Happy 30th Birthday to Ryan

I am very blessed with two wonderful sons(in-laws)and one of them has turned the BIG "30" today. Thank you, Ryan for being such a wonderful husband to our daughter, father to our grandchildren and brother to our children. We love you!

Pictures of the Past

Sara wanted me to post some pictures of she and Summer in the dresses that Meme made. So here they are(didn't want Luke and Samuel to feel left out so here are a few of them)

From one pumpkin to another!!!!!!!

A woman was asked by a coworker,
'What is it like to be a Christian?'

The coworker replied, 'It is like being a pumpkin.'
God picks you from the patch, brings you in,
And washes all the dirt off of you.
Then He cuts off the top and scoops out all the yucky stuff.
He removes the seeds of doubt, hate, and greed.
Then He carves you a new smiling face and
Puts His light inside of you to shine for all the world to see.'

This was passed on to me by another pumpkin.
Now it's your turn to pass it to other pumpkins.

I liked this enough to send it to all the pumpkins in my patch.

A Very Enjoyable Day-despite the outcome of the game!!

On Saturday Norman and I went with another couple to the Auburn/TN game. The weather was perfect for football. The couple we went with has a daughter who is a freshman at Auburn so we went by to see her dorm room and had a nice lunch with her at the famous Moma Goldberg's Deli. It was good but very crowded. Once we got our food we ate across the street underneath a nice shade tree. We then walked down to the corner of Roosevelt and something where the Tiger Walk takes place. The band came from all 4 streets and met at the corner where the drum major led them in serval numbers including the Auburn fight song. I love a marching band. After that we met up with the couple who got us our tickets. A very nice couple who both graduated from Auburn. We had great seats and because they were scholarship donors we were able to get our refreshments for free. We got to see the eagle fly in and around the stadium and enjoyed singing God Bless America along with the other 87,000 people there. Where else in the USA can you do that? Then we all sang the National Anthem. We do live in a great country!!!! It was a very enjoybale day.

G3 Pizza

On Friday I made my favorite pizza-Gorgonzola Guacamole Greek Pizza. I use a toasted whole wheat tortilla shell for the crust. Next I mash up 1 small ripe avacodo with a little salt and pepper and spread it on the crust. Then I chop up a tomato and sprinkle it on. Next I add some thinly sliced pieces of red onion, a tablespoon of gorgonzola cheese and some craisins. You can add 2 pieces of crumbled crisp ready to serve bacon. Then I bake it for about 5 mins. just to get it nice and warm. It makes a very colorful meal. For WW people its only 5 points!

Our Weekend

We had a special treat this weekend, a visit from Sara. She got in town around 6:00 on Friday evening. We met for a catfish/chicken liver dinner at Henderson's. When we got back to the house she and I got busy downstairs doing some measuring and planning for their up coming move into their house in Valdosta. She was up and off by 8 for breakfast with Samuel and then on to the airport to pick up Igor, an interpreter from Ukraine. We missed seeing Ryan and the children but hope it won't be long before we can all get together. Oh and on Friday night we get a call from Chesed. She is on her way to Summer's and needs a few directions. I give her what she needs and hang up. In a little bit she calls back and seems that Patrick has left his directions at home and he, too, needs some directions. CAN WE SAY THIS IS A MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN ALREADY OR WHAT?????? On Saturday we spent most of the day resting and doing the WEEKLY laundry. I did get up and fix us two Lean Cuisines for supper. Yum Yum. Sunday we attended church @ North Atlanta which is always a treat. The lady in front on us was from Bradford, Tn. Can you believe that??? After church we met Summer, Josh, Luke, Chesed and Patrick for lunch. We were excited to get to met and greet this Patrick fellow(some people were not sure what his name was..Summer called him Eric and Norman called him Matthew)that we have been hearing sooooooo much about. He was very good natured about all that, thank goodness. Yes, we do agree they are definitely SMITTEN!!! Is that polictically correct? He has our vote!! Now is that for a husband or President of the USA?????(Chesed as first lady?) Anyway, it sounds like May will be the month of marriages!!! We are excited for both of them. After a delicious meal (Max and Erma's again-those chocolate chip cookies are soooo worth the drive) and a little fellowship, Norman and I headed off to an Estate Sale-half price today. We did find some deals which will be delivered tomorrow. We went by the hospital to visit our new friend Kate who is in therapy there recovering from an Acquired Brain Injury. We could not believe the how much more alert she was this time. It had been 3 weeks since we had seen her. She reached her hand out to Norman and made eye contact with me. She is not speaking yet but we are praising God for this progress. Her stay @ Shepherds as been extended which is a good sign. Next we made a stop to look at a used washer and dryer we had seen advertised in the paper. The people were very nice and we enjoyed visiting with them. They lived in a high-rise condo on Peachtree. The view was gorgeous and the washer and dryer had only been used about 8 times. It will be perfect for Sara and Ryan. Needless to say, by the time we got home we were pretty pooped. It is late and I must go to bed for Monday will be here shortly. Hope everyone has a wonderful week.

