Giving Thanks

Recently, I revisited an emotion I experienced in June 2001. That day I had taken Daddy to Douglas for his first trip home since mid March. He had been in and out of the hospital all spring and we did not know if he would ever return home. Soon after arriving, Daddy was out back surveying - checking on his trees, rootings, and roses. I caught sight of him out the kitchen window and I could not hold back the tears nor the gratitude. " Thank you, God!" I prayed.

Last week I caught sight of my friend Carol Ann as she rounded a corner of a gift shop and again the emotions dripped from my eyes and down my cheeks. And once again I could only say, " Thank you, God!" While CA was in the hospital with a blood clot in her kidney that came from a newly discovered hole in her heart I longed for her to be able to get out and play. CA, I'm so thankful to have you out and about!

The season of Thanksgiving does always remind me to be thankful, but I know holidays are difficult for those whose hearts are broken. Let's remember to prayer for them even more these holiday weeks and prayer that they will be comforted by the One who said He would not leave us comfortless.

I must include this letter that I wrote the first Christmas without my mother, even though I know most of you have read it. Then tomorrow, back to tales of how I shamed the entire family last week. I know you will enjoy that.

December 2000

Dear Friends,

Thank you for your prayers this year. Your prayers have sustained my family and me. We have felt a very special comfort every time we really needed it and did again on Thanksgiving this year.

We were looking forward to the holiday but not the Holiday itself. We planned the traditional feast to include anything that anyone would miss if it were not included. Laurie awaited the pumpkin pie and Leslie the deviled eggs. Daddy and Karen's boys snapped fresh, tender green beans picked out one at a time from the grocer bin and Daddy cooked the turkey. David picked up and picked out pecans from our farm for the pie he brought, while Mark made an acorn squash souffle'. Karen and I cooked the dressing as well as casseroles galore. Lynn, weak from chemo, sat in the kitchen and visited.

We gathered and ate, and laughed, and talked. The turkey was perfect and each dish was cherished by someone. It was a nice, quiet and peaceful meal. We were content to be together but each with our own special memories of past Thanksgiving Days.

The next morning I awoke with an attitude of thanksgiving. Immediately, my mind was filled with the picture of a beautiful bird's nest densely lined with small white feathers. The nest held a family of chirping baby birds. I knew instantly that this was my family being protected and nurtured in that nest, and that the soft down of your prayers lined the nest, prepared my God's own hands.

Thank you for softening our nest. Your prayers are heard. They do make a difference. My prayer for you and your family this Holiday season is that you may be housed in God's nest, built by His love, and filled with His peace.

Love,
June

I Love My Brother

Perhaps some of you misunderstood the post that contained my brother's picture. He does not have such a big head. But teeth? Well we were a poor but proud family. We only had one set of braces and our daddy thought it was more important for our sister to wear them.

I love my brother. He has done so well for himself considering...... As you can see, Mallory does not even seem to notice her daddy's shortcomings.

In fact Miss Mallory Blue Eyes seems very happy most of the time.

An Autumn Frock

This week I wandered across the wooded areas of our property with my cutting basket and shears gathering some of the fall colors that have finally painted the Deep South. My basket was filled with brilliant red, gold, and orange leaves, bright purple berries, and glowing ginger colored persimmons ... and.... I felt.... very Jane Austen-ish.

I believe I will make myself a long empire waist dress for walking, instead of my yoga pants, with a lovely ribbon to tie around the waist in the very best Elizabeth Bennett fashion. And perhaps ( since I have finally learned how) I'll embroidery a nice A on the front.... No! No! Wait!...... That's an entirely different sort of story...... No embroidery or appliques on this dress!... I'll add a sweet little bonnet with ribbons that I will change every season to refresh my wardrobe and to satisfy my desire for something new. I'll wear my dress with black lace up boots instead of my Crocs and My Dear Mr. Darcy, I mean Allen, will not even mind if the hem of my dress is soiled after my morning stroll. I may even buy a book of sonnets to keep in my pocket to read as I walk along the lane. Then, at last, I will surely live the genteel life for which I long... Sigh....

BUT, in order not to disturb the lines of my empire dress, I think perhaps instead of a pocket in the dress, a little draw string bag to wear on my wrist. I'll make it using a dusting powder box as the base as my Grandmother did so it will always give a faint scent of fresh powder. Do they still sell dusting powders? If so, does it still come in the cardboard cylindrical box or will I have to use a plastic oyster container? Thoroughly rinsed, of course!

What is your favorite Jane Austen quote? You know what mine is? "What are you speaking of over there? I simply must have my part of this conversation!" Or something like that. I need to read the book again..... Is anyone out there?

I'll Get By With A Little Help From My Friend .....(or Aunt )

"I think I can."......"I think I can.".......


"Come on, you're almost here." ............................................


"Bless you and your efforts!"


"I can stand on my own! "......"Uh...... who's that behind you?"

"Oh, Ignore that lady behind the baby.".... that's Aunt La she's just here for support!

It Must Be Love II

First I need a lid.....................................................


Now I need a pot........................................



Where is that pot?............................


Need anything while I'm in here?

Thank for helping me this weekend B!

THE OUTFIT and TIGER TOO!

You've read the book! I mean blog!... You laughed .... You cried.... You waited... Here it is....in limited release........THE OUTFIT!!!

............The very first production from Junebug's Studios. Brought to you begrudgedly in association with The Monster Upstairs.
(If I only had Photoshop....... I would erase the restaurant's lovely gold sofa. ...And the lovely metal chairs.... Maybe the lovely man in blue also....I mean just erase him from the picture. I don't want to erase him. I love the man in blue.)


After the photo shoot.........Tiger's ready for practice.

Tiger and dad practice. "Is this my wood? I think I need my wood."
Wow! ......What a drive!........Look at that ball go!........Wait, where DID it go?


...............followed by relaxing while enjoying the admiration of a major fan!....,....

A Day of Dedication

,

Last Sunday Hannan was dedicated to the Lord.
Not only did his mommie and daddy promise to "raise him up in the way he should go",







but we, the family and friends, made the same promise. So it was indeed a day of dedication for us all.
After a little nap,





Hannan really enjoyed being the center of attention.

















And Hannan had was no shortage of admirers.....
















Hannan: "This has been an awesome day, Bennett; the only thing to make it better would be if you could grab me one of those little cakes!"
Bennett: "Sorry, Hannan, I can't get to them either but if you can get to Jimpa, he'll give you some banana pudding and say its JUST bananas."























"Love you man!"