Beverly, Use Your Words

Shelby

2011-11-06T15:56:00.003-06:00

My sweet Shelby girl went to doggie heaven on October 20, 2011. I have not been able to write about it.
She was my velcro dog. At home, she was right by me....always! It has been very lonely without her.
I miss her so much.

Soccer Saturday!

2011-09-26T13:56:00.002-05:00

I went to Forrest's soccer game Saturday. The weather
was beautiful. They played as well as they could since,
as Kevin said, they were playing 5 foot first and second
graders!!!

I had to get this picture since it was The Space Shuttle!
Kevin and I loved the Space Shuttle launches when he
was a kid, and now his kid was playing on one!

Forrest Is Seven!! Amy is One Year Older and I am Well, 64!!!

2011-09-18T11:59:00.008-05:00

Max disigned a Lego Happy Birthday for us!

Forrest and the Sponge Bob cake!

His party was at Laser Quest....He loves that game!
Q-Bert was the big winner that day!

I give you Q-Bert. Little boys never grow up! aka Uncle Brian

We three with our cakes.....thanks Aunt Shannon!!!!

Happy Birthday 2011

2011-08-16T10:58:00.003-05:00

The Birthday Tradition.....
The indulge me this moment...
The Birthday Photo!!!

My boys have had another birthday! They share a birthday, but, are not twins.
When they were younger, and Brian was noticeably older, when we mentioned
their shared birthday, I was amazed that people would think they were
twins. Now, that they COULD be confused as twins.....no questions.

Max played Happy Birthday
on the iPhone while we sang.....

Vacation 2011

2011-08-11T11:31:00.002-05:00

I am not a timely blogger. I went to the beach in July,
and have been meaning to post about it. Where does
the time go?

My baby son....haha. Well, he is! Not one for pictures, but, he
agreed to one shot! No makeup for me....it's the Beach!!
I still love it, mostly standing so close to my baby!

My beautiful DIL....relaxing in the
afternoon on the beach!

Lily examing a shell...she loves to find
shells, but, not as much a her mom.

Forrest after playing in the sand all day...
He got too much sun...

A beach visitor...Lily wanted to walk
right up to him. I did get a picture
of her fairly close to him.....

Lily is Nine!

2011-06-24T13:53:00.004-05:00

Lily recently celebrated her ninth birthday. It was a
celebration spread out over several days. It was
a rite of passage for her in that she finally
got her ears pierced. It was a family affair and both
grandmothers held her hands; while her parents, well,
her mother mostly, teared up in the background.

She is so much a big girl now. No longer are there
princesses in her life. Pink the color is out! She is
a Taylor Swift and that dude Justin fan.....So, for
her birthday, I got her tickets to a Taylor Swift
concert. So, it begins....Of course, her mom and
I will be going with her.....

She is still a little girl deep down. Her present
from Mom and Dad was a new bike. She
still has many paths to ride down before
she is grown.....oh, so many!

T-Ball 2011

2011-06-09T13:13:00.003-05:00

Forrest has been playing T-Ball this spring/summer.
I always love, love to go to games; from my boys to my grandkids!
From the smile on his face, I think he loves the
games too!

My pictures and my thoughts are always
out of whack...At the end of the game,
they do the "Good game handshake"!
I love this part, too....

The end of the season ice cream....
He and Melody like this part....

Now, an action shot.
He runs for Home Plate....
He made it! Yah!

The Trophy! Today is the last game
of the season...I am going to
be so sad....

My Boys

2011-05-29T17:50:00.006-05:00

I took the boys to the Botanic Gardens for a night of Wizardry.

We met a Wand maker. Forrest got a cherry one, and Max a Walnut one. Forrest can make
people tell the truth, while Max can control the weather...

We learned about potions, like swamp fog, lightening in a bottle, and dragon's blood. Forrest mixes some potions.

My fav was Lightening in a Bottle. In fact, I sprayed it all over
the place as I opened it. The boys laughed and said my potions exploded.....

They really are up in the house. I just thought
it was a neat house...in The Big Backyard!

Forrest....I swear he had fun!

These boys are not crazy about the camera
tonight....

The flowers were pretty, too!

Congratulations Forrest!!!

2011-05-21T11:17:00.003-05:00

Forrest graduated from kindergarden yesterday.
His mom, also, his teacher, and he were very happy!

He celebrated by having a huge slice of pizza from the
Trolley Stop.

Meme is very proud of you.....

Ballet and Russian Tea

2011-05-18T18:42:00.008-05:00

After the ballet, there was a Russian tea. All the little ballet girls had tea. I liked the tea server....

Waiting for tea...

Lily and Callie....

Backstage....

After ballet, it is tradition to go to Huey's. We blow all the social graces aside,
and try to blow the toothpicks into the ceiling. A Huey's tradition!

One last picture with Meme....this may be her last year at Ballet....

The Flood and Booker T. Washington

2011-05-11T18:14:00.000-05:00

This is the picture I posted last week of the school there in the Mississippi River....well, the Harbor actually....The back of the school was sandbagged. Just in case.....

Well, just in case happened! Here is what it is like now. The river has crested at just under 48 feet. That is just short of the record set back in 1927 I think....This pic is a copy of one by Jamie Harmon....

There is some good news here in Memphis town.... President Obama selected Booker T. Washington High School to speak at their graduation! They participated in a contest with other high schools and made it to the top three. Then the President choose them. They have worked hard the past few years and I am very proud of them. The percentage of seniors graduating went from 55% to over 80%....Now, their hard work is being rewarded....

Flooding 2011

2011-05-04T12:38:00.005-05:00

The Mighty Mississippi is showing how mighty it can be. It is inching itself
into the lives and homes of many along it's path.

Here we are a few weeks ago, listening to music during The Regatta. In fact we are listening
to the famous Bob Dorough, of School House Rock fame, playing in the school
amphitheatre. Now look at the picture below. This is what it looked like yesterday....

Yesterday some parents, teachers, and students helped fill
sandbags to offer protection from the Mightly Mississippi!

Max is Ten!!!

2011-05-03T08:52:00.004-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAX!!!!
You were a perfect ten on the day you were born;
and you still are.
Especially to me!!!

American Values

2011-05-02T12:32:00.005-05:00

I saw this today and really had a good feeling....hope you enjoy it....
It was from Rhodes College.

GRIZZZ!!!

2011-05-01T14:53:00.002-05:00

I was able to rally and cheer the Grizzlies to a win over the Thunder 114-101. I don't know how I did it, but, I did!!!

A Busy Friday

2011-04-30T12:54:00.003-05:00

One of my friends had a party to watch The Royal Wedding. I almost didn't make it as I overslept. I came flying in the door just as she was walking into the Abbey. It was fun! Hearing everyone's commentary on the "goings on" was interesting. I could tell just from remembering my wedding(s), that Catherine needed a drink of whiskey, I mean water...

We had some wedding cake, too.

I wore a fascinator, too!

There was a Princess Bride or two there as well.

