Remnants of Long Ago~

Do you have remnants of another time? Have you held onto a few things from your wedding day? Do You have little treasured pieces of Baby things that your little ones once used or wore or were given as gifts?

Oooooooooooookay, so maybe I am not alone.  If so you would not consider me a hoarder just a wife, mother with a drawer or perhaps a box with a few reminders of another time that are too sweet and personal to just toss away or throw into the Goodwill collection box.

I will share my goodies if you will share a few of yours.  I have the little black shiny envelope style purse from my Going Away outfit. 

That's what we called the outfit we wore when we left for our honeymoon after the wedding. Inside that little accessory is the copy of my pre- wedding blood test , a post card with a picture of the Motel where we spent the night on our wedding night, and a small printed [ Ted and Jonell Harrison] napkin from the wedding reception. Of course I still have my small White Bible I carried down the isle.  It was a gift from Mershon Baptist Church Girl's Auxiliary group. The presenter made a note inside indicating they were taking note of the fact that I had been the first President of the new organization. The price sticker left inside showed $4.95. I used it regularly until I began to need a larger print and a concordance. This little memento is on a shelf in our living room now. Naturally I have kept my Bride's Book and the dried Orchid placed inside it lasted for many years then  finally disintegrated.

We still have the Shawl blanket given for our first child..I used it for the next two babies but then got a new one when our first and only daughter was born. I think I passed that along to her years later. 

I have shared a number of baby things but Our children are not noticeably sentimental about keepsakes like this so passing along and having them used again has not worked out  well. Our three boys  got new suits..each distinctively different when they were in grade school approximately 7 1/2-8 1/2 & 10 years old. By the time they were 12 or 13 it was almost impossible to find suits for boys..this was early to mid 1970's. I kept those suits and in perfect condition passed them along to them when they had little boys .I had thought it would be so neet to have pictures of their little ones in the same suits..but then that was MY idea, not theirs.   I guess they forgot about them.  Same story with some of the boys' Scout uniforms. When our daughter was in 9th grade [ I think] she and I had a photo made together -she was wearing a Christmas red plaid shirt.  I saved it and she now has it -  in tact. Somewhere in this house there are Brownie badges that belonged to our daughter..need to think of something [soon] to do with them.

Now I ask you does that list of saved items sound like that of a hoarder? That's a rhetorical question.  I'm wondering what you have done with saved treasures? btw..I do have one blanket chest with enough clothing [mine] for a small group of girls to  have fun putting on a fashion show.  that has happened a  number of times. I don't regret hanging on to those. One of the most significant fashion items saved  is my 1972 navy polyester short short dress-sailor style..it hangs on the inside of my bedroom closet door and a few years ago our oldest  grand daughter exclaimed "Gramma, YOU WORE THAT?" Across the room on the back side of our bedroom door is hanging the top half [blouse they called them] of one of Ted's white Navy Uniforms from the 1950s [ We have several of those] No one is going to make me feel bad about that!! I love it.  It's there but not  clutter or  a "tacky" statement. It's a slight but tasteful display of memorabilia.

I failed to mention..we have Ted's Original WEDDING BAND.  He received a new one the year of our 50th Anniversary.

One day soon I will put together a [tasteful] display of all these and photograph ..then add to this post for you.

Now,  what relics from the past  have you been able to hold onto?? It's share time.
~All In Fun,
Jonell

Distant Connections-Still Family~

My Introduction to My Mobley Great Grand Parents

James Eli & Joicie Elizabeth Swindel Mobley-
Parents of Marion Albert Mobley

I think I shall never forget the night I was introduced to them. [  2001 ] I had been working for quite a while sharing my own personal Mobley family information with Carl Williams in Orlando Florida area. He was the keeper of the Mobley website. After carefully reviewing the names, dates, etc I began to pass along the pictures via the internet. Late, late in the wee hours of the morning the last picture he shared with me was of my Mobley Great Grandparents..the parents of My Grandpa Marion Albert Mobley. I was not prepared for my emotional response. I cannot describe it. You see my grandparents were very real to me. There were multiple times growing up when my mother and siblings were  living with Grandpa and Grandma in Mershon, Ga...just DOWN THE LANE from Aunt Laura and Uncle Jack Mobley. Because they were so real to me..it was just a small stretch to reach out and  touch my newly discovered Great Grand parents whom I actually had never known.

My husband had awakened and when he walked past me at the computer I declared:   "Sweetheart, I just met my Mobley Great Grandparents."  mmm talk about Connections!!

Charles' Bride-

Remembering a friend & neighbor in Texas: Millie Northrop was our neighbor @ 10 years-just across on the road on 2626. She prayed for us b 4 she knew us; She & Charles prayed for us Daily I am sure. Millie had such a joyful spirit-His JOY-She shared so easily-her tomatoes.to be sure we had a taste of fresh ones in season-She knew who she was-what she believed-her role in life-her role in family was no-nonsense, practical person willing to mentor & share..if  wanted.

I will think of Millie  when I make her recipe for carrot salad and when we have Peas that remind me of the Miller  Peas she so often served for company..

I will remember her when I am in touch with Alana -knowing how she appreciated the time we spent with her grand daughter.

  I remember her good dishes & bought a cup/saucer of same pattern just b/c that's Millie's pattern.  I will think of her when I drink morning coffee from it as I did early today..the day Charles buried his Bride.  [ he often referred to her as his BRIDE.]

