:00

Today is Aunt Mozie's birthday. If she were still alive, she would be 91 years old today. Try to wrap your mind around that. It's hard to do because she was always the vibrant, larger-than-life sister. She loved to dance, play canasta and laugh. She loved her family and her church. She exuded grace and generosity. Mozie loved to dress up and always called her sisters anytime John Clay got new merchandise at the store so they could have "first pick." And those sisters were the Queens of Layaway! As a child, playing at Aunt Mozie's house meant you'd be eating bologna sandwiches and drinking pollypop for lunch....and you could eat all you wanted before digging into the candy sack that Uncle George brought from the candy factory in Durant. I never eat coconut candy that I don't think of Unc George. Aunt Mozie made her own candy--peanut brittle--and Christmas meant she'd stay busy trying to keep us all satisified. It was delicious. I've included her recipe in her own handwriting. I've used it a time or two myself....

Ten things about me...

2009-08-06T11:03:00.004-05:00

I've joined a blog ring today where I am supposed to share ten funny, interesting or amusing things about myself. Gosh, where do I start--better yet, where do I stop? My life is just one big joke right now. But I'll give it my best shot. Shoot me a comment with ten things about you too....
1) I've had a wonderful time this summer making jelly. We've had an abundance of plums and the jars look so pretty sitting on my window sill.
2) I am anxiously awaiting the birth of a great nephew. Ryan Parker Wetsell is due tomorrow and I am almost as excited by this news as his very pregnant mommy. Well, not really. But I am excited.
3) I love quilts. I have a quilt that was made by my husband's grandmother and the quilting is exquisite. I also have quilts made by both my grandmothers. It's fun to look at the fabric and try to imagine what the original piece of clothing was that the scraps in the quilt came from.
4) I love to shop! Even if it's just a trip to the grocery store there is something about shopping that makes my dress fly up.
5) My house is clean. That's such an oddity that I've just been singing it to myself all morning. I am going home tonight and I don't have to do one thing. I will not wash clothes, dust, or vacuum because it was all done last night and no one will be there all day today to mess it up. I can barely wait to hit the timeclock and head home tonight.
6) I'm going to entertain myself tonight by playing the piano. I never get to play because I'm always cleaning. Tonight I will play from the new Baptist hymnal. And the old Cokesbury hymnal. I may even play Scott Joplin tunes. Heck, if the mood strikes I may even hit a lick of Janis Joplin...
7) I'm using a new beautician and she is wonderful. She cuts my hair so that it almost falls into place by itself. Which is a good thing because I am grooming challenged. I don't do hair.
8) It's almost my birthday. Turning 55 is offset by getting to eat birthday cake. I love birthday cake.
9) I splurged on a new perfume. Daisy by Marc Jacobs. Yum!
10) I was just unexpectedly invited to lunch by a friend. What joy to take a siesta in the middle of a day that was pretty boring before her phone call. Little things mean a lot. Enjoy them!

Life in the fast lane....

2009-08-03T14:43:00.005-05:00

Sometimes I feel like a 33 1/3 being played at 78. Those of you who are my age will understand that. The rest of you youngsters will just have to find someone old to explain it to you. The past seven days have been wild. I have thought every day that I ought to blog about just that day but haven't had time to sit down and do it. So here's the Reader's Digest Condensed version:

Ronnie and I went to OKC to have my hand examined by a hand specialist. I had a large knot in the palm of my right hand which my primary care physician (aka Dr Mike) said was probably a bone that would have to be scraped. He insisted that I go immediately to have it seen about. The big dog doctor in the city said, "No, just a cyst." It will have to be removed surgically but I should only be off work about a week to insure that the stitches stay put.

Caden turned four. I took pictures and will eventually post them but not today. Just imagine all the places you can smear birthday cake icing and you will know how the party went.

Jamie (Jim's daughter) is expecting a baby any day. Actually any minute. It will be Jim's first grandchild so the little guy doesn't stand a chance. He will be spoiled rotten from the minute he steps into this world. I've been telling Jim for eight years that he really needs to get a grandchild. They are way more fun than children. He has finally taken my advice. I promise as soon as I have a photo, I'll show you the little cutie.

Jack and I took Caden to Tulsa for his visit with the behavior specialist. After testing, we were relieved to know that he is NOT autistic. He does have sensory processing disorders but the doctor was so great to give encouragement in the form of books, websites and tips on controlling his attitudes and behaviors. Although he tested poorly on language and fine motor skills, his problem solving was at a level consistent with the average four year old. Caden was extremely cooperative that day and the doctor was able to see him at his very best. This allowed him to see what Caden was actually capable of. I came away from the appointment encouraged and anxious to get to work on the projects the doctor suggested. Caden came away expecting a trip to Chuck E Cheese's and half the contents of the Toys R Us store next door to Chuckie's.

Ronnie and Jessen are pulling out for Glen Rose TX Friday morning at 5 a.m. Jess is entered in a roping there. They are so excited and are practicing every day from now until then.

Jack is in Norman for two weeks training at the postal training center. This means Ronnie and I have Caden all to ourselves for the next fourteen days. Lordy. Move us to the top of your prayer list!

Well, that's the news from our house. I'll bet y'all thought I'd just been sitting around eating bon bons and painting my toenails, didn't you? So what's happening with you?

Found the perfect sign for my house.....

2009-07-28T12:58:00.004-05:00

PaPa's Pride and Joy...

2009-07-28T09:05:00.002-05:00

Oh what a weekend!

2009-07-27T12:40:00.002-05:00

What did Mammy's house and the Cheyenne Rodeo have in common this weekend? We both had cowboys everywhere! Friday night PaPa went to Atoka to watch Levi participate in the mutton bustin' contest at the rodeo. Although he didn't win, PaPa said Levi James put on a fine show that was enjoyed by all. Afterward, Levi and Jessen came home with PaPa to spend the night and celebrate Cousin Caden's fourth birthday on Saturday. We had birthday cake (and had to keep blowing the candles out over and over because Caden loved that part!) and ice cream and opened presents, none of which had fewer than 40 pieces in the box. I am not kidding. What was I thinking?! Of course, the little grandcowboys had to have several rodeos in the living room while they were all together. They turned Mammy's exercise ball into a bucking bull (I was glad to see it used for something!) and the couch doubled as a chute. Jessen put on a roping demonstration (our ceiling fan will never be the same) and Levi pulled duty as rodeo clown. Caden alternated between riding a bucking bronc and being a bucking bronc. By the time Dan and Lori came to get their boys Saturday evening, Mammy was ready for a Coke and a little siesta in Pa's recliner. It takes a brave soul to entertain the three James boys for a day. They are all as different as night and day but each one is my favorite. What a joy they are to Mammy!
Tell me what you did for fun this weekend. I'm listening.....

When the Hippos Crashed the Dance photos....

