LOVE BEING A NONNY!

Sisters Becoming Friends

2012-01-26T17:03:00.004-05:00

It took these sisters a while....but they are getting there. When A was born, EC was 25 months old. Not quite old enough to understand why this baby was here to stay. She was jealous but not old enough to verbalize it.
It was tough.

Now she teaches her things...Like how to do puzzles.

And pedal a tricycle.

Their mommy didn't have a sister.

She wants, so much, for them to be close.

Nonny does too!

Made New Again

2012-01-25T07:20:00.002-05:00

A year or two ago, a friend gave us two old tricycles for the littles. They sat in storage until December. The girls were here and I decided to get hubs to pull them out. I did not take a before picture :(, but they looked something like this:

(This is NOT one of my trikes.)

source

Nonny got resourceful. I went to Lowe* to buy Rustol*um paint. While there I asked a clerk if he knew what I could do about the rust on the handlebars, etc. He told me to spray WD40 on the rusted areas and use very fine steel wool to scrub. So, I did. I didn't do all rusted parts like you would if you were completely restoring something very old, but I did the visible parts. Then, I spray painted the body of the trikes.

THIS is what they look like now:

Made New Again!

(Linking to:Tutorials and Tips)

Happy Day Mom and Dad!

2012-01-24T08:13:00.000-05:00

LOVE that my parents celebrate their anniversary today!

Happy Anniversary to two of my favorite people.

Love you mom and dad!

Update

2012-01-23T16:15:00.000-05:00

My brother did great. Thank you for praying for him.

To My Brother (From the Other Brother)

2012-01-20T16:30:00.003-05:00

Dear Brother,

On Monday morning when you go in for surgery, this is what I want you to know.

~I will be cold...because you are not there to warm me.

~I will be lonely. I haven't been away from you since the NICU.

~You will be hungry when you get done. I will share Mommy. :)

~I will pray for you. We share heartbeats you know.

~I will miss you. I'm kinda' use to you.

~I love you twin brother.

This is how I feel about you leaving me! :)

Baby C goes in Monday morning early for surgery.

He will have an Inguinal Hernia repair.

Please pray for him.
Grandparents don't like things like this.
Will you pray?

Wordless Wednesday With Words

2012-01-18T13:58:00.001-05:00

Baby B

2012-01-17T04:36:00.002-05:00

Baby B is addicted to being outside! Don't let him hear the door open without taking him out. And then, good luck taking him back in without a meltdown. Remember those days?

P.S. Adorable!!!!!

Favorites

2012-01-16T14:57:00.002-05:00

Just thought I'd share some of my FAVORITE things!

Have you tried this? I love it! I usually buy dish detergent in large containers at Costco. But, my daughter uses this and every time I wash a dish at her home I remember how much I love the smell of this! So, I bought some and I LOVE it! Try it!

I bought this at Christmas to go with a beef stick.

I have since used it on turkey sandwiches and ham sandwiches. It is delicious!

I may have posted these before but they are my FAVORITE go-to nutrition bars! Love!

Gilligan O'Malley *fluid knit* pajama pants and top(not pictured). Oh. My. word. Wish I could wear them all day. Every Day.

And of course, these favorites!

What about you? Do you have any favorites to share?

She Got All Her Moves From Her Nonny

2012-01-16T04:47:00.002-05:00

Just a little dancin' in Targ*t......

Pearl Event II

2012-01-13T15:34:00.001-05:00

Do you know Sibi?

She blogs at Pearls and Grace. Her story is one of forgiveness and grace and tenderness and sadness.

It's about redemption and a dream come true.

Read Sibi's story here.

She is hosting an event in Nashville, TN in March called The Pearl Event II.

I. Am. Going.

And....

I. Can't. Wait.

The speakers are fabulous!!!

Tell me if you read Sibi's blog. Or Paige. Or Edie.

There will be several other speakers as well.

Will you join us?????

Tebow

2012-01-09T07:17:00.005-05:00

Some call it mockery. I call it fabulous.

If you don't have a clue, go here

He will point you to Jesus through the football field.

The naysayers are just WANTING Tebow to mess up.
To do something wrong.
He may.
He will.
It's ok.
That's what GRACE is.
Go on Tebow....keep professing who He is.
Football will fade.
Jesus will not.

What Will They Remember?

2012-01-07T08:51:00.001-05:00

I was reading another blog this morning. She was talking about Christmas and family and what brings you joy? I started thinking about family and the littles and what they will REALLY remember about Christmas this year. I HOPE they will remember Jesus and family and fun times and excitement and all the things that go along with Christmas that we all enjoy. But you know what I REALLY want them to remember?

WHAT THEY DID FOR OTHERS.

Because it's truly in the GIVING that we receive.

Most all of our neighbors are elderly. We give them all a small gift each year. For the last couple of years it's been a holiday gift box of Lance Crackers. Just a small gift to let them know someone cares about them. Hubs always delivers the gifts. He usually puts on his Santa hat and walks through the neighborhood delivering.:) This year he took our oldest granddaughter with him. She is four and really understands giving. Poppy told her they were delivering *CHRISTMAS CHEER*...to which she said, *Poppy, this isn't Christmas Cheer, these are Lance Crackers.* :) A teachable moment here.

