We also got to pick some of Aunt Jackie's blueberries! It took a lot longer to fill the bucket but I kept reminding myself how good blueberry pancakes, muffins and turnovers were going to be.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Blueberries
We also got to pick some of Aunt Jackie's blueberries! It took a lot longer to fill the bucket but I kept reminding myself how good blueberry pancakes, muffins and turnovers were going to be.
Tomatoes
We took Michael up to the farm this past weekend and had lots of fun. Aunt Jackie took us to Moore's farm to pick tomatoes. Anyone who knows me, probably knows I can eat tomatoes like some people eat apples. The only person I know who might like tomatoes more than me is Mike. We were like two kids in a candy store. The deal was a five pound bucket for $6. Mike decided we needed two buckets of full sized tomatoes and a bucket of cherry tomatoes too. Then he discovered they also had peppers and picked all he could hold in his shirt! We found out later you are not supposed to pick the peppers. They pick them and sell them in the office. We have been eating tomatoes since we got home. Mike already cooked some down and they are in the freezer to be enjoyed later. Gotta Go, I hear a tomato sandwich calling my name!
Saturday, June 14, 2008
And she's off....
Yesterday was quite an adventure. I taught Jenny how to drive a stick shift. Amazingly it was actually a lot of fun and she did a great job. She is now the third of our children to be making use of the Ford ranger (thanks Rodney and Cindy). I am not sure how much we will be seeing her now that she has wheels at her disposal again, but I am looking forward to not being a taxi service for a 17 year old who loves to be busy and on the go.
I will admit part of the fun of teaching her to drive was intentionally having her stall out and watching her reaction. By the way, she did not like it and declared she would not be doing that again. I assured her that she would indeed stall out again just like anyone else who drives a stick and at least now she would know what to expect.
I will admit part of the fun of teaching her to drive was intentionally having her stall out and watching her reaction. By the way, she did not like it and declared she would not be doing that again. I assured her that she would indeed stall out again just like anyone else who drives a stick and at least now she would know what to expect.
Thursday, June 12, 2008
I love UNF!
I wasn't sure about summer classes but I have come to the conclusion they are OK! It is hard to sit for 3 1/2 hours but six weeks and full credit is really nice. Social Work as a profession has been great and I have actually enjoyed the People and Cultures class. The social welfare minor contains a small close-knit group of students so I rarely have a class that I don't know almost everyone in it. Makes me wonder how many of us will run into each other out in the "real world" when we are working in the field.
We had a guest speaker today form the Women's Center of Jacksonville. It was the director of the Rape Crisis Response Team. She shared with us about the opportunity to be advocates for victims of sexual assault. Every time someone comes to talk about their job I want to join their team. When they ask if there is anyone who is interested in working in their field I realize I am. Gerontology, Child Welfare, Adoption, Foster Kids, Juvenile Justice, I should have started a lot sooner if I am going to do all the different things that have peaked my interest. At least I have time before I have to make a decision.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
The Last Concert
When my oldest son joined the band program at Green Cove Springs Junior High in 1998 I had no idea what to expect. I didn't know that it would become a big part of our entire family's life. Band is so much more than playing instruments together. Band is a lifestyle. I am grateful for Mrs. Mayer and her willingness to share her love of music with my children.She has encouraged them and given them a gift they will have for the rest of their lives. Band trips, competitions, football games and concerts are all a big part of our memories. What Chris began 10 years ago, Katie finished up tonight, so there will be no more "pickle suits" for us but our love for
the cougar ba
nd and Mrs. Mayer will never end. 
the cougar ba
nd and Mrs. Mayer will never end. 
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
May Flowers
I absolutely love flowers in the Spring. The variety in shapes, sizes and colors always amazes me. We have wanted to enlarge our flower beds in the front for years since I never have enough room for all the flowers that catch my eye during our Home Depot visits. We finally got one part done this year and I am very pleased with the results.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Three Amazing Women
I meant to post this Mother's Day but somehow I didn't get around to it.
