Mom, Mums, and More!

I just wrote an entire entry, went for a walk, came back, added all the photos, went to save...poof....gone. How does that happen to me too often???? I can NEVER say the same thing twice. I'll try....today was a good day to be off work. The sun was shining, the weather warm (not too warm) and NO rain! Mom, Martha, Sarabeth, Dana, baby Juliette and me all met at Abuelos for lunch. The food was good, the conversation even better, and we all loved seeing Juliette. She was happy, and made us all laugh. What a doll.

After lunch, mom, Beverly and I went to Boyd's Orchard. Mom has been wanting apples (I buy mine at Krogers!) and Bev. and I bought some...Bev. got a big bag full, mine not so full. We liked looking at the pumpkins, mums, and ghords. The ghords were shaped like swans, ducks, and other fun shapes. Mom bought dad a fried apple pie that he enjoyed (well, about 1/3 of it) and she bought a gallon of apple cider (not cheap!)

After Boyd's, I went back to moms to play Rook. Dad has been feeling worse the last several days with dizziness and just feeling weak. This morning he visited with his old friend, Frank Morgan (who comes each Monday), and mom said dad didn't say much but he told him "you have been a good friend". He went back to bed and got up to beat mom and I in Rook! I just enjoy playing and patting his leg between hands! After Rook, I went home and Becky came and brought the boys and Maggie. I know the kids needed to see papaw and I hope he was up to seeing them. I know he loves them and they all love him dearly. Dad is the only grandfather my kids have ever had. He has been special to my Jason and Becky and they to him.

Clays Mill Fall Festival

Last night (Thursday) was our Fall Festival at Clays Mill. I worked the basket raffle booth for an hour or more then Becky brought the kids (by herself!) Clyde also stayed home, so she and I ran around with the kids. They had fun, and we juggled a stroller, that carried our "things", 3 small children...wanting to "do it all", and at the end of the night, we juggled one large cake, and a container of cupcakes as well! The boys stayed close by all night and did, actually, pretty well for two four year olds in a busy school cafeteria, with all that was going on. However, by the time we got them to the car, in the car, and on the road....we were pretty wiped.

When school started for me this year, it hit me that Austin would be starting school next fall. For as long as he's been born, I knew this day would come. Well, it isn't here yet, but it is in sight. Now that Becky has two four year olds, two will be "going off to kindergarten". We still have close to a year to nurture, train, teach values, and "hold on tight". I plan to do just that.

Mom & Dad

Today is Wednesday, night out with my favorite son. Clyde is out of town working in Carrolton tonight, but Jason and I were still able to meet, chat and chew. We had a very good meal at Cheddars...one of our favorites. He loves the Teriaki chicken with grilled shrimp and I love the Talipia with grilled shrimp (and I get a salad in place of my sides...love it)

Jason went over to visit with papaw last night (and of course mamaw!) He wanted to say so much to papaw and tried to but wasn't sure how much he actually heard. Jason has a heart as big as anyone I know. Mom always tells me how sweet he is. He would quickly say "I have my moments!"....but I am very pleased with him! Jason is also private and I'm never sure when I will "cross the lines" with too much information! One thing he told me he shared with papaw last night was that he planned to name a son (he may one day have) after papaw. He would be Stanley Allen Baker (Stan). Now this didn't happen, and may never, but what a nice tribute to a wonderful man. A real legacy! Thanks Jason for thinking of this. Becky and Jason has been very "family oriented" by doing the same. Austin Porter is named for papaw who is Stanley Porter and Maggie is named directly after Jason's granny, Maggie Jane. I am very blessed.

After school today I enjoyed having a photo moment close to dad. He slept a lot today so mom is always glad when I come by to play Rook...keeps dad awake so he'll sleep more at night!

