Reflections from a Mother's Heart

I think it was 2007 the last time I blogged any questions from this book that I'd like to finish before I'm finished.

Next question: How did your Mother spend her day? Did she have a job or do volunteer work outside the home?

Mama spent her days working, working, working. She must have believed that idle hands are the playground of the devil. My sisters inherited this trait but the devil must have snatched me up. The first memories I can recall was Mama sewing at the old house. I remember she made me a doll, I think it was a doll, out of an empty thread spool. I also recall washing day at the "new" house, dancing and singing to the rhythm of the wringer washer. Later after she got her drivers license (that's a whole 'nuther story) she worked at the shirt factory in Hertford, where her goal was to make production. I had no idea at the time what production was, but I remember everybody was trying their best to keep her from making it. I don't know why she left the shirt factory (maybe she got laid off, which happened from time to time) but her next public job was at the cotton mill in Edenton from which she retired.

Mama also did a lot of volunteer work for the church, school and anyone in the community in need. What a good woman and a wonderful role model.

Loved Margaret's Christmas decorations on her dining room table! Enjoyed seeing all of you and enjoyed our Holiday games!

Thanks Margaret for all your hard work!

CHRISTMAS

You all, I'm sure know that I'm losing it. A week or so ago, I posted the following post. " I must not be communicating as I should. I am getting questions - My plan is that I will be making beef stew, peas, shripm creaole, brunswick stew, ham biscuits, etc. It will be crock pots so people can eat whenever they want. I think it's less confusing if I make the food instead of people bringing. If you have a dessert you want to share that's fine. Time - any time after about 10-10:30 and maybe open gifts around 3 - 4. If you want to spend the night, that will be fine." I was then wondering why people were not reading the blog, but it turns out, as Howie informed me as he uses my site, I have two blogs - one for the weight loss group that I used to lead, and I listed the family message on the weight loss blog. If you have not been saving your change for the food bank, please bring canned goods for the food bank. Look forward to seeing everyone.

You know what my mom used to say "I'm just as happy as if I had good sense".

Wanted to share this with you

We have a new music director and I really like the benediction that she used - "Sung to tune of Edelweiss"
May the Lord,mighty God; Bless and keep you forever.
Grant you peace, perfect peace; Courage in every endeavor.
Lift your eyes up and see His face and His grace forever.
May the Lord, mighty God; Bless and keep you forever.

I like it and wanted to share.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to those in the family that I have not talked to or will not see. I am thankful for each of you in my life.

I'm sure some of you have seen this before, but we used it in church last Sunday and wanted to share it with you.
Since September, Lord, the malls, stores and media have blared the music of Christmas. Each call come to us, inviting us to spend, hurry, plan, participate. It is easy to get caught up in the mood of the coming season. We confess that we, too, have gotten caught up in the secular "reason for the season" which is to buy and spend. Slow us down, Lord. On this day of Thanksgiving, let us put aside our rush to Christmas and offer our prayers of gratitude for your constant care. As the man who was healed of his leproscy returned to Jusus thanking him for the healing; so help us return to you with our songs and spirits of praise. You have blessed us with work to be done, harvests to be gathered in, and people with whom to share our bounty. We are called to look beyond our laden tables and filled cupboards to those for whom this time is just another day of hunger anbd loss. Help us to reach out to our friends and neighbors and to those whom we have called strangers. Remind us that the harvest is given to be shared and not hoarded. Open our hearts in actions of gratitude that we may truly offer our praise and thansgiving to you. Amen

Look forward to see most of you on the 10th. Hope you are collecting your coins for the Food Bank, which is our charity this year.

OPEN HOUSE FOR CHARLIE

Charlie will be visiting 132 Hunting Ridge Rd for Thanksgiving. Everyone is invited to an open house on November 25 and 26. Please stop by at your convenience on those days and meet the latest member of our family. I will be serving ham, black-eyed peas, sweet potatoes and desserts so please plan to eat.

PS: Bethany and Barry will also be along as chaperons.

Christmas

Christmas Plans - We talked about this when we were camping, but am getting around to letting those who were not there know. It is my year and we've picked Saturday, December 10 and would love to have people stay over and have brunch the next morning as we did before. This worked (at least the 10th) for most who were camping and hope it works for others. GIFTS - I liked Joyce's idea of contributing to a charity. With so much unemployment and people hurting, I've chosen "The Food Bank". If someone else has a charity that they would like to suggest, I'm open to suggestions. I'm giving you plenty of notice. The easiest way I've found is to get a jar or cup of some sort and drop in your change. You can keep it in your car or at home. We never miss a little change each day. "You could take that last statement two ways - what type of change could we all make to make life better.

