Friday, November 29, 2013
Operation Christmas Child COMPLETE
I posted a few weeks ago about a wonderful organization called Operation Christmas Child. Sunday, I took our God Daughter Avery to help me pack one more box. I wanted her to be able to pick things out that she thought a girl her age would like. She sort of understood but I really think she needs another year or two to really get it. We had a great time though and hopefully she took somethings away from it. (And as a side note…she thinks her box is going to Africa…who knows? Could be!)
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
11 Months Old
Yes, this post is a little late but we have had a busy month! First birthday on deck!
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12/11/13 1st Birthday! |
Friday, November 15, 2013
Four
Four. For the longest time my number was four.
It wasn't until I was in college (while taking a class for my major) did I realize how strange and rare the number four was. Nevertheless, I am 30 (31 in a few weeks) and my number was still four.
Four is the number of grandparents I had living. Sa and Gramps. Grandmama and Granddaddy. Four. Yes, all four. I would tell people that and they would be amazed. Most people my age lost their grandparents in middle school or high school or maybe even college. Not Worth and me.
Not only did I have all four, but they were happy, healthy, and in loving marriages that spanned 6 decades.
The four have always been there. Birthdays, holidays, chorus concerts, football games, graduations, and weddings. They have always been there.
The older that I get, the more I realize how wonderfully I was raised. I had a great childhood and great examples surrounding me. These four have a huge part in that. I would not be who I am without the four. In fact, I can't imagine life without them.
Last October, we had a scare. It was the first time I had started to really think about life moving on without the four. We almost lost my granddaddy. I know this last year wasn't so easy for him, but I am so happy that we had him a bit long.
Last night my number changed to three.
I have many fond childhood memories from spending time on my grandparents property, Timberidge, with Granddaddy. We would feed the fish, ducks, and goats, ride around in the woods for hours on the golf cart (I loved seeing the tree that grew sideways….do you remember that Worth?), play in the carriage house with the toys he had for Worth and me (including a swing he hung in the there). I still can remember the scent of that carriage house.
We spent every Thanksgiving and Christmas with my Granddaddy and Grandmama growing up. I will never forget as a young teenager Grandmama and Granddaddy dancing in the living room to a Harry Connick Christmas special we were watching on TV. I watched and admired their love and respect for one another.
He was a special, gentle man. He loved cracking jokes and telling stories.
There are things I will always remember about my granddaddy:
Hugging him so tight that his hearing aid would buzz.
How he would rattle the change in his pockets constantly.
He loved anything sweet, like lemon ice cream, pound cake, pecan sandies off the top of my head.
How he taught me to scale a fish. How he taught me to be extra careful when holding a catfish…those whiskers could get ya.
How his hands looked and how soft they felt. And how he showed me with these hands what a dead man's finger feels like…(he would take my index finger and place it next to his, knuckles touching…the he would tell me to feel it…yuck! I am sure Bo will think its hysterical one day.)
How he would put the flag up and take it down every day. How he had pride in his country.
How handy he was….he could make or fix anything.
How he was there for all the big moments in my life.
How he LOVED my grandmama.
Probably the thing I will miss the most are his hugs. He would hold you tight and pat you so gently with those soft hands unit you let go. That is what I will miss the most. That soft pat.
These are just a few of the many memories I will carry of him. I hope to always remember his voice and his laugh…and especially those gentle hands patting my back while he hugged me.
Yes, four was a great number to have. I was so blessed to have four there for everything. I will miss my granddaddy everyday.
He lived a full life and I am happy to have his influence to carry with me and to pass to my children.
I love you Granddaddy.
It wasn't until I was in college (while taking a class for my major) did I realize how strange and rare the number four was. Nevertheless, I am 30 (31 in a few weeks) and my number was still four.
Four is the number of grandparents I had living. Sa and Gramps. Grandmama and Granddaddy. Four. Yes, all four. I would tell people that and they would be amazed. Most people my age lost their grandparents in middle school or high school or maybe even college. Not Worth and me.
Not only did I have all four, but they were happy, healthy, and in loving marriages that spanned 6 decades.
The four have always been there. Birthdays, holidays, chorus concerts, football games, graduations, and weddings. They have always been there.
The older that I get, the more I realize how wonderfully I was raised. I had a great childhood and great examples surrounding me. These four have a huge part in that. I would not be who I am without the four. In fact, I can't imagine life without them.