I talked to mom today and she said they were discussing pall bearers. Now all of us knows that any one of us could go at any minute. God alone knows the plans He has for our lives. However, I'm sure mom and dad both are trying to be "up front" and leave as little as necessary to do when the time comes. They are waiting everyday for their tombstone to arrive. They have purchased their burial plot many years ago, and about two months ago they picked out their pretty red granite stone. On one side is praying hands and the other is a cross with the words
"In God's Care" at the bottom.
These are the "days of our lives"!!!

Date Night

Each season when Dancing With the Stars comes on, Monday night suddenly becomes "date night". Now, since this is my husband's idea...I don't want to ask "what's different about this night than most others?" So, for me, I watch the show with him, not as I usually watch (me reading, him watching) or me blogging he watching...I wait until the "main part" of the night is over, then I blog...and I've joined face book so I try to figure it out! We began our night at the new Cracker Barrel then came home to watch "dancing"....nice, relaxing evening...he is still romantic after almost 37 years (will be 37 Oct. 7th).

Clyde came straight from work since he worked a 10 hr. day...I went early to add our name to the list. We waited a short while, and the wait for the food was not long. All in all, good 1st impression! When we first got there, we saw my CME friend, Brenda Branham and her husband David. They had positive comments as well...so hopefully things will stay the same!

Celebrations

My friend, Devon, turned 60 on Tuesday and it was fun to help her celebrate! Everyone brought in "60" items. There were 60 marbles for when "she loses hers", there were 60 peppermints "you are in mint condition", many good wishes, and cute gifts. I did the diaper cake above with a sign that said "60 potty changes for Nola...Happy 60th grandma"! Devon was so sweet, surprised and very appreciative. She's a gracious lady and will make the best grandma of all!
Clyde and his aunts...Joyce, Jean, and Martha
Catch the bridal bouquet GiGi! When the bride said for all "single" ladies to come forward, granny (Gigi to Austin), said "wait for me".....

My Hero My Dad

For as long as I can remember, I have been "daddy's girl". I am the third daughter in our family and then 5 years later came my brother, Kent. When I was little, daddy would leave me a dime every day for "Mr. Softie" the ice cream truck. Many times growing up he would "spoil" me in various little ways. The older girls grew older and out on their own, then at home it was Kent and I. Dad had more money by then (thank goodness) and not as many of us to "buy" things for, so I got to shop at a cool store "Sportswear Mart" (was that the name?) and places like Hymson Tot's and Teens...he would give me the credit card, tell me how much (or about) to spend and trust me. Dad has always worked hard so that I (and the others) could go to church camp each year. I never missed a summer at Camp Deer Lick. Then there were state youth coventions and once I went to a Natl. youth convention. Before youth group, when I was younger and we lived on Darley Drive, each and every Sat. morning there was always money for me to go to Scotty's Roller Rink. I had more "pom poms" on my skates than anyone! All in all, I loved growing up in my Father's house.

Daddy was strong, a leader in our church and the head of our home. He is now 89 years old, and not so strong or healthy. We thank God everyday he is still very "sharp". As anyone may have read in my earlier posts, he plays Rook several days a week...he and Kent beat mom and I today! But these days he rarely gets dressed, unless he is going to the doctor. He walks very carefully so he won't slip, trip or fall. He doesn't think anything "tastes" good, so he eats little. Although my dad has never been a "drinker" he found out he has cirosis of the liver. This causes him to retain fluid that builds up in his abdomen. This keeps him from breathing deeply and when the fluid increases, this causes him much discomfort. Yesterday he went in to the hospital and had 7 liters drained. Today, his good doctor, Dr. Swisher, ask he and mom to have a "talk" in his office with him. He told my precious daddy, that this disease would kill him. He said he didn't need to make another doctor's appt. with him, as there was nothing else he could do. So, dad will go back once a month to have this fluid removed, and we will all pray when God calls him home, he will go in peace. We will pray that he is in no pain and has a smooth passage home. I know there is a mansion built for him in Heaven that has a screen porch for dad to sit out on and feed the birds. I will love my daddy forever and always thank God that I married a man just like my dad.