Good bye October!

Happy Halloween to you all. Looking forward to seeing photos of all your jack 'o lanterns and hearing about all of your antics from the 31st!

Joyce, hope that your revival is most enjoyable and inspirational.
Margaret, hope that your trip is safe and fun.
Howard, I hope that the cotton seed separation process was successful.
Chris, the cherry pie was so yum!
Ridge and Savannah, your video of you playing and singing with the skeleton bones was so cute, but I can't seem to get it uploaded to FB. Will burn a CD and mail it, hopefully.
GA Belvins, you were quite a welcome surprise at the camping trip. Thanks for your efforts! Amber Nicole, sorry that I forgot the clothes for your project.
Christie, thanks for sharing lunch with Dad last week. He enjoyed it!

Love to you all!

Coffee

I will bring container that keeps coffee hot. We will also bring some charcoal and lighter fluid.

I will also bring my camping stove and propane. That will give us a couple more burners if we need them. Bringing a little pine and hickory, I think. And of course the other food stuffs. If anyone's interested, they were giving away cherry pies at work the other day and I ended up with a box of them. All you have to do is thaw them out; frozen they're good til 2013. Hahaha! Let me know via call, txt or facebook if you want one for your house. First come, first served. They're good. We had one at Bible study last night and I promised one to one of our chaplains and Mom has spoken for one. Think that leaves 6? Cant wait to see y'all tomorrow evening. Planning on coming up after work. Should get off work between 4:30-5 hopefully, depending on what time we get done at the .50 caliber machine gun range.

We will bring buns (both types), beans and onions. Also have some fire wood but not enough to last all weekend but will bring what we have. Looking forward to seeing everyone and I'll bring some clothes for Amber! Think that's all I wanted to say. See ya'll tomorrow!

Carafe?

I will bring my electric fry pan (my old one, Joyce, not the new one that you thought was too good for camping). I will also bring mydouble electric griddle. We only use it when the kids are home. It's great for bacon, sausage, french toast, and pan cakes.

WOOD FOR THE FIRE,
RICK SAID THAT HE CAN BRING SOME WOOD ON A COOLER RACK ON THE BACK OF RV BUT THAT IT PROBABLY WON'T BE ENOUGH.

CHRIS SAID THAT HE CAN BRING SOME PINE.

CAN SOMEONE ELSE BRING SOME?

update

Hey everyone Amber is working on a service project for Girl Scouts & she has to collect clothes to give to Goodwill. If anyone has clothes that they were planning on donating or if you have time to go through any closets before this weekend it would be greatly appreciated. Doesn't matter if it's adults or kids we'll take anything:) Thanks for your help, Lol.

SCHOOL LESSON

I don't know if cotton is in season, but if it is, can somebody bring me a couple of plants from a field next weekend? We talk about cotton and slavery and the effect it had on shaping our country. I need seed-filled cotton to show the kids how hard it was for the slaves to get the seeds out of the cotton.

Howie

Camping

Looking forward to seeing all of you on the 21st @ Outdoor World.

COUNT ON WHO IS COMING:

CHRISTIE -3
CATHY -5
BERTHA -3
BEN -1 (ONLY STAYING FRIDAY NIGHT)
JOYCE- 1
MARGARET- 2
HOWARD- 4
HANNAH -0
CHRISTOPHER- 1 FOR SURE, HOPEFULLY MORE?
IS THAT 20?

RICK SAID THAT HE CAN BRING SOME WOOD ON A COOLER RACK ON THE BACK OF THE RV. BUT HE SAID THAT HE DOESN'T THINK IT WILL BE ENOUGH. CHRIS SAID THAT HE CAN BRING SOME PINE. DOES ANYONE ELSE HAVE WOOD THAT THEY CAN BRING, JEREMY?