Millie knew the value of praying God's Word-she experienced the joy of answered prayer and the knowledge that God is Who He Says He is..God can do what He says he can, that she was who He says she was, that she could do all things through Christ and His word was real and alive in her.

 What a beautiful picture remembering how Charles served her coffee in bed early in the morning before they had their Bible study/prayer time before starting the day. She often mentioned how they worked like A TEAM.  They were like  Guardian Angels across the road..always praying - taking our needs to Him even when they were not sure what the needs were..they still prayed faithfully as they did for so many family and loved ones especially the lost or broken.

Later, beautiful person~ jwh

post script: I must remember to use spell check and take a second look at the sentence structure & punctuation-She was always the teacher ~

Believing God~

• God is who He says He is
• God can do what He says He can do
• I am Who God says I am
• I can do all things through Christ
• God's Word is alive and active in me

" I AM BELIEVING GOD."

[ From Beth Moore's Study " Believing God"]

A ~COOL~ Gramma

How do I find the words?  We had difficulty lingering on GRAMMA'S FRONT PORCH this morning. Remember, we are in South Alabama.  After two days of Heaven Sent Rain from tropical storm Lee, with a little wind thrown in for drama and a bit of tension to go along with the Tornado  Siren and TV weather watch ..we had to grab something with sleeves this morning.  After sleeping late I slipped out of my comfy spot, pulled on a chambray, long sleeved Auburn shirt, grabbed my coffee mug and slipped out the front door to discover the temperature was right at 60 degrees. Ah, what did I do to deserve this moment?

"Every good and perfect gift...."  Yes, it's just as easy to oooooooooh and ahhhhhhhhhhh over that near chilly outdoor air as it was  the long awaited rain the past two days.  It all comes from Him.

Nevermind- we Southerners all know the warm, even hot humid weather is not over..just let us revel in this sneak preview of wintry mornings in the deep south. 

Hey,I agree it does not take much to make me happy-even giddy with excitement. LIFE IS GOOD!  Grab it, hug it, snuggle with it, be thankful ..in another week there will be new "gifts" to rattle on and on about.  Don't wander off too far...We'll share those with you.

Dream vs Reality

As a teenager I always wanted to look like so many other girls.  I wanted to be considered Vivacious like Faye.

I would have 'as they say" died to have clothes like Laura Jean, Joan, Charlotte and toward the end of high school what I wouldn't have given to be able to see on my feet wearing those incredible,  princess like ..ballet type flats [shoes] usually with a dainty little strap that buttoned on the side with the tiniest little pearly white button.  mmmm let's see who wore those? Linda Ann, Bonnie, Ann, Sybil- EVERYONE or so it seemed everyone except me.

Funny thing..many of those shoe styles have COME BACK in recent years.  YES! I can have those shoes that made me GREEN WITH ENVY.  Let's go shoe shopping!  Ahhhhhhh can you imagine how I felt when I looked down at my feet wearing the fantasy  of my dreams...They looked hideous. [on me]  What happened? Who played a trick on me? They killed the wonderful designers who made them just perfection in the late 50's.  This  can't be. [Big, big sigh~]

Again this reminds me of another thing I always wanted.  I shall never forget the ORCHID my sweetheart-now husband of 52 years] gave me to wear to my Junior /Senior Banquet [same as Prom]. That was the most unspeakably beautiful ORCHID I have ever seen..actually I think that might have been the first one I had seen up close. [It's okay you can laugh with me]

I don't want to ask for special things. It's is much more enjoyable to have my husband read my mind and know that I wanted him to find that orchid again..ya'll I got tired of waiting. My husband would have given me that. I don't ask. Finally at about 50 years old I got sick and tired of waiting for the mind reading feat.  One Easter Sunday I showed up at church with a yes, you guessed it the most beautiful big orchid.  People assumed he gave it to me.  He wasn't  going for that. He told the truth.  I bought it for myself.   I am completely "over" that orchid thing.  The thrill was gone- On Monday I gave it to a friend to give to a bride to be at her shower.  Someone else truly did enjoy it.

I really need to write self a note to revisit this line of thought.  There are numerous other "I always wanted" stories I will continue and share with you after I stop ROFL at myself~
post script: September 7, 2011
Another 'remember when' little story..remember when you had the rare opportunity to go to town and buy new shoes? Memorable? Yes for two reasons.  The shoes were new.  That was noteworthy,true and  they always hurt my feet.  I grew up with the thought that new shoes aways had to hurt one's feet.  You had to 'break them in" and part of that process was blisters on the heels...just part of the suffering for the blessing of new shoes I guess.  No matter how pretty they were, they were always hard, stiff and painful.  I can just "feel" the rubbing and the blisters.  It never seemed to occur to anyone to TAKE THOSE SHOES BACK TO THE STORE & get some that feel or fit better. 
Maybe that's why I so love wonderful kid glove soft fitting shoes on my feet today!
And perhaps that has something to do with my enjoying a spa pedicure so much it's gotta be sinful.. Okaayy..that can be my excuse for this extravagance! YES, that Will work.
Remember, the title is 'dream vs reality..
My high school years I sometimes refer to as A Cinderella Experience/Story! It's too long a story to share with people who know nothing of my childhood growing up years in south Georgia. I have to hit the high spots.  What became my wonderful reality could never have been a part of my dreams.  It's all about God's merciful provision in choosing people & placing them in my life -to serve His purpose.  This God thing and these special people have been a part of me..and will continue to be as long as I live.  As a very young child they made it possible for me to be in church and Sunday School regularly.  As a teenager those chosen ones were almost like guardian angels and 20th century fairy Godmothers.  Literary license taken here?  No, not much!

