Hey, I don't have to do this, but had to. Enjoy
One for the girls
Now I lay me down to sleep I pray the Lord my shape to keep. Please no wrinkles, Please no bags And please lift my butt before it sags. Please no age spots, Please no gray And as for my belly, Please take it away. Please keep me healthy, Please keep me young, And thank you Dear Lord, For all that you've done.
Five tips for a woman....
1. It is important that a man helps you around the house and has a job.
2. It is important that a man makes you laugh.
3. It is important to find a man you can count on and doesn't lie to You.
4. It is important that a man loves you and spoils you.
5. It is important that these four men don't know each other!

Foot Note: One saggy boob said to the other saggy boob: "If we don't get some support soon, people will think we're nuts."

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

Just wanted to share these photos. I enjoyed you all on Saturday and missed those who weren't able to attend. Have a happy & safe Christmas & New Year!

Like Chris, I enjoyed being with everyone on Saturday. Just sorry that Michelle and Barry could not be with us. FYI - If anyone needs us, Gene and I leave on Friday, our 44th anniversary, to drive to Hickory and spend Friday and Saturday night and then on Sunday, drive to Macon to be with Chris and his family at Michelle's mother's home. Our plans are to drive back on the 26th. I know it'll be a long haul, but I think we can make it with us taking turns driving. Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas....

A Soldier's Christmas

I like the earlier Soldier's Christmas, but this one I relate to more; there's not much snow in Iraq and Afghanistan. Okay, yes, there is snow in Afghanistan, but not like here. This one still brings a tear to my eye every time I read it:

SOLDIERS' CHRISTMAS POEM

TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS, HE LIVED ALL ALONE,IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE.
I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,AND TO SEE JUST WHO IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.
I LOOKED ALL ABOUT, A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS, NOT EVEN A TREE.
NO STOCKING BY MANTLE, JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.
WITH MEDALS AND BADGES, AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,A SOBER THOUGHT CAME THROUGH MY MIND.
FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT, IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER, ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.
THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING, SILENT, ALONE,CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.
THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE, THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,NOT HOW I PICTURED A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.
WAS THIS THE HERO OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?CURLED UP ON A PONCHO, THE FLOOR FOR A BED?
I REALIZED THE FAMILIES THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.
SOON ROUND THE WORLD, THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.
THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS, LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.
I COULDN'T HELP WONDER HOW MANY LAY ALONE,ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.
THE VERY THOUGHT BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,I DROPPED TO MY KNEES AND STARTED TO CRY.
THE SOLDIER AWAKENED AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,"SANTA DON'T CRY, THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE; I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM, I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,MY LIFE IS MY GOD, MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS."
THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,I COULDN'T CONTROL IT, I CONTINUED TO WEEP.
I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS, SO SILENT AND STILL AND WE BOTH SHIVERED FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.
I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR SO WILLING TO FIGHT.
THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER, WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA, IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE."
ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH, AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT."MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND, AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT."

Christmas at Bertha's

First, I want to thank Ben for posting the pics. Those were great.

I really enjoyed seeing everyone. I'm glad we now live close enough to make it and see the family. I've missed you guys. REally, it was nice to see everyone. Thanks for everything. Chelle is doing a little bit better. She says thanks for the gifts, thoughts and prayers. Can't wait for the next get together, although there's a SLIGHT possibility that I may be heading to Afghanistan in a couple of months. Have to wait and see what happens with assignments/transfers.

EVERYONE have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Jeremy and Cathy - will have to find some time in near future to get together.

Love y'all
Chris

christmas

christmas

Much Thanks!

Again, Chris, much thanks to you and your fellow servicemen.

A Different Christmas Poem


The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light, I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight. My wife was asleep, her head on my chest, My daughter beside me, angelic in rest. Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white, Transforming the yard to a winter delight. The sparkling lights in the tree I believe, Completed the magic that was Christmas Eve. My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep, Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep. In perfect contentment, or so it would seem, So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream. The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near, But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear. Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know, Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow. My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear, And I crept to the door just to see who was near. Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night, A lone figure stood, his face weary and tight. A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old, Perhaps a Marine, huddled here in the cold. Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled, Standing watch over me, and my wife and my child. 'What are you doing?' I asked without fear, 'Come in this moment, it's freezing out here! Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve, You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!' For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift, Away from the cold and the snow blown in drifts.. To the window that danced with a warm fire's light Then he sighed and he said 'Its really all right, I'm out here by choice. I'm here every night.' 'It's my duty to stand at the frontof the line, That separates you from the darkest of times. No one had to ask or beg or implore me, I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me. My Gramps died at ' Pearl on a day in December,' Then he sighed, 'That's a Christmas 'Gram always remembers.' My dad stood his watch in the jungles of ' Nam ', And now it is my turn and so, here I am. I've not seen my own son in more than a while, But my wife sends me pictures, he's sure got her smile. Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag, The red, white, and blue... an American flag. I can live through the cold and the being alone, Away from my family, my house and my home. I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet, I can sleep in a foxhole with little to eat. I can carry the weight of killing another, Or lay down my life with my sister and brother.. Who stand at the front against any and a ll, To ensure for all time that this flag will not fall.' 'So go back inside,' he said, 'harbor no fright, Your family is waiting and I'll be all right.' 'But isn't there something I can do, at the least, 'Give you money,' I asked, 'or prepare you a feast? It seems all too little for all that you've done, For being away from your wife and your son.' Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret, 'Just tell us you love us, and never forget. To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone, To stand your own watch, no matter how long. For when we come home, either standing or dead, To know you remember we fought and we bled. Is payment enough, and with that we will trust, That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.' PLEASE, Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as youcan? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S.service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities.

Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us.

Christmas

O.K., O.K. Christmas is coming ... and I am getting fat!

I am having a good Thanksgiving holiday weekend and now I'm ready to plan Christmas with the Griswolds, oops, I mean the Byrums.

Again, Saturday, December 15th is the date. Agenda MAY go something like this:

10:00-12:00 Cheese Biscuits, Sausage Balls, soft drinks, coffee and apple cider

1:00 Lunch
I plan to cook: Turkey, Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli Salad, Green Beans.
You may bring anything you want to go with the meal or I'm cool with you bringing nothing- except Joyce (we just gotta have scotch-a roos) and Margaret (we just gotta have your cranberry salad) and Lol (We just gotta have some cookies and Michelle (we just gotta have some of your fudge and Christie - (we just gotta have some of those ham biscuits that you had at the Layton family reunion) and Terri (we just gotta have some of your lazanya (sp) and Dad -(we just gotta have some collards, and Hannah - (we just gotta have one of your Ho Ho Cakes). Well, Cathy - we'll let you bring the bread since you already got TWO BUNS in the OVEN!