I have been blessed with many wonderful women in my life who taught by example how to be a Godly woman. There were three women though, who were especially important.
Many of even my closest friends do not realize that my mom Kate did not actually give birth to me. She married my dad when I was five and instantly became mom. She only had three months of marriage before I came to live with them full time. I was malnourished, unruly and very insecure. From the very beginning I was her child without question. I worked in the same doctors' office with her for a while and we would laugh when the patients would recall her pregnancy with me. Mom is still working full time and I wonder sometimes if she will ever retire. She loves what she does and she is good at it. I learned the gift of unconditional love from my mom and how important it is to find your calling and pursue it.
My grandma Bishop was Kate's mom. One of my favorite childhood memories is going to her house for dinner. She made the best chicken and dumplings ever. My grandma was bedridden at a relatively early age because her bones were so brittle. I had the opportunity to take care of her when my family with our two young boys moved into her home. We had so much fun. It was not always easy but she had the best attitude. I had a third son while we were living there and he was her pride and joy. There were many days when I would lay him in her arms and she would sing him to sleep so I could get something done. From my grandma Bishop I learned the blessing of a joyful spirit that was not dependent on circumstances.
My grandma Smith was a farmer's wife. It was a hard life but she never complained. I spent my summers on the farm when I was growing up. Grandma had a full spread breakfast when we woke up every morning. When we came in from the fields for dinner she had a full spread again. It was not uncommon for people to drop in when it was time to eat. Grandma never seemed to mind, she would just add a plate. She very rarely ate when we did. She was too busy making sure we all had everything we needed. We used to joke that grandma knew our glass was empty before we did. I asked her once about it and she said she listened for the ice! I learned the gift of hospitality from my grandma Smith and the value of working hard for those we love.
I hope that I will be able to pass these gifts on to my children so that the legacy will continue.
I have been blessed with many wonderful women in my life who taught by example how to be a Godly woman. There were three women though, who were especially important.
Many of even my closest friends do not realize that my mom Kate did not actually give birth to me. She married my dad when I was five and instantly became mom. She only had three months of marriage before I came to live with them full time. I was malnourished, unruly and very insecure. From the very beginning I was her child without question. I worked in the same doctors' office with her for a while and we would laugh when the patients would recall her pregnancy with me. Mom is still working full time and I wonder sometimes if she will ever retire. She loves what she does and she is good at it. I learned the gift of unconditional love from my mom and how important it is to find your calling and pursue it.
My grandma Bishop was Kate's mom. One of my favorite childhood memories is going to her house for dinner. She made the best chicken and dumplings ever. My grandma was bedridden at a relatively early age because her bones were so brittle. I had the opportunity to take care of her when my family with our two young boys moved into her home. We had so much fun. It was not always easy but she had the best attitude. I had a third son while we were living there and he was her pride and joy. There were many days when I would lay him in her arms and she would sing him to sleep so I could get something done. From my grandma Bishop I learned the blessing of a joyful spirit that was not dependent on circumstances.
My grandma Smith was a farmer's wife. It was a hard life but she never complained. I spent my summers on the farm when I was growing up. Grandma had a full spread breakfast when we woke up every morning. When we came in from the fields for dinner she had a full spread again. It was not uncommon for people to drop in when it was time to eat. Grandma never seemed to mind, she would just add a plate. She very rarely ate when we did. She was too busy making sure we all had everything we needed. We used to joke that grandma knew our glass was empty before we did. I asked her once about it and she said she listened for the ice! I learned the gift of hospitality from my grandma Smith and the value of working hard for those we love.
I hope that I will be able to pass these gifts on to my children so that the legacy will continue.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Empty Nest
My baby birds flew the nest today. Actually, they flew from the nest into the house and we had to catch them and take them back out. It may sound silly but I feel sad. I loved to hear them chirping in the morning when I went in the kitchen to get my coffee. I wonder if they will stay around our house. I plan on leaving the nest right where it is so maybe I will get new baby birds next year. For now though, here are the last of the bird pictures.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
My Jenny
I just had to share a picture from Jenny's shoot on Wednesday. She is a senior model for sln studios. We had a blast and I was so impressed. For information on this amazing photographer click the link below.