Bubbling Over~

No, No, I did not put bubble bath in the tub and leave it to run over.  The Bubbling Over is my heart. Actually it's a vanity thing.. one of the PHS Class of '59 emailed such a sweet note -I am so thrilled to know that it may be someone from my South Georgia past showing up when my blog tracker reads "Jacksonville" stopped by.

Thanks "Joan Crawford" you just made my day!  Only one other event today  competes with your note. [  the generous RAIN we have gotten yesterday and today thanks to TS Lee.]

True, I don't write or maintain my blogs to gather a  following-but there's something so surprising  and unexplainable about what an ego trip I experience when I'm able to share what I do with that elite group of people with whom I shared so much of these memorable sights, sounds and events.  They were all there.  They know what I am talking about.  And they know why a little insignificant  Georgia Girl is so thrilled with this life God has blessed us with~

looking back is sweet-it keeps my heart tender and that is something for which I have prayed for many years-that God would keep my heart tender & thankful.  He has-He does. 

Post Script:  I love you Lord & I lift my voice to worship you....O my soul, Rejoice...... [you  know the praise chorus.]

 

Connections~

Saturday morning~I do love being awake before anyone appears to be stirring on our street. When the air is a wee bit cooler I enjoy sitting back and whispering prayers for the neighbors. Some have obvious known needs and a few I have no idea what's going on in their lives. They still need prayer to cover their day, their relationships, choices. I don't have to know anything-God is ever present-He Knows
I finish my first cup of coffee and just try to soak in the quiet, the amazing birds flitting about, the freshness of a new day and the best place to turn in my Bible at this time of day is the Psalms.
It's impossible to observe my surroundings without spotting work that needs to be done~weeds to be pulled, dry pots of asparagus ferns to be watered, plants that are needing to be trimmed back -some even need to find another home [not in my yard].

Have you ever noticed a healthy thriving plant or bush and you have no memory of planting that-it's very green, year round and growing like a weed? Neither of us claims planting it..weird! [ moving day for that bush].
This is a great time to think about loved ones, near & some far, way too far-wondering what they are doing and longing for them to be sitting here in this beautiful spot enjoying it with me.

Ahhhhhhhh, Creation & The Creator~How can anyone NOT MAKE THE CONNECTION!!
I love you Lord..thank you for loving me/us.

Advice From Another Blogger [ not me ]

The advice comes from a very successful blogger with years o experience, tons of talent and surely as much energy. That would be Ree Drummond who shares so much of herself on http://thepioneerwoman.com/ .
Her advice to bloggers [ that's me & you ] is no matter if you are posting something pages in length or just sharing a photo you should post regularly, often.

Sooooooooo here goes. I dont think there is anything creative or inspiring or entertaining left in me at the end of this hot summer day in south Alabama -so todays post will be just this, to share  The Pioneer Woman's blog site with you..now dash on over there. There is more to read, copy, mull over and make use of than you can handle in ...who knows, quite a while.  You just have to stop by her ranch regularly. You'll be in good company and I might add a large gathering of visitors.

Laundry Day~Don't You Love it?

Yes, I do love laundry day at the Harrison House. You didn't know anyone has a specific day [ & only one] to do the family laundry? Well we do.  It's one of the changes we  made about five years ago when we both became  officially retired. 

For so many years any day could be laundry day..and most days did find at least one small load being done. 

There is something comfortable about knowing when we wake up on Thursday [ that's our day] we know exactly what is about to happen.  Since I am most often the last to get out  bed I begin removing the sheets and pillow cases. Next the laundry basket comes out of the hamper in my bathroom and colors & whites are grouped & dropped into a basket outside my bathroom door.  That way "the help" can't miss it or forget  that  today is laundry day. 

If you are not yet at that 'loving laundry day' place in life then I must remind you that the HELP is my laundry service or to be more specific [& truthful] the HELP and laundry service are one and the same: My husband. That's his choice.

Now you understand why I celebrate this special day.  There is nothing quite like seeing those clothes come in the door on hangers or in neat little perfectly organized stacks.  I cannot wait to rush and take those beautiful stacks of white sheets and towels [ just being thoughtful] from him  and begin to put them in place.  That way everything is in perfect order..just the way his wife wants it.  You realize 'trust' just goes so far ladies.  The right way to store and stack is MY WAY...period.

What's Better ?

What's Better Than Having a Wonderful Pear Tree Loaded With  Fruit ready to pick?  ANSWER: Having a neighbor who has that tree in her yard and she never uses them.

Thanks my dear friend!  These are just begging to be used for those crescent roll turnovers that have mountain dew soda as the last ingredient. Yes, it works with Granny Smith Apples too.  YUMMO! [Quoting Rachel Ray, of course]

Do you NOT HAVE that recipe? Just go to  Ree Drummond's   http://pioneerwoman.com/  website and search using some of these key words: apple dumplings, crescent roll, mountain dew.  Apples or Pears it spells delicious!

 If you don't find it just ASK ME. It's super Easy! She not only shares the recipe but she does it step by step WITH PICTURES.


Country Scene-Summer Harvest

I Could Not Leave the Larger Ones-Afraid They
Might Not Hold On Until Tomorrow_

These Six Pears Are Enough to Make 3-4
of the Crescent Roll Fruit Turnover Recipe

In Brundidge~The Kids Have to Play!