2009-07-25T17:33:00.004-05:00

From the journal of Mattie Ann Parker...

2009-07-21T20:53:00.002-05:00

When the hippos crashed the dance...

2009-07-20T11:30:00.005-05:00

I'm waiting for pictures of the most exciting event of our weekend to arrive from Daughter-in-law Lori so I can post them for you to see. Grandson #2 (Levi) was in his first play this weekend when he starred (well, actually it was a bit part as a rooster but he stole the show as far as Mammy is concerned) in the Atoka Community Theatre's production of "When the Hippos Crashed the Dance." Levi sang and danced his way through the show like a seasoned actor. He whirled and twirled his partner. He clapped and twisted. He square danced and line danced and tangoed. It was pure magic and a real treat for this ol' mammy's eyes.

You see, I was thrilled to see Levi revel in the limelight because I did not inherit the Parker Performing Gene and I'm thrilled to know that the show will go on as long as Levi can find a live mic. It's definitely in his blood. It's just not in mine. Oh, I can sing and play the piano and even dance a little if pressed to perform. But I don't live for it. I don't even enjoy it. I'd much rather be at home in my conservatory (if I had one) playing the piano by myself. That makes me a round peg in a square hole in a family that thrives on applause. Both my brothers play instruments and sing. My parents sang all their lives at every special event that happened in our small town. Lord knows there wasn't a funeral for years that Momma and Daddy didn't feel obligated to share their talent. This compulsion to perform extended to aunts and uncles, cousins and kin--but not to me. Even as a small child, Miss Winnie Yoe's annual spring recital was a source of serious angst for me. Although I could play the "Black Hawk Waltz" with ease and had my fingering down to a science, when it came my time to walk to the front of the Presbyterian Church, fold my hands into a little pocket in front of my waist and say, "I shall play..." I would break out in a cold sweat. I'm breaking out now just thinking about it. Or maybe it's the hormones. Either way, it's miserable.

Don't bother to feed me the line about "If God gives you a talent, you'd better use it or you'll lose it." I've heard it all my life. I DO use my talent. As often as I can (and that's not very often anymore) I slip out to Mother's old piano and play a few hymns. I play loud and sing louder for an audience of one. It lifts my spirit and relieves stress. Just don't ask me to sing at your funeral.....

The IEP meeting...

2009-07-16T11:56:00.004-05:00

It's been a busy week. On Monday I met with the special education director and several others responsible for putting together Caden's IEP (Individualized Education Profile) for the new school year. This is an annual meeting where everyone involved in Caden's schooling gets to throw down ideas and suggestions for goals for the upcoming year. The meeting went well but the best thing about it was that I had an opportunity to visit with Caden's new paraprofessional. I think this lady is going to do a great job. Her name is Zee which is short for some name that her mother obviously gave her before the anesthesia wore off. Zee seems to be a very practical, down to earth person and we hit it off right away. She has five children of her own as well as two foster children. But the most interesting part of her story is that four of the children are special needs kids. Two are autistic, one is in a wheelchair. And Zee seems to take it all in stride. She didn't seem the least bit agitated about her situation. She said she just takes things a day at a time and goes with the flow. What a novel idea. I tend to do just the opposite. I tell you the truth: "Don't Freak Out!" has become my mantra. I am working hard at being calm in my inner self--but most of the time my outer self over rules any murmurings from that inner voice by screaming, "DID YOU SEE WHAT HE JUST DID?!" How I long for the day when I can take things as they come. It's been a goal of mine forever but I have to face facts: I'm a control freak dealing with things I have no control over. My bad. I'm thrilled to have Zee on our team. She brings a lot to the table, not the least of which is empathy and compassion. She's been there, done that, got the t-shirt. It will be interesting to compare notes and learn what's worked for her.

Grandchild #1 is at our house today and will be spending the night so he can go to a roping with his PaPa this evening. Why anyone would want to go out in this heat to chase a steer in a circle is beyond me but they seem to get a huge rush out of it. They will be willing to eat cold sandwiches for supper just to be able to get to the roping pen on time. That means Caden and Mammy will have more time to soak in the bathtub (Who cares if you have to share the tub with ten Matchbox cars? It's wet and cool and relaxing. ) and maybe even read a magazine before the cowboys come home demanding real food and help getting their showers before collapsing on the beds exhausted from the heat. It will be a full night, for sure.

What are you doing this summer to keep cool? Has anyone had any really good watermelon yet? I bought a couple of cantaloupes that were delicious but so far the perfect melon has eluded me. Remember how PaPa Parker used to save all the seeds from the good watermelons, put them in an envelope, label them and store them in the old icebox on his back porch? Remember the garden behind his house and how Joe Walker would bring his team of mules and plow it up? Remember getting out in our back yard late in the evening and cutting those melons on the picnic table, then taking the waterhose and cleaning up our mess? Boy, those were the days....

The Many Faces of Levi.....

2009-07-10T20:00:00.006-05:00

It's Friday already?!

2009-07-10T11:16:00.004-05:00

I am soooooo happy the weekend is on the horizon. This has been a busy week and I am looking forward to a little R&R. I think I told you we spent several days last week at Meltdown City with Caden but amazingly, this has been a good week for him. I'm not sure I'll ever fully understand what sets him off but I know he has been through a time of transitioning from his Headstart class to his summer daycare and then we had the Fourth of July last weekend so there were enough disruptions to his routine to have caused the setback. At any rate, the past couple of days have been better and I'm thankful.

Our church had Vacation Bible School this week and I intended to take Caden and be a helper but after having to carry him to the car kicking and screaming after church Sunday I felt pretty sure the VBS workers would be happier if we just stayed at home. I did go to the church Sunday evening without Caden to see if there were enough workers and everything was really going smoothly. I got to sit in on a Bible lesson that Miss Stanna was overseeing and a craft class with Miss Mandy. It makes me so happy to see the younger women doing such a great job. These girls really had their ducks in a row and the kids were loving every minute of it.

Today's Bible School is a far cry from the Bible schools I attended as a child. The decorations are elaborate, the music is high-tech and snacktime is coordinated to the theme for the day. Back in the olden days, we marched into the church behind the American and Christian flags for "The Opening." We proudly pledged our allegiance to both flags and the Bible (there was no questioning that it was "God's Holy Word" either!). Our songs were simple: "Do Lord" and "The B-I-B-L-E" and "Onward, Christian Soldiers." Oh, and one year Miss Jo threw in "Rock-a My Soul in the Bosom of Abraham" which instantly became #1 on the Methodist Hit Parade. We loved "Rock-a My Soul"!