Menu:
Friday night:
YOYO (You're on your own)

CATHY - MARG'S PILLOW & GLASSES

Saturday & Sunday Breakfast:
Bacon 3 lbs - HOWARD
Sausage 3 lbs -BERTHA
Eggs 3 doz -JOYCE
Bread 3 loaves - CHRISTOPHER
Grits - BERTHA
Butter -
Syrup -HOWARD
Juice -JOYCE, APPLE & ORANGE
Milk -CATHY 1 GAL
Coffee - BERTHA
Sugar -

Saturday Lunch:
Bring your own sandwich makings
Pot of soup - BERTHA
Pot of beef stew -MARGARET
Saturday Supper:
HotDogs -CHRISTOPHER 3 LBS
Hamburgers -CATHY
HD Rolls - Christie
HB Rolls -Christie
onions - Christie
must/catsup -CATHY & CHEESE, CHILI
Baked Beans - Christie
Chips & DIP -HOWARD
PLASTIC FORKS,SPOONS & KNIVES -HOWARD
BIRTHDAY CAKE - MARGARET

Smore makings and hot chocolate mix - Ben
Go to the Outdoor World, Littleton, NC to see all that's going on on the 22nd.

Wisdom

I've just come across a saying that I had saved. Thought I'd share.
"There are 5 things in life you cannot recover: A stone...after it's thrown. A word...after it is said. An Occassion...after it's missed. The time...after it's gone. A person...after they die. Life is short. Break the rules. Forgive quickly. Kiss slowly. Love truly. Laugh uncontrollable. And never regret anything that made you smile. Enjoy life!!

Camping

Good Monday to All!

I hope everyone in NC & VA faired ok through Irene!

As far as camping goes, I think I have heard from everyone and September just doesn't seem to be working out. Most voted on the last weekend in Sept but Amber has a softball tournament in Williamston and she only has 2 more tournaments left with this team because she is aging out and we both hate for her to miss one. I guess, we don't have to be there, but would love to!

What are everyones thoughts on the first wkend in November? I know we are running close to COLD weather, but October is out for the Isom's and what is a camping trip with Jeremy, Cathy, & crew!

Please tell me what your thoughts are on November. There is another option, not sure how yall feel about it though. We could rent a house somewhere and the "young" crowd camp in the yard while the others stay in the house. Just a thought.

CAMPING

Sorry, have not responded earlier. Weekend of September 24-25 is probably the best for us. Assuming that Gene will go. He is more apt to go if both our families are going. Of course Gene would need a cabin.

Love and Condolences to the Belvins!

CAMPING TIME!

Hello Everyone!

I hope everyone is doing well and enjoying this HOT summer!!!
It's that time again to start planning the Byrum (Griswald) Family Camping Trip!
I have been looking for some campgrounds in the central part of the state, thinking this might help out the Hickory Belvin's ride a bit and keep in within a couple of hours for most.

I was thinking late September or sometime in October.
If you will look at your calendars and let's narrow it down to two possible weekends and then we'll discuss the venue.

HOPE TO HEAR FROM EVERYONE IN A TIMELY MANNER!!!

Take Care & Lots of Love!

Hannah

Dad

Dad went back to the dr for a check up on Friday, 7/15. Blood pressure is hard to hear, but Dr. Hasket used his pulse to estimate 120/60 or 110/60. Nurse took it the standard way and only could hear 100/50. They took blood and called Monday and said that his potassium and his kidneys looked fine. He hasn't had any occurances of mumbling since BP medicines have been reduced. Dr. said the BP medicines were good for his heart but not so good for his brain if the blood wasn't circulating.

vaca

Glad to be back home from our Denton vacation...but I left part of me...in the trash can. Oooo, so sick.

Found this in my search on microvascular disease:

In its most specific use, the term microvascular disease refers to the damage that occurs to the smallest blood vessels throughout the body in diabetes.

Most at risk from this process, are the small blood vessels of the eye, the kidney and of the sheaths around the nerves. When this happens the function of the nerve is compromised.

An example of this would be the tingling and loss of sensation in the feet and lower legs

Found it interesting when it said, "risk ...eye" since dad's been having trouble with the side of his head near the eye for years.

Dad’s BP was 124/60 yesterday morning, which Dr. Hasket said is still a bit low, good for the heart but not so much for the brain.

The cat scan show micro vascular disease which I understand it to be weakening of the vessels.

Blood work was OK.

Since he has had no other occurrences, he thinks that they may have been from too low BP.

He is to stay off of the blood pressure medicine, Norvasc and to cut the other BP medicine, Lisinipril (not sure of the spelling) in half and come back for a recheck on the 15th.

He considered suggesting that Dr. Parker, the heart doctor in Gville see him earlier than the 27 of July (which is his appt already scheduled), but decided against it because he felt that Dr. Parker would agree with what he’s doing UNLESS he has another occurrence, then we are to call him-Hasket.