[more pics when I figure out where they are]

A New Day -New Lessons

I always want to fix everything~I CANNOT fix everything.  A difficult lesson to learn. [mmm re-learn?]

Note to Self [ again ]

"Self, even when LIFE IS GOOD-

There are dissapointments. 

 Amen, Thank You & Praise the Lord

 For A NEW DAY to TRY to "get it right."

*postscript: Also known as GOD'S GRACE

Time and What it Means

Time has a totally different meaning to us at various stages of life. As a teenager and then as a young bride and mother of little ones time was a very practical thing.

I knew ahead of me there was what we called "A Lifetime."  Then I longed for a little TIME for myself.  The luxury of time for browsing the local shops alone  was indeed a luxury.  I did have that occassionally because of the thoughtful husband who was staying put at home with the babies.  I appreciated that time.  For several years I longed for the TIME when these 3 little boys  would be able to feed, bathe and dress themselves.  I think I dreamed of  TIME when we [ my husband and I] would be able to get away somewhere special to enjoy doing unnecessary things without the usual [if mundane] and normal demands of a very young growing family.  This didn't happen often so we soaked it all in when we did have such a carefree event.  Money was always an issue and then along with that [even if we could come up with the money] there was ALWAYS the issue of someone available, willing and responsible  to care for [3] preschool age boys & later 4 as we were blessed with a precious daughter.   I always felt I was being scrutinized [critically] as a mother-then one day it "came to me" that with 3 stair step boys -13 months and 18 months apart it was reasonable to expect that things around us would be three times as loud, three times as difficult, and three times as often! And I learned to accept the fact that "if my three boys had not done it [whatever] they would." That way you aren't quite as surprised by the things three healthy, active, creative & very normal  boys come up with on any given day!

Back to the subject of TIME:  I easily recall the years when my mother-in law was in her 70's and the times we would visit her.  When It came time for the last hug, and last minute goodbye post scripts I could see how very sad and a little emotional she became...as the years passed [she lived to be 94] she couldn't hide the emotion.  Even back then when she was in the 8th decade of life I realized that the reason she was so noticeably sad when we were leaving was that in her mind she was thinking " This could be the last time we see each other on earth."

NOW I know and understand exactly how she felt. The parting at those times did not affect us quite so much..after all we had each other and our own homes and our own very full lives and interests to return to at the end of the trip. We went along our merry way and returned to the places, things and people that filled our lives.  Life was good and we had to get on with it.   I wonder how often we thought about what Nanny was doing or thinking a few hours after we were gone.  Did it ever occur to us that she might be reliving each hour or day we had just spent with her. I wonder.  Maybe...maybe not.

I suppose it all goes right back to that part of the human condition we all are cursed with....SELF will always be a major part of our being..SELF meaning self involvement and self importance   and self sufficiency.  Is it any comfort knowing that everyone else has that same negative to deal with throughout life? No, not really.

But we cannot go back ..the choices we made are what they are-that was then and this..the now is what we have left. As we have often been told and even said to others "We just have to be thankful for what we have."  I am!! But being the controlling person I am  don't you know I am going to always be trying to change things.?!!

 [Laugh with me-that's meant to be a funny..with a sprinkle of truth, of course]

*Post Script: If this is a little more introspective than you the reader can handle I apologize..lol I will try to post on a more light hearted subject next time.:^)

Wedding Bells~

Those Wedding Bells
~are getting closer.  It appears the "revised plan" means we will be having a FALL WEDDING-Spring would have been just fine but all the projects and plans have so fallen into place there is just no point in waiting until February 2012. [Heavens No!]


Steve and Carol met on a blind date one year ago May 2010.

And yes, of course we are excited and happy anticipating this big day.  Steve is our oldest son and is 51 years old- never married.

It's a Happy Time!

 

 

 

Thoughtful Thoughts~

Francis Chan relates the story  [ http://www.crazylovebook.com/  ] of a man -first name Stan- who while giving the Eulogy at a memorial service closed his remarks by saying:  " You never know when God is going to take your life. At that moment there is nothing you can do about it. Are you ready?"
He then sat down, fell over and died. Efforts  to resuscitate him failed.
So many of us as Christians are disappointed with ourselves because we know  that we have not shared Jesus Christ as we should. I have not.
We CAN make use of our blogs and facebook pages . Let's share it- Are you ready? Do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior..I'm not asking if you know OF GOD, OF JESUS, OF CHRISTIANITY..but do you have a RELATIONSHIP with Him?
I am not asking if you are a member or attendee of some church. I am not asking if you have walked down a church isle, said a prayer and been baptized.  That does not save you.  And we cannot count on getting a 3 MINUTE WARNING to allow time to turn to HIm immediately before slipping into Eternity.
The only time you have to make this choice is TODAY! We are not assured of Tomorrow  .

Here I Go Pondering Again~

~I actually thought I was simply REPURPOSING..didn't realize it had a GRANDMA look & feel~

~just thinking about the name of this blog [ "like Gramma's House" ] and how often I hear that phrase on the Home & Garden Television programs.  People  searching for a home to buy  so often   comment as they tour the property: "This reminds me of Grandma's house."

I often use the same phrase in conversation-that's how I came up with the blog title.  I know what the phrase "like gramma's house" means to me but what are house hunters on HGTV  suggesting when they make this observation.  It usually feels very negative.