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
His eye in on the sparrow.....
We have a sparrow that decided to build a nest in our garage. I wonder sometimes if she regrets her decision. But, I should probably go back to the beginning.....
Some weeks ago a sparrow flew into the kitchen through the door from the garage. She landed on the table with a piece of plastic in her beak apparently working on her nest. I shooed her out of the house afraid she might find herself caught up in the ceiling fans. I didn't think too much about it until a few days later when I noticed the beginnings of a birds nest in a flower pot on a shelf in our garage. I kept an eye on it and noticed one morning that we had four eggs. They were really small about the size of jelly beans. We now have four baby birds who proceed to open their mouths every time I go outside. The mama bird doesn't seem to mind me too much. I find myself talking to her every morning telling her what a good job she is doing. I am amazed at how small the birds are....Gives me a new perspective on the Hymn. His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me! If I can figure out how to do it I will try to get pictures.
Some weeks ago a sparrow flew into the kitchen through the door from the garage. She landed on the table with a piece of plastic in her beak apparently working on her nest. I shooed her out of the house afraid she might find herself caught up in the ceiling fans. I didn't think too much about it until a few days later when I noticed the beginnings of a birds nest in a flower pot on a shelf in our garage. I kept an eye on it and noticed one morning that we had four eggs. They were really small about the size of jelly beans. We now have four baby birds who proceed to open their mouths every time I go outside. The mama bird doesn't seem to mind me too much. I find myself talking to her every morning telling her what a good job she is doing. I am amazed at how small the birds are....Gives me a new perspective on the Hymn. His eye is on the sparrow, and I know he watches me! If I can figure out how to do it I will try to get pictures.
Yippee! 3 A's and a B plus!
I am so excited. My grades are finally all in for the Spring semester. I am very happy to have gotten 3 A's and a B plus. Data Analysis for social sciences was my big challenge and I am relieved to have it over with. However, I really did enjoy the class and learned a lot about how to analyze data with the SPSS system. I am not sure how much I will actually be able to use my new skills in the future but we shall see. I will begin summer A classes 1 week from today. I am really looking forward to Social Work As a Profession. I am not so excited about the Foreign Cultures class but it has to be better than struggling through another Spanish class.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Spring Break?
I really don't understand the reasoning that goes into the school calendars. Our son who is a student at UCF is on break this week. I go to UNF and my break is next week. Our high schoolers don't have break until April! So much for family time! Actually, we have made the most of this crazy schedule and although it is not ideal I still am grateful for time with Matt and Ashley. We tried this new (to us) card game last night and I still don't really get it but everyone else did. It is called Rage, sort of a combination of Hearts and Uno, or so Chris says. I still think Hot Rum or Pinochle are the best, mostly because I don't have to concentrate too hard to play them.
Sunday, January 06, 2008
How Long?
Where does the time go?
Once again, I find it hard to believe how much time has passed since my last post. I thought summer was going to be quiet and simple but I really don't remember what we did.
The fall was a whirlwind even though we did not have a child in Marching Band for the first time in seven years. Actually, we normally have more than one in Marching Band and even had two in two different schools one year! It was nice to have a break before next year when Katie will be joining the Golden Eagle Band.
I finally began classes at UNF which was very exciting and a long time coming. I am majoring in Sociology with a minor in Social Work. It was so much fun. Although, I would not have said that every single day. Apparently, Sociology is a major which requires much researching and writing of papers so I had a lot to learn! Thank goodness my children have had wonderful teachers who not only taught them how to write but gave me a few hints along the way. I managed to get two A's and two B's so I am pleased with the results.