Last week I was visiting and out of the blue she said:

*Nonny, remember when me and Poppy delivered Christmas Cheer?*

THAT'S what I want them to remember.

Baby B

2012-01-06T09:10:00.000-05:00

Baby B is growing up!!!!

Wasn't he just born??????????

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-04T04:14:00.000-05:00

My girl and her girls.

THE TWINS!

2012-01-02T09:38:00.000-05:00

Want to see some cuteness????

Here is a sneak peak:

Now, hop on over HERE to their mom's blog to see the rest...

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T19:52:00.001-05:00

Bedroom slippers and PJ's on.

It's 7:45 p.m.

Happy New Year!

Happy 50 Years Friends!

2011-12-31T18:47:00.004-05:00

It's so rare to know people who have been married for 50 years.

In recent years we have, through our business, become friends with Thomas and Doris.

They celebrated 50 years December 16. Last night we were invited to a celebration for them.

The invitation was adorable. I love an old wedding picture. So classy!

They stopped on the way to their honeymoon and stayed at the TROT MOTEL!

This was a post card she sent her mom from there!

They still had it after all these years!

What a sweet night celebrating sweet people.

They had couples stand up showing how long they had been married.

There were two couples there that had been married for 61 years!!!!!

So nice to see that marriages DO last.....and they get sweeter with time.

Congrats Thomas and Doris.

Thank you for being an example to so many.

May God bless you with many more wonderful years together.

Coconut Cookie Balls

2011-12-30T11:04:00.001-05:00

Last night we had our Beach Buddy Christmas meal. It's always so much fun to get together as couples. We don't do it often (as couples) and I love it! You know, it's difficult to have *couple* friends. The husbands of friends are not always compatible just because their wives are friends. We always have lots of fun together and last night did not disappoint. I forgot to take a picture. UGH. But, here is last year's picture.

Dee (in the middle) brought dessert.

Oh. My. Word.

These are called Coconut Cookie Balls.

The recipe is from Kraft.....and it's even better than it sounds.

Cream Cheese. Coconut. Golden Oreo cookies. White Chocolate.

That's it.

WOW!

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/toasted-coconut-golden-oreo-cookie-121579.aspx

I posted the link above.

Try it. You'll like it.

Truth

2011-12-29T14:28:00.000-05:00

Today. Random.

2011-12-28T18:57:00.000-05:00

Today at work I was hungry.

I found this in a drawer.

29 fat grams.

29!

I ate the whole thing.

Then, I had visitors:

I forgot all about the fat grams.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

2011-12-25T07:31:00.001-05:00

Christmas is different every year these days. It use to always be the same. People keep having babies, and inlaws keep wanting to see them....funny how that happens.:) So, we were missing a few kids last night.

Mom and Dad

Yeh, I'm 54 and these are my PARENTS!

My brother brings the kids dogs from P*t Smart. They get bigger and bigger every year.

The dogs AND the kids!

The girls listened to their mommy play the piano.....

Tomorrow nephew J turns FOUR....

and yesterday his sister P, turned TWO!

All of this for Jesus.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Christmas

2011-12-23T06:43:00.002-05:00

Just a few *snippets* of what went down....

I held the twins....

She held the twins:

so did she............

They were pretty much the center of attention.....

except for a few other things:

....like this baby boy who should be a post of his own this Christmas with his bump ups and mall escapades.....

....and these girls who wanted to *ride* the neighbor's deer when we went on a walk!

We took our pajama picture....

....and realized how BIG the double jogging stroller was.

We had brunch with Santa.

SOME were HAPPY....

Some were NOT!

SHE won *Pretty Pretty Princess*....her new game....

....and played it with JiJi.

It has been a fun, chaotic Christmas......and Santa hasn't even come yet.

Peace on earth.....and at Nonny and Poppy's house too, please!! :)

Fun With Nonny's Camera

2011-12-22T12:30:00.001-05:00

I HAD to laugh when I looked on my camera card and saw the self portraits E.C. took!!!

Christmas Card 2011

2011-12-20T19:51:00.000-05:00

Joining Faith's Christmas Card Carousel (a little late.)

(Front of card):

(Back of card):

Merry Christmas Blog Friends!

THIS Is Christmas!

2011-12-17T22:51:00.000-05:00

Tubes

2011-12-15T08:09:00.001-05:00

* Update: She did GREAT!*

Tomorrow morning she's having tubes put in her ears.

Just a minor surgery...until it happens to YOUR granddaughter.

Pray for this baby girl if you think about her.

Her ears are in our Lord's hands.

I know she will be fine......

Thank you for praying.

Queenie

2011-12-12T19:59:00.000-05:00

The children in her life call her QUEENIE.

She's my good friend, Robin.

Robin lives in Tennessee and is an RN/Lactation Consultant.

She has helped all my girls with questions about nursing their babies.