So tell me what do you mean when you describe a room or a home as 'Like Gramma's House.?"

Ladies & Gentlemen?

What does the title "lady/ladies" or "Gentleman/Gentlemen" mean anymore?  As I ponder in less than amused fashion I can only tell you what it means at my house.
Here goes~

At our house I stand alongside my husband [ of almost 52 years now] in more ways than a few.  In the shop as he works on his building projects I stand right there ..to critique & supervise.  I can always spot the paint drip or the rough edge he missed with the sander.  I seldom miss the ugly dab of carpenter's glue that should not be showing and of course I am going to take note of the finished project that still needs another coat of paint.

And who says Mom has no sense of humor..enough of that and on to the intended slant of this post.

Other real ways in which I stand alongside or behind in a supportive role include working in the flower beds, washing down the house and other outdoor walls when they need a fresh look, repainting outdoor furniture, lifting, loading and fetching whatever needs to be as we dig into those seasonal hot and yes sweaty, dirty jobs that are a part of life and the joys of home ownership.  At the end of one of those days when all the batteries [ours] have run down and the bodies have soaked in more grunge than anyone can abide, we call it quits, shut down the storage and shop areas and retreat to shade, comfort and indoor modern 'thank you Lord" A/C. 

Here's the first illustration.  As we two sorry sights [not to mention smelly?] move indoors headed for the showers..My silver fox OPENS THE DOOR, STANDS ASIDE AS HE ALLOWS ME TO 'GO FIRST'...Now that's a Gentlemen. There is no audience he just does it because he is...a gentlemen.  And guess what~ I allow him to be a gentlemen as he shows deference to a lady.  [that would be ME, his wife ] I am a strong, independent female but I am not a dumb one.

My observations of our world close by reveal to me that men often are no longer gentlemen because there is no Lady allowing them to behave in a gentlemanly manner.

Girls, for heaven's sake let the men treat you like someone special.  Are you not? Then when you get into place at the office where you have responsibility and perhaps some authority..do your job.  Allowing men to treat you politely does not have to weaken or dimish your strengths.  It's no wonder so many men are pitiful specimens of what God intended  them to be.  Women {the 'women's movement,etc] have told them they are not necessary, not wanted or needed.  It didn't take too long for them to "get the message" and learn quite well  this role of "being a man",  without respect for self, for women or any clear understanding of what responsibility really means in the context of 'the family."    It is now quite common to find that a man often thinks his responsibilities are done with when he has a job and brings home a paycheck..how sad!

How thankful..how very thankful I am the  children in this family never saw that kind of example at our house.

Have I told you my illustration of the BIG UMBRELLA?  One Sunday morning in Texas it was raining cats and dogs when church was over and as we left the worship service Ted pulled out the BIG UMBRELLA..and with both of us protected from the drenching rain he walked us to the car securely closing the door  as I slipped into my seat untouched by the downpour.

[I will post an "umbrella" pic soon]

At that moment as I was about to get into the car I thought: "What a perfect picture of a Godly man and his role regarding a wife and children." I have never forgotten that beautiful simple picture.  Thank You Lord!

Miles and Milestones~

Ah, the miles! The miles traveled and the milestones in the lives of our Grands -they keep coming.

Just a reminder-our only daugher has our only grand daughters..two,ages 13 and 18 this year. The oldest, Dylan graduated from high school this month-May 22, 2011 in Mason city, Iowa. 

We traveled the 1,000 plus [one way] trip by way of western Kentucky where we took a slight detour and spent a few days with my "little sister, Gwen" and her husband.  Since she retired about a year ago they live near Lake Barkley.  That's convenient since he eats, sleeps, breathes and worships FISHING -taking time off only for the deer in season and golfing when the fish run away from home.  Of course none of you will share this with him...he doesn't know.  Over the span of our adult years my sister and I have had so very few opportunities to spend time together. For this reason it has been such a joy to be able to visit a huge total of four times since 2007. Joy, Joy!

Ted and I  managed to dodge any treacherous areas where flooding was a problem and arrived in Nora Springs, Iowa on Saturday night -just right for getting to attend church with our daughter Deanna, husband Tim and Grands, Dylan, Zack and Samantha.

During that first week we attended a track meet,  a choir concert, an awards program and a Garden Club in Mason City where Dylan sang, accompanying herself on guitar. [And we are not even to Graduation yet. ] During this time Deanna and I finished our shopping list and set up plans for Saturday night's Graduation party and put together a Display photo collage and photo album to show off high school memories and family pictoral treasures  at the party. Dylan gathered trophy mementoes and Dance Team uniforms, etc to add to her display which she put together without any help from us.  All this had to be done working around the last few days of school and Tim's crazy work schedule but we did it!

Graduation party was wonderful ..could not have been better.  People appeared to really enjoy it..liked the food and lingered to visit.

I will insert pictures as I can.  One perfectly delightful observation I must share. When I noticed an opening at her Guest reception table I went over to grab a hug  and take a picture..and was more than amused [ it was hilarious ] she had her autograph pillow for her friends to sign and spread out on the table beside the card box were a variety of wallet size photos of herself..and I overheard her tell some of her friends that she would AUTOGRAPH the photo for them..To appeciate that you must know that Dylan is very passionate about pursuing  a future in the music industry [ Nashville? Of course!] Her piers were not surprised at all..they know her!