3:00 Exchange homemade gifts and the gifts for the "wee" ones

5:30 All pack in cars and go to Center Hill for their annual "drive by" Panorama depicting the life of Christ. It's great - all live "Center Hill folks with all live animals. There is probably 12-15 scenes depicting the life of Jesus. Then for those who wish, the community building is open for drinks, biscuits and sweets - All Free. This is about the 8th year and each year they add a scene or two. You will enjoy it. Then come back to Bertha or not?

Birthday!

Sorry I missed your birthday, Uncle Ricky. I didn't have it on my calendar!
Hope you had a great day!

Let me be the first to wish Ricky a Happy Birthday tomorrow. Hope it's a great day.

Veteran's Day

I would like to thank you, Chris, for your courage in fighting to keep this country a free country. I'm glad you're home and in the states. Will we see you on December 15th?

I'm not sure of any other vets in our family except Grandaddy. But....he doesn't blog.

I know my dad was in the National Guard and it seems that I've seen a picture of Eddie in uniform???


Anyway... thanks to all our veterans and current service people. They make this country what it is today! SAAAAAAAAAALUTE!

Christmas Plans

Christmas is coming! The Goose is getting FAT!

Christmas plans for the Byrum Gathering: Mark you calendar!!!!!
Saturday Lunch, December 15
Bertha's house
Gag Gift will be changed this year, but we'll play it the same.
Gift must be handmade by the giver. No special talents or skills needed. Can be as simple as a tin of cookies, a jar of pickles, a metal rack for hanging stuff, hot pads, a small photo album of family photos, carving, cross stitching, or any craft project. Be creative, but don't wait till the last minute. It will be a drag if we do. Anybody can play. All gifts must have a G rating, as some children may want to play.
Menu details to come later.

FUZZY

Is anyone else's face feeling a little like a peach?

Pics

I would like to have copies of both of these pictures if possible. They are both great pictures and I forgot my camera when we went camping!

Camping

I really enjoyed camping. Crazy as always but fun. Enjoyed seeing all who went and missed those that couldn't.

Happy 40th Anniversary,
Mom & Dad!

October 22, 1967

I meant to put this on the blog last night and remembered it after I had turned my computer off. Bertha just texted me and asked so I'll do it now. Chris' address with rank.
Sgt. Chris Belvin
11 Pohl Place
Ft. Bragg, NC 28307

We had a good time yesterday. The weather was great down by the water. Thanks Bertha for planning.

I'm posting for Bertha. The plans for Sunday for Dad's birthday is not totally determined at this time. We will be going to Edenton either to the restaurant that Bertha mentioned or having a fish fry at Bertha's. The plans should be finalized by tomorrow morning. Details to follow later. See everybody on Sunday.

Grandad's bday

So what is it exactly that we're doing for Grandad's birthday?

One and done

Yes, the babies did cooperate enough. We're having a boy and a girl! Everything appeared normal too. We are very excited especially since I don't think Jeremy or I could take another pregnancy. We were able to see the boy much better than the girl, but we're sure it is a girl. Jeremy said the boy had my chin...aka the Layton chin.

We're going to try to make it to Edenton Sunday for Grandad.

I had a good time this weekend also. Weather was great and the company was even better. Look forward to seeing all this weekend. Hope Cathy and Jeremy can come. I want to see her pregnant. Hope everything is going well. We have not heard the sex yet, also. Did the kids cooperate?

Camping

I don't know about anyone else, but I had a good time this weekend. The beginning was a little stressful for me (Emma and I were like oil and water) but it got better. I was glad to see Ben. I guess Cayden just ate too much on Saturday b/c he was fine the rest of the weekend. Hope everyone got home safely and I missed all that couldn't come.

Don't worry, Jeremy. There were no fish caught!

We couldn't have asked for better weather, both day and night. We had campfires at night and were on the beach for a little while both days.

Any plans for Grandaddy's birthday?

Thanks!

Thanks, Joyce, for clearing up any confusion on my part.

Changes

The changes that I make to Christie's list will be in bold italics. Don't forget to bring your longjohns!

To copy "had already said that I'd bring hotdogs, rolls and fixings and I meant for everyone. I'll also bring sausage, bread, dessert. So hotdogs, rolls, (meaning rolls for hotdogs) fixings, means for hotdogs, mustard, onions, catsup, and I'll try to do chilli since Cathy will not be coming to bring it this year. I'll also bring fruit and orange juice. Look forward to seeing everyone. Can anyone think of anything that I need to bring. Joyce, you can add to master list if you wish.





Kyle's jr high soccer team played the jr high team at the school where Howie coaches on yesterday. Kyle's team is very strong. Until this year, they had won 45 straight games. This year they have tied two games and won the rest. Howie's team is not as strong, although they are getting better each year. The score was 4 - 0 with Kyle's team winning. Howie was pleased with the results. His team scored one goal, but the scorer was off sides.

Adding to list

If anyone wants to add something to the list, you can email me and I can add it to the master list instead of through a comment, like I just added marshmallows and eggs to my list.

Camping menu

Just a reminder:

You have volunteered to bring the following:

Joyce: paper goods, baked beans, apple sauce, link sausage, S & P, cinnamon, sugar, syrup, marshmallows, 4dozen eggs

Bertha: stewed potatoes, butter, sausage, 1 - loaf of bread

Margaret: hotdogs, hotdog rolls, hotdog condiments (maybe chili), sausage, bread, dessert, fruit, orange juice

Hannah: turkey, graham crackers, Hershey bars, couple loaves of bread, coffee, hot chocolate, condiments

Christie: 5 lbs. of bacon, OJ, dinner rolls, milk

Ashley - chips, sodas

Everybody needs to bring lawnchairs, drinks, snacks, flashlight, 1roll paper towels
I don't like to go back through the history, so if I've missed anything, please let me know.

Has everybody seen what the weather is going to be like?!?!?! True camping weather!

Should I ask Terri to bring Grandad & Joan for the day on Saturday?

Camping

I will be more than glad to bring smores ingred.
As of today my list is:
- Turkey (Oil, etc)
- Graham Crackers & Hershey Bars
- Couple of Loaves of Bread
- Coffee, Hot Choc., & Condiments

*If I need to bring anything else, volunteer me.