I was doubly blessed because my best friend was Baptist so I got to go to Bible School twice each summer. My favorite thing about the Baptist Bible School was that they had a parade on the Saturday morning before Bible School started to invite all the kids in town to come. They met at the church at 9 a.m. and decorated their cars with crepe paper and balloons and signs. Then they drove up and down all the streets in town honking their horns. Kids were hanging out all the car windows, waving to those of us who stood at the very edges of our yards and waved back. I shouted hello and waved with all my might--as if it hadn't just been 45 minutes since I saw Betty Barker load Lou Ann up and travel past our house on their way to the church to hang streamers on their car antenna.

Once Bible School started on Monday morning, I knew I would be greeted at the front door of the church by women who faithfully volunteered each year like Lou Ann's mom and her sister Wilmoth. We would hear a Bible story and a mission story and then we'd have a snack which consisted of two cookies and a cup of Kool-Ade (which we called pollypop) that MaMa Dancer would hand out the back door of the kitchen to each child. We'd play outside for a few minutes and then we would go back inside the church to glue colored macaroni onto sheets of colored construction paper or cigar boxes. One year the ladies got really creative and we glued macaroni onto high-heeled shoes, spray painted them gold and put an arrangement of artificial flowers inside. Boy, my mom was thrilled to get to use that for a door-stop for the rest of the summer!

The big finale, of course, was on Friday night when we had a program and our parents were invited to hear the songs and Bible verses we had learned and see all our great craft projects. Isn't it amazing that I can't remember what I cooked for supper last night but I can still remember some of the stories that were illustrated on an old flannel board? I'm no prophet but I can tell you there is a great reward waiting for some of those ladies who gave so generously of their time and talents so that a little blonde-haired girl and her BFF could learn about Jesus. Sometimes when I think of them I find myself humming, "Ohhhhhh, Rock-a My Soul....."

1968 T.H. Rogers Bowling Team

2009-07-06T20:27:00.000-05:00

Here's one for Aunt Martha.

The weekend....

2009-07-05T14:59:00.006-05:00

I wish I could write a story about a fabulous Fourth filled with good food, a fun party and fireworks. But it just wasn't in the cards for me this year. I spent the day with a grandchild who was totally out of kelter with the world. Caden is having some serious issues that probably stem from being moved to a summer daycare program with new teachers and friends--a move that most four-year-olds take in stride but it has totally knocked him for a loop. We have an appointment with a behavior specialist in Tulsa on July 29 but today that seems an eternity away. I am tired, discouraged and angry that this little guy has to fight such huge battles. I am especially sad that Mammy can't kiss it and make it better. I've always thought that's what mammies were for. And now this Mammy is totally helpless in the whole scheme of things. Bummer.

Years ago, I had a postal customer named Minnie Eddington. Minnie was an old, gray-haired black lady who wore men's overalls and a t-shirt. Everyday. And she had a laugh that was absolutely infectious. Her laugh was one of those laughs that came from way down deep inside. Minnie had a lot of problems. She lived in a shack and there was never enough money. Her kids weren't perfect either. But every time Minnie came into the post office and I asked how she was doing her answer was always the same: "I'm blessed. I'm truly blessed, Miss Pam.... and I'm so glad I've got a God who's sittin' high and lookin' low!" Today I fully know what she meant. My circumstances aren't perfect. They aren't even good. But I can say this morning that it is well with my soul. I am so thankful that God is in control of this situation rather than me because I see no easy answers. Keep us in your prayers, friends. We need them.

Fourth of July past....

2009-07-01T18:49:00.003-05:00

When I was a kid, the Fourth of July meant one thing: we were going camping! We'd load our stuff onto the back of Daddy's T.H.Rogers dump truck and Uncle George's gravel truck and head to the woods. We swam in the river or creek using inner tubes for floats. We ate lots of fish and fried taters and topped it off with watermelon that had cooled in the creek while we swam. At bedtime, we kids giggled on pallets laid out on the backs of those trucks while our parents talked or played dominoes or Canasta by the light of lanterns. Occasionally, Daddy would yell,"Snake!" just to watch the women scatter. Always, we took pictures of Uncle George returning from the woods with the toilet paper roll in his hand. I think we did that so everyone could see what a nice camping site we'd found. I remember our trip to John's Valley most vividly. The woods were so thick that Uncle Tommy refused to spend the night and came back home before dark. His parting words? "If this place caught on fire we'd never get out!" Boy, that was a Parker remark if I ever heard one....

Other entries and onlookers...

2009-06-29T18:42:00.000-05:00

Horses, horses, horses.....

2009-06-29T18:38:00.001-05:00

Getting ready for the parade....

2009-06-29T18:29:00.001-05:00

HOMECOMING!

2009-06-27T07:10:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Homecoming 2009! Saddle up your horses! It's two hours until parade time. The house is nice and quiet now but I just found myself in the kitchen humming "Great Is Thy Faithfulness"--the part about "strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow....." Within the hour this house will become Operation Central. It will be overrun with little cowboys in full western dress (Read: Spurs! The grandcowboys each have their own set of spurs. It sounds like a chain gang running though the kitchen). They will be demanding everything from cherry Kool-Ade to horse brushes. I'm ready for them. Let the games begin.....

Mr and Mrs Randy Gilbreath and Mrs Ronnie James were shopping in Denison, Texas Thursday.

2009-06-26T11:22:00.006-05:00

I went to bed last night thinking about how to share my wonderful staycation report with y'all today. I wanted to do it up really splashy and cosmopolitan. I even took the digital camera with me yesterday so I could take pictures of all of us at various times during the day. Unfortunately, I was having such a good time I forgot to use the camera. But hey, this is a family blog not National Geographic. Anyhoo, instead of having a slick story for today's blog I found myself channeling Lois Duncan and The Boswell News. Remember how we used to read those wonderful tidbits that told which ladies had been shopping the week before and that Nellie's Quilting Club had met in the home of Mrs Aaron Dancer and a good meal was enjoyed by all? There were reports of children's birthday parties and bowling scores, store ads from Andersons and of course the Greenwood Theatre movie calendar, complete with the name of the lucky winners of the free movie passes for the month. Each time a Sunday School class had a get-together it was reported along with the names of each person in attendance. If someone was babysitting a grandchild on the date of the meeting, that got reported too. I can't help but remember how much more enjoyable those papers were to read than the in-depth info that flashes from my online paper about the affair of a governor or the death of Michael Jackson. You can know for a fact that those items wouldn't have even been mentioned in the Boswell News. That info might have been whispered about at the Home Demonstration Club meeting but you can bet Webster Clay wouldn't have thought of actually printing it on the front page of his paper. His readership would have thought he'd gone off the deep end. Life was simpler in a lot of ways when I was a kid. At any rate, here's my report--with a tip of the hat to my former next door neighbor turned mentor, Lois Duncan.