Labor Day(a little late)

I forgot about these pictures that we took during our visit to the panhandle for Labor Day. We enjoyed a nice quiet meal on the bayou in Niceville with Ma, Papa,and Aunt Sarah.

Life's Lessons and the Eliptical

You know things are rather quiet around my house and there is plenty of time for pondering. Some of this is done on my eliptical. I would like to share some of my pondering thoughts...
*First of all my eliptical machine is located upstairs and unless I get up, go upstairs and actually get on my eliptical it will not do me any good whatsoever. My Bible is located on my night stand and unless I get up, open and read it, it will not do me any good either.



*Here is a picture of one of my routines. It has some easy parts and some that are not so easy. The more difficult parts make me stronger physically. The more diffcult times in life make me stronger spiritually.
*The routine I am working on now is 30 minutes. Sometimes I get on and I start pedaling fast, thinking the faster I pedal the faster I will get finished but it is 30 minutes no matter how fast I pedal. In fact, when I get to the hard parts if I am still pedaling fast a flashing light will come on and say, SLOW DOWN! SLOW DOWN! How very true with life...when things get difficult in life we need to SLOW DOWN, be still and seek God's wisdom.
*In order to get through the more difficult parts of my exercise routine I have to take one part at a time. I can't focus on what is still left to do or I become overwhelmed. Sound familiar... One day at a time or maybe even one hour at a time on somedays.
*Most of the time I hold onto the movable handles to get the full benefit but sometimes I need to lean on the stationary handles just to get through the more difficult part. Ever need to lean on someone during the tough times?? I sure do and I am thankful for all of you who so graciously let me lean, who listen to me, who encourage me, who hold me up when I cannot stand alone.
*Everyone's life has its ups and downs. You may look at someone and think, "Boy, they sure have it all together," only to find out later they have struggles, too.

These are just a few things I have learned from my eliptical.
And here are a few verses that I have found that have blessed me...

Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to Him, for God is our refuge. Psalms 62:8


I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. Jeremiah 31:25

But I will call to God, and the Lord saves me. Evening, morning and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. He ransoms me unharmed from the battle waged against me, even though many oppose me. Psalms 55:16-18

Supper with Samuel

Thursday night I was in town so I text Samuel to see if he would like to meet me for supper on his way home from work. He said yes. Summer had suggested a place called Max and Erma's. I got there first and got a table (although it was not all that crowded). Samuel arrived in his new suit, dress shirt and tie!!!! He looked so handsome and professional but of course, I forgot to get a picture!!!! Hopefully, we will we able to meet again soon and I will be sure to get a snapshot. It is always so good to spend time with him. Oh and guess what??? Samuel picked up the tab. Thanks, Samuel it was delicious and I look forward to meeting you again soon.

**Let me recommend the tortilla soup and the delicious HOT chocolate chip cookies!

Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary troubles are acheiving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16

We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed, perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8

A Visit From Luke

On Thursday Luke came over after work. He was coming to take Norman for a colonoscopy on Friday but Norman's scope was canceled(after he had fasted all day). He and Norman enjoyed pork ribs, broccoli, sweet potato, fried okra, sliced tomatoes, creamed corn, deviled eggs, watermelon, cornbread, sweet tea, blackberry cobbler and ice cream. I think it was the first time the oven/stove had been used since my personal chef moved out 3 weeks ago. It still works and I realized I had not forgotten how to cook. We enjoyed visiting and by 9:30 both guys were sacked out. Today Norman and Luke enjoyed the day in and out of the canoe on a local creek. When I got home they were just getting out of the water. Luke stayed for my guacamole pizza and a little dreaded Fasfa paperwork for school. Before he left I decided I needed to get a picture for my blog. His quote was, "I just wish one time I could come without having to pose for a picture." As you can see I ignored that comment and was able to eventually get a smile out of him. Love you, Luke and thanks for coming. It was the highlight of our week!

And the Winner Is....

Michael Phelps Norman...
Was all smiles as he posed for a picture with his Olympic Gold Medal. As you can see he was trying to add some healthy foods to his 12,000 calorie diet. His trainer has reduced his caloric intake to around 2000. Coming soon a slimmer/trimmer/swimmer.

A Quote from a Great Olympian

Triumph cannot be had without the struggle.
Wilma Rudolph

Mark Spitz - Look a Like

Who is that good looking woman standing next to Mark Spitz??


There has been much talk in the news about Michael Phelps breaking the WR for gold medals. Most of my readers will not remember whose record he is breaking but here in our house hold we remember the OTHER record holder. His name is Mark Spitz and back in the day everyone thought Norman was his LOOK A LIKE. People would walk up to him in the mall or on the street and say, "Hey aren't you Mark Spitz???" Thought I would let you decide for yourself which is which....

