THANKFUL FOR FRIENDS

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of visiting my friends, Katy and Caleb Anderson. I received the royal treatment as they catered to my every need. They live an exciting life in the big city of Chicago, right by Wrigley Field. We ate at little, out of the way restaurants where I experienced food I had never had before. I traveled via the "train" by myself (with the help of Caleb's expert directions) to Mich. Ave. where I went to my favorite store, The American Girl Store, in it's new location. Saturday Morning we went to the "Loop" district where we shopped at Nordstroms, Macy's and saw the wonderful sites of Christmas in a big city. Sunday afternoon we walked to a Sports Bar where we had lunch in view of Wrigley Field and then Katy and I had Mani/Pedi's. We went to a two story Target (three if you count the parking garage underneath), and then came home and put up the Christmas tree.

I have to say though that my favorite part of the trip was just sitting with Katy and Caleb in their living room and talking. Uninterrupted conversation with old and new friends is the best. Thanks, Katy and Caleb, for a wonderful weekend filled with surprises.

Quilts from Nani G

Nani G. and Gumpy G. had us over for dinner last night and presented the twins with their quilts. This is a much anticipated event in our family as you only get one when you get married or have a baby. Lucky Molly had two babies, thus two quilts. They are absolutely beautiful. The design is a Scattered Nine-Patch, I Spy quilt. Molly, Nani and I went right after the babies were born to choose the fabrics. Each square has a picture in the fabric of something that is special to their family. As the boys grow, they can play the I Spy game as they lay on them.

*Nani G. and Gumpy G. stand for Nani the Great Grandmother and

Gumpy the Great Grandfather.

My Quiet Time Book

Jonah was so good this morning at the Chapel.

We love it when he joins us.

He is always such a joy.

SILLY MIMI

I HAVE THE UTMOST RESPECT FOR GOOD NON-PHOTOSHOPPED PICTURES OF TWINS.

Jonzie Seinfield

Some of our most enjoyable evenings are spent watching our favorite stand-up comedian, "Jonzie Seinfield". He loves to be on stage and tell his "jokes". Watch how he makes eye contact with his audience as he scans the crowd. He loves to tell the same joke over and over. We are a captive audience and, of course, laugh every time just as he delivers the punch line.

*This is in no way an endorsement of Jerry Seinfield and not an encouragement for Jonah to pursue this line of work. :)

32 WONDERFUL YEARS OF TOGETHERNESS

My heart has and always will be yours.

AN AFTERNOON WITH MIMI AND POPI

Jack and Caleb came to visit
this afternoon. Mommy wanted
to go shopping and since it was
raining, we kept the boys.

Naptime was upon us and they
both did really well. Jack slept on
the big bed surrounded by a fortress
of pillows. Caleb fussed and got to
sleep with Popi. Next time it will be
Jack's turn.

Tea Party With Mickey

Okay, so I've become one of "those". I haven't blogged in a while. Many excuses, but I know you don't want to hear them.

Just enjoy this precious video of Jonah and Mickey.

Funniest Picture Ever

"Learning to love my new lifevest."

We miss you, Jonah.

Get Mommy and Grams and come home.

TWO BY TWO

THIS MORNING AT THE CHAPEL, I THOUGHT
THIS AN INTERESTING PICTURE.
LISA AND LINDA, TWINS, ARE HOLDING, TWINS,
JACK AND CALEB. MOLLY AND EMMA ARE
THE TWIN'S MOMS.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JESSICA!

Happy
Birthday
to our
beautiful
daughter-in-love,
Jessica. What a sweet spirit of joy she has. We love the way she lights up a room when she enters. We are blessed to have her in our family.

Here's to you, Jessica. May God bless you this year with new and exciting things.

LOVE IS IN THE AIR

Recently, I have been spending quite a bit of time helping family and friends plan their weddings. I love helping them see the possibilities of a beautiful day without spending thousands of dollars.

Tonight, Kelli Feener and Josh Taylor
were the focus.
I loved hearing about the night of the prom when they were not each other's date, but somehow maybe they knew they should be. I hope someday they look back on tonight as a happy memory of when they were planning their wedding day.

IT'S GOING TO BE FABULOUS.

FRIENDS LIKE FAMILY

Every now and then, you form a relationship that only strengthens with time. Such is our friendship with Larry and Wanda Price. Over 30 years, 7 kids between us, 8 grandchildren, a multitude of visits and heart-to-heart talks have only deepened the bond we share. Here's to friends that are just like family.

Breakfast at Applewood in Pigeon Forge.


Full trees promise a bountiful harvest.

We stopped at the Square in Sevierville.

(one more thing to check off my

Summer Bucket List)

Allen poses with a statue of Dolly.

Revered by all residents in the surrounding

area, Dolly is a folktown hero.

