Exactly what differences, mistakes and quirks was Bertie speaking of? Personally I am not aware of any in the Cecil G Byrum-Emma Layton family of eastern North Carolina. Of course I've also been accused of being a ostrich.
I'm also very thankful for being a part of this Cecil G Byrum-Emma Layton family of eastern North Carolina. I'm also thankful for being born in a country where should our leader die, there would not be a huge international controversy about where he would be permitted to be buried. You read the Bible and read the Bible and it's still baffling (at least to me).
Michelle Lee, you're going to have to fill us in on the computer lingo. I know what :) means but what does :OP mean?
Menu for Christmas is Ribs, Barbecue, Chicken, Potato Salad, Tomato Pudding, Sweet Potatoes, Slaw, Corn/Butter Beans, String Beans, Rolls, Tea and all the desserts in the world. This menu is subject to change if the Grillmaster restaurant where I plan to get the ribs and barbecue closes. I thought we would try to eat around 1PM. Any other ideas? Feel free to offer them (I reserve the right to ignore them) and bring anything you want. I might ask Terri to bring her famous lasagna also. Unless someone has strong opposition, we will still plan to exchange a fun gift.
I didn't realize how much Barry is like my two sisters. I kinda wish the time was not entered on the blog when I see how late y'all are up. How do you keep going? I promise not to mention it again.
Saturday, November 06, 2004
Christmas Plans
While creating the November calendar for preschool, my curriculum suggested beginning a family tradition for the Thanksgiving holidays. Thought maybe you'd like to see the ones they suggest or begin a tradition of your own.
1. Early on Thanksgiving morning, take a nature walk, then have a special thank you prayer.
2. Buy a special Thanksgiving book to be read annually.
3. With all the family present, prepare and deliver a food basket for the needed or homebound.
4. Visit a nursing home (and be thankful that Mom only had to live there for 5 months).
5. Family members help to prepare a special devotional period.
6. Each family member select and help prepare one special dish for Thanksgiving dinner.
I am thankful for such a wonderful, loving, and supportive family. I am thankful that we can accept and overlook each of our differences, mistakes and quirks and still appreciate our positive qualities. I am thankful for parents who reared us that way and for Jesus's perfect example of that love. Dios le ama! God loves you! (I'm getting ready to help out at Hispanic Day in our association.)
Is it too early to discuss Christmas plans for the 11th, Joyce? Menu, time, other info? B.
1. Early on Thanksgiving morning, take a nature walk, then have a special thank you prayer.
2. Buy a special Thanksgiving book to be read annually.
3. With all the family present, prepare and deliver a food basket for the needed or homebound.
4. Visit a nursing home (and be thankful that Mom only had to live there for 5 months).
5. Family members help to prepare a special devotional period.
6. Each family member select and help prepare one special dish for Thanksgiving dinner.
I am thankful for such a wonderful, loving, and supportive family. I am thankful that we can accept and overlook each of our differences, mistakes and quirks and still appreciate our positive qualities. I am thankful for parents who reared us that way and for Jesus's perfect example of that love. Dios le ama! God loves you! (I'm getting ready to help out at Hispanic Day in our association.)
Is it too early to discuss Christmas plans for the 11th, Joyce? Menu, time, other info? B.
Thursday, November 04, 2004
Bertha's blog
Bertha is having problems getting on the blog so she asked me to blog the following for her:
Bertha - Named after Mom's mom, Bertha Harrell Layton (no middle name) Grandmama Layton wanted to name me Jane.
Elizabeth - Named after Dad's mom, Missouri Elizabeth Boyce Byrum, (called Lizzie)
Nickname - Dad called me Bertie, some call me Bertie B., Preschool calls me Mrs. B. Emma Ervin calls me Aunt B.
Dad took a spill yesterday and has a whopper of a black eye. His cheek bone took the brunt of the fall. It's sore, but not hurting.
Thanks, Bertie B.