She visited for a few days recently to help the twins' mommy nurse two babies.

What a blessing Queenie! Thank you for loving us!

LOOK WHO CAME FOR THEIR FIRST VISIT!

2011-12-10T10:14:00.000-05:00

Think we loved it????

He's The Greatest!

2011-12-07T04:58:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday to my Dad!

The best Dad and Granddaddy ever!

Love you Daddy!

Birthdays and Christmas and Blessings...OH MY!

2011-12-05T20:42:00.001-05:00

My *fans* have reminded me (all three of them) that I need to do a post.

December is here.

The *House Of Littles* is ready.

I made a canvas to last through the winter....don't look too close. No Etsy shop for me.:)

December birthdays are in full swing.

Nephew turns 4. His sister turns 2.

His: Dec 26. Hers: Dec 24.

Not really great times for birthdays. So, their mom celebrates them early.

Another cousin on the way!!!!!

COUSINS

...the oldest is five.

The twins were too little to come.

With them, it totals NINE (almost TEN).... under five.

You should see the wrapping paper fly at Christmas!

Happy Birthday two precious ones.

Miss Angelove loves you.

I am trying so hard to enjoy December and what the Lord has blessed us with.

I am trying to remember others and what they are living without.

But for the grace of God go I.

Life

2011-11-29T20:27:00.001-05:00

So,
Baby B had his first birthday party and it was fabulous!

His other grandparents visited from up north. Do you think they love him???:)

Sweet family!

#2 granddaughter, A, celebrated her 2nd birthday.

It was so much fun being with her on her special day.

Look what she threw away:

*Pa-Pa* is all gone.

Kinda sad really. The end of another baby thing.

E.C.'s arm is much better.

Hopefully she is as good as new!

The twins are home!

They are still little peanuts, but are catching up quickly!

I DID get an artificial tree.
Got it at Costco....easiest thing ever!

Pre-lit.

Love.

That's LIFE here right now.

How about YOU?

I Pray Just About As Much As I Breathe

2011-11-27T19:01:00.000-05:00

I have a friend who is going through a very difficult season.

Because I love this friend dearly, I have been on my knees for her and her family.

I try to check in with her daily just to let her know how much I care.

As I talked with her this weekend and asked her how her day had been, this was her reply:

"I pray almost as much as I breathe."

Whoa.

"I pray almost as much as I breathe."

Not only did that describe her hurt and her pain, it described a heart for Jesus.

It described the way He wants our hearts to beat for Him.

It described her longing for Him to intercede.

It described how much we need a Savior.

My friend's words reminded me of how pleased my Lord is with her

......and how we should all

"pray as much as we breathe."

Will you join me in prayer for my friend?

Just a Little Visit to The ER

2011-11-27T04:00:00.001-05:00

Riding *horsie* with my Poppy and had a little fall.

Nothing a cherry popsicle can't cure.

(But, after FIVE hours in the E.R. until after 1:00 a.m., Nonny and Mommy need more than a

POPSICLE!)

Baby B Is ONE!!!!!!!

2011-11-26T01:46:00.002-05:00

There are some EXACT moments you never forget.

A couple of those moments began when we found out about Baby B.

His life brought the first grandSON to Nonny and Poppy.

...........and we can't believe he's a year old today.

Happy Birthday Baby B.

You make us proud to be your Nonny and Poppy and we adore you!

WISA Is TWO!!!!!!!

2011-11-25T14:58:00.002-05:00

She is LOVING this birthday stuff.

....and will tell you all about it if you ask her!

The girl is a TALKER and cracks us up!

We sure do love you *Wisa*....

There's A First Time For Everything

2011-11-24T16:25:00.000-05:00

I THINK this is the first time in our 36 years of being married that we haven't traveled during the Thanksgiving holidays.
36 years of driving on Thanksgiving.

These little turkeys are keeping us close to home this year.

(Check out their mom's post HERE.www.moxiemadeblog.com)

More cute turkeys!!!

Happy Thanksgiving.

So blessed and so undeserving.

Happy Birthday Son!!

2011-11-21T04:45:00.000-05:00

How do I have a 34 year old?????????

...............who has an almost one year old????????

Sure do love these birthday boys! Can you see WHY??? :)

I'm Over 50, So I Guess This Is For Me!

2011-11-18T21:37:00.001-05:00

Seriously, who DOESN'T read Kelly's Korner Blog?

She has a *Show us Your Life* series every Friday.

Today is *Older* bloggers....maybe over 50. :)

So, I guess that's me.

54 IS over 50, right?

When I was in my 20's and 30's, 50 sounded so OLD. Now, 54 sounds and feels so young.

Most days.

What do you think you'll be doing when you are 54?

1958

UPDATES

2011-11-16T09:53:00.001-05:00

~I looked at artificial trees last night. UGH. I didn't see any I liked without paying a FORTUNE!

I still plan to get one though.

~#2 grand is doing MUCH better! Thanks to those of you who have prayed and asked about her.

~The twins should be home soon. Just have to take ALL feeds by mouth in order to go home.