Nan and Pap's 4th Grandparent's Day

Each year Becky has made Grandparent's Day...GRAND! Although she has a full time job, two 4 year old boys that keep her on the run, an almost two year old (well we still have a few months!), a husband she adores and a home to run (friends she tries hard to keep up with!) and she still finds the time for us. I still use the wall message board they painted and had fired at the Mad Potter...same with the big platter they used Austin's hands and MJ's feet (for the petals), and this year we got hand made cards at Tots, a card in the mail the boys wrote their names on and drew pictures, and at Abuelos they gave us a bag of treats from Old Ky. Candy. Thanks Boys and Maggie (mom and dad)...we love you all dearly.

Happy 91st Birthday Uncle Bob!

Today we celebrated my Uncle Bob's 91st birthday at his home in Berea. Mother is the youngest of 13 children born to my granny (Martha Davis). Everyone called her "Ma Davis" and she was a Godly woman that spoke out in church by raising her hand high and testifying to how good God was to her and her family. Everyone smiled to themself when Ma Davis stood up to tell anyone who would listen about her Heavenly father. So, tonight, the night before Grandparent's Day, I "raise my hand" to Heaven and thank God for the inheritance left to my mom, to me, and we will leave to Jason and Becky, and Becky to Austin, Matthew, and Maggie. None of us are rich in dollars but rich in faith. For this faith in God, a price tag cannot be placed. Thanks granny....I loved you then and love you still. I hope my grandkids can say that about Nana.

Anyone that knows Uncle Bob knows he is a true "character". He is so funny. He has so many sayings...one is "you know you broke the law, you're prettier than the law allows"...when he is speaking to any lady. Today he told me something like this..."do you know why you are pretty? It's because you're so sweet" or similar words. He always knows how to make you feel special. We all think HE is special. The photo above is he and Aunt Louise.

Grandparents Day at Tots

Today was Grandparents Day at Tots and the boys were all eyes watching the door. When we got there, Austin saw us first and jumped up and ran to pap. Matthew then saw us and ran to me! Then Kimmie came and when they saw her, they both ran to sit with her! She didn't have enough lap for them both, but there they sat! Then grand-dad came and they ran to say "hi" to him. So, the boys were happy we came. They sang songs, Matthew even got to sing a solo! Then they iced cookies and added lots of sprinkles. We had a good visit and they liked us being there. Below Matthew is surprising Kimmie with a card. Ellie and her grandparents were there as well as my first principal at Clays Mill, Mrs. Albaugh and her son John. They came to see Evan. All around a good party! Thanks boys.

How Does My Garden Grow?

It's Labor Day weekend and here are a few photos from the yard. Some flowers have flourished...some are dying slowly and will be pulled up soon. The lantana was a disappointment for the first time ever. It is my FAVORITE annual. However, this summer it didn't "come on" as it normally does but it's doing better now!

Having Fun Outback with Grandkids!

"Where did those little bags go?"

There they are!!
The boys were so sweet...while Becky and Jason took their run together tonight, we kept the kids. They came out of the garage with these large gloves on and brought "diggers" with them. Then Austin asked Nana to show him where the weeds were and they started pulling out weeds!

Another Patio Experience!

These are a couple of pix outside the patio at Murray's. This is where we experienced the "patio" thing tonight. The weather was just perfect. We all love seeing Julie, Charlie, and Susan (although she couldn't come tonight) since we all attend different churches now. Although I don't have a picture of the guys, Andrew is in town from Florida so it was very good to see him.
Today was the first UK football game of the season. Anytime they are on TV, we are most likely to be found on the sofa, with our UK sign lit up, snacking and rooting on the Cats! Today they beat Miami of Ohio 42-0 (or something like that)...Go Blue!

Maggie Jane's 1st pedicure

Pap sat the boys out a little "obstacle" course with buckets! They were so careful not to tip one! MJ had her baby stroller following close behind. The boys love their bikes and love riding.