I remember wondering why Mama didn't call Bertha "Elizabeth" because I felt that it was a prettier name than Bertha but Mama said she was afraid people would resort to calling her Lizzie and she did not want that. I agree that Bertha is preferable to Lizzie.
The problem may be related to the election because so many people are blogging about the wonderful news or the terrible news dependable on which side of the fence you are sitting. I could not get on last night until after church.
Bertha - Named after Mom's mom, Bertha Harrell Layton (no middle name) Grandmama Layton wanted to name me Jane.
Elizabeth - Named after Dad's mom, Missouri Elizabeth Boyce Byrum, (called Lizzie)
Nickname - Dad called me Bertie, some call me Bertie B., Preschool calls me Mrs. B. Emma Ervin calls me Aunt B.
Dad took a spill yesterday and has a whopper of a black eye. His cheek bone took the brunt of the fall. It's sore, but not hurting.
Thanks, Bertie B.
I remember wondering why Mama didn't call Bertha "Elizabeth" because I felt that it was a prettier name than Bertha but Mama said she was afraid people would resort to calling her Lizzie and she did not want that. I agree that Bertha is preferable to Lizzie.
The problem may be related to the election because so many people are blogging about the wonderful news or the terrible news dependable on which side of the fence you are sitting. I could not get on last night until after church.
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
Of course, the questions are for anyone who wants to respond, young or old, certainly not just for those of us who already know more about each other than we care to think about. I had hoped that more would respond to the pastime question also. It seems that when we're all together, we really don't have time to do anything except eat, not to imply that eating is not important. Oh yeah, it's very important.
Family Names and No Child Left Behind
Mom, you got your own name wrong??? As I remember, it wasn't Margaret Faye, but "Mart Faye".
My middle name, Piper, is Grandfather Belvin's middle name. Luckily, mom wouldn't let dad name me the full name he wanted to after Grandfather Belvin- Norfleet Piper. Of course, Chelle calls me "Piper" as did Grandmother Belvin to Granddad Belvin. Of course, I'm nothing like that man. No offense, but Thank God!
Joyce, I can't give you all the total details of the No Child Left Behind Act, but I think Georgia's version is the Kids have to Work at a Higher than usual to Catch Up with the Rest of the Country Act. Everybody knows that Ga is low in the academic rankings, 47th or 48th I think (we actually gained one spot last year). However, we're in such a big hurry to catch up, instead of trying to make a little progress each year, we're pushing the kids too hard. All the 4th and 5th graders in Chris' school have to do a science project for an upcoming County Science Fair. The standards for the work by these 4th and 5th graders are the same ones I started having to do as a freshman or a sophomore in high school when my biology teacher was also a professor at Eastern Va Med School. We're burning these kids out. I don't mind helping with home/school work, but I really thought I was doing science projects when I graduated school. We couldn't even do the standard Belvin Solar Power science project that Howie and I both did in 2 different grades because Chris has to use the scientific process, hypothesis, experiment log, research log, etc. All 3 of my kids' academic requirements are way beyond what we were doing at the same ages. It's ridiculous sometimes. Cortlyn's Kindergarten teacher told me that Liberty County (Ft Stewart) schools were having to change curriculums in the middle of the semester to keep up with State requirements and even the teachers weren't able to get the teaching materials in a timely manner to keep up with the requirements. Here in Bibb County, even special education children have the same requirements as your average child with no special needs. We have an end of the year test for each grade and the special ed kids in each grade have to score the same on the test as the other 3rd graders. Michelle's sister, Dianna, has some 6th graders who are 16 reading on a 2nd grade level (due to special needs) that are expected to achieve regular 6th grade standards. She teaches what is called "Psycho Ed". Dianna's my size and is trained to take down students Ricky's size.