The attendees were spellbound....there was not a dry eye in the house...

Last night, I watched The Memphis Grizzlies beat The San Antonio Spurs and win the First Round of Western Conference.
I sat in my chair with my son and grandson, and my neice and nephew"s pictures on Facebook beside me, and cheered like a crazy person.... After the game as I was recapping it all in my mind, I seriously wondered if I will be recovered enough to watch them again tomorrow. I am going to have to rest up!

I could not forget as I went to bed, and said my prayers, to remember all those affected by the tornadoes in the South. I watch the news coverage with shock, as I think of how I was gathering in my safe place, for those same storms as they rolled through Memphis. The main part of the storm went just south of us, to head into Mississippi, Alabama, and on. I counted my blessings...

Rising Waters

2011-04-28T09:50:00.002-05:00

Max climbing by the ever rising Mississippi River.
The water usually is "way back there".
I could not believe it to see it in person.

The wind was very strong, even for river standards...
We only stayed a few minutes...

Ginger

2011-04-22T18:35:00.003-05:00

I was just sitting at home minding my own business. The doorbell rings. It is one of my neighbors and she asks if I know anything about the dog in the middle of the street. No, I didn't know it at all. We go out and call for her, she comes slowly. We grab her, and of course she had a collar, but, no name on it....The neighbor said she could not stay as she had to get to class for an exam. So, there I stand, with a stray dog, and no idea what to do with her...She is placed in my back yard. There is only one thing troubling...

This little girl is my main concern....and she was not happy! Still, I was really liking this new girl. She was clean and well fed; she had not been on the street long. She was someone's dog. Somebody was missing their dog. How was I to find them? I sent an e-mail to our neighborhood group, called rescue groups, and nothing. Meanwhile, the day was moving on, so I got one of Shelby's big beds and settled the dog down for the night on the screened in backporch. She curled up and snuggled in. It was tearing my heart up. She was such a sweet dog, she would run all around me when I was outside, and race me to the back door, then sit down and not force her way in. She would sit at the door and look in, wanting to come in, and furrow her brows. Man, it was killing me! I called my vet and asked them for help. They were so nice. They told me to bring her in, which I did. The good girl sat very nicely in the back seat all the way to the vet. She was so happy. Several days pass and still no owner calls. The vet
knows someone who might want her. If not, I did not know what was going to happen. I teared up so many times...what was I going to do? Thankfully, before anyone could decide to take the dog, I got a phone call from the owner....her name was Ginger, and she was an escape artist. The owner had just moved in the neighborhood and Ginger bolted....all the way to my house. I did not get to tell her goodby, but, that is ok. Ginger sat beside the owners son all evening. That was enough for me. Ginger was home!!!!

Regatta 2011

2011-04-17T12:10:00.003-05:00

Some photos of the Regatta this week....For the Wacky Boat Race, they start out with one big sheet of cardboard and make a boat to race in the pond. It was quite cold and cloudy at the start but the day ended up very beautiful....

April 1968

2011-04-04T17:55:00.001-05:00

The place was Memphis Tennessee. The date was April 1968. Martin Luther King was in town for the sanitation workers strike. Times were different then, they were called garbage men. There was unrest in the city. Violence erupted between the supporters of the sanitation workers and the police. How did this affect me? I was a senior student nurse at the time. We were sent to help in the overflowing emergency rooms. I walked into this situation and was immediately overwhelmed. There were injured people everywhere, in wheelchairs, on stretchers. They were bleeding and moaning. I was terrified. Nurses threw IV fluid bottles and tubing at me and told me to get them ready to hang. That meant I would prime the fluid through the tubing all the while not contaminating it. i have no idea how I did it, but, I did. I was then sent to assist a resident who was suturing a black man's head. I was in shock. I remember standing there, I may have helped the doctor, I probably did whatever he asked, but, I was horrified. As I stood there, I realized the doctor did not use anesthesia on the man's head. He was crying out and I was holding his hand, but, the doctor kept sewing. When the doctor finished with this poor man's head, he was going to suture his ear. It was cut very badly. The man started begging the doctor not to, to just leave it. He could not take the pain of having the ear sutured without deadening his ear! I think I was about to faint myself. The doctor said he would give him the deadening. I cannot imagine this happening today. I would like to think there are no longer people who think like that resident. We have come a long way. Thankfully.....

Exercise Class

2011-03-27T15:14:00.003-05:00

I have recently started exercising every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at Christ United Methodist Church. Today the church recognized the contribution of the Athletic Department and its ministry to all who are involved. I gathered with my fellow exercisers. The lady I sat with, who is at exercise every time I go, who does the steps, boxing, the whole shebang, is going to be 90 years old in a few days. She was a joy to talk to. She still teaches yoga every week at her home. We had refreshments afterward, but, she could not join us because she had to go pick up several people and drive them to church at St. Mary's downtown....Now that is what I want to be like when I grow up and am 90 years old......

Spring Break 2010

2011-03-19T14:33:00.003-05:00

Stuffed animals! All three of my grandchildren love them! Shannon invited us over to make our own. Even Amy got in on the action. Each child picked their design and material. As we all sat around the table I suddenly understood why older people long ago liked sewing together. It was nice just being together!

Forrest's Words

2011-03-05T08:22:00.003-06:00

When I was trying to think of a name for my blog, I thought of Forrest, my youngest grandson. When he was about two years old, he really didn't have time to talk, he got by with pointing, or holding up his hands for you to pick him up. His mother would tell him to use his words.....so, my name for the blog was born. I wanted to use my words. So...skip ahead several years and I find that Forrest not knowingly uses his words, but, he is quite wise. All the while making us smile, even downright laugh....

Facebook has changed the way I stay connected with all my friends that I do not see often. I also hear the everyday, yet priceless things my grandchildren say. TMI alert. Forrest told his dad that diarrhea was just like regular pooping, just faster! That cracked me up. I had never made it anywhere near that simple....

The other night I ate breakfast for dinner at Kevin and Amy's. We were talking about Harry Potter. I mentioned that as Lily and I watched HP3, I noticed how the actor playing Hermione was growing and developing, if you get my drift. Lily noticed too, and leaned close to me and whispered "Hermione's got boobies"!!!!! I told her yes I noticed that too. Kevin and Amy were talking about how in the third movie, the actors wore teenager street clothes some instead of their robes.....All of a sudden Forrest proclaims, "Hey, why are people talking about a movie that a person is this room has not seen yet"? He sounded so much like his dad, who did not to hear about the books or movies he has not finished. I thought he definitely feels comfortable using his words now....

Worth The Wait!!!!

2011-02-28T19:49:00.002-06:00

I finally got to walk
The Green Line! Max called
and asked if I wanted
to go. I said YES!!!! It was
wonderful!

Basketball

2011-02-22T08:37:00.004-06:00

Forrest with his Basketball Trophy. After the last game on Saturday,
it was time for donuts and handing out of the trophy.
They all gave 100%, so everyone got a trophy! I so enjoy
going to their games. It must be something about
remembering the games of his dad and uncle.