He mentioned that Dad had a MRI and a MRA in October of ‘05 – but I can’t remember why he brought that up.

Margaret may remember other things that he said, but this was pretty much it as I remember.

Dad's Dr Visit

Dad had us a little concerned because of mumbled speech and his mouth drawn slightly on the left side yesterday, so he saw Dr. Hasket this morning. He also said that his lip was quivery and his left arm was numb or asleep during the weekend, but he didn't tell anyone.
Findings:
BP was 120/50 the first time, 135/60 the second time, which Dr. Hasket said was a little low.

Weight was 144. After describing Dad’s symptoms, his comments were:

Usually stoke symptoms involve mouth, arm and leg, but not always.

He checked eyes, but saw no indications of a stroke.

He tested Dad’s strength and reflexes from his arms, knees, and feet (which looked good to me, he made no comment).

He had an EKG which Dr. said looked OK.

He did blood work which results will be back on Thursday, when he has another appt @ 8:45. He also said to STOP his low dosage blood pressure medicine which is Norvasc and he’ll recheck that also on Thursday. He said if a patient’s BP is too low, the circulation might not be good in the brain.

He is scheduled for a Cat Scan tomorrow @ 10:30 to make sure that there are no “bleeders”.

He's been acting fine today and a bit relieved after the dr. appt.

Laurel Paige's First Birthday

You all are invited to our house to celebrate Laurel's 1st birthday. She turns 1 on 6/22, but we plan on partying on Saturday, 6/25 @ 4pm. You're welcome to bring your sleeping bags & camp out on the floor or the yard!

(For the teens in the family - Leah and Tonya Summerlin are flying in on Friday, 6/24 to stay with us for a couple of weeks, so they'll be here for the party. I'm sure they would love to see you all.)

Let us know if you plan on coming so we'll have some idea for food.

Byrum Family Father's Day Gathering

Joyce, Ricky, Bertha, Dad, Gene and I and anyone else who wishes will be going to Ralph's in Roanoke Rapids for lunch next Sunday, June 19 at 1 pm. Joyce says that we can go back to her home afterwards. If you plan to go, you may want to let one of us know so that we can wait and all be together.

Africa

Ben's text @ 5:50 yesterday said,"Boarding the plane". Looking forward to his next communication. He wasn't sure of internet capabilities and he didn't have plans to call because of the expense but I'm keeping my cell close by. I assume that he's in Africa by now. His flight was suppose to be about 17 hours which puts his arrival time around 11:00 our time. There is a nice you tube video of St. Peter's Cathedral on Likoma Island on Lake Malawi. YouTube - St Peters Cathedral, Likoma Island, Lake Malawi

Charlie

This is a picture I took of Charlie lying in my lap. He definitely looks older in this picture than he does in person but isn't he cute as a button?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO AMBER BELVIN

Well, Amber is now 14. Sounds like she had a good birthday.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY!!

Happy Birthday, Hannah and also Happy Anniversary to you and Jason. I did not remember that you two got married on your birthday, but that's what my phone says. Of course sometimes my phone is wrong. I assume that it's right this time.

Benefit for Ben

We were considering changing the benefit for Ben from Friday night until Sunday around 5. Is there anyone who will not be coming on Friday, but would come on Sunday. Please let me know ASAP.
Margaret

Ben's Trip to Africa

Hello Family, I think you all know that Ben is going to Africa for almost all of the month of June. This is through his church but he has to pay most of his way, $2,500 air fare, etc and as he says if he had long notice, he could have saved up for it, But.. None of us have that laying around. Gene and I will be hosting a benefit for him on Friday, May 27 at our home. If you cannot come, I'm sure he would appreciate any donation, BUT we want you to come to celebrate and send him off on his trip with a FUN party. Details to follow. If you have a dish that you want to share, that would be wonderful. It is not a meal, but wine, cheese, chocolate, etc. Details to follow.

WELCOME, CHARLIE

Pictures of the newest addition to the clan, born 5/7/2011 weighing 6lb14oz, 18-1/2" long, CHARLES BYRUM NEVIN SUMMERLIN

GREAT WEEK

It was a great week for the extended Byrum family. Kyle got his driver's license on Monday, Cecil Bud, mom, and dad came down to visit the Hickory Belvin's for the weekend, Amber Elizabeth hit her first over the fence homerun on Friday, Barry and Bethany had a beautiful baby boy, and Amber Nicole was confirmed in the Church on Sunday. We also got to celebrate and remember all the wonderful mothers who have kept this family going from one generation to the next. I hope everybody enjoyed their weekend as much as we did. We truly enjoyed having Cecil Bu at our house and he said he really enjoyed his visist. He was just not looking forward to the long car ride home.
HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY.