A race here to see who will finish their bottle first!! :)

(Side note: Mom gives them only her milk but they have to learn to drink it by using a bottle first.)

~Baby B will be one year old in ten days. You don't get to be the baby very long in this family!

~Christmas shopping has begun. So fun to shop for the kiddos.

And, just so I don't leave a grand out.....

Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree

2011-11-15T11:48:00.002-05:00

Poll:

Real or Artificial?

We have never used an artificial tree.

But, for convenience sake, I think I am about to take the plunge.

What do YOU use and WHY?

Oh, and these boys......
One wants a real tree. One doesn't. :)

Pray For This Precious Angel

2011-11-14T07:31:00.000-05:00

Grandaughter #2 (in birth order) is sick. She has a stomach bug and now both ears are so inflamed they expected they might burst last night. She is one miserable 23 month old! If you think about her today, will you pray for her? She has my heart...like big time.

Proud!

2011-11-13T06:10:00.000-05:00

Look who just worked her first 100 piece puzzle:

Random

2011-11-12T10:11:00.003-05:00

~1. I've been so busy since the twins were born, I still have granola bar wrappers in my purse from Oct 25...their birth day.

~2. My healthy eating has gone downhill. "Bout to start veggin' it up again.

~3. Christmas is here. What?????

~4. My driveway has been dug up to pour new cement. I have to park across the street. I have a fear of walking to my car in the early, dark mornings. Not of people, but of animals. Is that weird? P.S. I live in the city.

~5. I miss my grandchildren when I don't see them for a few days. Like, BAD.

~6. Daylight Savings Time is not my friend.

~7. Three cute nieces/nephew visited for two days:

~8. Happy Anniversary to our girl and her hubs! Five years ago God answered the prayers of a mom and dad who had prayed for their daughter's mate.
He blessed her with the most humble man we know.
And we are so grateful.

Told you it was RANDOM.

The End.

Update on the TWINS!

2011-11-09T07:47:00.000-05:00

The twins are two weeks old now!

They are still in the NICU, but doing so good.

C, who was 3 lbs. at birth, lost down to 2 lbs. 8 oz. He is now back up to 3lbs 5 oz!

T, who was 4 lbs. 5 oz. at birth, lost down to 3lbs. 8 oz. is now back up to 4 lbs. 9 oz.

They have to learn to take all their feeds by mouth before they can come home.

Pray with me please.....Grow babies, Grow!

Manners

2011-11-06T05:45:00.002-05:00

25 Manners Kids Should Know

#1: When asking for something, say "Please." #2: When receiving something, say "Thank you." #3: Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking. #4: If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation. #5: When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later. #6: The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults. #7: Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome. #8: When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are. #9: When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had. #10: Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering. #11: When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling. #12: Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect. #13: Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant. #14: Don't call people mean names. #15: Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel. #16: Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend that you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best. #17: If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me." #18: Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public. #19: As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else. #20: If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, ask if you can help. If they say "yes," do so -- you may learn something new. #21: When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile. #22: When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers! #23: Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do. #24: Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary. #25: Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.

(I saw this on Pinterest. I don't know who to credit with this, so if you know, let me know and I will give props to the awesome person who wrote it.)

As a Nonny, I don't have many rules. When they are at my house, I don't care if they eat too many snacks or go to bed a little late, or make a mess in the playroom. But, manners are a must. Manners seem to be a thing of the past...even here in the South......shudder!!:)

How do you feel about children and manners?

Our little *A*....just because I have to have a picture!

My Boys and Their Boys

2011-11-03T13:08:00.000-04:00

Frightfully Cute Grandkids!

2011-11-02T21:19:00.001-04:00

Baby B: Cutest 11 month old cow!!!

Twin Skeletons: six days old!

Snow White (4) and a Lady Bug (2)

BLESSED with Frightfulness of the BEST kind!

Can You Say YUM?

2011-10-30T07:31:00.000-04:00

This is Baby B's 11 month version of YUM!

this is why i LOVE BEING A NONNY...........

2011-10-28T00:03:00.002-04:00

The twins were born!!!

32 weeks four days!

Baby C weighed 3 lbs. and Baby T weighed 4 lbs. 5 oz.

They are indeed "fearfully and wonderfully made."

Mommy and Daddy are on cloud nine as you can expect.

Nonny and Poppy are too!

Thank you for praying with us that their little lives will be in His hands as they await the day they get to go home with their mommy and daddy as a family of four!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE ONE WHO MADE ME NONNY!

2011-10-27T15:30:00.004-04:00

I remember I had just started blogging when E.C. turned ONE!

Time has flown with this baby girl!

She is the

ONE WHO MADE ME NONNY!

She loves me.

I ADORE her.

You think she is pretty on the outside?

You should see her heart!

Happy 4th birthday sweet E.C.

I love you!

Love, NON

Please Pray

2011-10-24T18:02:00.000-04:00

Please pray for the twins and their mommy.

Mommy is 32 weeks three days.

She has been sent to the hospital with high blood pressure and protein in her urine.

They will make the decision to deliver or observe for 24 hours.