Baccularete service and Graduation ceremony  wound up on Sunday with mobs of graduates, faculty, family and friends taking photos with the newest alumni braving winds strong enough to rock our heavy vehicle at the gas pump afterwards.

After family gathering and departures Sunday afternoon and early Monday Dylan spread out her savings and Graduation cash gifts  and the car lot tour in Mason City began.  This wound up with a little red Ford Escort as Dylan counted out her savings, grad gifts, tips from Appleby's and a generous loan from her big hearted 16 year old brother Zack.

Family-Always!

Having left south Alabama on May 11th [ it is now May 26th] We directed Gertrude [ GPS ] toward home.

Tornado Weather~ Phillipians 4:7

What do Grammas everywhere  do when such destructive storms are pending?

Pray people - they pray..and accept the peace that is offered us in scripture, that peace that 'passes all understanding.'  [ Phillipians 4:7 ]

Gramma's Bible~ circa 1983

 The oldest personal Bible I have is the dainty white Bride's Bible I carried with me down the isle when I was married June 21,1959 in Mershon Baptist Church-in south Georgia.  It was a gift from our church's Girl's Auxiliary organization. It cost $4.95. I know because the tag was accidentally left inside.

I used it regularly for the first few years then graduated to a larger edition with larger print I am sure. I seldom read from it now and never use it to study but it is a proudly/humbly displayed treasure in our living room placed next to our Wedding Picture..the only one we have.

Over the years I had several Bibles, some received as gifts and used regularly some remained in new condition because I was not comfortable using it..the edition of THE LIVING BIBLE was a beautiful book and gift from someone who loved me but I was never comfortable with it.  The black KJV above was a gift from Ted, Steve and Deanna on my birthday 1983. This was the most used Bible of my life.

From 1983 until 2011 this Bible with all it's notes, highlighting and marking tells a story of God's Word used in a person's life. When I left it to be restored earlier this year it was very difficult to use..one might easily say it was ragged.  Some pages were even unattached. One of our children remarked a few years ago as he saw me carry this "falling apart" Book "Mom, are you trying to shame us all?"  After a minute I realized what he meant.  He was referring to the 'testimony' of a well used Bible [I think].

This is the restored precious Bible we picked up from the Lifeway store today after paying them $175.49.  I am sure that is several times the amount paid for the original one given me in 1983.  That's okay..I would have paid twice that if necessary.  It has been suggested that perhaps I will take better care of it this time. No, my heart's desire is to wear it out again with use.

What a sweet thing to open the returned old worn out cover and find so many little treasures that had been between the pages. There were love notes from "my girls" I taught in southeast Texas, Book marks from the Grand children, one from Turner, another from "Amie Simmons", a little love note from "Holly", another from Lindsey and one from Dylan,  All these priceless little treasures from loved ones.  I had overlooked these and am so thankful they were salvaged and returned to me.

[ ~post script: I am thinking about buying a brand new one to wear out  and if God allows enough years perhaps another one so there will be one for each of our children to have when I am gone.]

YES!!

HE IS RISEN~He is risen indeed!

Share Jesus Without Fear

Share Jesus Without Fear

Simple Things~

Such simple things as a bunch  OF FRESH RADISHES from our little patch in the back yard -makes my day. 

Did you ever learn to appreciate those small radishes thinnly sliced and slipped into a biscuit..even a cold one? If you are under fifty..maybe not :^)

And the fresh green onions are just as celebrated-am waiting a few days to begin raiding the Romaine Lettuce but it's looking good!

3-29-41 Remembered~

They know I love colorful. They know  how much I appreciate flowers and candles.

I appreciate the fact that they knew how to find and use a small package of candles using  less than the entire eight.  Somebody likely did a little visualization and knew they didn't want to make a cake large enough to accomodate that many candles-of course Gramma wouldn't have been able to blow them all out without starting a fire.

WEDDING BELLS~ Joy,Joy!



Steve & Carol
December 2010 at "the Hanging of the Green" at Eastern Hills
Baptist Church, Montgomery,Al.



They came down Saturday afternoon to share the news with us and
we had dinner together at Ruby Tuesdays

[Right now I am so overwhelmed and joyful I am almost at a loss for
words..as soon as I "find words" again, I will elaborate on this wonderful
news and all that is filling my heart. additional pictures to follow ]

A Personal Invitation!

 

Pour yourself a Cup of your Fav Tea, turn the TV off, Pull up a Chair and soak in all the Pretties I have scattered about the house for you - join the conversation-Leave Me a comment, feedback you want to share. If I did not like tea I would drink it anyway just to have an excuse for collecting pretty tea cups and teapots.

I look forward to your input~ Jonell

When a Thank You is Not Enough~



The Restoration Project
A Labor of Love

 There are some things so unselfish in the doing and giving that THANK YOU is not adequate. In fact just the words THANK YOU are almost pathetic. I am thinking of the act of making SALVATION available to us ~it's just not enough to say 'thank you'~ to put that into my pitiful everyday perspective..has a loved one done something for you that was so totally beyond SELF..So completely about YOU THE RECIPIENT and you start to express appreciation and it's hard to say thank you..IT'S SO WIMPY..whaddaya do? What I did was just express to that person what I just said..that I realize THANK YOU just doesn't cover it. mmm something to mull over and see what God reveals to me there.

March Winds~~

 

Here it comes right on schedule [ today is the last day of February]

..the March Winds!  And there they go~~~~ the blooms on the fruit trees! 