I am still working three days a week but work is very different. As of October 5th Players Grille became Seafood Factory. I miss my regulars but all in all it has been a good change.
Mike is working two jobs so that I can go to school and I sure do appreciate it. He is still at FIHS and is also working part-time at CVS. We very rarely go out that he does not know someone whether it be a kid from school or someone he has helped at CVS. He says when I am done with school he is going to retire! He will definitely have earned it.
Grandma Kate is still working full-time. I sometimes wonder if she will ever retire. She hasn't lost her passion for nursing even after all this years. She is also still singing in the choir and has begun teaching English as a second language again. I guess she enjoyed her trip to Ireland because she is headed off to Scotland this year. It may have taken her awhile to get her passport but I don't think it is going to collect dust!
The kids are doing well. Chris has been working at Pinewood this fall helping out around the church. Amanda and Steve are happy especially now that Steve is finally home from deployment. Why is it deployments drag and being home flies by? Matt just completed his second semester at UCF with straight A's. Jenny is working at O2B kids and loving it. It is amazing to watch her with kids and this job also makes use of her administrative strengths. Josh is making music and is quite proficient on the guitar. He and Katie are singing with the Praise band at Christ's Church. Michael is wishing we lived in the woods so he could hunt and four wheel every day. Katie is still a delight and the icing on the cake. God sure knew what he was doing when he blessed our family with her.
I am still amazed at how our awesome God can take broken hearts and families and make them whole.
Once again, I find it hard to believe how much time has passed since my last post. I thought summer was going to be quiet and simple but I really don't remember what we did.
The fall was a whirlwind even though we did not have a child in Marching Band for the first time in seven years. Actually, we normally have more than one in Marching Band and even had two in two different schools one year! It was nice to have a break before next year when Katie will be joining the Golden Eagle Band.
I finally began classes at UNF which was very exciting and a long time coming. I am majoring in Sociology with a minor in Social Work. It was so much fun. Although, I would not have said that every single day. Apparently, Sociology is a major which requires much researching and writing of papers so I had a lot to learn! Thank goodness my children have had wonderful teachers who not only taught them how to write but gave me a few hints along the way. I managed to get two A's and two B's so I am pleased with the results.
I am still working three days a week but work is very different. As of October 5th Players Grille became Seafood Factory. I miss my regulars but all in all it has been a good change.
Mike is working two jobs so that I can go to school and I sure do appreciate it. He is still at FIHS and is also working part-time at CVS. We very rarely go out that he does not know someone whether it be a kid from school or someone he has helped at CVS. He says when I am done with school he is going to retire! He will definitely have earned it.
Grandma Kate is still working full-time. I sometimes wonder if she will ever retire. She hasn't lost her passion for nursing even after all this years. She is also still singing in the choir and has begun teaching English as a second language again. I guess she enjoyed her trip to Ireland because she is headed off to Scotland this year. It may have taken her awhile to get her passport but I don't think it is going to collect dust!
The kids are doing well. Chris has been working at Pinewood this fall helping out around the church. Amanda and Steve are happy especially now that Steve is finally home from deployment. Why is it deployments drag and being home flies by? Matt just completed his second semester at UCF with straight A's. Jenny is working at O2B kids and loving it. It is amazing to watch her with kids and this job also makes use of her administrative strengths. Josh is making music and is quite proficient on the guitar. He and Katie are singing with the Praise band at Christ's Church. Michael is wishing we lived in the woods so he could hunt and four wheel every day. Katie is still a delight and the icing on the cake. God sure knew what he was doing when he blessed our family with her.
I am still amazed at how our awesome God can take broken hearts and families and make them whole.
Monday, July 09, 2007
Eight? Try Two!
I can't believe it is already July. The summer is just flying by. Matt is graduated and already at UCF taking two classes summer term. He seems to like it but I think he will be happier when Ashley gets there this fall. As it is now he comes home every weekend.
Jenny and Mike are in Minnesota visiting their mom. It sounds like they are having a great time!