We stopped at the Bean Pot on the way back.

My kids will remember us stopping there everytime

we passed the Crossville/Peavine exit. They still have

Beanie Babies, but much to my disappointment

they no longer sell donuts!

I was devastated.

YOU KNOW YOUR FROM THE SOUTH.....

Last Saturday, Allen and I attended the annual RC Cola and Moon Pie Festival held in Bell Buckle. We had always wanted to go, but it seemed we would always just miss it or have other plans. This year, it was on my *"Bucket List". We had a great time and plan to go back next year.

It was overcast when we first arrived. We enjoyed the

"cool" weather for about an hour before it was absolutely blazing.

Allen had to make a pit stop as soon as we arrived. We had been to

Cracker Barrel with Eric for breakfast and all that coffee....

If you didn't like your seats in the stadium,

you could just pick up your bale and move it.

Mike and Lisa met us there. So much fun when family are friends too. See those yellow arm bands? Allen and I sneaked in and didn't pay. Not really. We didn't know you were supposed to pay a "suggested" donation of $1. We went back and paid. After all it was for

Nashville Flood Victims Fund.

Found this sampler in an antique shop. Of course, it caught my eye

because it was done by Molly in 1798. I do love that name.

Watching the "parade".

After a couple hours, we were ready to go. We decided to stop by Miller's Grocery for lunch instead of getting a food at the festival. Wise choice. It was delicious and cool.

Both couples decided to share a meal so we could get dessert. Our eyes being bigger than our stomachs, we all got our own dessert. Ugh. Too much, but delicious.

Next time you see Mike, ask him why he eats all the pecans off the top of his Pecan Pie first.

*Next time, I will tell you about my "Bucket List".

Happy Father's Day, Paw Paw

Although Paw Paw is technically my grandfather, he was truly the best father a bunch of kids could ever have. He was the epitome of a loving, caring father who always made sure we had what we needed. Generous, kind and selfless are just a few attributes he possessed. Protector, provider, teacher, inventor, chauffeur, musician and artist were just some just some of his talents. Ever wanting to learn and absorb all he could, I remember him reading the encyclopedias.

Paw Paw let me guide* and then taught me how to drive. He picked me up from work at all hours. Two things I didn't appreciate until I had kids of my own.





Yesterday at the RC Cola and Moon Pie Festival, I found this old man selling these little fishing thingies. This sign caught my eye from across the field of people. I told him how this was just something my Paw Paw would have made.

I did.

*To let someone steer the car sitting beside the driver. The driver controls the gas and break, the "guider" keeps the car between the lines on the road. Only to be done on old country roads in the 70's. Not applicable to today.

Two Precious Baby Boys

TEA WITH AMY

Tuesday was a very enjoyable day with Tea in the afternoon with my friend, Amy. She is very knowledgeable in the realm of tea and she introduced me to tea rooms a few years ago. We have made it a yearly tradition to go to a tea room to celebrate our birthdays. Since I am preparing for an American Girl Club meeting, I was thrilled she found Homestead Manor Plantation. A beautiful Antebellum home strategic in the Civil War Battle of Thompson Station. Each individual teapot had a pretty cozy to keep the tea warm.

Antique vases with fresh flowers adorned each table.

Beautiful, historic Homestead Plantation, Thompson Station, TN

For any of you that know my niece, Tiffany, this portrait looks just like her.

Quaint cupboard with many teacups and saucers.

WAKING UP IS HARD TO DO PART 2

When trying to post this morning, somehow these two adorable

pictures were deleted. I couldn't let them be lost. What?!!! Is that Popi drinking Jonah's bottle while his back is turned?!!

That okay, Popi, I forgive you.

WAKING UP IS HARD TO DO

Sunday afternoon and evenings are our special time with Jonah. Just after Jonah was born, Allen and Jessica resumed their "Quest for Academia" ( Master's Degrees for all those that don't know Jessicaeese). We wanted regular, special time with Jonah and this day worked well for everyone. We are both off and Allen and Jessica could count on us and plan accordingly. Recently we have wanted to keep Jonah overnight more and more. He is such a joy. Here are pictures from our recent overnighter.Big, cute yawns.Bed Head

Sweet, Baby yawns. Yawns with sweet, baby breath.

Playing Peek-a-Boo with Mimi's vintage hanky. Popi playing Peek-a-Boo with Mimi's vintage hanky.

Popi and Jonah watching the Micky Mouse Clubhouse.

Thinking about a nap.

Precious baby yawns.

More sweet baby yawns.

Dimpled Smile. My favorite.

I love my Popi!

Big "It's too early to be up" yawns.

I guess I'll drink that bottle after all.

Maybe just a little nap with Popi after Mimi goes to work.

Blowing kisses to Mimi as she leaves for work.