I left home as planned and dropped Caden off at daycare. He didn't even cry so I considered that a good omen for the day. Sure enough, I found bargains on every aisle. I think almost everything I bought was 60-80% off. I even shopped for Christmas presents! So if you get something really good from me for Christmas, don't think I'm getting overly generous here in mid-life. I just got a really good deal at Hobby Lobby! After shopping for a couple of hours I met Little Brother and Wifey-Poo at Cracker Barrel as planned. This was their "cheat meal" as they have both been dieting and have been planning this soire into the world of real food for the past month. Oh Lord. It was embarrassing. I've seen packs of ravaging wolves that didn't look that desperate. We all ordered lunch (I had the daily special: turkey and dressing that was actually better than what Mother used to make) and then Tabby began ordering "sides." By the time we got our orders, we were thinking about moving a couple of tables together to hold it all. We'd eat a while, then we'd giggle a while. We'd share bites and then we'd warn one another to back away slowly. I can honestly say I am still not hungry today. I'm pretty sure Randy and Tabby can get back on their diets today without too much effort because it will be several days before they actually "feel" hungry. Which we all know is the only time you really ought to eat. If there is anything worse than someone who has successfully quit smoking, it is a successful dieter. I cannot begin to share the mass of diet and weight loss information I acquired yesterday. Even while shoveling sweet potato casserole down our gullets we discussed Points and carbs and artificial sweeteners and low-fat recipes. Then we stood up and rolled our happy little round bodies out to our cars for a trip to Bath and Bodyworks to shop for stress relieving products. As if we weren't the most relaxed trio in the state of Texas already. By the time I arrived back in Durant at Friends and Co, I didn't care what Ms Jeannie did to my hair. All that comfort food had kicked in and it was easy to semi-snooze while she glopped stuff on my head and swirled it around in an effort to make me at least half-way presentable for Homecoming. I think these staycations folks may be on to something. I arrived home last night happy and relaxed......and I didn't even have twelve loads of laundry to do from the trip!

My staycation.....

2009-06-24T10:17:00.007-05:00

Well, glory. I just got a phone call from Peggy. She is on vacation in Las Vegas this week. She said she was going to shop all day today. I know I should be envious but I don't think I've lost anything in Las Vegas (pardon the pun). And I already have a plan for tomorrow that will make her Vegas trip feel like yesterday's news. I am taking a staycation tomorrow. "Staycation" is a new word I just heard yesterday and it refers to what a lot of people appear be doing this year: skipping the cruise or the trip to the coast in favor of staying close to home and enjoying what the locals have to offer. It sounded like a plan to me. So I called Randy. At 30 miles away, he is about the closest entertainment I can find. He's cool and funny--and he's always been cheap! So we've got a hot date tomorrow. I am going to drop Caden at Headstart at 7:30 in the morning and run to Sherman. I need to exchange some jeans I bought for Caden, hit the 50% off sale at Pier One and pick up a baby shower gift at Dillards. Then I'm meeting Randy and Tabby at Cracker Barrel for lunch. Afterwards we're going--Are you ready for this? Drumroll, please--to Sam's. Tabby says she needs to buy a big sack of walnuts and almonds. Did I tell y'all Tabby has been on a diet/exercise kick for several months? She looks so great and I am really happy for her but totally jealous. But as happens to all these health nuts, she has totally lost it when it comes to the real world. When was the last time you went to Sam's Club to buy almonds? I didn't even know Sam's sold almonds. I guess that's because I always head for the aisle where they have 40 bazillion kinds of cheesecake. Or over to the little ladies who are passing out free mini-bites of quiche. Or the big book aisle. At any rate, it should be an interesting part of the staycation to shop Sam's with Tabby. It's obviously something I've never done before. Just like going to the Grand Canyon only different. After we get our almonds and cheesecake I'm returning to Durant for an appointment with Jeannie at "friends and co." Per her business card, this quaint old building-turned-beauty-shop is a "full service salon and day spa." All I know is that when I was there six weeks ago I got the best haircut I've had in years. By the time I walked out her door I felt like I had lost 40 pounds (I checked as soon as I got home and I hadn't but it was a wonderful feeling.) This lady has magic fingers and she does wonderful things with them. Her shampoo is more like a massage than just gettin' yer head washed. It will be a wonderful way to end the day.

Homecoming will officially be underway when I get back to the house tomorrow evening. The slack from the rodeo will be held tomorrow night. I expect Dan and his tribe will be over to participate and of course, Ronnie is totally involved with the rodeo all weekend. Ronnie's class is also having their 45th year reunion Friday evening. Sharon Schuessler, Linda Coffey, LaNell Bond, Frieda Richburg and Lou Latham are in charge of the gathering and they have worked hard to make sure everything goes well. I think they are planning a pretty good turnout. Of course, everyone there will be old as Methusaleh so it won't be much fun but it's always nice to get the old folks together. Oh yeah, baby! Ronnie would freak out if he knew I wrote that. I always dread his class reunions because for a month after I have to hear, "Do you think I look as old as.......?" and the answer is always, "Yes, dear!" Nothing like a supportive wife, huh?

Enough for today, dearies. I have to get everything in order so I can staycation tomorrow. I know you will be waiting by your 'puters for Friday's blog so you can hear all about it. What are you doing this summer? Let me hear from you.....and let me know if you think you can top my plan for summer fun. Love y'all!

Rockin' Levi James.....

2009-06-23T10:14:00.005-05:00

Last week was youth camp at God's House and they had a great time. Can you imagine how Levi must have felt as he "led" praise and worship for that great crowd of witnesses? I am convinced that God has a special calling on this generation of children. They are going to put us to shame when it comes to worship.....

FATHER'S DAY....

2009-06-20T10:38:00.003-05:00

Dad. Even though he has been gone for almost five years I still think of him almost every day. He was my best friend on this earth. He always thought and expected the best of me. He was always there with a helping hand, a word of encouragement or an extra ten dollar bill--although it wasn't until years later that I realized there was no such thing as "extra money" around our house. Long before anyone identified and expounded upon the five love languages, I knew that my Dad's language was giving. Nothing made him happier than to share. He was a people person who loved to have folks over for a steak or a burger from the backyard grill. His fried fish was legendary. And a lot of people benefited from his generosity: my high school classmates, Jim's college friends, Mother's family, every Methodist preacher who ever served in Boswell--even Dr Berrey. Nothing made Dad happier than sharing a good meal and some conversation. Mom wasn't always thrilled with the mess left behind but Dad usually good-naturedly helped with the clean up so that by the next time, Mom was ready to go again. Dad just had a way of convincing everyone that life was good. He really believed that.

I am so thankful today--not just for my own dad but for the many good dads that have been a part of my life: Uncle Joe, Uncle Tommy, Uncle George, Uncle Albert, Buster Barker, Ward Dodson, Lyndon O'Bannon. All these men had an influence on my life and helped me to see the value of a good dad. I'd love to give them all a hug today and tell them thanks for making it easy for me to believe that my heavenly Father could actually love me--because they did. As I say so often, I AM BLESSED!