I trust that God walked before them into that hospital today.

I trust that HE is in complete control.

My Nonny heart is praying for His will tonight.

Will you pray too?

A Tea Party For Two

2011-10-23T13:17:00.000-04:00

The little girls will turn two (in November) and four (next week).

Yesterday was Tea Party Day for them. That two year old had asked over and over if party day was *right now*!!!!!

A princess arrived to paint their nails.

My daughter made each of them a shirt with a unicorn applique

and their names on each shirt.

A prince came to the party too!

What a fun tea party!

The girls loved every minute of it!

Happy Birthday Girls!

2011-10-21T22:32:00.000-04:00

Poppy built it.

Nonny painted it.

Girls loved it!

(Celebrating a little early!)

Our grandgirls are turning two and four and are really into dress-up!

I saw this on Ana White's blog and knew Poppy needed to make it.

(That Ana, she's fabulous!)

Poppy did a great job!
(That Poppy, he's fabulous too!)

P.S. He also made one for Nonny's playroom! :)

what is YOUR nonny name?

2011-10-20T07:38:00.002-04:00

Yesterday I was reading a post from my friend Kat . She referred to herself as *GOOSE* when speaking of what her grandchildren call her. I have sent her a note asking why that name and it made me wonder....

"What do your grands call you, or what do you call your grandparents?"

I called my grandmother MaMaw. I don't know why. I'll have to find out.

My grands call me Nonny.

I have some dear friends that are called Nonny and Poppy and I loved it.... so, I suggested it to my daughter. She liked it too, so Nonny it is!

Tell me tell me.....what about YOU?

What do you call your grandparents?

Or, what do your grands call you.....and WHY?

God Of Wonders...........

2011-10-13T09:56:00.000-04:00

I was in Targ*t recently with my oldest granddaughter. They have a display of music you can push a button and listen to. EC wanted to push the buttons to change the songs but she kept going back to one song....GOD OF WONDERS. She said *Nonny, I love this one. Do you know it?* I told her I did. End of conversation. Later we were at her house and I could hear her from another room singing the only line of the song she heard in Targ*et.......GOD OF WONDERS. I was reminded of what stays in their precious little minds and I prayed that she would always choose GOD OF WONDERS as her favorite choice when pushing the buttons.

I promised her a treat in the mail......

GOD OF WONDERS is on it's way sweet girl.

Nonny sure does love you.

And that GOD OF WONDERS....HE does too.

Proud!

2011-10-11T07:45:00.001-04:00

Hubs is a biker.....As in bicycle!!!

Last weekend he rode in the

Cycle North Carolina ride.

The ride goes from the mountains to the coast for a total of 495 miles! (Yeh, I know!)

Hubs had prior engagements so was only able to ride for three of the days (200 miles).

(He plans to complete the entire ride in 2012.)

As he rode his way through North Carolina, I ate my way through!!!

The first day he rode from Elkin to Mayodan. They ride all these back, country, mountain roads and the scenery was gorgeous! (I met him at the end of each day so I was able to see the sites as I rode in the car.) Along the route on the first day was the neatest country, general store. It has been written up in Our State Magazine and has been in their family since the 1800's! We ate corn chowder, hoop cheese and fried apple pies at this store!!!

Priddy's General Store

Some pics he took along the ride:

Pilot Mtn. North Carolina

The first day's ride ended at Autumn Creek Vineyards. God's country for sure!

Amazing how welcoming all of the host towns were! There are some good people in NC!!!

The second day began in Mayodan and went to Mebane.

7:00 a.m. Ready to ride!!!

Day two ended in Mebane.

WOW...look at all the gear they transport for these riders!!

The last day of the ride for hubs went from Mebane to Henderson. The people at the YMCA in Henderson were some of the most welcoming. They were lined up with cow bells to greet the riders!

I'm so incredibly proud of my husband. He's a 57 year old Poppy, and he climbed hills on that bicycle that I couldn't even WALK up!
Hills that made me tired going up them in my CAR! :)

1,200 men and women participated in this ride across North Carolina this year.

WOW! Just WOW!

Give hubs a shout out! He reads my blog!!!

'ove you Poppy!

Busy Times! Random!

2011-10-10T09:25:00.005-04:00

Happy Fall!
Perfect weather in North Carolina this weekend!
If you can't have summer ALL the time, then fall is the next best thing!
Some signs of fall around my house:

Baby B went to his first Pumpkin Patch! His other grandparents are here visiting and got to enjoy the patch with Baby B and his mom and dad!
Look how big this 10 month old is!!!

The *girl littles* are gearing up for fall and their birthdays. They went to Disney On Ice and wore their Disney dress-up clothes...which they dearly LOVE!

The TWINS are doing great!
They had TWO baby showers this weekend.
Their mommy is on modified bed rest so she got to enjoy her showers....and so did we!

Happy Birthday to my baby Sister.
Love you AB!

This is a pic of baby sis and her babies!

BIG Sis left this world seven years ago today. Miss her as much today as I did then.