Couch Jamal giving a pre-game briefing. If you notice the
girl power right in the middle of this talk.... She is the
only girl on the team. I wanted to give her a blogger
High Five!

Family Ties

2011-02-14T11:21:00.003-06:00

February 13, 1895 Yesterday was Mama Gooch's birthday! I wanted to write about this yesterday, but, I was with Mama Gooch's family. Lacie Elma Simmons Gooch was the sweetest grandmother ever! She was the matriarch of our wonderful family. Last night at dinner I told her Great-Great Grandson Jack all about the table he now uses as an art table. It is the table we all used to sit around and share many a meal, and many of our life stories. I just wanted to bring that memory to all my family who might read this....

Grinding Memphis to a Screeching Halt

2011-02-08T12:58:00.003-06:00

Another snowfall is coming...

It cancelled Max's piano recital
Now it wants to cancel Lily's

Normally I love the snow
Why don't I now?

A Visit Home

2011-02-05T08:51:00.003-06:00

I went home this week. While I was
there I was treated to home cooked
meals. All I had to do was help set
the table and help clear the table.
Time moves very slowly there.
One special treat for me was a
visit my brother and I made to
our aunt and uncle. She is the one
who inspired me to be a nurse.
I loved her soft, caring voice and
gentle manner. He worked at the
sawmill with my grandfather and
my mother. He calls me Bevie.
He used to eat lunch with us
every day. He is almost 94 years
old (we have good genes). He
showed me how he exercises
in his chair and lifts weights
every day. He tells me he still
feels like forty or fifty years
old.

Spring In January

2011-01-30T11:32:00.010-06:00

Lily called me on Thursday night asking if she could
have a sleepover on Friday. I picked her up from school
and the adventure began. The weather was warmer
and the masses came out. First the yogurt shop
for a treat.

It was warm outside so Friday and
Saturday we went to her trees.

Saturday morning bright and early
we went to Forrest's Basketball
game. They are just learning the
basics of the game...(a lot of running
without dribbling, stealing the ball
from your own team mate). They had
fun though....

It was then time to take
her home, the family wanted
to take in some of the warm
January weather before the cold
returns.
Kevin and Forrest start out on the Green Line. This is a rails to trails
that one day will go from the Mississippi River across Shelby County.
It is amazing how many people are there. You had hop on the trails
at most roads that it crosses. This is one close to Kevin and Amy's house.

The family start off on their ride east over the Wolf River. There is a bridge
they will ride over to continue their journey. I want to walk it,
but, have not done so yet. I want to very much,
and I will one of these days.

I was sad to see them ride off. I wanted to go too, but,
knew my old feet could not keep up!

Mr. Smiling Man

2011-01-26T17:41:00.003-06:00

I always try to smile and say hello....especially if I see a smile coming my way. So. today was no exception as I walked into Davis Kidd. I had some time to kill before my doctor's appointment, so I was looking forward just browsing the isles of books and magazines. I walked past a man sitting on a bench by the history books. He gave me a big smile that seemed to linger too long, but, I smiled right back and went on my way. I am in the fiction books and hear an employee asking a man if he needs help. He says no, but, everyone seems to be asking me that question. They laugh and I look up. It is my Smiling Man from when I walked in. He starts to walk by me, stops and says, "Do you need any help?" I laugh and say no. He comes back to me and offered his hand and tells me his name. I tell him mine, but, he does not let go of my hand. Finally he lets go and I look back at the books. He said something about a class he just got out of at Starbucks on connecting with people. I smile again and look at the books again. He is not getting the hint, and talks about my genuine smile. I am beginning to be "creeped out". He finally leaves, but, I do not feel like browsing anymore. I pay for my purchase and leave. Well, yes sir, Mr. Smiling Man was parked in front of me and waves real big and says, "Hello Beverly!" I smile and wave, got in my car, locked the door and skedaddled out of there!!!!

Flowers Not Found in Nature

2011-01-23T11:11:00.006-06:00

I have been trying to figure out why I have no creative talent...Why did creativity pass me by?
By that, I mean, many of those in my family have it, why not me?
I will share with you the talented.....My grandfather PawPaw, my brother Bobby, my Aunt Helon,
Uncle Tommy, Cousin Dan, Uncle Tommy's grandson Samuel,
my wonderfully talented two sons Brian and Kevin...Folks, that is a lot of talent.
But, I have learned to live with it, knowing there is probably
something I can do that these other talented people cannot...What, you may ask?
I don't know....I was determined to find some talent, somewhat like Grandma Moses did.
So, I eagerly signed up for a Paint Party....and dragged my co-granny Patty along.

This was the first thing the teacher had us do....slap some paint all over the canvas.
Man, it was hard to do....really. But, didn't I do a good job?
Look at those lines, those swirls. Talent oozing forth.....

Here I am working on my masterpiece. I think I look pretty artistic.
I have that rag in my hand and all.

TaDa!!!! I did it! It is called
Flowers Not Found in Nature!

Patty has an original painting, too. No, hers is
not exactly like mine.....It's not!!! We are
talented, too.....

So, I realize that talent does like to hop around genetically.
My talent genes are recessive, but, I did pass them along
to my beautiful sons.

Meme Must Have a New Job

2011-01-19T20:31:00.003-06:00

Forrest has not had a special day with just Meme in a while. The last time he spent the night he woke me up at 5 am and told me he felt like he was going to be sick....urp!!! So today I picked him up at school and we went to the Children's Museum. As we were getting out of the car, he asked, "Meme, do you have another job"? I wondered why we would ask that right then...he said, "I just wondered, cause you are taking me to the Children's Museum"...I understood then because I have preached to them that I would not have as much money since I am retired. He just knew that I must have gone out and got a job, to be spending big money on the Children's Museum.....which he loves, loves, loves....

Forrest and HP Gang

2011-01-15T12:51:00.001-06:00

Forrest with his Harry Potter Gang...

Max? Salt and Pepper?

2011-01-14T13:48:00.003-06:00

I love to pick up the grandkids from school. It is a time when they are so happy
to see you, I even get a hug!
As we went to get a snack, I thought I would grab a picture
of Max with my new iPhone.....I am not sure I got
a picture of Max....or the salt/pepper shaker...

Campus Pride

2011-01-14T09:37:00.001-06:00

Lily received the Campus School Pride Award!
Very proud of her pride....

It's So Cold

2011-01-13T14:28:00.003-06:00

It is a cold day in the park today! Can't you just feel
that wind blowing right through you....I could and still do!

Nutcracker

2011-01-11T20:41:00.001-06:00

This moment is brought to you
by the little ballerinas of the Nutcracker....

Snow....

2011-01-10T11:30:00.002-06:00

This is what it looked like last night as I went to bed.....

and this is what I woke up to this morning....

2011-01-07T17:08:00.002-06:00

I am still in the holiday mode these days; at, least, on my blog.
This is the Christmas card my youngest son drew for his children, Lily and Forrest. It turned out so beautiful, that they used it for their Christmas card. I think he is so talented. I will have to sneak a picture of some of his other drawings whenever I am over at their house.

