Hey Everyone! Our blog finally got a make over! The header hasn't changed in the almost two years we've had it. I think this is pretty cute and will do for a little while. The picture is from last Halloween when Miss E was a flower. The red polka dots of her favorite character, Minnie Mouse or as she says Mimmie. I have got to get video of this before she starts saying it clearly. It's adorable!
Quick question...I do not see where to change my blog title post colors. The pink I have now is totally clashing. I know this is an elementary thing, but for the life of me I can't find it. Leave a comment with help please :)
9.26.2010
9.20.2010
Mack Flashback-Simple was Better
If you know me, you know I LOVED my childhood. There were so many things that I loved about childhood. The things I remember most were the simple pleasures. My big wheel, my bike, my Barbies, playing board games with my family, and our family time on Sunday afternoons.
One of my favorite times though was Friday afternoons. You see, my dad got paid on Fridays, so he would bring my sisters and I a treat. Usually it was ice cream sandwiches. I think they were 3 for $1.00 then. Sometimes though, he would come by and pick us up and let us choose our own treat. We loved to go to this little country store called Hall's. It was near the Lowndes/Montgomery county line...or down the road from the Montgomery Motor Speedway if you're from the area. Below are two things that I loved-
I hope Brett and I can bless Miss E with memories like this. As a child, I didn't expect to get something every time I walked into a store. We were there for a purpose, to buy something we needed not wanted. I catch myself buying her things now, just because they're cute. I really need to stop that. She will soon be old enough to know.
We love our little house in town, but I can not wait to move to the country. It will be easier for Brett to handle all of the farming business, but it will allow us a simple lifestyle that lots of townfolk miss out on. The simple pleasures! I'm talking about running around barefoot all day, chasing lightning bugs at night, eating peanuts on the porch, playing hide and go seek in the woods...just good fun. I can't wait! I've heard a saying recently..."go back to the woods". Believe me, we'd be more than happy too!
One of my favorite times though was Friday afternoons. You see, my dad got paid on Fridays, so he would bring my sisters and I a treat. Usually it was ice cream sandwiches. I think they were 3 for $1.00 then. Sometimes though, he would come by and pick us up and let us choose our own treat. We loved to go to this little country store called Hall's. It was near the Lowndes/Montgomery county line...or down the road from the Montgomery Motor Speedway if you're from the area. Below are two things that I loved-
I hope Brett and I can bless Miss E with memories like this. As a child, I didn't expect to get something every time I walked into a store. We were there for a purpose, to buy something we needed not wanted. I catch myself buying her things now, just because they're cute. I really need to stop that. She will soon be old enough to know.
We love our little house in town, but I can not wait to move to the country. It will be easier for Brett to handle all of the farming business, but it will allow us a simple lifestyle that lots of townfolk miss out on. The simple pleasures! I'm talking about running around barefoot all day, chasing lightning bugs at night, eating peanuts on the porch, playing hide and go seek in the woods...just good fun. I can't wait! I've heard a saying recently..."go back to the woods". Believe me, we'd be more than happy too!
9.14.2010
Yes, she's almost 15 months...
but this is the 14 month post! I just wanted to jot down a few memories before I forget them.
Everly can say lots and lots of words, but only when she wants to.
These are the latest things she can say-
G'ee for Gimme
Moo when asked what the cow says
Bow
Baby
Bite
If her ask where her diaper and bow are she can point to each. She can find her cup when I ask her where it is. She says Nah Nah when she wants a snack.
She is now just about running everywhere. Everly loves to go in her room and get books off of her bookshelf and bring them to me to read. I love that she love books!! She also takes books to Pop and Gimme to read to her when she is at their house.
If she sees a pair of shoes sitting out in her room she will also bring them to us to put on her feet. She always brings the correct shoes too. She hasn't mixed up a pair yet.
Everly is an excellent shopper and a wonderful baby all together. We couldn't have asked for a sweeter child. We often say we're scared to have another because she's spoiled us so much!
Everly can say lots and lots of words, but only when she wants to.
These are the latest things she can say-
G'ee for Gimme
Moo when asked what the cow says
Bow
Baby
Bite
If her ask where her diaper and bow are she can point to each. She can find her cup when I ask her where it is. She says Nah Nah when she wants a snack.
She is now just about running everywhere. Everly loves to go in her room and get books off of her bookshelf and bring them to me to read. I love that she love books!! She also takes books to Pop and Gimme to read to her when she is at their house.
