I forgot to do my Thanks Tank last night so here it goes this morning.
1. Traveling: I am thankful we are able to visit with our families for Spring Break and Easter.
2. Coffee in the Morning: Need I say more.
3. Giving up Positions: I am giving up my board position in Newcomers. I am thankful for the experience but am happy to give it up to someone else and have more free time for other things.
4. Good Friends: I am so happy I have friends I can count on and call on when I need to. And there have been several of those times lately.
5. Matt: I am so thankful for the wonderful man God has provided for me. He is just what I needed and continue to need. I am also Thankful that he has arranged his schedule so that I can get a haircut before we leave town.
6. Blankies: All three of my kids have blankets and I love watching them snuggle with them. It brings peace to my heart when I watch them settle with their blankets.
7. Preschool Board: I have really enjoyed being on the preschool board. I have enjoyed it mainly because it has provided me an outlet to use my college education and experience, besides on my kids and husband.
8. Cuddle Time
9. Warmer Weather: We've had a couple of warmer weather days that were also beautiful and sunny. I have enjoyed being able to go outside without the coats to ride bikes and play in the yard.
10. Phone Calls: I have enjoyed talking to several of my far away friends that I haven't kept in touch with very well. It was nice to chat and catch up with them. I need to try and do this more often.
Friday, March 14, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
For Rose
I received this in a chain email but really enjoyed it. I don't send many chain emails because they can become tedious and frankly I don't really believe in them. But I do send a few. Anyway I really liked this story and I believe what she said.
The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn't already know. I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder. I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me with a smile that lit up her entire being. She said, "Hi handsome. My name is Rose. I'm eighty-seven years old. Can I give you a hug?" I laughed and enthusiastically responded, "Of course you may!" and she gave me a giant squeeze. "Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?" I asked. She jokingly replied, "I'm here to meet a rich husband, get married, and have a couple of kids..." "No seriously," I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age. "I always dreamed of having a college education and now I'm getting one!" she told me.
After class we walked to the student union building and shared a chocolate milkshake. We became instant friends. Every day for the next three months we would leave class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized listening to this "time machine" as she shared her wisdom and experience with me. Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up and she reveled in the attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She was living it up.
At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. I'll never forget what she taught us. She was introduced and stepped up to the podium. As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her three by five cards on the floor. Frustrated and a little embarrassed she leaned into the microphone and simply said, "I'm sorry I'm so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me! I'l l never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know." As we laughed she cleared her throat and began, " We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success. You have to laugh and find humor every day. You've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die. We have so many people walking around who are dead and don't even know it! There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up. If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old. If I am eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a yea r and never do anything I will turn eighty-eight. Anybody can grow older. That doesn't take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding opportunity in change. Have no regrets. The elderly usually don't have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets." She concluded her speech by courageously singing "The Rose." She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives.
At the year's end Rose finished the college de gree she had begun all those years ago. One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep. Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it's never too late to be all you can possibly be.
When you finish reading this, please send this peaceful word of advice to your friends and family, they'll really enjoy it! These words have been passed along in loving memory of ROSE. REMEMBER, GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY. GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL. <> We make a Living by what we get, We make a Life by what we give. God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
"Good friends are like stars.........You don't always see them, but you know they are always there." Keep Dreaming.
The first day of school our professor introduced himself and challenged us to get to know someone we didn't already know. I stood up to look around when a gentle hand touched my shoulder. I turned around to find a wrinkled, little old lady beaming up at me with a smile that lit up her entire being. She said, "Hi handsome. My name is Rose. I'm eighty-seven years old. Can I give you a hug?" I laughed and enthusiastically responded, "Of course you may!" and she gave me a giant squeeze. "Why are you in college at such a young, innocent age?" I asked. She jokingly replied, "I'm here to meet a rich husband, get married, and have a couple of kids..." "No seriously," I asked. I was curious what may have motivated her to be taking on this challenge at her age. "I always dreamed of having a college education and now I'm getting one!" she told me.
After class we walked to the student union building and shared a chocolate milkshake. We became instant friends. Every day for the next three months we would leave class together and talk nonstop. I was always mesmerized listening to this "time machine" as she shared her wisdom and experience with me. Over the course of the year, Rose became a campus icon and she easily made friends wherever she went. She loved to dress up and she reveled in the attention bestowed upon her from the other students. She was living it up.
At the end of the semester we invited Rose to speak at our football banquet. I'll never forget what she taught us. She was introduced and stepped up to the podium. As she began to deliver her prepared speech, she dropped her three by five cards on the floor. Frustrated and a little embarrassed she leaned into the microphone and simply said, "I'm sorry I'm so jittery. I gave up beer for Lent and this whiskey is killing me! I'l l never get my speech back in order so let me just tell you what I know." As we laughed she cleared her throat and began, " We do not stop playing because we are old; we grow old because we stop playing. There are only four secrets to staying young, being happy, and achieving success. You have to laugh and find humor every day. You've got to have a dream. When you lose your dreams, you die. We have so many people walking around who are dead and don't even know it! There is a huge difference between growing older and growing up. If you are nineteen years old and lie in bed for one full year and don't do one productive thing, you will turn twenty years old. If I am eighty-seven years old and stay in bed for a yea r and never do anything I will turn eighty-eight. Anybody can grow older. That doesn't take any talent or ability. The idea is to grow up by always finding opportunity in change. Have no regrets. The elderly usually don't have regrets for what we did, but rather for things we did not do. The only people who fear death are those with regrets." She concluded her speech by courageously singing "The Rose." She challenged each of us to study the lyrics and live them out in our daily lives.