The outer Banks Music Showcase is presenting The Elvis Tribute Show on Saturday, Oct 13 at 7:30. Anyone interested?

Pinecones

There are a bunch of pine cones in Ed's shed that he would love to get rid of if anyone is interested in making a wreath while on the camp-out. I bought a bag of marshmallows yesterday if anyone wants to bring graham crackers and chocolate bars for s'mores.

Our Babies

These are the latest pictures of the babies. Aren't they adorable?

Camping

The Jones family will be providing the turkey, the oil to cook the turkey in, & seasoning. Just let me know what else is needed and I will bring it. *Hope all is doing well!!

More camping

I've got about 40 trays left over from the Layton reunion and also plenty of other plates. I've got some cups and plenty of spoons and knives. I'll pick up more forks and cups. Maybe everyone should bring a roll of paper towels. I will bring the baked beans and applesauce. I have some good link sausage on hand which I can also bring.
I'll stick salt/pepper, cinnamon, syrup and sugar in my box.

Comments

My suggestion: If you're making a comment for everyone to read on the blog , like what you're bringing, let's make in on a new post. For us "dial up" bloggers, it just take to long to click on the comments to find out what others are saying. OK, sis, you're bringing the hotdogs and fixing for all!

Does no one read what I blog. I had already said that I'd bring hotdogs, rolls and fixings and I meant for everyone. I'll also bring sausage, bread, dessert. Joyce, do I need to bring the cranberry congelled salad since Bertha has a refrigerator that I can keep it in? What else do I need

Campout

Frying the turkey sounds great! I'll cook the stewed potatoes. Joyce mentioned baked beans and apple sauce. That sounds good too! How about a salad?

Friday- YOYOs
Saturday-
Bacon, sausage, french toast, juice- breakfast
Hot dogs/chips-lunch
Turkey, potatoes, baked beans, apple sauce and tossed salad-dinner
Sunday -left overs
Everyone bring: your juice, snacks, & desserts (to share)

Bertha will bring: potatoes, butter, sausage, 1 loaf of bread, 2 pkgs. of hot dogs
The RV has a 3 eye gas stove top, microwave/convection oven, & refrigerator/small freezer and a coffee maker.

Update

Well, it HAS been awhile since I've checked. Sorry, I'm a slacker. Imagine my confusion when having to do all this new Google stuff. Now that I'm home on sick leave, (spelling, Dad, is "convalescent") got a little time on my hands since I'm supposed to be taking it easy and can't do what I want around here. I don't see what the big deal is, now that it's over, except a little tenderness around the incision by my belly button.

Timeline:
Sunday went to ER in Macon in horrible pain. Doc gave me some kind of med to relax the stomach muscles, which helped a little bit, and sent me home, telling me I was okay.

Monday I drove up to Ft Bragg.

Tuesday went to sick call in the morning to get a profile because I knew I couldn't do any kind of exercise. Made an appointment for that afternoon (3pm) so it wouldn't get in the way of my inprocessing. That doctor ordered a CT scan of my appendix immediately, prescribed some antibiotics for me if it came back negative. Told me to go to ER if it came back positive. Finally got out of radiology around 7:30/8pm and went to ER. Had my consult with the surgeon between 10-10:30pm. Headed up to surgical ward around 11:30ish. Didn't really have any pain until Wed morning around 1:30 am. Doc originally had put morphine and percocet on my charts for pain, but I got him to change it to tylenol and motrin (ibuprofen) because I hate the way those narcotics make me feel. Never had morphine, but had percocet in Iraq.

They made 3 little holes in me: one by my left hip to put the scope in, one by my belly button (where most of the action was, to include pulling out the "bomb", and one 2 inches up and to the right from my belly button. The only one that is still sensitive is the one by my belly button. I didn't even get stitches the incisions were so small; surgeon used steri-strips. Unlike the diagram, my surgeon stapled the end of the appendix instead of stitching it.

I had just started my inprocessing last tuesday. So, I still don't know which unit I'm going to, just that I'll be part of the XVIII Airborne Corps and NOT 82nd Airborne Div. Think I'd rather be with those guys - they're all on their way home from Iraq and Afghanistan. Corps is heading back to Iraq in a month or so, although I don't know which brigades and units from Corps are going. I just hope I can get to jump school before I go. Hope I'm not one of them, although the money will be nice if I do. Hope I can make the camping trip.

Well, true to Byrum nature, I've run my mouth long enough. Mom said I'd send a more detailed update, so I did. Y'all take care.

Chris

Camping settled

The date for camping has been set for October 12-October 14, 2007. The venue will be Camp Hatteras at Rodanthe. Please see prior posts for rates. As I blogged earlier, this site has an indoor heated pool as well as a jacuzzi. This made it seem like a better option as far as the kids are concerned. It also has a nice playground and putt putt course. And of course there's the big ol' ocean! There was a ban on fires, but I'm not sure if it was lifted after this weekend's weather. Anyway, please let me know how many campsites will be needed and let's start the menu.

CAMPING

SOMEBODY SET A CAMPING DATE, PLEASE!

I spoke with Chris today around 5:30 pm. They had just gotten on 95 heading home. He was released late this morning. He had to go get his meds and of course had to wait for them. They then went to complete the paperwork for his 14 day leave. The captain (maybe) was in a meeting so Chris and Michelle got some lunch. When they got back the captain had come in but had not taken care of the paperwork. It seems that is typical of the military. Hurry up and wait. You would think there would be some consideration that he had just been through surgery, but I guess not. I may not have relayed this exactly right, but that idea was it took several hours after being discharged from the hospital, to take care of what had to be taken care of before he could leave. He seems to be doing well. I'm sure he'll blogg soon and fill in the blanks. Thanks for prayers and concerns.

Mr. Belvin turned 95 today. We'll going to see him on Sunday. He's doing really well.

After visiting him on Sunday, Gene and I will be going to Nags Head, if anyone wishes to visit, let us know. We'll be there until Saturday.

CHRIS

As Margaret said, Chris is doin just fine. Talked with him last night(Wed). He's supposed to be released today and is going home on 14 day convelence leave. Sounds like they caught it just in time before any serious complications set in. We all appreciate your prayeers and concerns.
Gene

CHRIS

For those of you who might not know, Chris is now back in the Army and is stationed at Fort Bragg in Fayetteville. I don't think my family knows as I just found out on Sunday. I'm glad the surgery went well and hopefully Chris is well on the mend. No more scares like that, okay, Chris.