Summer Reading Program

2009-06-16T14:12:00.003-05:00

Caden loves books and he also loves for Mammy to make up stories to tell him. Usually these made-up stories are told at bedtime and begin with "Once upon a time there was a little boy named Caden...." The adventures vary from trips to the zoo to helping PaPa gather cattle. No matter what the subject, Caden loves to be the hero of the story. Well, last night at bedtime Caden requested a story. I told one story but refused to make up another one. It was past ten o'clock, I was tired and this could have gone on all night long. So I just said no. Well, Caden was quiet for a few minutes and then he decided he would tell his own story. It went like this:

"Tinkerbell wanted to ride a tractor."

"Tinkerbell rode a tractor."

"M-O-M-S-S-D-F-M-D-E-F" (I don't know why this story had alphabet letters in it but it did.)

"THE END......coming soon to DVD."

When I heard the "coming soon to DVD" part, I laughed so hard I almost fell out of the bed. Of course, it woke Caden completely up and we had to start the process of going to sleep all over again....but it was worth it. I love a good story.

The rest of the story.....

2009-06-15T13:21:00.003-05:00

After two hours, I woke up to this. Caden was also in the living room without even a diaper on. Ronnie was sound asleep in the recliner. The TV, DVD player and computer were all playing wide open. Thanks so much for your help, Papa. It only took a couple of hours to get this mess all cleaned up!

The Weekend

2009-06-15T11:05:00.004-05:00

What a weekend. I was sick most of last week. This is a rough time of the year for those of us who are allergy sufferers. I took antibiotics but still felt like I had been rode hard and put up wet. When I got home from work Saturday I started cleaning house like a woman possessed but I was actually a woman with a vision. I had my heart set on a Sunday afternoon nap and nothing was going to get in my way. I went to bed Saturday night exhausted but happy. After church Sunday I threw nachos on the table for lunch. It was getting so close to the longed-for Naptime that nachos was all I could muster. As soon as the last chip crunched, I announced it was naptime and hoped Caden would take the hint. Ronnie certainly appeared open to the suggestion since he was already comfortably plopped in his La-Z-Boy (Have you ever wondered why they didn't name those recliners Work-R-Boys? I digress....). At any rate, I didn't even put the dishes in the dishwasher. I just loaded my little cowboy up and proceeded to the bedroom. Caden thought it was a wonderful game. At first. Then he got really huffy. I tried to be nice about it. I offered to read books, watch a DVD or even rub his back while humming a lullaby but he was having none of it. He climbed up on my back and started bouncing up and down. Then he inched toward my neck and head. That's one of his favorite things to do. Sit on Mammy's head and look out the window while I am trying to relax and go to sleep. I put up with it for a few minutes but when he showed no sign of tiring, I said, "Caden, if you don't get off my head and go find something to play with I am going to get the fly swatter." That is something I never threaten. I offer time out or take toys but I only mention a fly swatter when I really mean business. Like I've done it a couple of times this year. So he knew this was the real deal. He quietly got down off my head (I was shocked into silence.) and bent his little head close to mine. He stuck his one little finger up and said very solemnly, "OK. But I will tell you one thing. I will love you all day long." How precious is that? I am so blessed.......

ERIC

2009-06-10T16:38:00.004-05:00

This is one of my favorite pictures of all time. Probably because this is one of my favorite people of all time. Of course, he's grown now. But he's still adorable. Spell that look A-T-T-I-T-U-D-E.

Mother's Birthday

2009-06-10T13:10:00.003-05:00

Today is Mother's birthday. I couldn't decide if I wanted to even mention it in the blog but then I heard Momma say, "Well, Pambug, we have a lot of great birthday memories." And I do. This picture was taken years ago at what may have been a birthday celebration. Or it might have been just an afternoon picnic in Aunt Dorothy's backyard. At any rate, I thought it would be a good way to remember Mom on her special day. Somehow I think she knows and is happy about this post......Love y'all!

Be there! Note: This blog has a bad date. Was posted 6/12, not 6/9.

2009-06-09T11:25:00.006-05:00

I am so happy today is Friday. I am not just "tired." I am tard. I mean really, really tard. And I have to work tomorrow because my relief clerk has gone on a vacation with her sweet family. So I am happy for her--but that doesn't make me thrilled about having to get up at 5:30 in the morning and drive to the coal mine again. I wish I had something brilliant--or witty even--to blog about this morning but I'm basically running on empty. Caden and I were home alone last night and we played hard. His favorite game right now is called "Wrestle with Mammy" and he can play for hours on end. Unfortunately, I give out much more quickly. This morning I feel like I've been involved in a truck wreck. Every muscle I have is sore. I did read a great story this week and set it aside to share later. Today looks like a great day to pull it out. I'm a big James Dobson fan and I heard a story concerning Dobson and the late Pete Maravich that really impacted me. Maravich is considered one of the greatest NBA players of all time. Toward the end of his life he found Christ and it changed his life. Dobson invited him to do a radio interview and afterward they were playing basketball together. Maravich said, "I feel just great." Those were his last words. He collapsed on the court and died in Dobson's arms. Afterward, James Dobson told his son, Ryan, "It will happen to me someday." And then he shared what amounted to a living will, if you will. He said, "Pete Maravich didn't have an opportunity to speak with his family one last time. But I want to tell you, be there. On resurrection morning, be there. I will be looking for you then. Nothing else matters. Be there."

Have a great weekend. Love y'all! Be there!

Beans and Cornbread, Green Apples and Storms...

2009-06-09T09:32:00.008-05:00

Isn't there just something about eating foods that we grew up on that can transport you back in time? I can remember dinnertime as a young child. Mother would crumble cornbread onto our plates and spoon red beans and a little bean juice over them. Then she would take a fork and mash those beans almost to a powder. She insisted that eating whole (read "unmashed") beans would "give us a bellyache and probably kill us." Mother was a sufferer of what I have titled "Parker Syndrome." Her mother (my MamMa Parker) was a world class worrier--and she seemed to have a real issue with foods! She would never let us eat a dill pickle because--according to her-- it would "give us a bellyache and kill us." Same goes for a green apple. Wild game? You know the drill. I cannot tell you how many times Randy and I have driven MamMa to the edge by sitting in the fork of the apple tree that grew between our house and hers, munching on a green apple that grew on that tree. She would rush to the phone and call Mother and say, "Mary Helen, do you know where Pamela Jo and Randy Lee are? Well, they're right in the top of that apple tree eating green apples." At this point, Mother would rush to the back door and holler, "Randy Lee, get down out of that tree--and throw that apple away before you die with a bellyache." Momma always assumed that Randy was the main culprit in any reason for a phone call from MamMa. Usually she was right. At any rate, to this day it is difficult for me to even walk down the aisle of the grocery store where the Granny Smith apples are located. Poor MamMa would roll over in her grave if she knew WalMart had those weapons of mass destruction right at the entrance of their store.