On a positive note, not to rub it in, I'm excited about the next four years and feel okay to keep serving in the military. If Scary Kerry had won, I don't what I would've done. I see North Carolina carried Bush, despite the Hickory vote. Just kiddin'. And the Republican party has retained control of the Ga State Senate and captured the Ga State House for the first time since the ugly, post-Civil War Reconstruction days. I must admit though, had we lived in the 3rd US Congressional District, I would have voted for the Democratic incumbent, Jim Marshall. He was a decorated Army Ranger during Vietnam and has done alot for veterans, disabled Vets, small hospitals, etc. in the past. I was actually ashamed to be connected with the Republican challenger and all his attack tactics. Anyway, I understand that Bush and Kerry agree this election has divided the country and that the two agree that they need to work together to unify the country. Anyway, that's all I got to say about that.
Mom and Joyce, will e-mail you about your popcorn orders and am still waiting to hear from everyone else. Of course, Howie, I know you've got your own cub scout and his pack to support. Oh, did I tell ya'? I'm Chris' Asst Den Leader. Although, given how many den leaders' meetings and Pack Meeting I've had to cover down for Jeff (Chris' Den Leader) before I was Asst Den Leader, I may end up acting as Den Leader. Well, gotta' run help Chris with his research. I have drill this weekend. Hopefully, it'll end on Sunday as scheduled and we won't be activated a month ahead of schedule as rumored.
My middle name, Piper, is Grandfather Belvin's middle name. Luckily, mom wouldn't let dad name me the full name he wanted to after Grandfather Belvin- Norfleet Piper. Of course, Chelle calls me "Piper" as did Grandmother Belvin to Granddad Belvin. Of course, I'm nothing like that man. No offense, but Thank God!
Joyce, I can't give you all the total details of the No Child Left Behind Act, but I think Georgia's version is the Kids have to Work at a Higher than usual to Catch Up with the Rest of the Country Act. Everybody knows that Ga is low in the academic rankings, 47th or 48th I think (we actually gained one spot last year). However, we're in such a big hurry to catch up, instead of trying to make a little progress each year, we're pushing the kids too hard. All the 4th and 5th graders in Chris' school have to do a science project for an upcoming County Science Fair. The standards for the work by these 4th and 5th graders are the same ones I started having to do as a freshman or a sophomore in high school when my biology teacher was also a professor at Eastern Va Med School. We're burning these kids out. I don't mind helping with home/school work, but I really thought I was doing science projects when I graduated school. We couldn't even do the standard Belvin Solar Power science project that Howie and I both did in 2 different grades because Chris has to use the scientific process, hypothesis, experiment log, research log, etc. All 3 of my kids' academic requirements are way beyond what we were doing at the same ages. It's ridiculous sometimes. Cortlyn's Kindergarten teacher told me that Liberty County (Ft Stewart) schools were having to change curriculums in the middle of the semester to keep up with State requirements and even the teachers weren't able to get the teaching materials in a timely manner to keep up with the requirements. Here in Bibb County, even special education children have the same requirements as your average child with no special needs. We have an end of the year test for each grade and the special ed kids in each grade have to score the same on the test as the other 3rd graders. Michelle's sister, Dianna, has some 6th graders who are 16 reading on a 2nd grade level (due to special needs) that are expected to achieve regular 6th grade standards. She teaches what is called "Psycho Ed". Dianna's my size and is trained to take down students Ricky's size.
On a positive note, not to rub it in, I'm excited about the next four years and feel okay to keep serving in the military. If Scary Kerry had won, I don't what I would've done. I see North Carolina carried Bush, despite the Hickory vote. Just kiddin'. And the Republican party has retained control of the Ga State Senate and captured the Ga State House for the first time since the ugly, post-Civil War Reconstruction days. I must admit though, had we lived in the 3rd US Congressional District, I would have voted for the Democratic incumbent, Jim Marshall. He was a decorated Army Ranger during Vietnam and has done alot for veterans, disabled Vets, small hospitals, etc. in the past. I was actually ashamed to be connected with the Republican challenger and all his attack tactics. Anyway, I understand that Bush and Kerry agree this election has divided the country and that the two agree that they need to work together to unify the country. Anyway, that's all I got to say about that.