As some of you know, Chris was operated on last night for appendiscitis (sp). I'll copy what I've sent to Howie next.

Michelle called last night around 1:45 to say the doctor had called her and said that everything had gone fine. she was in route at the time.

At 3:45 Chris called to say that he was fine and everything had gone fine. When I told him that Michelle had called us, he said that he would not have called and waken us up if he knew that she had called us. I told him, that I was glad that he called anyway. It was even better hearing his voice that verified that he was fine, rather than hearing it.

Don't know anything else, we did not talk further with either call since it was the middle of the night.
Margaret

Let's get this ball rollin'!

I checked the two campsites in Rodanthe today.

The first campground is Camp Hatteras in Rodanthe. Tent sites are $42 per night for 2 people. Additional people are ...under 6 is free, 6-18 is $4 and over 18 is $6. Two tents can fit on one site. Water and electricity included. Indoor pool, outdoor pool, game room, activities and jacuzzi. You can camp oceanside or soundside... but from my experience, the oceanside has better bath houses and everything else is on this side as well. To check out go to camphatteras.com

The second campground is the KOA campground which is next door to the above. The rates are $47.00 per site w/o electricity and $54.00 per site w/electricity. 6 people per site and two tents can share a site. Extra people are about the same as above, but I didn't write down so I can't be exact. BUT... you can stop in at the office and pick up a OBX getaway card which will give you and extra 15% off your stay. If we want a covered picnic area it is an additional $5 per night. I have not camped here, but the internet presents a nice picture. Didn't write down the website address for this but if you google KOA in Rodanthe/Hatteras it should come up.

Both campgrounds have nice playgrounds.

So how about it?

1st Day of School

Emma & Clay started school today and I thought I would share our "sweet, joyful, tearful, hallelujah-no more daycare, moment with you all!! Hope everyone is doing well!

Vacation

We vacationed down at Outer Banks Beach Club last week and had a great time. Cathy, Jeremy and Barry joined us on Wednesday night and stayed for the remainder of the week. We got to see some pictures of those cute little buttons, went bowling, and the guys also played pool one night. Jeremy caught enough fish for us to have a fry on Friday night and that was delicious.

Camping>>>>?????>>>>>

Have we set an official date for camping yet?

1st birthday!

For those of you who may not have gotten an invitation yet.... Cayden's first birthday party will be held at Arrowhead on Saturday, August 25. It will be from 11:00 am until we all decide to go home! Hope to see all!

Camping

Let's set a date for our annual fall camp out! Any dates available in September? I'm available the last weekend in Sept. or the first in October! What about all of you? Are we going to Rodanthe or Outdoor World? Blog in, so we'll know who's available! My child care supervisor is wanting me to go back to Wilmington in October to keep children, but our family camping trip comes first.

All is well and open house for preschool is 9 days away. We don't begin until after Labor Day.
Any family plans for a #1 birthday party for Caden? Will he make our campout? Next year maybe we'll have "twins" there! Amber is ready to spend time in Sanford to help out! She's excited.

Cathy,
I'm happy for you and Jeremy. As you said, it should be adventure. I was at a christening of twins today, grandsons of a friend of mine. They are now 9 months old. Brian and Shelly had a two year old girl, when the twins were born. Shelly said that was the hardest part, trying to show her enough attention, while caring for the twins. So it sounds like it'll be easy for you and Jeremy. I'm sure you'll have your family's support.

Double Trouble

I had my first ultrasound yesterday...I saw TWO peanuts with TWO heartbeats! So it seems Jeremy and I are going to try to complete our family with one shot. I'm really hoping for a boy and a girl. Whatever happens...it should be an adventure! Keep us in your prayers...all four of us!

Camping

I prefer not to camp the wkend of 25 & 26. School starts the 27th in Chowan and I would rather not have a long tired weekend b/f Monday. I am sure that Christie would agree being that we have 2 new kindergardeners this year!! What about September 28-30? Maybe then things would have cooled down a bit?

camping

Labor Day weekend camping is out for me. I am available for the last full weekend of August.

Cayden

I realize that I do not have Cayden's birth date in my address book. Can anyone help? I know it must be soon because it was hot like it is now at Ashley's shower.

Family Weekend

I had a great time with the extended family last Monday. What a wonderful park they have in Edenton and everyone seemed to be having a good time. Shawn mentioned the family going camping at Rodanthe the last weekend of this month. Ed and I, Cathy and Jeremy will be down on the Outer Banks during that time so it would be real convenient for us. Any takers, let's hear from you.

Oh yeah, Happy Birthday yesterday, Shawn. Your card is in the mail. Honest.

SCARY

It was so ironic that this accident happened on the very same date that Margaret got hit by that car 4 years ago. If anyone had been in front of me, I could be in a similar situation as the fellow who hit her or if the car had not stopped, I could be in a similar situation as Margaret. I feel so fortunate that nothing more happened.

BEAUTIFUL BOUQUET

THIS IS A PICTURE OF THE BEAUTIFUL BOUQUET THAT CATHY AND JEREMY SENT US RECENTLY.

You probably don't remeber, but today is 4 years since my accident and I'm glad to be alive. While walking this morning, I almost fell, which scared the heck out of me. Thought I'd share the following with you.

ALPHABET FOR LIFE

Accept differences
Be kind
Count your blessings
Dream
Express thanks
Forgive
Give freely
Harm no one
Imagine more
Jettison anger
Keep confidences
Love truly
Master something
Nurture hope
Open your mind
Pack lightly
Quell rumors
Reciprocate
Seek wisdom
Touch hearts
Understand
Value truth
Win graciously
Xeriscape
Yearn for peace
Zealously support a worthly cause

Love you guys, Margaret

Update

Hey,hey,hey. Here I sit, posting single handed. Thank goodness I got my left hand to type and misspell with. Had first session of therapy yesterdayFri) Had me lie on my back, take 3lb weight i right hand(surgery side). curl it up 30 times, turn hand over, palm up, curl it up 30 times. Then turn weight on end and strike in hammer, just hand, motion 30 times. Gave me some sort putty substance, squeeze/mold and raise and lower several times so elbow won't lock up. Then had me bring shoulder blades together 30 times. Gonna do this sittin up from now on. Then they had me put left hand on end of a table, lean over, swivle my hips to the left, with gravitatioal pull swiveling my right arm. Then back to the right. Then moved to sided of table and rock in bowlers motion movin arm forward . & backward. Oh, when i first laid down, therapist took right wrist and gently rotated that arm a good distance to get feel of beginning range of motion. PT sessions 3 times a week for 6 weeks. Exercises can also be done at home.
They asked me where I wanted to work toward and I told them like I was before and able to hanlde 50+ lbs to start with. Well those goals should take me into November, but should be out of work totally that long.
Ya'll have a great week week end. Think I'll flex my shoulder blades
Gene

Gene had his surgery today on his shoulder. Everything went well. The doctor said that there was some old injury in his shoulder also. He had one spount of feeling pretty well this afternoon and he called his dad, the boys, and his work. It has all been downhill from there. He has been sick to his stomach all afternoon. He slept for a while tonight and then woke and got sick again. He'll be sleeping in his recliner. He is to sleep at an elevated angle and he feels that he'll sleep better in his recliner.