Another thing MamMa worried about was tornadoes. Today's children know little about storm cellars but believe me, as a child I thought of the cellar as my home away from home. I can remember playing cars with Randy at the side of our house when a light rain began to fall. Randy immediately jumped up and started gathering his toys because he knew we were headed to the cellar. I cannot tell you how many nights I have been startled awake by Mother throwing a blanket over my head and bundling me up to go to the cellar. I believed there must have been some sort of unwritten rule that you could not leave home before the rain began to pour in sheets--but in reality, it was probably because Mother had to complete the round robin of phone calls necessary to make the final decision to go. She had to call Aunt Martha, the vice president in charge of storms and get her advice. Then a quick call to MamMa and PaPa to tell them to get up and get ready. Aunt Dank had to be rousted out of her trailer house (a tornado death trap, of course!) and Aunt Mozie had to be contacted to make sure the cellar was ready for visitors. After arriving at Aunt Mozie's house, ladies and children were herded into the cellar where there was always the ominous warning to watch for snakes while the men (PaPa, Uncle George, Uncle Willie and my dad. Uncle Joe was usually bravely watching the storm from home--or sleeping!) stood on Aunt Mozie's carport to "watch the clouds." After what seemed like countless hours of sitting motionless to avoid inviting the attention of any lurking snakes, we were given the all clear and allowed to trudge back to our vehicles and return to our little beds. I'm sure Dr Phil would pronounce that my generation of Parker cousins are suffering heartbreak and countless unnamed maladies because of the damage that was inflicted on our psyches during those early Storm Years.

I had a great childhood. I learned to ride a bicycle because my daddy held onto the back of the bike and ran up and down the dirt road behind me until I was finally confident enough to pedal by myself. Mother made sure she had a homemade snack prepared every afternoon when my brothers and I arrived home from school. My MamMa handmade my dresses and my PaPa bought me winner suckers when I walked to town with him to get the mail every morning. My brothers and I thought commodity cheese was a delicacy. "Eating out" meant we were going to The Den for supper. I guess in the eyes of the world we were poor, but boy were we rich!

Little Brothers

2009-06-05T19:46:00.006-05:00

There's just something about a little brother. Mine was three years younger than me. My best friend and I refused to let him play with us--something I still feel bad about occasionally. But he was just so irritating. He always wanted to be the center of attention. There are very few family photos that Randy doesn't appear in, usually lurking from behind a chair or peeking out from under a table. It was sort of funny when he was five--but now that he's fifty it's getting a little irritating! Randy was the type of kid who always had great ideas that somehow fell flat. Such as seeing how high we could climb in MaMa's mimosa tree (which David fell out of) or what snuff tasted like (Janie was the first to throw up). It was Randy who taught us to smoke grapevine (I choked on that one) and it was his idea to hide toys in the bathroom so that we would have something to do when Mom punished us by making us sit in there until our dad got home from work. The trouble with trouble is that it always starts out as fun......

But somewhere along the way things changed. Today he's the one I call when I hear a good joke or learn some outrageous bit of family gossip. I call Randy when I have a problem that has no easy solution because I know he will help me see the lighter side. We have guffawed about things that I originally called him in tears over. Like our dad, he's turned out to have a talent for cooking and he doesn't stop at the grill. His dressing tastes just like Mother's and I've heard he makes great biscuits. He's got a neat wife and three kids--and none of them are ugly! He plays a mean guitar and will even sing "My Ding-A-Ling" if I press him. He's turned out to be a pretty good soul for someone who showed so little promise as a child!

Coming to a town near you: HOMECOMING

2009-06-05T14:44:00.003-05:00

Well, the month of June can mean only one thing: Homecoming! Hugo and Grant kick off the celebration this weekend. Grant's weekend begins tomorrow morning at 7 with doughnuts and coffee at the pavillion in the cemetary and Hugo has a parade this afternoon, followed by a big rodeo. The Boswell Homecoming committees have been meeting for several weeks so they should be ready to party by the end of the month. We'll be having a rodeo at our new arena on the east end of town plus the usual parade and street dance. I haven't started my ritual Homecoming diet yet but heck, it's only June 5 and I only have 50-something pounds to lose. I'll probably wait another week or two. No sense getting in a rush!

What are your favorite memories of Homecomings past? Do you remember Henry Duncan as parade marshall? Or Bill Ingram? Or Joe Neill riding his horse? Remember the crowning of the Homecoming queen out at the lake? Decorating your bicycle tires with crepe paper that always slipped to the center of the spokes before you even got halfway to the center of town? Walking to the street dance on Saturday night? The beards the men grew or the "jail" on the street corner? The crowds of people lining both sides of the street for the parade? The gospel singings? The rodeo? Quilt show? Salty dogs at the street dance? Watching people dance to the tunes of the Homecoming band? Compared to when I was a little girl, Homecomings these days are pretty lame. The parade crowd is sparse and the parade is dominated by various candidates for office who plaster their cars with signs asking for votes--but everyone in Choctaw county who has a horse still saddles up for the ride to the lake. Some things never change. Call me if you're here for Homecoming. I'll make you a glass of sweet tea and we'll get together. Love y'all!

Vintage Parker Family photo...

2009-06-04T20:51:00.003-05:00

As promised, I've pulled out the old Parker family photos and will share those in the days to come. Let's start with Tom and Mattie Ann. More to follow. Love y'all!

2009-06-02T12:10:00.004-05:00

It is raining again today. I am busily doing paperwork so that I can go to a nearby town tomorrow and remove a postmaster who is going out on extended sick leave. I will install an acting postmaster and begin her training. Please pray for Cathy as she battles cancer that has spread over her body. She is in a lot of pain. Pray for her husband, sons and grandchildren as they care for her during this time. Thanks. Love y'all!

The Case of the Mysterious Exploding Eggs

2009-06-01T12:49:00.003-05:00

I loved the weekend. The weather was beautiful, the house was relatively clean (the key word here being "relatively") and Caden was in a good mood. We spent Saturday just being lazy. Did a little laundry and a little cleaning and a little cooking. Sunday morning we got up and went to church. I did grilled chicken for lunch and Caden and I took a long nap Sunday afternoon. Sounds like the perfect weekend, right? Well, it would have been except for the little problem I encountered Sunday night after church. Ronnie and Jack were roping so Caden and I went to church Sunday evening. About 15 minutes before we left the house I put a half dozen eggs on the stove to come to a boil with the intention of turning them off and letting them sit until we got back from church. Then I intended to make some wicked deviled eggs to go with sandwiches when the guys came home. Unfortunately, I forgot to turn the stove off. Never even gave it another thought until I opened the door and shooed Caden through it. It smelled sort of like there'd been an electrical fire. Or like someone had dropped an apronful of rotten eggs. Not only had the pot boiled dry, eggs had literally cooked until they blew up. There were egg guts all over the kitchen table, the floor--even the wall! I grabbed the pot with the one remaining egg in it and ran to the backyard and threw the egg over the fence. When it hit the ground it was like I had launched a hand grenade. Needless to say, I had a huge mess to clean up and who knows when I'll get that smell out of the house? I did NOT cook any more eggs last night. Ronnie and Jack had to make do with sandwiches. Period. Needless to say, this morning I am wondering if I simply had a senior moment or if it's the dementia setting in......