If she sees a pair of shoes sitting out in her room she will also bring them to us to put on her feet. She always brings the correct shoes too. She hasn't mixed up a pair yet.
Everly is an excellent shopper and a wonderful baby all together. We couldn't have asked for a sweeter child. We often say we're scared to have another because she's spoiled us so much!
First time coloring, but she was more interested in stacking her markers neatly on the paper. (Making magnets for Grandparents Day)
Cleaning the tables at Tacky Jacks-Orange Beach
Swimming makes her so sleepy! We're glad she's over her fear of the water.
Having a roll at Lambert's Home of the Throwed Roll-Foley. I've got to get her back in the routine of eating lots of fruits and veggies. Lately she's been our little carbonator!
She does NOT like the sand! Maybe we can work on that next year!
9.07.2010
Ice Queen
That's what I felt like all day at my dad's funeral. His visitation began at 9:00 am on Tuesday, August 10th. His funeral was at 2:00. There were still loose ends to tie up at the funeral home. I stayed strong and tried to keep my mom from having to deal with anything. Sometimes she would go in the office and talk to the funeral home staff just because she didn't know of anything else to do. Sometimes I would cry silently as I looked at the pictures of my dad. I cried thinking of Everly and her not getting to know her Papaw. She wouldn't get to go on one of his camping trips and eat some of his grilled food. She wouldn't get to go fishing with him and listen to him tell jokes. But all-in-all I held it together. I felt like many people were looking at me thinking, "how could she not be bawling her eyes out?" Well that's just not me. I don't like for people to see me cry. I want to be strong. I don't want to make a spectacle.
As I sat on the back pew I was talking with my sweet husband and my papaw (who I love SO much) came up to me and talked about me being the strong, silent type like him. I told him I was just trying to do what needed to be done. Then my Uncle Barry (I have two Uncle Barrys) this was the one by marriage sat in front of us and talked. He talked about how much he liked my dad and the great times that we had when we were little. He was the easiest person for me to talk to there and he was so raw with his emotions. I just busted out crying. He wasn't trying to just comfort me, but he wanted to talk. I think that is what I needed...just someone to talk to. I don't know if that makes any sense at all, but it helped me.
The whole time I was trying to be unselfish and accommodating, but when was it going to be my turn to grieve. I did not want to see my dad in his casket. I wanted to remember him as the funny guy he was with a big smile on his face. Some people might have thought that was weird too...but everyone is different. I had no choice but to see him, but I didn't get close. That wasn't my dad in that coffin, just a body. My dad had already gone home.
I wasn't the Ice Queen that some have made me feel like I was. I just choose to do things a little differently than most. Recently a person has made me question my dad's love for me. How completely heartless is that? I have no doubt my dad loved me. We had our ups and downs just like every other relationship out there. If you think my actions showed otherwise, I'm sorry. I'm just different than you...not one is wrong or right...just different.
As I sat on the back pew I was talking with my sweet husband and my papaw (who I love SO much) came up to me and talked about me being the strong, silent type like him. I told him I was just trying to do what needed to be done. Then my Uncle Barry (I have two Uncle Barrys) this was the one by marriage sat in front of us and talked. He talked about how much he liked my dad and the great times that we had when we were little. He was the easiest person for me to talk to there and he was so raw with his emotions. I just busted out crying. He wasn't trying to just comfort me, but he wanted to talk. I think that is what I needed...just someone to talk to. I don't know if that makes any sense at all, but it helped me.
The whole time I was trying to be unselfish and accommodating, but when was it going to be my turn to grieve. I did not want to see my dad in his casket. I wanted to remember him as the funny guy he was with a big smile on his face. Some people might have thought that was weird too...but everyone is different. I had no choice but to see him, but I didn't get close. That wasn't my dad in that coffin, just a body. My dad had already gone home.
I wasn't the Ice Queen that some have made me feel like I was. I just choose to do things a little differently than most. Recently a person has made me question my dad's love for me. How completely heartless is that? I have no doubt my dad loved me. We had our ups and downs just like every other relationship out there. If you think my actions showed otherwise, I'm sorry. I'm just different than you...not one is wrong or right...just different.
Reconciliation
The Sunday after we came back from my dad's funeral in Kentucky our Sunday School message was about Reconciliation. Oh boy, I knew exactly who I need to reconcile with...this person is a member of my family. We have never been close. I just don't understand the reasons why this person does the things that are done. The message that morning gave me hope and I wanted to work it out. I mean we both should have learned something from recent events.