Last October, we had a scare. It was the first time I had started to really think about life moving on without the four. We almost lost my granddaddy. I know this last year wasn't so easy for him, but I am so happy that we had him a bit long.
Last night my number changed to three.
I have many fond childhood memories from spending time on my grandparents property, Timberidge, with Granddaddy. We would feed the fish, ducks, and goats, ride around in the woods for hours on the golf cart (I loved seeing the tree that grew sideways….do you remember that Worth?), play in the carriage house with the toys he had for Worth and me (including a swing he hung in the there). I still can remember the scent of that carriage house.
We spent every Thanksgiving and Christmas with my Granddaddy and Grandmama growing up. I will never forget as a young teenager Grandmama and Granddaddy dancing in the living room to a Harry Connick Christmas special we were watching on TV. I watched and admired their love and respect for one another.
He was a special, gentle man. He loved cracking jokes and telling stories.
There are things I will always remember about my granddaddy:
Hugging him so tight that his hearing aid would buzz.
How he would rattle the change in his pockets constantly.
He loved anything sweet, like lemon ice cream, pound cake, pecan sandies off the top of my head.
How he taught me to scale a fish. How he taught me to be extra careful when holding a catfish…those whiskers could get ya.
How his hands looked and how soft they felt. And how he showed me with these hands what a dead man's finger feels like…(he would take my index finger and place it next to his, knuckles touching…the he would tell me to feel it…yuck! I am sure Bo will think its hysterical one day.)
How he would put the flag up and take it down every day. How he had pride in his country.
How handy he was….he could make or fix anything.
How he was there for all the big moments in my life.
How he LOVED my grandmama.
Probably the thing I will miss the most are his hugs. He would hold you tight and pat you so gently with those soft hands unit you let go. That is what I will miss the most. That soft pat.
These are just a few of the many memories I will carry of him. I hope to always remember his voice and his laugh…and especially those gentle hands patting my back while he hugged me.
Yes, four was a great number to have. I was so blessed to have four there for everything. I will miss my granddaddy everyday.
He lived a full life and I am happy to have his influence to carry with me and to pass to my children.
I love you Granddaddy.
Saturday, November 9, 2013
Operation Christmas Child
A few years ago, I came across the Operation Christmas Child ministry. This is one of the many outreaches that Samaritan's Purse sponsors (Samaritan's Purse is run by Franklin Graham). The idea is to fill a shoebox with all kinds of toys and necessities and they will ship them all over the world to kids in need, ultimately using it as a way to share Jesus with these children. I am planning on taking my sweet God daughter to help me with this this year, but am looking forward to years when Bo can help us!
I would love if you would join in the Christmas cheer and build a box!
Here is how you build a box:
Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Print out the appropriate boy/girl label by downloading the artwork to the right. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.
Fill the box with a variety of gifts that will bring delight to a child. Use the gift ideas provided on the bottom of this page. Please include at least one item a child can immediately embrace such as a stuffed toy, doll, ball or toy truck. Below are ideas of things to include and things NOT to include.
Please donate $7 or more for each shoebox you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can give online by using our “Follow Your Box Donation” option, or you can write a check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoebox, please make one combined donation.
Place a rubber band around each closed shoebox and drop it off at the collection center nearest you during our collection week, November 18–25, 2013. For locations and hours of collection visit our Drop-Off Locations page where you can find the nearest place to take your shoe box by entering your ZIP Code or you can call 1-800-353-5949. You can also send your shoebox gift to: Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child 801 Bamboo Road Boone, NC 28607
I would love if you would join in the Christmas cheer and build a box!
DROP OFF WEEK IS NOVEMBER 18 - 25.
Here is how you build a box:
Use an empty shoebox (standard size, please) or a small plastic container. You can wrap the box (lid separately), but wrapping is not required. Most importantly, pray for the child who will receive your gift.
Determine whether your gift will be for a boy or a girl, and the child’s age category: 2-4, 5-9, or 10-14. Print out the appropriate boy/girl label by downloading the artwork to the right. Mark the correct age category on the label, and tape the label to the top of your box.
- SCHOOL SUPPLIES: Pens, pencils and sharpeners, crayons or markers, stamps and ink pad sets, writing pads or paper, solar calculators, coloring and picture books, etc.
- TOYS: Small cars, balls, dolls, stuffed animals, kazoos, harmonicas, yo-yos, jump ropes, small Etch A Sketch,® toys that light up or make noise (with extra batteries), Slinky,® etc.