Play

2011-01-06T16:32:00.004-06:00

I read an article today on the importance of play for young children. In this world of computers, video games and such, some children are losing out on just Play. It mentioned "fort making". I immediately thought of Max, Lily, and Forrest and their tents they make out of my couch cushion and every blanket I own. Since I fill them up with popcicles and as much sugar as I can find, it is nice to know I am helping their development by letting them Play as much as they want to.....Here they are in the tent they built...

Christmas Cookies

2011-01-05T17:19:00.002-06:00

Amy shows us one of the Christmas cookies that she made with Lily and Forrest. They made cookies with friends and then divided them all up to share with lucky ones on their list. I was one of the lucky one, along with Memaw, and Granddad M. They were yummy! I saved my cookie tin, so that next year I know I will get COOK-ESSSSS, as a monster I know says!

Flowers

2011-01-04T16:55:00.002-06:00

They will be here soon!!!

I even look forward to the "weeds", as my mother used to say.

We just have to hang on, spring will be around the corner!

My Thought and Mine Alone

2011-01-02T17:48:00.002-06:00

I rarely comment on controversial issues. I try to get along with everyone. Having said that, I am about to throw caution to the wind and give an opinion. If you need to carry a gun to go into a bar "For Defense", maybe you shouldn't Go into the bar. Those are my two cents....What's yours?

Black Eyed Peas

2011-01-01T16:39:00.003-06:00

Just so you do not worry about me this year. I just ate black-eyed peas and cornbread. So, according to Mama Gooch and my mama, I will have good luck this year!

Happy New Year!

Nostalgia

2010-12-31T10:47:00.002-06:00

Thinking of the past year today. How the children have grown. As I listen to them play and building tents out of the quilts their grandmother and great-grandmother made, I think of the days when I played with my cousins. Excuse me, I had to go to the kitchen to get Max and Lily a popcicle, and Forrest some jello. Now, where was I??? Oh, yeah, I was nostalgic for the days the grandkids were younger. You know, I will have to get back with you on this because they are now talking about scary things, and I want to be in the conservation.....They will be grown in a flash, and I don't want to miss a minute.....

Photographer in the Making

2010-12-26T19:05:00.003-06:00

Lily loves snapping pictures just like her Meme and Memaw. It is in her genes (jeans) as they say. She always grabs my little camera and snaps away. Her mother suggested she might like a camera for Christmas. I waited for a sale, and then snapped one up myself.

She is taking a picture of me taking her picture.

Meanwhile, Kevin got us both!

Christmas Fun

2010-12-22T20:26:00.006-06:00

My kids came over last night for our Christmas. We also made Santa cookies and Snowmen. I did not know it would turn into a funny, giggle fest competition.

Chubby Bunny....Three...count them! Three marshmallows in their mouth.....Oh, well. We got one picture.....
The cousins having fun....

Forrest really busy with his Snowman.....

Hailey/Dixon Christmas

2010-12-20T09:22:00.002-06:00

My niece Melissa always hosts a Christmas celebration at her house each year. It is one of the highlights of my year. I get to be with family, especially my brother and his wife. I was nine years old when they married, so they have had the role of sibling some years, and parent on others....Our father died when I was 5 years old, so he has had a big influence on me my whole life.

I Remember, Meme!

2010-12-17T10:40:00.005-06:00

Forrest told me a few weeks ago that he remembered that I sent a picture of Lily to the newspaper once....Well, he wasn't exactly born yet, but he had heard about it. I decided I better get busy and try to redeem myself in his eyes. I found a picture of him at his Thanksgiving Celebration at Evergreen Playschool where is he a kindergardener in his mom Amy's class. I explained my faux pas to the contributor of local paper with the hopes he too could have in day in the Commercial Appeal.....

It Happened Today! For you Forrest....

Retirement Party

2010-12-05T09:52:00.002-06:00

My friends from the Newborn ICU gave me an Out of this World Retirement Party! I felt like Sally Fields at the Oscars, where I should say "You like me, you really, really do". I was afraid that since I had been away from for six weeks, they might think, Oh, she is old news. Obviously, they still remember me and celebrated me! It was wonderful....

This is my family. Brian and Max, Lily in my lap, Amy behind us, Kevin with Forrest, then my favorite nephew Brad on the right. My niece Melissa and her husband came later after their son's play. Shannon was with her parents for her father's surgery that day.

Carol and I go way back. She joined me at Baptist Memorial Hospital in December 1968. We developed a lifelong friendship and working relationship. She later was the Supervisor and I was the Head Nurse in the NICU. She saw talents in me that I never dreamed of. The things we helped each other through would fill a thick book. Needless to say she is like family.

I never saw my retirement present over on the piano. You know a nurse is supposed to be observant. Well, If that had been a baby, I would have honed right on it. I had been asked to give hints of what I might like....

Here it is! A piece of art by one of Shannon's talented friends, Elizabeth Alley. It is actually three pieces, and the most beautiful blue/purple color. My dear friend Teresa said it is she, Betty and I.....We three love to dance, so there you are. I will think of all my friends when I see it now.

The absolutely gorgeous flower arrangement was done by one of the nurses I work with. Brenda is a Master Gardener. Master at design too, I think!

I will be posting more of my picture and memories soon. It was one of those events you dream about, but never think it will happen to you!

Retirement Invitation-Design by Brian

2010-12-02T19:45:00.002-06:00

My work friends are giving me a retirement party. This is the invitation that came in the mail, with the letter from my friend.
The meaning of the card is this....When Brian was little, he was on vacation with his dad and the song by Donna Summer "She Works Hard For the Money" came on the car radio. He said, "I thought of you Mama". I was so touched by it and never forgot it. Several years ago, I mentioned it to him....and how much it meant to me. He remembered, and made this invite for me....

This and That

2010-12-02T19:16:00.005-06:00

I think Lily is becoming as fond of babies as I am. One of her mom's friends recently had a baby boy. When they came by to visit us on Thanksgiving, she loved holding him.... I would try to help since he would squirm in her lap. She did not like this at all and wanted him all to herself...I am not saying I wanted to hold him too...No, that just wouldn't be true....( do you believe me?) I wanted to hold that baby so bad!

Tomorrow is my retirement party. I am nervous being the center of attention. I always thought I would love that! My friends say a lot of people are coming. One of the doctors (who I have worked with only about 5 years) said, "Everyone must love Beverly"...

This is where I worked for 40 years....well, not exactly right there. We moved and remodeled four times. This is close enough for you to picture me by an incubator. Before you ask why they are covered, it is to keep the bright lights from them. We tried to mimic still being inside mama....

Thanksgiving

2010-11-26T10:52:00.003-06:00

There was turkey.....lots and lots of turkey. There was also ham, and dressing, and canned cranberry sauce. There could not be turkey and dressing without Canned cranberry sauce. I have made the real deal, and it is not the real deal....