The verses we went over that morning were from Corinthians. The one that really hit home was 5:18-19 "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them.
Well, I was counting this person's sins against them. So I reached out in a way that I thought was easiest for us both, email. I voiced my concerns and that I was praying for her. I thought we should all try to do better.
Much to my surprise I received an email in return that was so negative and hurtful. Of course I retaliated with a few jabs of my own. I'm not very good at holding my tongue. Now that I am looking back over my SS notes I see something else that is so fitting. The question was asked, "How do you handle conflict?" My answer this time would be not very well at all. I'm sorry I said a few ugly things, but sometimes we deal with pain by being angry. Not saying this is right, but it happens.
I tried to follow what I learned-I declared my concerns and seeked to strengthen, but the negativity I received was extremely hurtful. I shouldn't have said the things that I did, but this person has ALWAYS been able to get under my skin. I am sure everyone knows someone like that.
I'll just start over with step one...Approach Courageously in Prayer and follow the biblical truth-Christians can seek and develop skills to improve relationships that are lacking. I really hope it all works out. I've prayed for this person for years.
The verses we went over that morning were from Corinthians. The one that really hit home was 5:18-19 "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation:that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them.
Well, I was counting this person's sins against them. So I reached out in a way that I thought was easiest for us both, email. I voiced my concerns and that I was praying for her. I thought we should all try to do better.
Much to my surprise I received an email in return that was so negative and hurtful. Of course I retaliated with a few jabs of my own. I'm not very good at holding my tongue. Now that I am looking back over my SS notes I see something else that is so fitting. The question was asked, "How do you handle conflict?" My answer this time would be not very well at all. I'm sorry I said a few ugly things, but sometimes we deal with pain by being angry. Not saying this is right, but it happens.
I tried to follow what I learned-I declared my concerns and seeked to strengthen, but the negativity I received was extremely hurtful. I shouldn't have said the things that I did, but this person has ALWAYS been able to get under my skin. I am sure everyone knows someone like that.
I'll just start over with step one...Approach Courageously in Prayer and follow the biblical truth-Christians can seek and develop skills to improve relationships that are lacking. I really hope it all works out. I've prayed for this person for years.
9.06.2010
Memorial Service
I had to cut my post short yesterday. My little walker is keeping me very busy!
On Saturday morning Brett and I dropped Everly off at his parents and headed north to my parents' house. I knew there would be lots of things that my mom needed help with and we were all in unchartered territory. Not to mention just being in the place where my dad passed away. We handled the business that needed to be taken care of and through this I once again was reminded what a strong, caring husband I am blessed with.
My dad was buried in Kentucky where we are from, but as we found out after his death, he had so many friends and acquaintances from work that wanted to pay their respects and honor dad. My brother-in-law and dad have worked at several of the same companies. He helped alot too, by calling various people. As both my husband and BIL talked on the phone they both were asked about a memorial service in Alabama. It was late Saturday afternoon when we decided that we must have a memorial service. We wanted to honor dad and have a way for his friends and co-workers to pay their respects. My brother-in-law talked with the pastor at our childhood church and we were allowed to have a memorial service there the next day (Sunday) at 1:00 pm....less than 24 hours away. My sister and I went into action mode and started gathering pictures. This is all while talking to my aunt on the phone, many, many times (thank you Aunt Gaynell) and trying to make decisions about my dad's funeral and getting him transported to Kentucky.
I know my strength only came from one place, the Lord. I stayed up until 3:30 (and if you know me I NEED my sleep) working on the slideshow. It was by no means perfect, but I think it did the job. It showed Daddy with his family and doing the things he loved. My sister was talking about music that our Dad loved and Nickelback was one of the bands she mentioned. So the slideshow had music from Nickelback, Luther Vandross, and Mercy Me. I never would have imagined that I would ever do a Google search "music for memorial services". That is where I found the Mercy Me song. I like them, but I had never heard this particular song before. It's called "Homesick". Now I play it when I need a good cry. It is a beautiful song and is very meaningful.
The memorial service was a beautiful celebration of dad's life. The church was full of people that loved him and our family. I wasn't sure how the turn out would be since we just decided to have the service less than 24 hours before. I was so glad to see my best friends. These girls have been through it all with me. My sister, Susie and I read some thoughts that we wrote. I still have mine and maybe I will post those later. Mr. Headley also spoke. Our family appreciates the overwhelming support we've received from our family, friends, and my dad's co-workers. He has been gone for a month today and we miss him greatly. He was the glue in our family.