- HYGIENE ITEMS: Toothbrush, toothpaste, mild bar soap (in a plastic bag), comb, washcloth, etc.
- OTHER: T-shirts, socks, ball caps, sunglasses, hair clips, toy jewelry, watches, flashlights (with extra batteries)
- A PERSONAL NOTE: You may enclose a note to the child and a photo of yourself or your family. (If you include your name and address, the child may write back.)
- DO NOT INCLUDE: Used or damaged items; war-related items such as toy guns, knives or military figures; chocolate or food; out- of-date candy; liquids or lotions; medications or vitamins; breakable items such as snowglobes or glass containers; aerosol cans.
Please donate $7 or more for each shoebox you prepare to help cover shipping and other project costs. You can give online by using our “Follow Your Box Donation” option, or you can write a check to Samaritan’s Purse (note “OCC” on memo line) and place it in an envelope on top of the gift items inside your box. If you or your family are preparing more than one shoebox, please make one combined donation.
Place a rubber band around each closed shoebox and drop it off at the collection center nearest you during our collection week, November 18–25, 2013. For locations and hours of collection visit our Drop-Off Locations page where you can find the nearest place to take your shoe box by entering your ZIP Code or you can call 1-800-353-5949. You can also send your shoebox gift to: Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child 801 Bamboo Road Boone, NC 28607
Thursday, November 7, 2013
Weekend in Review - Week in Tifton
We had a great week and weekend! (Sorry for the delay getting this up. My computer was acting up!) Jay left to go out of town again last Monday, so Bo and I left last Tuesday for South Georgia! We arrived Tuesday around lunch. Mama and Daddy were at work, so Bo and I went to the house. Let's say things were interesting until I located the baby gates!! Lots of chasing Bo around as he explored his Mia and EW's house.
Tuesday night, Bo and I went to watch my friend Bridgett's son Fischer play football. Hysterical. If 4 and 5 year old football doesn't put a smile on your face I don't know what will.
Wednesday, Mama and I hung around the house and ran a few errands. The Junebugs (minus Miss Mary Anne...we had already seen her Tuesday) came for a visit with Bo. Always a joy to see them!
Thursday the real fun began. We headed to Valdosta for Halloween. Bo was not about to trick or treat. (I just feel like you should be old enough to eat your own candy to trick or treat). I wasn't even going to really dress Bo up. Ashley had a pumpkin outfit for Bo that Emma wore, but it was going to be hot, so I didn't even bring it. Ashley had sent a picture earlier that week of Mack in a football outfit. So if Mack was a football, I figured Bo could wear his jersey and be a football player. (If for no other reason than some hysterical pictures). I strolled Bo for a few houses to watch Ellie and Emma and then the "big kids" (as Ellie said) came back to ride the golf cart to trick or treat. I think Ellie had enough fun for everyone!
Jay drove down Thursday night, and we had a good weekend visiting with Mama and Daddy and watching Georgia beat Florida.
WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES :)
Tuesday night, Bo and I went to watch my friend Bridgett's son Fischer play football. Hysterical. If 4 and 5 year old football doesn't put a smile on your face I don't know what will.
Wednesday, Mama and I hung around the house and ran a few errands. The Junebugs (minus Miss Mary Anne...we had already seen her Tuesday) came for a visit with Bo. Always a joy to see them!
Thursday the real fun began. We headed to Valdosta for Halloween. Bo was not about to trick or treat. (I just feel like you should be old enough to eat your own candy to trick or treat). I wasn't even going to really dress Bo up. Ashley had a pumpkin outfit for Bo that Emma wore, but it was going to be hot, so I didn't even bring it. Ashley had sent a picture earlier that week of Mack in a football outfit. So if Mack was a football, I figured Bo could wear his jersey and be a football player. (If for no other reason than some hysterical pictures). I strolled Bo for a few houses to watch Ellie and Emma and then the "big kids" (as Ellie said) came back to ride the golf cart to trick or treat. I think Ellie had enough fun for everyone!
Jay drove down Thursday night, and we had a good weekend visiting with Mama and Daddy and watching Georgia beat Florida.
WARNING: LOTS OF PICTURES :)
THURSDAY - HALLOWEEN
Ellie in midair she is so excited!
Worth and Mack
Emma ready to go
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Trick or Treat!
Ellie leading the way
Bo watching for future reference
Look at my sucker Mia!
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SATURDAY - UGA vs FL
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