Half of my family was at Disney's Hogwarts, and the other half and I had Thanksgiving at The Co-Granny's condo party room. There was a feast of food, plenty of rain, and children a playing. We even had a two week old baby stop by for us to goo over.

I have so much to be thankful for, if I ponder on it, I will surely cry. My children and grandchildren, all seven of them! Brian, Shannon, Max, Kevin, Amy, Lily and Forrest. My brother, his children, and my cousin DiAnne. I could continue with my prayer list of the rest of the cousins, aunts, and uncles, but, just know they are precious to me.....The work family that I just bowed out of by retiring. They are my family too, and are a blessing I am thankful for everyday.

Retirement....now that word says so much. I am not driving to a hospital, clocking in and then running myself ragged everyday. However, I am still doing. People always ask what am I doing? I tell them "Whatever I want!". They look at me like I must be daffy. I feel like saying, Hey, where you in 1968 when I started working as a nurse? Were you even born yet? I am way further down the work road journey than you are, so when you have been working for 40 years, check back with me and see if my take on life sounds good to you then! Can you hear me snickering??!!! I really am nice to them, I smile and say I am interested in photography, cooking, painting, hiking, nature....which of course is true.

There was sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, mac & cheese, mashed potatoes, rolls and fun and frivolity. Oh, did you think I forgot my reason to post....naw, I just thought out loud for a minute...

Forrest with a Turkey Cupcake on Thanksgiving Feast Day at school.

Kevin, thinking about taking his piano apart for repair.....

The baby we fought over....

Sweet Shelby....wishing she had turkey on Thanksgiving...

Forrest and Barry....

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

2010-11-25T10:08:00.002-06:00

Kevin and Forrest at Thanksgiving Feast at his school....

My little Thanksgiving Turkey! Sweet boy!

Happy Thanksgiving to all my blogging buddies!!!!

Girls Night Out and We Are Wicked

2010-11-19T19:37:00.003-06:00

It was girls night out time...Patty (co-granny), Amy, Lily and I went to the Orpheum to see Wicked. We all posed in the lobby, aren't we pretty? The show was so wonderful. I put in right up there with Cats, The Lion King, and Phantom of the Opera!

Lily made a donation to the show's charity, so she got her picture made with one of the cast members!

Lily and Meme waiting for the show to begin. Memories in the making!

Lily posing with Memaw....making sure the rabbits ears are there....You may notice three handfuls of rabbit ears. The extra one is Amy.... Like Memaw, like daughter, and granddaughter.....crazy ones!

Fall Festival

2010-11-15T15:38:00.004-06:00

I went with Amy's kindergarden class to a Fall Festival. Forrest is in his mom's class and Lily was on fall break. There was banjo picking, making of masks, lessons about honey bees, and a picnic too. These pictures do a lot to tell the story. It was a nice warm day, with no rain at that point for weeks. In one of the pictures it looks like they are looking for a needle in a haystack, but, it was really candy they were searching for....

Lego Man

2010-11-12T19:09:00.002-06:00

I spent Halloween with Max, Brian, and Shannon....As you can see Max was a Lego Man. He and his dad made this, I do not know how. They seem to have a talent for such things. As we walked down the streets, people where impressed at their art work.
He was voted Best Costume by most of the neighborhood. It was great fun. I am so excited that I will never have to work another holiday again! I always seem to bring retirement into every post lately.....

"A" Friend

2010-10-25T16:49:00.003-05:00

This is GeorgiaAnne....or Georganne as we in the South say....
She is one of my best friends. She does not think so, as she always says she is my B friend behind Betty and Teresa. She is so crazy. She will always be an A friend to me. We always laughed so much at work....?stress relief? I was her Preceptor, which means I taught her everything I knew. We had such a history together that we sometimes did not even have to speak. We know what each other thinks. We text now...and she still makes me laugh.....Love her!

Rain

2010-10-25T11:20:00.001-05:00

RAIN!!!! It had only been two months.

Retirement No. 2

2010-10-22T10:56:00.003-05:00

Over one hundred years of taking care of babies experience. I came in 1968, Dr. Chip and Shirley came in the early 70's. I left it all to them. I think they will do quite well....

Sweet Elizabeth....the charge nurse on my last day....It was a wonderful last day....

Oh, the times we had. I had so much fun with this doc....really I did! He told me I had been a good and caring nurse....wonder why he said "had"...He always said working with me was like being mistreated at home. I am sure we were worse....

Marcie gave me a little "bling" for my retirement.....Blenna had to get in on the action....

Retirement No. 1

2010-10-18T09:33:00.002-05:00

This is where I worked for 40 years. It has been a love, love relationship for many of those years....really....

I clocked out forever one last time.....

We are really a serious group....

Who am I kidding, we are crazy....

I am going to miss these two best friends....so much!

You will be sick of these stories because that is going to be my nest posts....for days! Just warning you now....

Grove High School

2010-10-15T17:55:00.002-05:00

This is where I went to high school. It was funded by E.W.Grove of the Grove's Chill Tonic fame. Needless to say, this is from it's beginning days. When I got there it had bushes all around it. I entered in the door on the right. They say you can see all the way to Paris Landing (17 miles away). Seniors could go up the tower as a treat. They stopped it by the time I was a senior....

Brian's Ties

2010-10-10T10:21:00.002-05:00

Brian has had a tie collection since he was a teen. He was asked by Urban Art in Memphis to do a video of his ties. Friday night his video was projected on the Commerce Square Building in downtown....He also has a Tie Quilt that his Great-Grandmother made out of his Great-Grandfather's ties..... I am so very proud of my son...

I'm Smiling...On Yeah!

2010-09-23T19:21:00.002-05:00

You are going to have to use your imagination now....Imagine a big picture of me SMILING! That is what I do most days now. I think, I am going to do this when I retire! I am not going to this when I retire!

I will do WHATEVER I want! Yipppeeee!!!!!

Social Security

2010-09-20T17:02:00.002-05:00

To the anonymous commenter that was meant for my Social Security post. I am not a lazy, censored "person who rhythms with witch". I have worked for over 40 years and paid in many dollars with each paycheck, and I will not allow myself to feel like you would like me to. And, just think, I may have taken care of your family, as I am a nurse......

I dare you...comment again. I will just delete it!!!!!

Work and Social Security

2010-09-14T20:02:00.002-05:00

Yesterday I worked the last night shift of my nursing career. They just had to get one more out of me!

I also applied for Social Security. Big day in the life of person. Social Security helped me when my father
died when I was five years old. Now it will do it again.

David, My baby doll...

2010-09-08T14:08:00.004-05:00

This is a picture of Lily with one of my first baby dolls, David. I got him when I was 6 years old, so he is 57 years old. I loved to dress him and put him in his bassinet. I have saved him all these years for a daughter, or in reality, granddaughter. He was named after my cousin because he looked exactly like him when he cried. I need to bring him back out because she does not remember playing with him. It is strange how their first years of memory just drop off.