MOM.

Please don't ask why this came up, much less at 11:30 on a Friday night, but is this your old boss in Newport News?

Ben, I tried your recipe yesterday. It was pretty good. I didn't use the low sodium broth, but I did add the salt. I don't think the salt was necessary without the low sodium broth though. I have several containers leftover in my freezer.

A bowl of lentil soup plus a side order of souse, please. ummmm good.

We hope everyone had a great 4th of July. We had a lazy day at home. Me and Mrs. Smith made an apple pie and I made homemade ice cream. We went to Edenton Bay and watched fireworks from the boat. For Edenton to be such a small town, they really do a good job with the fireworks. When's the next get together?

Happy Fourth

Hope everyone got the day off. Saw a flier yesterday, apparently someone's opening a "North Carolina Country Store" here in Brooklyn -- I think to sell sausage, mainly. Any guesses what "souse meat" is (besides maybe a typo)?

Lentil Soup Recipe

Ingredients

1
	1 Bag of Lentils 2 containers of Low Sodium Chicken Broth
2	tsp. salt
2	tsp. minced garlic
1	cup chopped onion
1	cup chopped celery
1	cup chopped carrots
1 1/2	cup chopped tomatoes
2	tbs. dry red wine
2	tbs. lemon juice
1	tbs. vinegar

Cook on Low for about 40 minutes (or more) Add tomatoes near the end.


YUM! and its very very very low in WW points...

PEACE

Pictures

I've had a rough week back at work, so I haven't had time to mess with my pictures from my trip. (I know. You feel real bad for me.) Finally, the work week's over & my pictures of St Thomas & St John are posted at www.flickr.com/photos/cisom. Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Lentils

Oh yeah. I forgot to mention that the word I was thinking of was legumes instead of lentils. I looked it up in the fine dictionary that Barry sent to his dad for Father's Day.

Sorry Christie. Ed and I will not be able to make Terri's party but hope that everyone has a good time.

We all had a fine time at Margaret's last Saturday. Great food and delightful company, very relaxing. It was good seeing how the Belvin families has changed since we last saw them.

Christie, Gene and I plan to attend. Count us in. Can I do anything to help?

Dad's House

I really need a head count for Dad's on the 30th. Please respond to this or call me at home. 221-8403. Thanks... and remember, Terri doesn't know!

Christie

Heidi ho -- noticed that the archive was broken on the old blog, then learned we needed to upgrade the template in order to retrieve that (apparently we were supposed to when the blog got moved over to Google).

Happy Father's Day to you dads out there!

Saturday

I'm bumming a ride with Hannah and crew, so I'll be there. No children in tow.

I don't know about anyone else, but I'm jealous of Cathy!

About Dad's, planning on eating around 5:00pm.

Saturday

You can count on one from the Summerlin/Isom side of the Byrum/Layton family which is me (I know you all are excited to see me). I'm in Bible School this week so don't worry if I look a little exhausted. Cathy is in the Virgin Islands visiting Julia (one of her bridesmaids) for the week. She left yesterday and won't be home until late Saturday night. Jeremy is working this week but will be visiting friends on the water in Little Washington on Saturday (I think it's Little Washington anyway). Ed will be doing whatever it is that makes him happy and Barry will be in New York doing his thing.

Cookout

Margaret:

My whole clan is going to be gone on Saturday except myself. I may come; I'll let you know a definite by Thursday. Hope everything is going well with Gene. He's a tough old fart... I'm sure he'll be fine in a few days.

On another note: Shhhhhh! Dad and I are planning a surprise 40th birthday party for Terri on Saturday, June 30th. It'll be at Dad's house and he's going to cook hamburgers and hotdogs. I would like to get a head count so I'll know how many tables/chairs/food I'll need. Please let me know something by this weekend!

Remember, keep it on the down low. Terri doesn't know!

Saturday - we'll try to eat around 1 pm People can come at any time. Hannah, I know that Amber, Cortlyn and Mandi would like to see Amber.
Of course, we'd all like to see Clay and Emma also.

Joyce, It is great news that Chris and his family are coming this weekend.
We haven't seen them since Christmas. I know the children will enjoy the moon walk in the park on Saturday.
Speaking of Saturday -- I do kind-of-need to know who is coming so I'll know how much food to buy. I don't want to have to send people over to the park to eat hot dogs and hambergers. As I've said I'll provide the food. Bertha does say that she'll bring deviled eggs and I did not refuse since Gene likes them so much.

Update on Gene - He is definitely going to have to go to doctor. I feel sure that something is torn, which would not have shown up on xray. He cannot lift his arm. He has to take his other hand and lift it.

Contratary to what I told people today, Chris and his family are planning to come next weekend. His district manager said that he could still come since he had been planning on it.

Updates on my patients- no not my patience.
Gene has been in so much pain every time he moves at all. He even came down and slept in his recliner last night. The pain seems to be more in his rib cage on the side. They did take xrays and think that it's muscle bruising. The pain was so bad that we called the doctor back today & got stronger pain medicine. He took the first one tonight so we'll see.
Next patient - We called yesterday and again today to try to talk to his doctor about when he would be released and what we needed to do. He never called us back. We got a call late this afternoon from the nursing home and they had moved him there. I'm planning to go tomorrow morning to see if I need to do anything for him. Of course Gene would not be able to take the ride. To make matters worse, his housekeeper who we and he depend on, called me yesterday afternoon and said that she had to go out of town for a few days. I feel really bad because I feel that he is probably confused. I'll see in the morning.

Next - We are still planning to have a cook out on the 16th if anyone wants to come. Chris is trying to get off Thursday and Friday, so that they could come also. The good news, at least for the children, there will be a cook out and moon walk, etc in the park like it was last year for flag day. I am planning to do all the food, you don't need to bring anything.