Katie is at her dads for the summer so that just leaves Chris and Josh here at the house. Needless to say it is very different.
I am taking Women's Studies this summer which will complete my A.A. I am really looking forward to being at UNF in the fall. It will be nice to be done with the core curriculum and working on classes that relate to my major.
I have found myself really enjoying reading blogs now that I have some time. I end up taking "rabbit trails". You never know where you are going to end up.
I am hoping to get together with a friend of mine in the next few weeks so she can tutor me on this whole blogger thing. Hopefully you will get to see the results!
Jenny and Mike are in Minnesota visiting their mom. It sounds like they are having a great time!
Katie is at her dads for the summer so that just leaves Chris and Josh here at the house. Needless to say it is very different.
I am taking Women's Studies this summer which will complete my A.A. I am really looking forward to being at UNF in the fall. It will be nice to be done with the core curriculum and working on classes that relate to my major.
I have found myself really enjoying reading blogs now that I have some time. I end up taking "rabbit trails". You never know where you are going to end up.
I am hoping to get together with a friend of mine in the next few weeks so she can tutor me on this whole blogger thing. Hopefully you will get to see the results!
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Spring Cleaning?
It's that time of year again. Two of my four children were born in January and February and somehow I always get this "nesting" feeling this time of year. I just seem to have the need to organize my space but I don't know what I think I am making room for because there is certainly no baby on the way. Too bad I didn't have each of the four children in different seasons!
The only problem with this cleaning bug that has infected me is trying to figure out what is "keepable" and what is not. Some things are obvious but others require way too much thought. I also realize that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" is never more true than when you are cleaning out a closet or a drawer and some of the stuff is much more beautiful to the people who live with you than it is to you. The idea of a professional organizer is certainly appealing but I think I will go attack another area!
The only problem with this cleaning bug that has infected me is trying to figure out what is "keepable" and what is not. Some things are obvious but others require way too much thought. I also realize that "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" is never more true than when you are cleaning out a closet or a drawer and some of the stuff is much more beautiful to the people who live with you than it is to you. The idea of a professional organizer is certainly appealing but I think I will go attack another area!
Monday, January 15, 2007
Still alive and kicking!
I have discovered this takes a lot more discipline than I previously thought. I know for some people writing comes easy but for me it is extremely difficult. You would think that someone who is known as a talker would have lots to say and my life is certainly interesting enough, but when I sit down and look at the BIG white empty space it is a bit overwhelming! I am going to make an effort to at least write once a week. Who knows maybe I really will get hooked and there will be so many posts that you will get tired of reading them.
Saturday, July 08, 2006
She's Getting Married!
We are so excited....Our oldest daughter Amanda is getting married! She got engaged two weeks ago and the wedding is two weeks from today. Her future husband is Steven, a wonderful young man who is currently serving in the Navy. They have a new house and we have a grandpuppy named Trigger.
The wedding is going to take place at Vilano Beach near St. Augustine. We took a ride over there today to check it out and I got the truck stuck! We will have to be careful where we drive...The reception is going to be here at the house, in the back yard...We will have a big white tent set up with Tables underneath and a sit down dinner. Mike is building a dance floor to go under the big oak tree...I think it will be beautiful...
I have so many hopes and dreams for them. I want them to have a marriage that is full of love and joy.
Well, I better get going, there is a lot to be done!
The wedding is going to take place at Vilano Beach near St. Augustine. We took a ride over there today to check it out and I got the truck stuck! We will have to be careful where we drive...The reception is going to be here at the house, in the back yard...We will have a big white tent set up with Tables underneath and a sit down dinner. Mike is building a dance floor to go under the big oak tree...I think it will be beautiful...
I have so many hopes and dreams for them. I want them to have a marriage that is full of love and joy.
Well, I better get going, there is a lot to be done!
Saturday, March 25, 2006
Is it time to go?
I don't know who is worse, me or Michael!