At the year's end Rose finished the college de gree she had begun all those years ago. One week after graduation Rose died peacefully in her sleep. Over two thousand college students attended her funeral in tribute to the wonderful woman who taught by example that it's never too late to be all you can possibly be.
When you finish reading this, please send this peaceful word of advice to your friends and family, they'll really enjoy it! These words have been passed along in loving memory of ROSE. REMEMBER, GROWING OLDER IS MANDATORY. GROWING UP IS OPTIONAL. <> We make a Living by what we get, We make a Life by what we give. God promises a safe landing, not a calm passage. If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.
"Good friends are like stars.........You don't always see them, but you know they are always there." Keep Dreaming.
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Uh, No You won't find Me doing that
It Makes Me More Thankful
When I read stories like this I remember the power of God and I also remember to be thankful for all that I have and that my family has. We are all well and good and that is a blessing. Please keep Kate and her family in your prayers. They have been through so much.
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Saturday Picture Sharing
These are pictures from the week I was out of town and from this week as well. Come back later and I will have pictures of Abby's birthday and of her party at the Gymnastics Center. That is as long as snow doesn't cancel the party for us.
Mommy's littlest helper.
Gabriel eating birthday cake. And loving it!
Elizabeth's Bitty Baby from Matt's parents.
Snuggling at the hotel on the way home from the funreal. It was probably one of the most comfortable beds I have ever slept on. I need to call and find out what kind of mattress they have.
Elizabeth eating corn on the cob for the first time. She actually did a really good job eating it and loved it!
Cuddle time with Daddy.
Sisters: What could be better than hanging with your sister?
Mommy's littlest helper. 
Gabriel eating birthday cake. And loving it!
Elizabeth's Bitty Baby from Matt's parents.
Snuggling at the hotel on the way home from the funreal. It was probably one of the most comfortable beds I have ever slept on. I need to call and find out what kind of mattress they have.
Elizabeth eating corn on the cob for the first time. She actually did a really good job eating it and loved it!
Cuddle time with Daddy.
Sisters: What could be better than hanging with your sister?
Thursday, March 06, 2008
Thanks Tank Thursday
1. Friends and Family: I received many prayers last week from friends and family. It made things easier as I traveled and helped with the program to be handed out at the funeral. I also was able to enjoy seeing cousins and aunts and uncles I hadn't seen in years, some for over 10 years.
2. Marriage: Last weekend amongst the funeral one of my cousins got married. I am thankful for the love and caring they showed to each other as they started their new lives together.
3. Heaven: I am especially thankful in knowing that my Granny is now in heaven with our one true Father. I hope that one day I will see her again.
4. Abby's birthday: Yesterday was Abby's 4th birthday. She was so excited (wound tight as a ball) yesterday and will probably remain excited until she has her party on Saturday. She really enjoyed trying to make the whole day about her. The most common quote out of her mouth yesterday was, "But, it's my birthday."
5. Smiles: All three of my children have ready smiles on their faces. These smiles never fail to bring a smile to my face.
6. Imagination: I have enjoyed listening to Gabriel and Abby play together making up stories and getting along.
7. Warm weather: We were able to enjoy a couple of fairly warm days. I really enjoyed letting the kids go outside to play without all the cold weather stuff.
8. Anticipation of Snow: It looks like we may be in for another winter weather storm. This one is predicted to drop 8-9 inches. I may get the snow I have been wanting all year.
9. Finished Laundry: Right now the last load of clothes is in the washer. I know I will have more to do tomorrow but at least I have seen th bottom of the hamper for a little while.
10. Little Helpers: I bought a stool for the kitchen the other day and Elizabeth has discovered it. She has started picking up cups and silverware that has been dropped on the floor and putting it in the sink. She even helped to clean her highchair tray today.
11. Coffee: Thanks to Matt's brother and his wife, Matt and I have been enjoying some wonderful coffee. We look forward to each shipment as we run out of coffee.
12. Matt: Last week Matt was such a big help. He cleared his schedule as much as he could so that I could go and visit my grandmother in the hospital. When the trip changed to a week long trip on her death he went with it and made due to the best of his ability. This took a lot of work on his part and made things much easier on me. I was able to enjoy my family and was able to remember my grandmother with them. Without Matt it would he been a whole lot harder. I also am thankful thathe encouraged me to go visit her before she died. Because of that I have no regrets.
2. Marriage: Last weekend amongst the funeral one of my cousins got married. I am thankful for the love and caring they showed to each other as they started their new lives together.
3. Heaven: I am especially thankful in knowing that my Granny is now in heaven with our one true Father. I hope that one day I will see her again.