Today, when coming to meet me for lunch, Gene stumped his toe on something in the street (street is being worked on and is a mess) and took a terrible fall. He insisted that he was okay, even though he difinitely did not want to go to lunch. I tried to drive him home, but no, he was okay. I did walk him to his car. Before long, he called and said that he was at an urgent care place. I met him there. He did not have any broken bones, but he is really in a lot of pain. He fell on his side and shoulder. He is on pain medicine, but still moans every time he has to move. I'm sure he'll be really sore tomorrow. He has already called and is not planning to work tomorrow. Gene's father is in hospital and that presents some problems. The doctor has said that he will not be able to go home and stay alone when the housekeeper is not there. We're trying to work this out also.

Happy Birthday to Hannah. I did mail a card, but only mailed it today. I'm going to start doing better.

Reunion contact list

Christie, I sent you the contact list from the family reunion with all their names on it via email. Did you receive it? How about anyone else...did everyone get it who wanted it?

Rick and I am OK with whatever plans anyone wants to make for Father's Day.

Buddy Layton's name was Elbert. Sherlon is spelled this way. His wife, Carolyn has been in the hospital @ Greenville for a week. She plans to have a heart valve replaced that is leaking on Wednesday.

It was a treat to see Margaret on Monday! Thanks!

Christie, what is your email address?

Carolyn Layton Chappell
Fred Layton
Sherland Layton
Raymond Layton
Ima Jean Waff
J T (John Thomas) Layton
Gilbert Layton
Buddy Layton (probably not real name, but all that I've ever heard)
Gladys Ward
Edna Mae Dail
Linwood Layton
Melvin Layton

Guess what, I went to the program at The Little Goose Nest yesterday, not I want, as the previous blog indicated

Christie, Sorry my mind has gone. I called last week to see if Emma wanted me to send money for her birthday or for me to buy it. You and Emma was at her Tball game. Yesterday, I totally forgot about bringing the small gift that I had bought or about mentioning it. Sorry. I love you all even if I don't always remember.

I want to see Emma and Clay in their program at The Little Goose Nest. I enjoyed it. They did a good job. I even got to perticipate with Emma in one of the activities. I think everyone enjoyed it.

Joyce, I'm not sure what the difference is in coming here or to Arrowhead. According to Mapquest from your house to Dad's takes 1 hr and 50 minutes and from your house to mine is 1 hr and 52 minutes, but about 11 miles further. Of course mapquest has known to be wrong before.

Welcome, Welcome, One and All to The Little Goose Nest Preschool End of the Year Celebration!
Monday, May 21 at 10:00 in the school gym. This is an informal, interactive program. We sing, play "Musical Solar System" (Musical Chairs-children and one of their family members), have a play, sing some more and have a good time. The play is titled, "Wake Up, It's Spring!"

Emma Ervin is the seed who is awakened by the earth worm. Clay Jones is one of the rabbits who is awakened by the ladybugs who whisper in his ear. We also have a chant, "Five Little Monkeys" where Emma is the Mom of all the monkeys and Clay is one of her sons.

You'll be blessed and proud of your family if you should choose to accept the invitation. Ice Cream Social to follow. You might even recognize one of the teachers!

Anyone interested in getting together at our house for Father's Day on Saturday, June 16 for cook out?

Mother's Day

We also had a wonderful Mother's Day. Cathy cooked us a delicious Rachel Ray 30 minute meal. Even though I think it took a mite more than 30 minutes, I'm sure it was just as good as Rachel's would have been. Diane and Zach also joined us. It was such a surprise when the weather turned out wonderful considering the way it began. Cathy is having another suspicious mole removed tomorrow. She has already had it shaved and the results came back abnormal so please remember her in prayer. Thanks. Christy, don't forget that recipe.

I'm Back!

I'm BACK! Got an email from Blogger, signed in like I had been doing all along, but this time in a different window and Poof, I'm in!

Had a great Mother's Day. Breakfast at church, visited Mr. Blanchard at Nursing Home, then off to VA where Hannah & Family, Rick and I had a early dinner with Ben. By the time we were finished, the sun was out. Then, we laughed and played on a super play ground behind Farm Fresh. Ben bought us all Sugarfree vanilla lattes with skim milk which were great while we all played.

Happy Mother's Day to all. This morning the children's choir say at church. I loved the words to one of the songs, so I wanted to share it with all of you.
LITTLE BY LITTLE


Inch by inch, day by day, step by step, all the way,
Piece by piece, bit by bit, little by little you’re there!

If you can’t climb a mountain, then climb a hill!
That’s much better than standing still,
There’s a way if you’ve got the will,
And little by little you’re there!

If you can’t swim an ocean, then ford a stream!
Just remodel your basic scheme;
Don’t give up ‘till you reach your dream,
And little by little you’re there!

Good things that are here to stay don’t get done in just one day,
Once you start you’re on your way, so keep on going.

If you can’t make a million, don’t draw a blank!
Just keep filling your piggy bank!
You’ll have only yourself to thank,
When little by little you’re there!

Every rose was once a bud, One small raindrop starts a flood,
Acorns planted in the mud will grow you know!

If you can’t walk a mile, take one long stride,
Move along with a sense of pride,
Step by step ‘till you’re satisfied,
And little by little you’re there.

Hope you enjoyed the message as I did.

Reunion

Enjoyed working with and visiting everyone on Sunday. I think we did a pretty darn good job and I think Mama would have been proud of us. Everything looked pretty and the food was very good too. I'm glad Daddy decided to go this year and I think he is glad he went.

We are remembering you VT alumni and are sorry for the tragedy which occurred on your campus.

We're glad that everything went well with Jeremy.

Prayer is one of the best free gifts we receive. There is no cost but a lot of reward. Make sure you pray, and pray believing that God will answer.
Here is my prayer for each of you. Obviously, I copied it.

May today be all what you need it to be today. May the peace of God and the freshness of the Holy Spirit rest in your thoughts, rule in your dreams tonight and conquer all your fears. May God manifest himself today in ways that you have never experienced. May your joys be fulfilled, your dreams be closer and your prayers be answered. I pray that faith enters a new height for you; I pray that your territory is enlarged and I pray that you step into your destiny within the ministry. I pray for peace, health, happiness and true and undying love for God. Love you all. Margaret

Reunion

I talked to Bertha tonight and she said she plans to pick up the key, check out the clubhouse and be there around 9:30 or so Sunday morning to set up. She and Christie have taken care of the decorations and they sound wonderful. If anyone can help on Sunday morning, that would be great.