Hubs bicycled over 200 miles this past week....I followed him....fun times! A post later on that!

happy fall!!!

look what i can do....................

2011-10-08T06:16:00.003-04:00

baby b

10 months

Four Years

2011-10-06T07:44:00.000-04:00

Life changes so fast. Four years later...and a baby! Sure do love you guys!

Happy Anniversary!

It's Still ME............

2011-10-03T12:38:00.003-04:00

Most of you will never notice this, BUT, my URL has changed!! (That's what you type in the search bar to look for me.) It WAS www.prayingfriend....and I still pray :), but now you can find me @ www.lovebeinganonny.com!!! It should change automatically so you probably won't need to do a thing! I feel so important now!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks DIL!

And speaking of DIL....

Mommy of twin boys....29.5 weeks!

36 Years

2011-09-28T04:24:00.001-04:00

I was 18.

He was 21.

36 years later God is still writing our story.

Sometimes teenagers get it right.......

.....God ALWAYS does.

I love you honey.

Happy 36 YEARS!

(And P.S., Isn't my new header fabulous? Thank you DIL!!!)

Still Cookin'

2011-09-24T10:04:00.000-04:00

Twins are still cookin'. 28 weeks yesterday. Mom is on semi bed rest, so we had a little outing last night. It brightens her spirits to get out a little. It would be GREAT if she could make it 10 more weeks. Will you pray with me that she does?

These are her first babies. She said last night, "I don't even have an animal, and I'm having TWO HUMANS in 10 weeks."

Ummm, yeh, you are!!!!:)

From Dining Room To Playroom... Before and After

2011-09-22T11:06:00.003-04:00

Baby B's mom wanted to make him a playroom.

The dining room was a room they don't use much.

It seemed like the most likely place since it's right off the kitchen and family room.

Here is the *before.*

Here are some of the *afters*.

Cute, huh?

We painted the panels with magnet/chalkboard paint.

They still want to hang some canvases and alphabet letters and curtains.

But, Baby B loves it already!

Baby B

2011-09-19T07:50:00.001-04:00

This precious baby grandson had

THIS

reaction to a shot.

Fever and soreness are no fun.

Will you join me in praying for him?

Regrets Only

2011-09-16T08:00:00.001-04:00

" Nowadays, invitations often carry a "regrets only" notation at the end.
That means that the host will count on your being there unless you tell him or her otherwise."

howstuffworks.com

I'll be the first to admit, I am a stickler for rules. I am a black and white kind of girl.

I know that about myself.

I realize that not everyone is like me. (Thank the Lord.)

BUT,

there are some things in life that just ARE.

Like,

If you are invited to a shower or a party or a baptism, etc. and the invite clearly states

REGRETS ONLY...............

Convince me otherwise.

I LOVE............

2011-09-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

and.............

and.........

and.....

I had ALL of these this weekend.....

and it was good.

Where Were YOU?

2011-09-11T19:05:00.001-04:00

I was at my desk in the office of the christian school where I was working at the time.

Where were YOU?

OUR TWINS

2011-09-09T09:59:00.003-04:00

Remember, we are having TWINS!

Well, Nonny and Poppy aren't having twins but our youngest son, J, and his wife, J, are!!!

A few weeks ago there was a GENDER REVEAL to let the family know the s*x of the babies.

Most of you know by now that our twins are..................

BOYS!!!!

We are *tickled blue* that our littles are going to have boys join them as cousins!!!

Here are some shots taken at the reveal.

The cake layer color was how they revealed the gender. FUN!

Pray for our twins if you will. Mommy is 26 weeks today. She has been put on bed rest due to contractions.
She will do anything to keep those boys healthy, but it's going to be a long 12 weeks. They are due December 16.

Tomorrow is her BABY SHOWER. Pics to follow.

(She will be able to go to the shower in a very *creative* way!!!!!)

First Day of Three Year Old Preschool

2011-09-06T09:48:00.000-04:00

Hard to believe this is the oldest granddaughter and we have #s four and five on the way!

Today was her first day of Three Year Old Preschool.

No tears. Only smiles. Quite different from last year.

Have fun sweet girl.

And, BE A BLESSING!

Favorite Blogs

2011-09-02T14:32:00.002-04:00

Joining *Show Us Your Life Friday* and listing my favorite blogs.

My favorite blogs change from time to time. Next week this list may be different.

But for today, these are the ones I love.

71 Toes

A Pair of Parsleys

Betsy Maddox

Fly Through Our Window

Christian Wife Life

Simple Thoughts

I follow WAY too many blogs and like so many more. YOURS may be on my next list! :)

(you can click on each blog title to view)

The Big 3......0.....

2011-09-01T05:01:00.000-04:00

The BABY of the family turns 30 today!!!

Yeh, 30.

He is still a kid at heart....and we love that!

Happy 30th, J!

Dad and I love you.

Ready For Soccer......ALMOST!

2011-08-31T07:45:00.000-04:00

So what if she has on her pajama top and an orange bow....

So what that she has her shin guards OVER her socks.

She's STILL the cutest soccer girl I know.

It's Pinterest 's Fault..........