Mom and Joyce, will e-mail you about your popcorn orders and am still waiting to hear from everyone else. Of course, Howie, I know you've got your own cub scout and his pack to support. Oh, did I tell ya'? I'm Chris' Asst Den Leader. Although, given how many den leaders' meetings and Pack Meeting I've had to cover down for Jeff (Chris' Den Leader) before I was Asst Den Leader, I may end up acting as Den Leader. Well, gotta' run help Chris with his research. I have drill this weekend. Hopefully, it'll end on Sunday as scheduled and we won't be activated a month ahead of schedule as rumored.
Monday, November 01, 2004
| Joyce, is this to keep our minds working. I do remember now Barry coming to go to soccer camp at Norfolk Academy. Actually I had forgotten that your middle name was Layton. My name, of course, Margaret was mother's middle name, but some reading this may not have known that fact. Being born at home, Mother filled out the birth certificate. Margaret was on there two or three times and each one was spelled differently. Don't have a clue where my middle name came from, Faye, I guess they just thought it went well with Margaret. Again some reading this may not know but growing up I was always Margaret Faye. After graduating high school, when I went to business school, I was asked if I went by one or both of my names. I did not know,so everyone called me just Margaret. It wasn't too long before I realized that people at home and in our neighborhood called me both names. Once when I was working at Wachovia Bank, one of the employees came and asked if my name was Margaret Byrum and I said yes. Mother came into the bank and asked for Margaret Byrum and of course at that time I was married. In September, I registered to attend the meeting in Salt Lake City and even though I have been married for 40 years and I had never done that before, I filled out the form as my name being Margaret B. Byrum. I just couldn't believe it. I just it was the fact that I was almost 62 at the time. Age really does make a difference. Edith says that she feels that the accident definitely aged both of us. Oh well, it beats the alternative. I am so grateful to be alive and feeling well.
|
Question
This week's question: Who gave you your name and why? Did you have a family nickname? How did you get it?
The only time I remember any discussion about the origin of my name was Mama saying she picked it because she did not know anyone around with that name and then she found out later that there was a girl a few miles down the road whose name was the same as mine, Joyce Byrum. Bertie may not remember her but I'm sure Margaret does. I think she was a year or two older than Margaret. Had a sister named Dianne and an older brother but I can't remember his name but I remember thinking he was cool. Of course my middle name, Layton, was Mama's maiden name. I always hated that growing up but now I'm glad that it's part of my name. Never had a nickname that I recall. I remember Daddy always calling Mama "Bunk" for some reason but the only name I remember her calling him is not publishable but it's a favorite "Layton" word, particularly of Ima Jean.
Don't forget to vote tomorrow. Wouldn't it be nice if everyone eligible to vote, voted? Or maybe not. I read this ditty last week somewhere, "When you rob Peter to pay Paul, you can always count on Paul's support."
The only time I remember any discussion about the origin of my name was Mama saying she picked it because she did not know anyone around with that name and then she found out later that there was a girl a few miles down the road whose name was the same as mine, Joyce Byrum. Bertie may not remember her but I'm sure Margaret does. I think she was a year or two older than Margaret. Had a sister named Dianne and an older brother but I can't remember his name but I remember thinking he was cool. Of course my middle name, Layton, was Mama's maiden name. I always hated that growing up but now I'm glad that it's part of my name. Never had a nickname that I recall. I remember Daddy always calling Mama "Bunk" for some reason but the only name I remember her calling him is not publishable but it's a favorite "Layton" word, particularly of Ima Jean.
Don't forget to vote tomorrow. Wouldn't it be nice if everyone eligible to vote, voted? Or maybe not. I read this ditty last week somewhere, "When you rob Peter to pay Paul, you can always count on Paul's support."