Jeremy had his colonoscopy today and everything looked clear which is great news.

Well lightning has struck twice. Hopefully I have learned a lesson by now. Today a service man came to work on the garage door opener. His service truck was in the driveway and I pulled out of the garage to get out of his way. As I was backing to the side driveway, CRUNCH, I hit the garage doorway with the front end of my car. I did the exact same thing a few years ago when they were working on the sewer line in the front yard. I said a few choice words, needless to say. The car doesn't look as bad as it did last time though. I told Ed from now on when he schedules a service truck to come to the house, it's his job to pull my car out of the garage before he leaves for work and park it on the side of the house. Of course, it's his fault. It can't be mine!

See everyone on Sunday.

I will get dessert/salad bowls, dessert napkins, plastic serving utensils, and bottled water.

Joyce, Bertha says that she can read the blog, but not publish. I emailed her and told her that if she emailed me, what she wanted to say, I'd copy it onto the blogg, but don't know whether she read by email or not.

Reunion

I have some of those really large lawn & garden trashbags that I can bring. Also, I'll bring some sodas and also some dessert utensils. I have to get off the internet now, my computer is going nuts!

Reunion

I don't know if the clubhouse furnishes the trashbags or not but it would probably be a good idea for us to bring some. And maybe some toilet paper. Some of the other things which I have thought of is: Unsweetened Tea (Ima Jean is taking care of the sweet tea)
Bottled Water
Lemon
Coffee
Cream
Sugar
Sweet and Low
Soft drinks
Salt
Pepper
Maybe some plastic serving spoons
Maybe some dessert bowls
I think small napkins for the dessert table is a good idea. Can anybody think of anything else?
Bertha did say that she would take care of the decorations. If anybody wants to sign up for any of this, please feel free.
Bertha, I wish you could get your computer's blogging butt in gear. I don't like you out of the loop.

Reunion

I'm with Cathy in saying I don't know the answers to any of the questions posted. By large platters, does that mean plates to dine on or serving things? Now that I've asked that, I realize how absurd that sounds. What would we need 140 serving platters for?????? Anyway, I'll help with setup/cleanup or whatever needs to be done. I'll get some potted plants for the centerpieces and maybe balloons? Or does that sound too birthdayyy?

Do we need to bring trash bags, or are they provided by the club house included in the rental fee?

Reunion

I have the Food Lion platters which Ima Jean said were needed for the reunion. I bought 140. I've got 3 rolls of paper towels and will bring dishcloths and dishwashing stuff. Bertha has sent out the announcement to the different families. Each individual family is to contact their members so let's make sure we contact everyone in our families to let them know about the reunion.
I was wondering if maybe the out of town folks could do the clean up and the area folks could do the setting up. I think everyone will be cooking for most of Saturday. Anyway, Ed has agreed to stay and help clean up after the lunch and I have agreed to help him. How does this plan sound?
Jeremy is having a colonoscopy on the 25th. He has been having some problems for awhile and is looking for a solution. Please remember him in prayer.

Happy Birthday to Corey.

Hope all had a good Easter celebration. The Belvin clan did. Howie's family came in on Friday and left on Thursday, with a 2-day trip to Maryland to visit Lol's parents. We did seem to stay too busy. Bertha, sorry I have not called you. Thanks for the invitation for Sunday afternoon, but when you called, as you know, we were on our way to
Elizabeth City to have breakfast with Joan and Dad. My phone was on vibrate so I didn't get the message until we got to Elizabeth City, when I picked up my purse. At that point, it was to late to come over that afternoon. The plan was for the children to have their Easter egg hunt when we got home because there wasn't time that morning before leaving. Also we had not made arragnements to have the dogs taken care of. I know that you all had a good time.

I have bought the paper goods for the Layton reunion. Here is what I've bought. Let me know if you think we need more or other things. Should I get some small napkins for dessert?
200 large dinner napkins
280 small dessert plates
240 large cups
160 styophome (sp) cups
24 table cloths size 54 X 108
plenty of knives, forks and spoons

What will we need to do on Saturday afternoon or night?

How many people usually attend? Does anyone have any idea?

Easter

Hope everyone had a nice Easter!

When should we start planning the reunion?

Layton Reunion Date Change

The date of the Layton Reunion has been changed to April 29. The clubhouse had already been rented for the usual date. So everyone needs to change this on their calendars. Margaret was scheduled to have surgery on her gums this afternoon. Seems that she has been brushing too vigorously and they are grafting some skin. She may not feel up to talking. I'm not sure what her recovery entails. Hope everyone is looking forward to a beautiful weekend.

I got the results of my scan tonight. I was hoping that I'd hear that nothing had changed since my first one, meaning that nothing was continuing to grow. BUT, I got even better news. The doctor said that it looked better than the first one, which he feels indicates that it was an infection the first time. He has not seen the scan, but got the report. He has not been in his office since it came in. He's working nights now and will be back in the office next week. I have an appointment with him next week after he sees the film. Thanks be to God. I wasn't too worried, but feel relieved now.

I know it wasn't a spring time decoration, but I hung up my pine cone wreath after making it. I wasn't planning on leaving up, but I didn't want to wait until fall to see it on my house. Well, I just now took it down & birds had already made a nest in the back of it! Luckily, there were no eggs or I might have had to leave it up much longer.

Hope everyone is well!

I was talking to Bertha yesterday and happened to ask her if she had read the blog lately. She hasn't been on line this week at all because her Norton has expired and she has no protection because she was having problems subscribing online, so they advised her to buy the disc which she was hoping to find in Greenville yesterday. Anyway, I was telling her about Ben's post and that he had to speak on being mindful. Michele (at work) and I had gotten into a conversation about what being mindful meant. She said she thought it meant being polite so we settled on being considerate. I went to my trusty online dictionary and the main word meaning was aware. If someone told me they wanted me to speak on being mindful, I think I would draw a blank (could that be because I know nothing about being polite, considerate or aware?) I would have liked to have heard all of Ben's talk. Maybe at the next family gathering he will share with us. Flowers are starting to bloom in our yard and Farmer Ed has started to till his garden.

the outlaws - 2

Saw Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard last night at Radio City! Asleep At The Wheel was their backing band; Ray Price, the 81-year-old songwriter behind "Please Release Me," opened the show. Merle's "Big City, Turn Me Loose," probably got the best reaction.