Soaking Up Sun-Vitamin D

Sooooooooo nice~my first nap on the deck in the FEBRUARY SUN this afternoon.  That, my dear friends to the north is reason enough to COME ON DOWN  South.

After announcing that I  am okay with "sunning" again-a friend replied that "we're going one way or another-might as well go with a tan".

My stated rationale is that I will die before any skin cancer would kill me but I like my friend's thought process..God will recognize me either way, right?

{have avoided excess sun for many years b/c I turn dark practically overnight}

Our next seasonal milestone will be COFFEE ON THE FRONT PORCH early mornings! The only problem is Spring seems to be coming fast and I don't have all the black rockers and wicker repainted yet....Oh well I usually work better under pressure with deadlines!

Close Out 2010

Christmas in Brundidge 2010

Thanksgiving in Montgomery 2010

Sweet Rememberings~

Thinking about how times, relationships and expectations of loved ones have  changed:

Remembering Grandma Mobley- She never cooked my favorite food.  In fact I don't recall having a favorite food.  It was just good to have food. 

She didn't have a basket or box with toys set aside or bought for me and I don't even recall having a writing tablet or a special book she had for me or the other grandchildren to use at her house.

As a child I don't remember getting a letter or a love note from Grandma.  She never asked me what I wanted "Santa" to bring me and never went to a school function or special program I was in as a child.  I can't recall her ever giving me money  or sending me a birthday card.

So how is it that I have nothing but loving fond memories of my Grandma Mobley?

We never had a list of things she had to do in order to measure up as my grandma? She was who she was and we loved her ...just as she loved and accepted us, each one treasured  in her heart...none more than another.  She was my Grandma in a time when people accepted each other without trying to reshape and remake to suit us. She [or Grandpa] didn't have to do anything to be loved and treasured by me and all my cousins.

They didn't "measure up"...They didn't have to.  What a treasure!

Have a Berry Merry~and a Wonderful 2011

Yes, I am jumping past Christmastime quickly but a realistic assesment of the next week or so tells me to put aside blogging for a few weeks.

This is the time  I had intended to pause and have this past two years of my two blogs  compiled into a book for sharing with loved ones..I hope it will have some meaning and value for them perhaps they  will treasure it in some small way.

Christmastime is a mixed bag~it's a time of Joy and Giving, of sharing and Loving, and also a time of sadness~ remembering those loved ones not with us now and others so far away at Christmastime; however  I am reminded of how often & how long I have asked My Lord to "keep my heart tender" ~so there!!

[To be continued in 2011]

Over the River and Through the Woods~

Leaving Troy, Alabama the early morning sunrise in the rear view mirror was amazing.  It was exciting getting on the road. [ Yeah, I know-it doesn't take much to excite us.] I love the skyline as we drive through or past the larger cities and the  southern landscape which shows more evergreen and some color changes to the bare dark,dark silhouette of the trees as we move northward..no color, no leaves but it has it's own distinctive wintry beauty.  I always remember this from our years in western Kentucky in the 1970's.  God made all kinds of beauty didn't He?

We knew to expect almost any kind of change in the weather and we got it..the changes! We had one whole day of non stop snowing, drove to church with snow and ice  and I think I was the only person  saying "It's so beautiful, it's all so beautiful anyway.". It was. For the first time in quite a while I had not only my heaviest [NOT] coat, scarves but two or three pairs of GLOVES..most winters I cannot even find my gloves.

One night the temperature got down to 5 degrees.Yes!  The next morning the neighbors dogs were the only ones with the sense to get out there and run and romp and play in all that wonderful white stuff.  Yes they were..I stood watching out the window while no one was yet awake..the dogs were like little children lightheartedly running about. 

When you are in western Kentucky..it's worth the effort to locate and spend a little time in Grand Rivers/look for Pattie's 1880's Settlement..Omy, the lights, the shops the restaurants are festive enough even in July but in December it's like a miniature Disney setting..

After a bit more real winter and heading home [south] I couldn't resist the ooooooohs and ahhhhhs as we went past the rock walls in Tennessee and North Alabama with remnants of the ice  left hanging..don't laugh at me.  You must remember I am a girl who grew up in the deep south [ South Georgia ] we saw one day of 4 inches of snow in 1957 or was it 1958!

The ice on our windshield, outside mirrors and radio antenna didn't hang on too long and by the time we got home to Brundidge, Alabama [ an hour south of Montgomery] there was still time for MY plumber to repair the frozen and broken water line in the back yard before bedtime.  It was not a surprise because a neighbor had called while we were still hours away to give us a 'heads up' concerning the discovery.

Today it's another world-cool yes- but now the "plumber" has turned "carpenter" and is finishing the shed next to the shop-the roof will get done today.  How blessed I am to have the plumber, the carpenter, and many other professionals living under the same roof. What a man!!

Time Out~

~Time Out for an overnight trip with a group of lovely lovely ladies from church as we attend a Beth Moore Conference [Deeper Still ] in Birmingham..Friday and Saturday.

After two days of wonderful thinking, teaching, talking, laughing,sharing and amazing Worship with Music surely I will be inspired to leave a few thoughts to share with you.

mmm perhaps a few pictures too~we shall see!

The Days~The Season

God is so Good! Loving the excitement in the air...typical November in the deep south weather-sunny, a cool crisp fall feel and just enough breeze now and then.

 God really knows how to MAKE DAYS, doesn't he?