2011-08-27T18:48:00.003-04:00

I browse Pinterest.
And I see things.
I'm not crafty.
But Pinterest makes me think I am.
And then I get the crazy idea that I can actually MAKE the stuff on there.
But then I come to my senses and I realize I can't.
So, I don't.

BUT,

I saw this today and I knew all it would take was $9.99 and some magnets that I already had.

So, I was off to buy an *oil drip pan*....in the automotive department at WalMarte'.

It's like a gigantic cookie sheet. I'm going to hang it on the playroom wall.

I'm not crafty, but I can spend $9.99!

Wordless Wednesday at the Beach!

2011-08-24T04:21:00.000-04:00

Good People

2011-08-21T13:19:00.001-04:00

We went to a 50th birthday party last night. One of our customers was turning 50. Her husband had just spent months having a HUGE workshop built behind their house. He threw the party for her in the shop. This is no ordinary shop. There was Blue Grass music and yummy food.

Good grief! I'm a city girl. It is what it is.

But this party, these are God's people. This is God's land. These are GOOD PEOPLE. They are blessed. I am blessed for knowing them.

The shop....amazing!

The birthday girl and her husband.

Blue Grass Band.

Thank you Lord for Good People.

LOOK What I Found!!

2011-08-20T14:51:00.000-04:00

I have searched and searched for an old, wood, Sunday School table to use in my playroom.

My mom thought she may have found me one.

Nope.

My friend said he found one.

Nope.

I called churches. And old schools.

I looked on E Bay. And Craig's List.

Nope. And Nope.

I posted on Facebook.

Nope....only a friend telling me she had one she could not part with.

Ugh.

Until yesterday.

Looked on Craig's List one more time.

There it was.

Two miles from me.

A lady named Chen, who use to have a Daycare in her home.

Yep.

Here it is.......

I had planned on painting the table. But I think maybe I will paint the chairs each a different color and leave the table as is. What do you think? And what do you think about my FIND?????

Baby B Is So Smart.......

2011-08-18T20:00:00.000-04:00

...............Look what he sent us.

BEACH 2011 Part II

2011-08-17T04:16:00.000-04:00

I took over 300 pictures on our family beach trip.

Mostly of them:

But we ALL had a great time!

Warning: Family pictures ahead!

Oldest son, DIL, Grandson

Youngest son, DIL, twin BOYS

Daughter, SIL, GrandGirls

Mom, Dad, Niece

Nonny, Poppy and The Littles

All 14 of us spent the week together at Holden Beach, NC.

Memories made.

Happy Times.

God is good to us.

We are thankful.

We are blessed.

THE HELP

2011-08-16T10:55:00.001-04:00

I'm NOT a movie person.

Weird. I know.

Hubs will watch any movie. On television or the big screen.

I'd rather read a book. Or blog.

UNTIL......

THE HELP.

I read the book. It was VERY good.

I saw the movie.

Oh. My. Word.

Maybe it's because I grew up in the 60's.

EVERYTHING looked familiar.

I could actually go back and watch the movie with no words.

Just for the visual.

I'm not sure my words will do the movie justice.

It was about COURAGE and LOVE and FRIENDSHIP.

It was about COMPASSION.

And caring for other people.

We should all be like Skeeter.

I would want Skeeter on my side.

Wouldn't you?

photo courtesy of blog.zap2it.com

Hair Feathers

2011-08-15T09:39:00.001-04:00

Surely by now you have noticed the *FEATHER CRAZE.* I think it must have become popular after Steven Tyler wore a feather in his hair on American Idol this past season. I see them in girl's hair everywhere!! Apparently they are put in with a bead clamp as an extension and last for six-eight weeks.

Funny what catches on isn't it???

One of the nieces got a feather:

Sisters.

What do YOU think about hair feathers???

My Name Is Wisa

2011-08-13T20:01:00.004-04:00

This is granddaughter #2. She is 20 months. The girl is hilarious.

Her name is A...... It begins with an A...but it is NOT Lisa. She knows it.

But, to be funny she tells you her name is *Wisa* (Lisa).

Last week in the doctor's office a lady asked her name.

She promptly said "Wisa."

Her mommy said "Your name's not Lisa. Your name is A."

A said "No, it's Wisa."

Then, she laughs.

She will finally tell you her name is *A*...but not before she teases you a little.

Here she is on video.

*Wisa* has my heart.

BEACH 2011...PART 1

2011-08-09T14:57:00.000-04:00

We are here.............

With THEM............

And, THIS Nonny is HAPPY.

Look Who Is Eight Months, Says Bye Bye And Is Almost Walking!

2011-08-05T06:19:00.002-04:00

Smart. Cute.

What more could a Nonny want?

Before And After

2011-08-02T10:25:00.009-04:00

Long post. Lots of pictures. Be forewarned.

We recently put new siding, windows, front door and porch overhang on our house.

It really changed the looks of things around here.

When we moved here, over twenty years ago, the siding on the home was blue.

Yeh, who does that?

Over the years it had really faded and was in desperate need of being replaced.