I didn't take a single picture with the new camera this weekend. I didn't do much with the new computer either. I just didn't want to deal with all the technology of it. I will get some pictures together this week though--and I haven't forgotten those vintage family photos I promised to post. Hope your weekend was just as lazy. Send me mail. You know I worry.....Love y'all!

You are my sunshine....

2009-05-28T12:48:00.004-05:00

As you have probably guessed I am playing with the new camera. Indulge me. Thanks.

I'M A COWBOY!

2009-05-28T10:29:00.009-05:00

Some days we just need a grin. That's Caden's specialty. Have a great day! Love y'all!

FYI

2009-05-27T12:08:00.002-05:00

Mark Batterson is pastor of National Community Church in Washington D.C. Check out his website at evotional.com

And I quote...

2009-05-27T08:34:00.004-05:00

Anyone who knows me knows that I love words. I'm a collector of great quotes and am known to have everything from the silly to the serious on the walls at my house. This weekend I read a quote from a man I've never heard of--and in the craziness of the world I live in, I haven't had time to check him out. So who knows what else he believes or has said--but these words struck a chord with me and they've been ringing in my ears ever since I read them. So I offer them to you today:

"Quit living as if the purpose of life is to arrive safely at death. Grab life by the mane. Set God-sized goals. Pursue God-ordained passions. Go after a dream that is destined to fail without divine intervention. Keep asking questions. Keep making mistakes. Keep seeking God. Stop pointing out problems and become part of the solution. Stop repeating the past and start creating the future. Stop playing it safe and start taking risks. Expand your horizons. Accumulate experiences. Consider the lilies. Enjoy the journey. Find every excuse you can to celebrate everything you can. Live like today is the first day and last day of your life. Don't let what's wrong with you keep you from worshipping what's right with God. Burn sinful bridges. Blaze a new trail. Criticize by creating. Worry less about what people think and more about what God thinks. Don't try to be who you're not. Be yourself. Laugh at yourself. Quit holding out. Quit holding back. Quit running away. Chase the lion." ~Mark Batterson

Love y'all.....

At my age, it don't take much...

2009-05-21T14:32:00.004-05:00

I'm going shopping tomorrow. Na na na na na na! I am as excited as if I were leaving on a cruise ship. Even though I am only going to Sherman, I am so excited to be going somewhere. Actually,to be going anywhere. Alone. No one will be hanging on my leg or spilling their sippy cup on me for at least four hours. I will not say "PeePee or PooPoo" one time while I'm gone. I am not even taking a diaper bag filled with wipes and bags of snacks although those might come in handy. It will be heaven. I even made an appointment to get a haircut. I will come home a new woman--or at least an improved version of the old woman.

I am looking forward to the weekend. I'm sure the guys will find somewhere to rope since Memorial Day ropings will be abundant. That means the little mister and I will have the house to ourselves. We can watch HGTV and "Veggietales". And The Food Network and "Phineas and Ferb." And "Cars" for the millionth time at 7 p.m. Saturday night on the Disney Channel. I am even happy about that right this minute.

Hopefully, I'll have a new camera and computer to tinker with. I just figured out last night that my internet modem is probably fried too. So you may not hear from me until Monday. But just know that I'll be busy and happy. I'm sure there will be some hot dogs on the menu sometime over the weekend. And maybe a fresh berry cobbler too. I hope you have a picnic too. Life is too short not to celebrate every chance we get! Love y'all!

There is sunshine in my soul today...

2009-05-20T11:22:00.003-05:00

If you are a good Baptist, you have probably been singing that song yourself this morning. At last we are seeing sunshine after two weeks of pouring rain and it is so wonderful to look out and see blue skies and green grass. It's done my heart a world of good just to see clear skies even if we are supposed to get more rain by the weekend. I think there's something to be said for the theory that dreary skies make for depression. My mood has really been lifted this week. Of course, part of that could be due to the fact that school is out for the summer. Caden started to the summer daycare program in Bennington two days ago. He has gone "home" to the daycare that we put him in when we first got him almost two years ago. I would never have made it through those first few weeks and months without the Choctaw Nation Daycare workers. Those ladies are so fantastic with him. It is such a relief to have him in a place for the summer where I know he is welcomed and loved. I am so thankful for Miss Annette and her crew. They are just the best.

Got plans for the Memorial Day weekend ahead? I am taking off work Friday to get a jumpstart on the weekend. I'm going shopping to pick up the new computer and check out the digital cameras. I know what I want but am not sure it's available yet. It is supposed to be fresh on the market, easy to use and offer really sharp picture quality. Sounds like just what I need. I also plan to look for summer clothes for Mr Caden. He is growing like a weed and is down to one pair of long pants. So it will be a fun day of shopping for me since I'd rather shop than eat. Well, almost....

Speaking of eating, I've got a new recipe to add to the Recipe of the Week spot today so check it out. Tabby brought these apricot bars to me at work one day and they are so delicious I had to have the recipe. Just don't substitute margarine for real butter. Life is too short for that.

I'll quit for now. Just wanted to let you know I'm still here and love y'all. Send me comments. You know I worry.....

What kind of church do you go to?

2009-05-14T16:09:00.001-05:00

If you have time today check out Shaun Groves blog entry. He's listed in my favorites so you can be there in a click. Something to think about......

Rain. Rain. Rain. Rain....

2009-05-14T08:40:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to let you know Computer Guy says my motherboard is fried. I know he's just giving a report on the state of my PC but for some reason I'm taking it personally this morning. This was "one of those days" before I even got out of bed. Caden marched into my room twenty minutes before the alarm went off. It was about the time I normally crack one eyelid toward the alarm clock and roll over, thrilled because it's still not time to get up. His announcement: "It's snacktime!" went over like the proverbial you-know-what in the punchbowl. Oh, to have his energy! He insisted on Cheerios (not just any Cheerios. It had to be HoneyNut Cheerios, dry please). He was happy to keep my spot in the bed warm while I went to the kitchen to fetch his snack. By the time I got the Cheerios and returned, he was sound asleep. I was able to shut off the alarm two minutes before it was set to go off. So much for enjoying a few minutes silence before beginning the day. It was raining cats and dogs as I left home. I've never seen such a wet spring. Boggy River is high and a couple of smaller creeks on my way to work were way out of their banks. I'm tired of this. I need sunshine!!