On Saturday morning Brett and I dropped Everly off at his parents and headed north to my parents' house. I knew there would be lots of things that my mom needed help with and we were all in unchartered territory. Not to mention just being in the place where my dad passed away. We handled the business that needed to be taken care of and through this I once again was reminded what a strong, caring husband I am blessed with.
My dad was buried in Kentucky where we are from, but as we found out after his death, he had so many friends and acquaintances from work that wanted to pay their respects and honor dad. My brother-in-law and dad have worked at several of the same companies. He helped alot too, by calling various people. As both my husband and BIL talked on the phone they both were asked about a memorial service in Alabama. It was late Saturday afternoon when we decided that we must have a memorial service. We wanted to honor dad and have a way for his friends and co-workers to pay their respects. My brother-in-law talked with the pastor at our childhood church and we were allowed to have a memorial service there the next day (Sunday) at 1:00 pm....less than 24 hours away. My sister and I went into action mode and started gathering pictures. This is all while talking to my aunt on the phone, many, many times (thank you Aunt Gaynell) and trying to make decisions about my dad's funeral and getting him transported to Kentucky.
I know my strength only came from one place, the Lord. I stayed up until 3:30 (and if you know me I NEED my sleep) working on the slideshow. It was by no means perfect, but I think it did the job. It showed Daddy with his family and doing the things he loved. My sister was talking about music that our Dad loved and Nickelback was one of the bands she mentioned. So the slideshow had music from Nickelback, Luther Vandross, and Mercy Me. I never would have imagined that I would ever do a Google search "music for memorial services". That is where I found the Mercy Me song. I like them, but I had never heard this particular song before. It's called "Homesick". Now I play it when I need a good cry. It is a beautiful song and is very meaningful.
The memorial service was a beautiful celebration of dad's life. The church was full of people that loved him and our family. I wasn't sure how the turn out would be since we just decided to have the service less than 24 hours before. I was so glad to see my best friends. These girls have been through it all with me. My sister, Susie and I read some thoughts that we wrote. I still have mine and maybe I will post those later. Mr. Headley also spoke. Our family appreciates the overwhelming support we've received from our family, friends, and my dad's co-workers. He has been gone for a month today and we miss him greatly. He was the glue in our family.
9.05.2010
I've been dreading...
this post. On the date of my last post, August 6th my dad passed away completely unexpectedly. He was alone at home. So many random things have run through my mind about that dreadful night. I've always used this blog as a family journal that I share with my friends, family, and maybe a few strangers. This is the hardest thing I've had to go through. I hate to live in the past, but their memories nonetheless. Odd things about that day...(they'll probably seem ridiculous to you, but once again this is a journal for our family).
- I love to go to Happy Hour at Sonic. Everly and I went that afternoon before coming over to Pop and Gimme's. As I waited for my drink I saw a crow from my rearview mirror. I do not like birds...especially crows. I think it's something to do with the Alfred Hitchcock movie, The Birds. Anyway, I moved so the bird would not be in my line of vision...the bird moved too. I know it's weird, but it was even weirder for me to see one in the Sonic parking lot.
- I called my parents house as I drove to Opp. I didn't leave a message...and I always leave a message. I often think to myself...what would have happened if I did...would Daddy have called me back and told me that his chest hurt. Would I have called 911 and sent them to his house? I know that is purely torchering myself, but I can't help it.
Some other feelings I've had...
- My sister, Susie and I planned on talking to my dad about salvation...but we didn't. We kept putting it off. You see in my family, we don't talk about feelings. It's just something that didn't happen.
- My dad and I weren't on the best of terms when he passed away. I was selfish. I know he did the things he did out of the goodness of his heart...not as a jab to me. It just felt that way and I never talked to him about it. I had not talked to my dad in over a month. Yes, bad I know. I felt so much guilt for this for many days, but I have peace about that now. Only the Lord could have taken these feelings away from my heart. I know I have a purpose. I know my dad loved me and he knew I loved him. I know he was proud of me and I hope my future actions will be the same.
The best news throughout this event came at my dad's memorial service. The preacher, Mr. Headley shared news that my dad was saved. After hearing this news my strength came.
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