I find I am missing Bess more than I thought I would. It was love at first sight. I walked into Brian and Shannon's house and she ran to me like a bullet. Once we were at home, she was perpetual motion. Not good in a pup with heart worms. She is about to start on her treatments. I know she will find someone else to love her.

Birthdays and Bess

2010-09-05T16:21:00.003-05:00

We celebrated a Family Birthday for Forrest, Amy, and myself at Kevin and Amy's. We had tuna melts! Yum is all I can say. I did not think I would like them but, oh my, they were good. Brian made baked beans, and Amy made a tomato avocado salad that was delish. Shannon made a Harry Potter cake and Kevin made strawberry sorbet. It was all so tasty!

Brian and Shannon have been thinking about another dog now that ChiChi is alone....they had two rescue dachshunds come for a visit. I was wanting to see them, so I got dressed and decided to go by on the way to the grocery. Before I could leave, Shannon called for me to come see them.....Well, I fell in love with Bess.....as you can see she is quite the curious one. I am having to get the kids toys out of her mouth more than once....She has heart worms and will begin her treatment soon. I have her in the crate for now because she is a jumper and a climber already.....

Forrest's 6th Birthday

2010-08-29T13:29:00.005-05:00

Forrest is about to be six years old tomorrow. His party was Friday at Laser Quest. I have never experienced this before. There is a briefing room where rules are given, but, no one understood because she talked so fast. Some of the kids were not comfortable (scared) of the heavy gear, the lasers, and the rest. However, those who braved the conditions, loved it! Forrest came in third when the tally was finished. I thought about going in, but Max said I would not have been able to handle the heavy vest...

Afterwards, there was Sponge Bob cake, lots of Star Wars and Harry Potter presents.

Oh, yes! Their was the firing of toilet tissue to the Birthday Boy!

I DID IT!!!

2010-08-25T18:30:00.001-05:00

For those of you who know I have been wanting to retire, I did it! I retire in December.....More later.

August 15, 2010 The Birthday

2010-08-21T14:30:00.006-05:00

August 15, 1970 2:08 PM, Brian was born.

August 15, 1974 2:18 PM, Kevin was born.

Now if you are paying attention, that was exactly 4 years and 10 minutes difference in their ages...

So, now it seems, Brian is FORTY YEARS OLD!!!!! Man, can I add or what? This year brings me to ponder and reflect on my life, their life, but, I really thought about Brian. He did not want a lot of fanfare about his birthday for some reason, and I respect that. However, it is a big deal to his mama. I wanted to do something special for him. He made that easy by requesting Pepper Steak for the birthday dinner. Just like I cooked it when they were little. I even had can green beans because that is what I served with Pepper Steak, that and rice. I thought this through very carefully and had Brian in the kitchen with me when I made it, so he could learn how it was done....clever, aren't I? I explained the steps, and afterward he said, Awe. Yep, it is that easy. I stepped back a bit, and let the chef do his job. I got the pleasure of being with my son. That is all a mother ever really wants.

Thoughts

2010-08-12T16:41:00.004-05:00

It is so hot here in Memphis that I cannot even go outside without feeling like I will smother. The humidity must be 120% with the heat index the same. Actually the heat index is 115 degrees. Shelby and I are both sitting in this house waiting for fall. Of course, fall brings acorns. I hate acorns. When the grandkids come over we make a game of stomping on them. For every one of them that is stomped, that is one less baby oak tree that grows in my flower beds....But, back to the present.

I am having a few days off work to get myself prepared for my firstborn to turn 40 years old. This cannot be. He is even puzzled how this is possible. He told me he remembers when I turned 40. Yes, a milestone is happening. I usually get depressed when he and Kevin have a birthday, because two weeks later, I get a year older. However, this year I am excited. I want the next two years, or possibly one to pass with lightening speed. Hopefully I will get to retire. Then, I will be happy for time to stop and let me stay 64 or 65 forever....

I am really getting ready for my responsibilities at work to end. I love my work. I love the babies, but, it seems to be changing at such breakneck speed, I am running as fast as I can. Some days I feel like I am grasping for air at the end of the day. Other days I feel I could go on forever. The forever days are becoming fewer. I am trying so hard.

For now, Shelby sits in the children's chair, and I am in mine. We are getting ready for a birthday dinner for the boys. She is insisting on rawhide bones, but, I am the one who is going to the grocery, so I am betting on Pepper Steak. That is the request of Brian, and hopefully Kevin will like it, too!

Fun with Forrest

2010-08-07T16:55:00.004-05:00

Forrest and I went to the Memphis Children's Museum on our day together this week. We have probably only been there about
4,588 times before. Each time is just like the first for him. First off, we head to the FedEx jet and fly off to parts unknown. We always climb up the skyscraper, buy groceries, brush teeth, change a tire, ride the Police motorcycle, I get arrested and thrown in the back of the police car, see if the talking tree can guess what we are thinking of, make paper airplanes and fire them off in the what-ya-mu-callit, design a car on a computer, catch fish in the Mississippi, and I am 100% sure I have forgot the other 10 things we did!

Before we took off to parts unknown, there was much discussion as to who had actually closed the doors, and whose turn it was to fly the plane. As you can see by the first pic, it was definitely Forrest's turn. I promise I did not have a vote, and no kids left crying! Well, maybe one!

2010-08-03T14:12:00.001-05:00

I was talking to Forrest last night on the phone. I asked him where is daddy was? He replies, "I have no earthly idea!"
That just about cracked me up!

Go Lily Go!

2010-07-30T19:44:00.002-05:00

She just loves to climb!!!! Her daddy is keeping a close watch....but, then I am right behind him.

Dinner 2041

2010-07-19T14:00:00.002-05:00

Max told me the other day that all houses have a smell....and then he added that mine smelled good! His mom told me that he has commented after getting home from visiting me that he is glad his clothes still smell like Meme's house....

My baby son....I will always think of him that way, but, he would cringe to hear it I am sure...anyway, as I was saying, Kevin and Amy celebrated their upcoming 10th anniversary in New Orleans. I had the pleasure of keeping the children. I love that I love this. I now invite Max too, because I want them to have memories of times spent at Meme's. I smile to think of them sitting around the dinner table with their families in 2042 and laughing about the time that such and such happened at Meme's. They will laugh and recall how Meme thought she was so on top of things, but, actually they were laughing and carrying on for hours after she fell asleep. Forrest will chime in and mention the time that Meme lost him in the zoo. I really did not lose him, he lost me!!!! We happened upon one of his friends from school and we were looking at how the grizzles had grown, when I looked up in a panic....LeLe's mom noticed and said, he's ok, he is right here??? WHAT? NO, HE'S NOT! LeLe's dad takes off, I look across the grizzles exhibit and saw a little white head of hair zipping down the bridge! I take in a deep breathe in order to shout to the top of my lungs, "Forrest H----- D----! STOP! He immediately froze! LeLe's dad was upon him along with me close behind! You see, the funny thing about this is that Forrest takes after his Uncle Brian, who as a youngster, would NOT walk fast. Forrest was thinking that we were in front of him and was running to catch up with us! Likely Story! Hey, I might even be at that dinner in 2042 because I plan to live until 100, and the dinner will be my Birthday dinner! The chef will be my 72 year of son, or my 68 year old son, who just went to New Orleans for his 10th wedding anniversary.....did I tell you about keeping the kids???