This makes twice now I've seen Merle -- for my 19th birthday, Mom & Dad & I saw him within earshot of Dad's machine shop at a club called Dillon's. The building has gone by several names before and since -- I recall it first as the Wrangler outlet where 6-year-old Barry got a big promotional Dale Earnhardt poster (I hung it next to them Duke boys). Aside from a beautiful poster of the Space Shuttle Challenger taking off, which I destroyed by rolling it up and batting it around the house (an unconsciously symbolic gesture), I can't recall having any other posters until I reached high school.

Layton Reunion

Everyone needs to save the first Sunday in May for the Layton Reunion. The Emma Margaret Layton Byrum family are the hosts this year and everyone who can help will be needed. Not sure what all we have to do but I'm sure there'll be enough work to go around.

test test testing

Just wanted to see if I can post. Is Bertha still having trouble? I had to use a different web browser.

Good luck to our Tar Heels in the NCAAs (Gene, your Hokies screwed my brackets all up -- maybe next year). Jeremy & Cathy are entertaining notions of a trip up here when the Wolfpack advances in the NIT tournament (finals are up here at Madison Square Garden -- I watched Carolina lie down against Gonzaga during Thanksgiving at the NIT pre-season tourney at MSG -- would have been much more satisfying to have come home instead). Don't know if they're serious, but I'd love to see them (bring scotcharoos).

Love to y'all.

something to think about

I have to speak to a group Wednesday night about being mindful.... I am closing the lecture with this.. Just wanted to pass it along because it rings true for me... :)

The Invitation ~ by Oriah Mountain Dreamer


The Invitation

It doesn't interest me what you do for a living.
I want to know what you ache for
and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's longing.

It doesn't interest me how old you are.
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool
for love
for your dream
for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon...
I want to know if you have touched the centre of your own sorrow
if you have been opened by life's betrayals
or have become shrivelled and closed
from fear of further pain.

I want to know if you can sit with pain
mine or your own
without moving to hide it
or fade it
or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy
mine or your own
if you can dance with wildness
and let the ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes
without cautioning us
to be careful
to be realistic
to remember the limitations of being human.

It doesn't interest me if the story you are telling me
is true.
I want to know if you can
disappoint another
to be true to yourself.
If you can bear the accusation of betrayal
and not betray your own soul.
If you can be faithless
and therefore trustworthy.

I want to know if you can see Beauty
even when it is not pretty
every day.
And if you can source your own life
from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure
yours and mine
and still stand at the edge of the lake
and shout to the silver of the full moon,
"Yes."

It doesn't interest me
to know where you live or how much money you have.
I want to know if you can get up
after the night of grief and despair
weary and bruised to the bone
and do what needs to be done
to feed the children.

It doesn't interest me who you know
or how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand
in the centre of the fire
with me
and not shrink back.

It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom
you have studied.
I want to know what sustains you
from the inside
when all else falls away.

I want to know if you can be alone
with yourself
and if you truly like the company you keep
in the empty moments.

Thanks, Cathy for sharing the pictures with us. You girls should see my wreath. When I got home, I had put it on the table on the deck. When Cecil had come over and came in the back door, she had Debbie, who was here go and look at my wreath and she talked about how beautiful it was.
WELL, you should see it now. I left it on the deck and while I was in Las Vegas it rained. The pine cones closed up and the nuts have popped off. It's beginning to dry out again and is beginng to look better, but when it's dry, I'll have to glue my nuts back on. All that work. We had a good time in Las Vegas. I only had to yell at Cecil once and she realized that I had good cause. Talk to all soon.

Photos

I have posted a few pictures from last weekend on another website. You can see them at http://www.flickr.com/photos/cisom/

Hope everyone enjoys the weekend.

GO WOLFPACK!

Bertha, Joyce, Cathy and I had a good time making pinecones wreaths last Saturday. It did take longer than we had thought. We worked all day and did not finish until after 6 pm, and that was before we cleaned up the garage. Cathy and I had both planned to go home that day, but decided to spend the night. Joyce and Ed's new neighbor had teased us with the smell of cooking out. We were lucky enough that they came over and invited Ed and Joyce and their guest to come over to eat. Boy were we ready. They had cooked steaks, pork chops and spare ribs.
Girls, who made the wreaths, you remember our conversation about the male response, and I didn't think that Gene would comment about mine. Well, I was wrong. His comment was "Where in the hell do you think that you'll hang a wreath that large". I really didn't answer him because he might tell me no. So, I'll hang it and then see what his response will be. Sorry more could not join us. The plan is to meet again if anyone else is interested. Margaret

Blogger Trouble

Is anyone else having problems blogging besides Bertha? I talked to Barry tonight and he tried to blog this weekend and was unable to get on. Don't know exactly what the problem is.

One more important thing, don't forget to bring garden gloves. The pine cones are murder on your hands.
Cathy, Those cones may be too big especially for the 24' rims. I'll try to see if I can find some. I did find one box in my basement, but it seems they are mostly white pine cones.

Update for this weekend. I picked up 5 bike rims today, two I think are 24" and I think the others are 26". Joyce says she's suppose to get 6 today or tomorrow, so I think we have enough.
Look forward to seeing all. Margaret

Hannah, Since we're going on Friday night, is it possible that you might be able to go and then leave in the morning? Hate for you not to be with us.

I had a nice visit today with Bertha, Ricky, Mom, and Dad. Bertha, Mom, and I agreed that we could meet in RR next Saturday since Margaret said she was available. Margaret, is that still true? Hannah, we tried to talk your Dad into watching your kids...with no luck. Do you think you can still make it?

Bicycle wreaths

Ok, I have found a bike, so we now have two wheels to use. How about March 24 in Roanoke Rapids?

changes in blog

Has anyone noticed the changes on the blog page? You can now sign in from our actual blog page. I'm not sure what else you have to do in order to blog. I had to set up a google account. Not sure exactly what that meant but maybe if someone has time to play with it, we can do more things with our blog, hopefully good things. We'll see.

If anyone wants to make pinecone wreaths, my home is available. Just let me know so that I will have time to pick up our drawers.

I guess everyone know that Dad had some laser surgery today on his good eye to relieve some of the pressure. He was very apprehensive, but I talked to him tonight and he says every thing went well and he's pleased.

Ashley Venters address is 2313 Virginia Road, Edenton, NC 27932

For those of you who have asked, Howie & Lol's new address if 3820 Falling Creek Road, Hickory, NC 28601

something smells 

crazy 

 

Bubbles 

Something Batty 

Hannah and Amber

 

REALLY OLD PIC

hottness! 

reunion (old pic)

 

reunion (old pic)

 

reunion (old pic)

 

reunion (old pic)