When I was growing up my favorite place to go was my grandparents farm in south Georgia. While most of my friends went to the beach or Disney World on their vacations, I went to the farm to be with my dad's family. It was heaven for an only child from the "city". Mostly we worked tobacco (which is a story in itself) but there were also chicken houses, cows and pigs. I can't even express how wonderful it was to spend the summers there. I learned so many things that have made me who I am. I laugh when the girls at work complain how hard the job is....Obviously they have never worked in a tobacco field in the middle of a hot Georgia summer. People comment on our eight children and wonder how we do it...I think of Aunt Jackie and how easy she made it look to take care of all of us. When I am serving people at work... I think of Grandma and how she always had room at her table and a smile on her face. When I am tired and don't want to take care of my responsibilities... I remember my grandpa and my uncles "If a job is worth doing it is worth doing right". Mostly, when I think about my faith and the wonderful gift that it is... I remember the little church down the dirt road and the truth I heard there as a child, the homecomings, revivals and the dinner on the grounds, my aunt and uncle and cousins all loaded in the front of the truck on our way to another church and another service for them to share the message once again through song, the simple faith of a farmer who planted his crop knowing it was God who would make it prosper or not and was content with the outcome.
Now some things have changed, my grandparents aren't there anymore but my aunt and uncle still provide a place where my kids can share some of the magic I remember. I still can't wait to get there, but now I am not the only one, my Micheal loves it as much as I do...so I guess I had better go get ready because We Are Going To The Farm!
When I was growing up my favorite place to go was my grandparents farm in south Georgia. While most of my friends went to the beach or Disney World on their vacations, I went to the farm to be with my dad's family. It was heaven for an only child from the "city". Mostly we worked tobacco (which is a story in itself) but there were also chicken houses, cows and pigs. I can't even express how wonderful it was to spend the summers there. I learned so many things that have made me who I am. I laugh when the girls at work complain how hard the job is....Obviously they have never worked in a tobacco field in the middle of a hot Georgia summer. People comment on our eight children and wonder how we do it...I think of Aunt Jackie and how easy she made it look to take care of all of us. When I am serving people at work... I think of Grandma and how she always had room at her table and a smile on her face. When I am tired and don't want to take care of my responsibilities... I remember my grandpa and my uncles "If a job is worth doing it is worth doing right". Mostly, when I think about my faith and the wonderful gift that it is... I remember the little church down the dirt road and the truth I heard there as a child, the homecomings, revivals and the dinner on the grounds, my aunt and uncle and cousins all loaded in the front of the truck on our way to another church and another service for them to share the message once again through song, the simple faith of a farmer who planted his crop knowing it was God who would make it prosper or not and was content with the outcome.
Now some things have changed, my grandparents aren't there anymore but my aunt and uncle still provide a place where my kids can share some of the magic I remember. I still can't wait to get there, but now I am not the only one, my Micheal loves it as much as I do...so I guess I had better go get ready because We Are Going To The Farm!
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Difficult Tuesdays.....
Every other Tuesday night is difficult at our house....We are on a visitation plan based loosely on Ackerman. Basically, I have the majority of the school year and their dad has the majority of the summer. During the school year the kids go to their dad's home every other Wed. after school and stay until Monday after school. I get the first five days of summer and the last five days of summer and ten days in the middle. I get to choose the ten days one year and their dad gets to choose which ten days I get the next year. I don't like the plan at all but, I really don't know that there is any better way to do it...I think they need stability during the school year, so this is what we have worked out even though I don't get to have very many of the carefree days of summer.
I am sure that once they get to their dad's they are fine...It is the leaving that is hard...Then there are Mikes kids who are with us all the time...I know they would like some time with their mom but Minnesota is just too far away...
There really is no perfect solution so we just do our best to make it work.
I am sure that once they get to their dad's they are fine...It is the leaving that is hard...Then there are Mikes kids who are with us all the time...I know they would like some time with their mom but Minnesota is just too far away...
There really is no perfect solution so we just do our best to make it work.
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