July 4th

2010-07-05T20:49:00.002-05:00

Forrest is so happy with his glowing flag his mom brought for our 4th of July celebration!

Lily of course is on the climbing wall! She loves to climb! Heck, she just loves to move, and talk!

The glowing flags!

My son!

Boom, Pow!

A Day at the Park on a Hot 94 Degree Day!

2010-07-03T20:52:00.002-05:00

Lily high on the monkey bars....

Lily always climbing....Forrest always thinking....

2010-07-01T12:13:00.002-05:00

They say a watched pot never boils....the same could be said about bird watching....NO, not boilin' birds, watching them.
I stared at this birdhouse FOR EVER! I was wanting to get a photo of mama or daddy flying in or out to feed babies. My brother said we could climb up on a stool and look inside. I did not want to do that and possibly upset mom or pop. So, here is my picture documenting this...

Trip Home

2010-06-30T16:33:00.005-05:00

I took a little road trip to my hometown, Paris, TN the other day. It is only a few hours away, but, it seems pretty long at times. I used to drive up there all the time. I think my car knew the way and I did not have much to do but give it the gas. On the way home I sometimes feel like a horse running for the barn. I find myself going faster and faster. I think to myself, just get in from of this truck, then this truck....soon I catch up with the next group of trucks. Well you know. I was on one stretch of road where it curved to the right. I could see all the cars and trucks in front of me and I thought to myself, I in a convoy!!!

The trip home did wonders for my soul, my heart. My brother would bug me as only a brother can. Sis, why don't you try fruit tea? I don't like it, bro....oh, just try it...my sis-in-law would interject, SHE DOESN'T WANT IT, SHE WANTS PLAIN TEA! He would smile and say, oh....it is good! I DON'T CARE, I WANT PLAIN TEA!!!! you get my drift here, don't you? I actually love it....love the bro/sis dialogue. Makes me feel special!

We rode to Kentucky lake to see my neice's condo....A storm sneaked up on us just as we got to the condo. It was vicious looking, though not so bad as storms go.....

My cousin came over for dinner. We then all sat in the den and talked, talked and talked. I really needed that....just to reconnect in a way you cannot do with email.

I got to enjoy my brothers flowers and advice on how they bloom so nicely....

All in all, it warmed my heart.....

Old Iron and Uncle Tommy's Painting

2010-06-26T19:09:00.006-05:00

As I read Beverly's post from Lacoochee about OLD irons she had seen at her cleaners/laundry, I was reminded of an old iron that was more than likely my grandmother's, Mama Gooch. I spotted it years ago in her basement and asked, rather, pleaded for her to let me keep it. She agreed and it has been by my washer and dryer for some time now.

This picture is also by my washer and dryer. It used to hang in our laundry room when I was growing up. I have found out that it is probably a little painting by my Uncle Tommy. These two oldies but goodies help make the chore of laundry day a little less painful....They make me start daydreaming of my wash days from my youth....I never thought I would look fondly back on those days, but, I do....

Thanks Beverly....

Summer Solstice

2010-06-21T16:55:00.003-05:00

Happy Summer Solstice...I know these impatiens are pitiful looking, but, the flower pot is what I was looking at when I took this picture. It was my mother's, and I keep thinking that with her pots, my flowers will bloom and thrive like hers did. But, alas, that is not the case. Bloom flowers bloom!

Another thought to share...last night as I got home from two 12 hour shifts with the babes, I looked up at the sky and saw the half moon. Knowing my vacation is soon, I smiled to myself when I realized I might not be working during the Full Moon. Yes, we really have more babies during a full moon!

The Happy Couple

2010-06-16T19:32:00.002-05:00

Patty and Barry got married....it wasn't a hasty decision. You see, they had been dating 20 years!

Happy 8th Birthday Lily!

2010-06-15T16:23:00.003-05:00

Lily, today you turn eight years old! I waited a long time for a little girl. You have not let me down. You are everything and more that I thought you would be. You can be the girlie-est girl, or a tomboy! We have had tea parties, played with dolls, and climbed trees!

Today you, Mom and Forrest met Max and I for a snow cone. It was so hot, but, a nice breeze was blowing, as we snuck across the street to a little park as we enjoyed the icy treats. As I watched you hanging from the monkey bars in your pretty dress, it made me think back to when you were a toddler and I had to stand and hold you while you tried to get across the monkey bars. Today you flew across by yourself! You don't need your MeMe to help you anymore! It made me nostalgic for those days, but, I know you and I have many more adventures to experience, and I cannot wait for them.

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl!

2010-06-13T16:44:00.000-05:00

Eating a Chocolate Covered Cricket with Lily!

Mom and Her Boys

2010-06-09T14:36:00.002-05:00

This was taken at Patty and Barry's wedding....June5, 2010 One of my favorite things, having my picture taken with my boys.

Flower Girls

2010-06-07T20:04:00.002-05:00

This and That... June 2010

2010-06-06T19:08:00.005-05:00

Lily and the sea lion....

Old Faithful...

You can see how high it is!

Brian and Shannon....

Play Date with the Boys....

2010-05-28T19:04:00.004-05:00

Thursday ended up being a Play Date with all my boys! So wonderful! I started by keeping Forrest while his mom went to the dentist. We spent three hours at the Memphis Zoo. His favorite part was by far the Old Faithful in the Teton Trek...It is supposed to be like the real place, but, it is really a water park. He had a blast...We also watched the apes get fed....they stared at us humans like we were the ones on display. The keeper threw lettuce, carrots, and other veggies, but, they were holding out for the watermelon....

Forrest and I then went to Max's Play at school...His was abut Martin Luther King, Jr. I asded Forrest if he knew who he was, and he said yes, but, couldn't remember what he did. I know he does now, because I got chills as Max talked about his life...

After the play, Max and Forrest and I went for ice cream then it was time for Max's Baseball Game. Brian of course was there, but, I asked his brother to come too. He did, and I was with all my boys....now, things do not get much better than that!!!

Thursday ended up being a Play Date with all my boys! So wonderful! I started by keeping Forrest while his mom went to the dentist. We spent three hours at the Memphis Zoo. His favorite part was by far the Old Faithful in the Teton Trek...It is supposed to be like the real place, but, it is really a water park. He had a blast...We also watched the apes get fed....they stared at us humans like we were the ones on display. The keeper threw lettuce, carrots, and other veggies, but, they were holding out for the watermelon....

Happy Birthday Mother...

2010-05-25T15:23:00.002-05:00

I have been trying to think of happy thoughts today. I want to remember the happy times I spent with her. She would be proud.