The old folks climbed into the attic this morning~hauled down the containers filled with strings of lights and other decorations for inside and outdoors.  The chore we mastered with the greatest amount of pride was  getting the [boxed] 9ft. tall Christmas tree down the attic stairs.  Actually it was easy all because of the way my helper had ingenuously wrapped,knotted and tied the box with a rope.  He held the free end while the long heavy box just slid down to the kitchen floor.  That knot tying course in the Navy comes in quite handy at times. 

While we aren't aiming to get the indoor project done until mid week we will be fairly organized now..the tree is together out on the screened in side porch..waiting for me to do the magic shaping and as my friend "Shirley" says FLUFFING up the branches. I have to be careful not to get ahead of myself..

This is the plan:  The outdoor lights and displays comes first..then the HOUSE CLEANING and finally the indoor decorations..sounds like a good plan.  I will let us know how it plays out. [to be continued]

Dancing Around -

All those ideas, the plans! It's that time again! Ahhhhhhh, Christmas!

mmm ..what am I planning..1st open house at Themarketplace-CLEANING at the  Harrison House,Thanksgiving at Johnny  & Loretta's, the stuff FROM THE ATTIC comes down -is fluffed , untangled, strung in place & put together..in the right space....I know it's way too much - I  do SO ENJOY IT WHEN IT'S DONE! We both look forward to the  first night [just before dark] when Ted and I light all those candles in the bags/w sand.
We enjoy having OTHERS ENJOY our efforts..
Ahhhhh Christmas!!

Yes, I know, I know..Thanksgiving is not here yet but we do have to think ahead, right?
I am not going to totally skip The Season of Giving Thanks~ You do know we celebrate that all year long..I am made thankful daily as I observe life, Creation and people around me.

So..that's sounding like we'll be flipping the pages from Turkey Day to Jesus' Birth  for several weeks..by all means~Let's celebrate!

[to be continued..]

Thankful Thursday-November 2010

Of course I am Thankful..that's a gift God gave me ~a Thankful Heart-even during dificult times.

I am so thankful for a husband to laugh with, who can still change  at 73 years old and who still treats me like a lady.  I don't even think I present as "a ladylike" person but my husband makes me feel special  like "a lady". 

Just this week as we ran back and forth to doctors' appointments I decided as we drove down the highway that I just really needed a cold drink.  No, he didn't want one but pulled off at the first opportunity.  I reached for the door handle and some money and he said: "I'll get it." And there I sat "like some special person" while he took care of my petty little wishes...returning with just the right drink..in a cup,not a can and on ice not in a bottle.

Now, how could I possible be anything but THANKFUL with a sweetheart like that?

Again..it never gets old: I am so thankful for our three sons, and daughter.  Three of them are married and this year I get to say I am also humbly thankful for our oldest son's [never married] sweetheart who is becoming a wonderful part of our family already.  No, we don't know what the future holds there  but we sure are pleased with the way things look now. Everybody need's someone...especially men. God knew what He was doing when He planned this Family Thing,didn't He?

That Thankful expression wouldn't be complete without including our two daughters in law and our favorite son in law..Praise the Lord for  wonderful loving mates for our children. Quite honestly when I refer to "our children" that includes their spouses too..they are all 'ours', Our Family!

Did I mention the weather..Fall has been unusually beautiful in the deep south this year.

A Little Table for Tablescape Thursday~

A little early to mid century kitchen table [drop leaf formica top] is set to avoid having it used as a catch all where we toss our keys, mail, handbag,etc. The table is actually 'on loan' from a generous daughter in law. The little tea napkins to the left side are handmade and I love any excuse to use them. The fall candle  http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/  just discovered from some of my bargain finds last year..it's atop a very old large wooden SPOOL. This candle was the finishing touch for the Little Tablescape. I plan to participate in Tablescape Thursday at
http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

A little depression glass [pink plate] a little vintage Silverplate, a little vintage hand embroidery, a little fiestaware [Yellow] A small part of a chair is visible to the right . These chairs are part of a set [2] that came with a cast iron base,marble top ice cream shop set-from an old fashioned drug store in Palestine, Texas.

The teeny tiny salt and pepper are from a set w a sugar bowl-found it still in the box from the manufacturer..perhaps never used/in an estate sale. I wanted to show you the information on the base of the the cup..will spell it out for you. The saucer in my hand has this on the bottom: TAYLOR SMITH TAYLOR U.S.A.w number 8  37  2

[have had no luck locating replacement pieces, any suggestions ? ]

I like to mix in modern or new pieces like the little beveled mirror square and my wonderful Rooster found at half price in January last year~The sugar bowl lid has been broken..don't you hate that! I will continue to search for replacements on Ebay.[click on the picture to see a better picture of the silver pattern/dresden rose-reed & barton SP]

http://www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

I wish the Reed & Barton Silver Plate/Dresden Rose [1953 ] showed up better..such a dainty girly pattern..I chose it 'last minute' when I was getting married but never worked on completing the set..after four children and  almost fifty years ended up with one dinner fork,period.  In 2006 I began searching Ebay and now have almost as much as anyone  would ever want..even some extras like Baby fork & spoon. There's enough to share with my Grand Daughters Dylan and Samantha. I hope they will want it.

The tablecloth is not really a table cloth..nor is it a table runner.  It's a vintage piece of hand embroidery that works just so perfectly for this little tablescape.

*oops I forgot to mention those precious little COFFEE SPOONS alongside the cups~am I the only one who thinks they are just "over the top?"