A strong, spring storm helped us out a little by tearing siding off one end of the house.

Here are a few pictures of the redo along the way.

We "skinned" the bushes to get ready for the work.

Building the porch roof/overhang. New windows have gone in.

Porch roof built. Old siding torn off. (The wood underneath was blue too!)

Shutters and new front door. (Threshold not painted yet.)

We still have to repair the threshold and paint but we've come a long way!

My very favorite part is the front door. We saw one just like it on another home, but could not find one anywhere. So we had a good friend, who is also a builder, make it for us. He did such a great job and made it EXACTLY like we wanted it!

We love our updates and are so thankful to have been able to make some much needed repairs.

Look Who Started Kindergarten Today!!

2011-08-01T09:22:00.000-04:00

This picture of my niece, M, came bright and early this morning!

It's a BIG day for her.

Miss Angelove loves you M.

Can't wait to hear about your big day!

Happy Birthday Vicki...Forever 49

2011-07-31T06:55:00.001-04:00

My sister.

My friend.

07/31/1955-10/10/2004

I Don't Like To Share..............

2011-07-30T07:37:00.001-04:00

HE is in another state visiting Mimi and Pops

picture via cell phone

They are being visited for two weeks by their "Abuelitos"

I miss them.

I guess I don't like to share:(

POSITIVES OF SUMMER HEAT

2011-07-25T08:47:00.001-04:00

I am a lover of all things summer....within reason.

This heat....It's not within reason.

I don't want to be a whiner...So,

I'm focusing on the positives.

I'm loving:

We buy these bars at Costco and eat one every night!

Flip Flops...I LIVE in them!!!!

*German Johnson* tomatoes!

Longer days....LOTS of daylight hours!

We look forward all year to time spent with family on VACATION!!!

What do YOU love about summer?

Birthday Girl!!

2011-07-22T04:30:00.002-04:00

My DIL has a birthday today!

It's her last one without a baby....or TWO to hold!

She's the one who is having TWINS.

I think she is forever labeled as the *mommy of twins.*

I like to think of her as much more than that.

She is :

A wonderful wife to my son.

A lover of all things crafty.

A photographer with a great EYE!

A daughter-in-law to be proud of.

A follower of Jesus.

And so much more.

Happy Birthday JiJi Momma.......

We love you!

Cousins

2011-07-19T14:23:00.000-04:00

"Cousins are the first friends most people have as children."

You know, I've never really thought about that before. But it's so true. They are there at your first birthday party....before you've really made any other friends. They are there for all the really important things in your life.....birthday parties, Christmas (and lots of holidays for that matter), family reunions, etc. They are the first playmates of your youth...your first companions.

I have such fond memories of these cousins:

Their mom and my mom were first cousins and the best of friends.

We did not remain close as we got older but I have recently reconnected with them on Facebook and it's great to now see THEIR children!

I will never forget the memories I made with my cousins.

I pray these cousins always remain close:

LOVE BEING A NONNY!

Sisters Becoming Friends

Made New Again

Happy Day Mom and Dad!

Update

To My Brother (From the Other Brother)

Wordless Wednesday With Words

Baby B

Favorites

She Got All Her Moves From Her Nonny

Pearl Event II

Tebow

What Will They Remember?

Baby B

Wordless Wednesday

THE TWINS!

Happy New Year!

Happy 50 Years Friends!

Coconut Cookie Balls

Truth

Today. Random.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Christmas

Fun With Nonny's Camera

Christmas Card 2011

THIS Is Christmas!

Tubes

Queenie

LOOK WHO CAME FOR THEIR FIRST VISIT!

He's The Greatest!

Birthdays and Christmas and Blessings...OH MY!

Life

*I Pray Just About As Much As I Breathe*

Just a Little Visit to The ER

Baby B Is ONE!!!!!!!

*WISA* Is TWO!!!!!!!

There's A First Time For Everything

Happy Birthday Son!!

I'm Over 50, So I Guess This Is For Me!

UPDATES

Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree

Pray For This Precious Angel

Proud!

Random

Update on the TWINS!

Manners

My Boys and Their Boys

Frightfully Cute Grandkids!

Can You Say YUM?

this is why i LOVE BEING A NONNY...........

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE ONE WHO MADE ME NONNY!

Please Pray

A Tea Party For Two

Happy Birthday Girls!

what is YOUR nonny name?

God Of Wonders...........

Proud!

Busy Times! Random!

look what i can do....................

Four Years

It's Still ME............

36 Years

Still Cookin'

From Dining Room To Playroom... Before and After

Baby B

Regrets Only

I LOVE............

Where Were YOU?

OUR TWINS

First Day of Three Year Old Preschool

Favorite Blogs

The Big 3......0.....

Ready For Soccer......ALMOST!

It's Pinterest 's Fault..........

Wordless Wednesday at the Beach!

Good People

LOOK What I Found!!

Baby B Is So Smart.......

BEACH 2011 Part II

THE HELP

I Pray Just About As Much As I Breathe

WISA Is TWO!!!!!!!

My Name Is Wisa