Nature

2010-05-13T20:34:00.002-05:00

"A bird doesn't sing because it has an answer; it sings because it has a song." (Maya Angelou)

Mother's Day 2010

2010-05-10T18:37:00.004-05:00

Forrest and I under the magnolia trees. Lily and Max literally stayed in these trees while the rest of us picnicked in the park. I loved the hugging...

The kids in the trees. All we had to say was, Oh go climb a tree...then they did!!!

Tree climbing...

I was asked about the grandsons and their hugs...boys just don't have the time....I told Amy and her mom that the only time Max would sit in my lap was when he hurt himself...so, I trip him a lot!!! NO, I don't really!!!!

Brian and Shannon.... love them....

Kevin and Amy...love them too.. What? You ask what is on his head???? Well, it wasn't sunscreen!

Amy and her mom, Patty. About to be a blushing bride soon!!!

Wanted a nice picture of myself with my two beautiful necklaces....Kevin took the picture, then laughed so hard....
Look at Lily in the background... Silly girl!!!

Serious Talk with Dad!

2010-05-05T17:07:00.003-05:00

Max was so excited about celebrating his birthday.....that dad had to bring him over for a little chat!!! As Max says of himself, I can't help it, I am just excited it's My (whatever we are celebrating...birthday, Christmas, or just because it is Monday).

Max....Nine Years Old

2010-05-03T20:48:00.003-05:00

Mom captures his 9th Birthday!!!

Max-A Nine Year Old

2010-04-30T17:24:00.008-05:00

This is how Max approaches life....full speed ahead! He is such a neat kid! He constantly amazes me with all the things he has learned...He loves to climb trees and reads Harry Potter, he has canoed down the Mississippi River and loves Charlie Brown books, he has been to Estonia and France, yet still loves to come to my house. He has a blog and loves draw movies on the computer. He and his cousins, Lily and Forrest love to make tents in my den with every blanket they can find in my house. He is my first grandchild and had my heart the moment I saw him moments after he was born.

He plays a mean keyboard too! Don't tell, but I think he is getting a bigger keyboard for his birthday!

He is having a birthday soon. He is growing up way to fast for Meme!

Happy Earth Day!

2010-04-22T22:02:00.000-05:00

Max's School Regatta

2010-04-18T18:33:00.006-05:00

This weekend was the Annual Regatta. Brian and Max, and Shannon and one of her friends raced in the harbor in kayak's. They each one a prize. I got there in time to see them unloading their kayaks.

They build and race wacky boats. It was loads of fun to watch them go from a piece of cardboard to a Wacky Boat. Then the race in the pond by his school. There were games, hair painting, food, and fun....

Some memories....

2010-04-11T16:29:00.002-05:00

As I walked along my lake today, I was exhausted after two very busy days in the baby world...I needed this walk today
not so much for my heart, but for my soul... I sat on my bench and gazed out over the water. The sun was shining down
upon my day and it warmed me through and through.....

Spring Break 2010

2010-04-02T19:58:00.006-05:00

Spring break has come and gone....darn it. I timed my days off all wrong, and worked last week while my grands were off, now this week I am off. Oh, well, I still managed to have fun with them.
One day I had lunch with Brian, Shannon and Max in downtown Memphis! I always love being downtown. We ate at the Little Tea Shoppe and had wonderful Southern cooking. Yummy cornbread. Almost as good as Mama Gooch's. Afterward we walked on the River Bluff. It was beautiful watching the Mighty Mississippi roll along. We had ice cream at Eclectic Cafe.

I dyed eggs with Shannon, Brian and Max. Brian was preparing to cook goat ribs. When he went in to get the ribs, the man brought the whole goat out, except for the head, the tail, and the hoofs. I do not know how I went from dying eggs to cooking goat ribs.

Lily and Forrest came for a sleepover one night. There is always discussion of who will sleep in the middle. Each wants to sleep by Meme and she will NOT sleep in the middle. I decided that it was Forrest's turn for the middle. He was happy about this, but, I noticed that when everyone crawled under the covers, it was Lily who ended up in the middle. Not wanting to cause a disruption of the peace, I said nothing. Both kids fell asleep, but, I was hanging on edge of the bed. This was not going to work. I started pushing Forrest over, when he opened his eyes, and said, "Shouldn't I Be In The Middle?" Oh, no! What was I to do? I decided the best approach was to say nothing and hope he went back to sleep.

On Friday we had our annual Easter Egg Hunt with all my work friends. Kevin, Amy, Lily and Forrest went. I love taking pictures of all the little ones.

Forrest was so excited that he found an egg hid in a tree. He is so happy!

I always love time with my family. The real zingers came from my sons. Shannon was making Greek Easter cookies. Brian and Shan thought of adding sugar on top of them before baking them, even adding some cinnamon. Brian reaches up to the spices and said, "Lets add some paprika!" I freak and yell Brian!!!!! He laughs and I realize it was cinnamon....Silly boy...

We all facebook and Kevin decided to get me good. He posted that he did not like his Spring Break Tattoo. I always stressed to my boys the cons of tatoos. The usual...you will be sorry later in life, what future employers might think. As far I I knew, neither one had gotten one. Well, as I read his post I thought...WHAT?????? and so I posted it. Later I went back to his post and he had written..... Finally Mom...April Fools!!!!! He got me!!!! The Dixon Humor!!!!!

My Second Memory

2010-03-26T14:16:00.005-05:00

The second memory of my daddy. He sang or played the Tennessee Waltz. Every time I sing it to my sons or grandchildren, it was my way of bringing him into their life.

In my memory, I am sitting in his lap and I would see he was chewing gum. I would ask for a piece, he would laugh and say he did not have any in his mouth. I knew better! I would try to look in his mouth for the gum. He would tease me by putting it under his tongue and open his mouth. No gum! I would say to let me see under his tongue. He would switch the gum on top of his tongue. Man, that would get to me. You couldn't fool me, my four year old self would think, but he did. No gum for me! Just a daddy picking up his daughter while singing the Tennessee Waltz. I hope this really happened and not just a dream I conjured up throughout my childhood. I just hope it really happened!

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My last few memories are getting on a bus with my mother. I wave at my daddy through the bus window. He waves back at me. I did not understand why we were leaving him. We went to my grandparents house. Little children hear everything. I hear that my daddy is asking for my brother. I wonder why he is not asking for me. I am hurt. My mother, brother and I travel to Jackson to see him in the hospital. He is very sick, he had tubes in his nose. I now know it was oxygen. Later, I am at my grandparents house. Everyone was sad and crying. Why I wonder? I hear my father died. What did that mean? Then, he was in a box, his arms across his body. I was confused and scared. Why was he there? Why didn't he move? His mother, my Mama H told me to kiss him goodbye. I did. He was cold. I was scared. Why was everyone so sad?

On the way to the cemetery, I remember being held by my brother. I feel safe. I feel love. It is raining. As we get out of the car, he is holding me tight as he ran to the tent. A time I should have been sad, I was happy being held by my brother. I was sad later, when I realized he was not coming back. I would never, for the rest of my life, have a daddy.