4. Abby's birthday: Yesterday was Abby's 4th birthday. She was so excited (wound tight as a ball) yesterday and will probably remain excited until she has her party on Saturday. She really enjoyed trying to make the whole day about her. The most common quote out of her mouth yesterday was, "But, it's my birthday."
5. Smiles: All three of my children have ready smiles on their faces. These smiles never fail to bring a smile to my face.
6. Imagination: I have enjoyed listening to Gabriel and Abby play together making up stories and getting along.
7. Warm weather: We were able to enjoy a couple of fairly warm days. I really enjoyed letting the kids go outside to play without all the cold weather stuff.
8. Anticipation of Snow: It looks like we may be in for another winter weather storm. This one is predicted to drop 8-9 inches. I may get the snow I have been wanting all year.
9. Finished Laundry: Right now the last load of clothes is in the washer. I know I will have more to do tomorrow but at least I have seen th bottom of the hamper for a little while.
10. Little Helpers: I bought a stool for the kitchen the other day and Elizabeth has discovered it. She has started picking up cups and silverware that has been dropped on the floor and putting it in the sink. She even helped to clean her highchair tray today.
11. Coffee: Thanks to Matt's brother and his wife, Matt and I have been enjoying some wonderful coffee. We look forward to each shipment as we run out of coffee.
12. Matt: Last week Matt was such a big help. He cleared his schedule as much as he could so that I could go and visit my grandmother in the hospital. When the trip changed to a week long trip on her death he went with it and made due to the best of his ability. This took a lot of work on his part and made things much easier on me. I was able to enjoy my family and was able to remember my grandmother with them. Without Matt it would he been a whole lot harder. I also am thankful thathe encouraged me to go visit her before she died. Because of that I have no regrets.
Monday, March 03, 2008
Th Celebration of the Life of Vergie Elizabeth Gilley October 28, 1922- February 26, 2008
Vergie, (Granny) was born October 28, 1922 in Warren County, Tennessee to Maynard and Claudia Ann Warren Davenport. She had four half-brothers, Robert, Clarence, George, and Charlie Davenport, and two half-sisters Lola Holt and Fannie Fuson; two brothers, Cecil and James Davenport.
She was a very strong willed woman. That determination enabled her to raise seven children while working a full time job and helping her husband Flavil, on the farm. During this same period of time she went back to school, where she earned her GED and continued to be involved in her church and community. She then went on to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. She worked as a nurse for over 10 years. Nursing was a very appropriate profession for her as she always put everyone's needs ahead of her own.
Vergie took great pride in her family. She enjoyed telling people about her seven children Bill, Bobby, David, Shirley, Carl, Carolyn, and Brenda; her stepson Tommy and her step-daughter Jane; and their respective husbands and wives; her 21 grandchildren, and 30 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She especially enjoyed large family gatherings at her home.
Vergie was passionate about her many hobbies which included oil painting, gardening, crocheting, sewing, playing the piano, golfing, bowling, traveling, and fishing. She enjoyed fishing with her sons and grandchildren but her favorite fishing partner was her husband and best friend, Howard. Granny's love of gardening was shared by her first love, Flavil.
As we say our good-byes we are comforted in knowing that she is with our Lord and Savior and that some day we will be with her again.
I will personally remember that she always had a smile on her face and was always ready for a good laugh. She could laugh with you, at you or at herself. I will remember the summers I spent with her a Papa, the family gatherings with all my aunts, uncles, and cousins. I will remember helping in the garden, snapping green beans, and canning. Going fishing, swimming, bowling and golfing. I will always carry with me fond memories. I loved my Granny but know that she was ready to go and that she is in a much better place.
She was a very strong willed woman. That determination enabled her to raise seven children while working a full time job and helping her husband Flavil, on the farm. During this same period of time she went back to school, where she earned her GED and continued to be involved in her church and community. She then went on to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. She worked as a nurse for over 10 years. Nursing was a very appropriate profession for her as she always put everyone's needs ahead of her own.
Vergie took great pride in her family. She enjoyed telling people about her seven children Bill, Bobby, David, Shirley, Carl, Carolyn, and Brenda; her stepson Tommy and her step-daughter Jane; and their respective husbands and wives; her 21 grandchildren, and 30 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She especially enjoyed large family gatherings at her home.
Vergie was passionate about her many hobbies which included oil painting, gardening, crocheting, sewing, playing the piano, golfing, bowling, traveling, and fishing. She enjoyed fishing with her sons and grandchildren but her favorite fishing partner was her husband and best friend, Howard. Granny's love of gardening was shared by her first love, Flavil.
As we say our good-byes we are comforted in knowing that she is with our Lord and Savior and that some day we will be with her again.
I will personally remember that she always had a smile on her face and was always ready for a good laugh. She could laugh with you, at you or at herself. I will remember the summers I spent with her a Papa, the family gatherings with all my aunts, uncles, and cousins. I will remember helping in the garden, snapping green beans, and canning. Going fishing, swimming, bowling and golfing. I will always carry with me fond memories. I loved my Granny but know that she was ready to go and that she is in a much better place.
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