Tomorrow is Caden's last day of school. Remember how we used to look forward to the last day of school? We'd have an Awards Program where it seemed like everyone got tons of awards for things like perfect attendance and citizenship--and then we'd get out early. All of summer loomed ahead. On that day it seemed like ages before we would have to go back. We had a whole two months to eat bologna sandwiches for lunch and play ball in somebody's backyard. We rode bicycles and rollerskated. We built roads for our cars in the sand with popsicle sticks. We played with our dolls and staged mighty battles under the shade of the big "bean tree" in MaMa Parker's front yard. Late in the evening, we'd play kickball until our moms called us in for bedtime. We'd take a quick bath (maybe) and crawl into bed with the windows open and the attic fan pulling a breeze across the bed. Then we'd get up the next morning and start all over again. My Caden will spend his summer playing games on the computer and attending daycare in Bennington. And we wonder what's wrong with this generation of kids.....

Has anyone tried Ma Barker's peach cobbler yet? I think it's the extra cup of sugar and the vanilla extract splashed over the top of the pie that sets it apart.....

I've got to get busy. I'm going to try to give my post office a spring cleaning today and tomorrow. The lobby floor won't be helped because every customer tracks in a ton of mud but maybe I can knock the top layer of dust off the file cabinets.

Hang in here with me. I've got my eye on a new computer and a digital camera so we can have lots of pictures and maybe a more interesting blogsite. Let me hear from you too! Love y'all!

A note from Mammy....

2009-05-12T11:46:00.001-05:00

Hey ya'll! This sign says it all today. I am trying to complete two postal online classes and it's also the first day after a rate change. I'm still waiting to hear from Computer Guy so I don't know yet if my home computer is salvageable or not. Just wanted to let you know there are vintage family photos to be posted as soon as my scanner is available again. It is raining again today for the thirteenth day in a row. Lordy, I need some sunshine! Hope your day is blessed....Love y'all!

Rainy days and Mondays...

2009-05-11T11:40:00.003-05:00

I've got to post something today because I feel responsible to give you something new to think about. After all, this blog is read by tens of people every day. It's got to be refreshed often. So here goes...

I can't decide which way to run this morning. My emotions have been stretched in every direction this weekend. Neil's funeral on Saturday was draining. It is hard to realize that the first of my generation of Parkers is gone. Neil was a good man. He had many talents and as Hayden said so eloquently, he was a man who had an ear to hear. He loved his family and he loved a good story. He was never too busy to visit with us and, like his dad, offer advice and support. We'll miss Neil, his music and his dry wit.

On the other hand, it was so good to be with my family. It is sad that our lives are so busy that we seldom gather. It was fun to share a turkey sandwich and fresh green onions with my brothers and giggle with Janie. Although our lives have changed--we're busier and crazier than ever--we are still the same kids who grew up looking forward to Christmas, picnics at the Den and fireworks in July. What a blessed childhood we lived! Looking back, I wouldn't change a thing. I have wonderful memories of riding in the back of Uncle George's dump truck, watching Aunt Dorothy's goldfish swim in the bathtub she painted orange and put in the backyard, running in and out of Aunt Dank's house without a thought of knocking first and riding my bike to Aunt Martha's to play "Say When" with Jim and Hayden. These are all joys my own grandchildren will never know. Although I try to provide "memory moments" for my little cowboys, they will never know the bond that I share with my cousins. That comes with years of shared life experiences. What a blessing you all are to me!

On Sunday, I went to church at God's House with Jack and Dan and Lori. Jack and Dan graduated from their Guards of Honor program. It was an impressive ceremony and once again, I was humbled to see how God has moved in the lives of my sons. I am so proud of the men they have become. It hasn't been accomplished without pain and grief but I rejoice today when I see that the prayers I prayed while rocking those babies were heard and answered. Our God is so good.

Of course, the highlight of my weekend was getting to show off my little Caden. It may not look like it to you, but he is doing great compared to a year ago. I know beyond a doubt that God has a wonderful plan for his life and every day I see Caden struggle toward that goal. God has probably taught me more through Caden than any person I've ever known. You cannot imagine how much I love and admire this little man. He always gives 100% to whatever I ask him to do. He is my hero.

How was your weekend? Mothers, were you honored? Cousins, got a memory you want to share? That's what the "Comments" section is for. This isn't a blog I created for myself. I want it to be a place to share. Aunt Martha is planning to write a post as our guest blogger one day. I'd be glad to have you take a turn too. Just send me a note. Love y'all.

My kind of "normal"...

2009-05-06T09:55:00.003-05:00

I can remember when Mother was alive I used to tell her I would do such and such "when things get back to normal." One day Mom stopped me in my tracks when she said, "Pam, I think this IS normal for you." She was right, of course (Moms always are!). I don't have many days that aren't a little out of the ordinary. Although I am at work this morning, I will be running to town on my lunch break to try to find a shirt for Jack to wear to graduation Sunday and a pair of size 4 pants for Caden. He has just gotten too tall for his 3T's. I have tried to make him remain a baby by refusing to acknowledge that he needs to buy a different size pant but those ankles are beginning to show. He needs a pair of "big boy britches" to wear to Daddy's graduation. I am excited that Jack is graduating from his men's class at God's House. He and Dan and a group of men from the church they attend have gone through a six month study course that covered a lot of different topics relevent to men. On Sunday they will have graduation services complete with a speaker who is traveling from Australia to address the men. Afterward the church is hosting a catered lunch for the men and their guests. I couldn't ask for a better Mother's Day gift! I am so proud of my boys and so thankful for all God has accomplished in their lives.

Our visit with the opthomologist yesterday went well. After he finished his exam he said that we could consider a lens implant for Caden but that it might or might not be successful. It would also have to be done again as Caden got older and the eye grew. His recommendation was that we accept that Caden is blind in one eye and get on with our lives. He says Caden will compensate for the loss of vision in his right eye and that he has seen kids participate in sports and do everything kids with perfect vision do. It sounds like a better alternative than patching his good eye for eight hours a day in the hope that the sightless eye will begin to work harder. Dr Croft says there is little hope that the sightless eye would begin to function better and we would just be aggravating Caden. I tend to agree. The OKC doctor says we need to patch at least 8 hours a day and keep Caden in a contact lens. Ever try that with a three-year-old?

Ronnie goes to OKC to the doctor tomorrow so I will be at home getting Caden to and from school. We are hoping Ronnie's hand will be sufficiently healed that he will be able to begin therapy. You know the drill: pray, pray, pray!

I haven't heard from the Computer Guy so I am hoping he is salvaging my lightning-struck computer. Caden is missing Noggin.com something fierce. We are "supplementing" with DVD's but it just ain't the same!

I've got to get busy if I intend to go shopping on my lunch break. Send me comments and tell me what you have planned for Mother's Day. And don't forget to send Mom a card!