New Tennis Shoes

As many of you know I have been trying to exercise. All summer I have been faithful at using my eliptical, most weeks daily. I had always heard that after a while it gets easier and you really want to do this. However, this was not the case for me. It was really hard for me to get through a 30 minute routine. So my personnel trainer, Summer, suggested that I alternate eliptical/walking. I think she called it crossed training. Monday I did the eliptical and Tuesday I WALKED (not ran) around my neighborhood. Wednesday my legs and buttocks were so sore I could hardly walk. I went ahead and did the eliptical which did not bother me as much. I called my trainer to complain about the soreness in my legs and butt. She suggested new tennis shoes. Thus, THE NEW TENNIS SHOES. I tried them out today hoping that this will do the trick and remove some of this soreness. Life without house guest is SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO exciting. I think I will go dust the furniture now. Ha Ha.

Weekend in Valdosta

On Saturday I was able to ride down with Summer to Valdosta. It was sooooo good to see the little grans, Sara, Ryan and the Jacksons. We had fun in the pool with the children, ate a delicious meal and walked around Dasher for a photo scavenger hunt. Part of the scavenger hunt included a trip to the cemetery where the boys had to find a tombstone with a name that began with the first letter of their names. They enjoyed looking around and we enjoyed a beautiful sunset. Walking through Dasher you always get to see people out and about, this evening was no different. It was great to visit with old friends as we made our walk around the block. Sunday we had a great day as well worshipping at Central and visiting with more friends. Several of us met at Rodeo's Mexican Restaurant for lunch(don't recommend this place but the fellowship was such a pleasure, seeing our kids all grown up) Sara, Summer and I then attended a baby shower for Kristin. She is so precious!!! It was like a family reunion with lots of laughter and catching up on all the latest news from "the Dasher net". We headed back home around 4:30. We stopped and ate @ Zaxbys and enjoyed a little cheesecake, too. It was delicious!!!(sorry Josh and Luke but think of all the calories we saved you from eating) It was so good to see everyone. We miss Sara, Ryan and the children so much but know they are having soooo much fun there getting reconnected with so many friends. We are truly thankful for the blessings of all these wonderful people. Today I was in training all day and this afternoon I came in an took a long nap.

Happy Birthday, Meme

A very Happy Birthday to Meme. She is a wonderful mother and grandmother to all of us. She is loving and kind. I am so very blessed to have her as my mother-in-law. She has been a helper and an encourager to me from the first day I met her and I love her very much. Happy Birthday, Meme.

Happy Birthday, Luke and a BIG Congratulations!!!!

I am a little late with these birthday/congratulations wishes. Twenty-six years ago on August 6, Luke Judson entered our family. He has been a blessing to all who have had the privilege of meeting him. He is smart, funny, compassionate and kind. I thank God for the privilege of being his mother. The day before his birthday he received word that he had been accepted to St. George University Medical School in Grenada. We are all so excited for him and will continue to pray for him as he begins his studies to become a great physician. God bless and keep you, Luke, in his care. I love you. MOM

Happy Birthday, Brenda (Auntie)

This summer my sister and I hiked up the Noland Divide Trail. This trail was not your typical some up and down areas, it was straight up for about 6 miles. It was not an easy hike for two 50+++ ers but because we had each other encouraging one another along the way, we made it. We were so proud. The view was magnificent. I am thankful I have a sister that encourages me not just on hikes but throughout life. Happy Birthday, Brenda! I love you.

B-BEAUTIFUL- She is beautiful inside and out.

R-REAL-She is honest and truthful.

E-ENERGTIC-She requires very little sleep and yet she keeps on going.

N-NATURAL-She is herself.

D-DEVOTED-She is devoted to God and her family.

A-AMAZING AUNT-Auntie loves all of her neices and nephews very much.

Empty Nest Again

This is them leaving last Thursday

This picture was made shortly after they moved in Dec 05
A little over 2 and a half years ago my empty nest was filled with three little ones, a momma and a daddy. I knew then that their stay would be temporary but I didn't realize just how quickly the time would pass. It was a time of learning and growing. We learned how to talk, climb stairs, ride bikes, swim, read, write, add and subtract. We learned how to play basketball, baseball and soccer. We learned to feed ourselves and use the potty. We lost teeth, finished kindergarten and first grade. We had a baby sister. We grew and grew and grew!!! We had bubble baths, movies and popcorn. We had birthday parties, hid Easter eggs and went trick or treating. We went to the zoo, Stone Mountain, the Children's Museum and Centennial Park. We visited Aunt Summer, Uncle Josh, Uncle Luke and Uncle Samuel. We played in the snow and watched it hail. We built forts and played with Legos. How very blessed I have been to be able to share this special time with my grandchildren. God Bless You All in our new adventure. I love you! GRAN

Amy's Wedding

On Saturday Summer, Josh, Norman and I drove to Chickamagua, Ga for the wedding of Amy, a dear friend of ours. We have been friends with her family for some 20 years. We met when Samuel was just a toddler. It was a very sweet wedding and Amy was all smiles. Her brother Kyle performed the ceremony so that made it extra special. Her husband is a Tennessee graduate so we know he is a GREAT guy. Here are a few pictures of the wedding celebration.

Happy Anniversary, Meme and Papa