OUCH

Kyle got all 4 of his wisdom teeth pulled today. He was seen at 11:45 and was done by 12:45. He took his first narcotic pain killer at 2:55 and has not had one since. He has taken an Alleve and will get his second pain killer at 10. He was able to enjoy the first full day of srping break with his cousin Mathew, as Lol's oldest brother and family stopped by from Friday night to Sunday morning before heading to the beach. On Sunday Kyle spent the day with his girl friend, first at a late lunch at her grandfather's house and an evening cookout for couples at one of his friend's grandmother's place on Lake Hickory. He should be feeling better by Wednesday. We plan to spend our spring break catching up on chores like cleaning the office, the garage, the cabinets, etc.
Hope everybody is doing well. Only 6 more weeks of school. :)
Howie

HUGE THANK YOU!!!!!!

Thanks to all who sent Corey a birthday card! Much love to all of you and in his words...."I don't feel so forgotten now"

LAYTON FAMILY REUNION

SHARON WAFF SENT ME A MESSAGE THAT THE

LAYTON FAMILY REUNION WILL BE

MAY 22 @ ARROWHEAD BEACH.

Coreys Birthday

I'm asking everyone to send corey a card for his birthday, which is Friday, April 15. He will be turning 21. He can receive mail at this address: Corey Venters 1116381 PO Box 169 Hoffman NC 28347 May need to go ahead and drop in mail today or NLT tomorrow. Thanks everyone! Christie

Tools

Tool Day went off without a hitch. My favorite part was watching Cayden, Emma, and Clay sort through the various tool boxes, checking out all the tools as if they were jewels. They'd go up to Cecil Bud and say, "Can I have this?" His answer would always be, "Go ask your mama." Cayden was so pleased with his Food Lion bag of tools. Uncle Rick went to his shop and found a wooden box for them. Cayden wrote his name on the box lid and went home "proud as punch"! Emma claimed one of Christie's choices as hers, which was a rusty red metal tool box. I so enjoyed watching her clean it like it was a prize possession. I think they both made memories today that they will never forget. I think that it please Cecil Bud to watch them. The memory of today is one of my prize possession!

Shower

I added some pictures from Barry and Bethany's shower to my flicker site. I think you can reach it with www.flickr.com/photos/44497004@N06/

Tools

Ya'll just let me know when you can come. I probably can speak for all of us, with each passing weekend, the calendar will get busier. We'll be gone the 15,16 & 17th, the next weekend is Easter, two weeks later will be Mother's Day. Rick said there is no big rush...

Howie how do you feel about your parents selecting for you while you are on the phone? I'm easy to work with, just let me know when or how and I'll have some kind of plan for a quickie meal.

All the rest of you, chime in and let me know what you're thinking.

Tools

I think the selection process will go like this: from oldest grandchild to youngest gets to pick one item, then the rotation continues until it's all gone. Howard, Terri, Christie, Ben, Christopher, Barry, Hannah, Cathy. I need a date...

tools

Best I can remember after 5 weeks, these are some of the tools: table saw, multiple hand tools, power drill, hammers, drill bits, chain saw, several C clamps different sizes, two or three tool boxes, tree limb saw, hand saw, maybe a come-along etc. Dad and I were talking, and I suggest and he agreed that if someone can't come, their mom can select for them.

Tools

Concerning the previous post, April 2nd is also an option.

Tools

When Dad moved, he wanted to bring all of his tools and suggested a yard sale. I suggested that he give them to his grandkids instead of selling them. Could everyone who is interested in receiving some of the tools come on Saturday, April 9? Please respond about your interest in receiving tools and if you'd be available on the 9th. I will be out of town on the 15 & 16th, so that weekend is out. Right now the tools are in Rick's trailer and need to be out sometime soon. Thanks for your response.

Yard Sale

Cathy and I are planning to have a yard sale at my house the first Saturday of April. If anyone has anything they would like to sell, please feel free to join us. We could make it a family gathering. Let us know if you are interested.

We had a very nice time in New Jersey last weekend and it was fun spending time with Barry and Bethany even though it was too short. We stayed with Bethany's mom, Jeanne and it was very nice getting to know her. She was very sweet to us and invited us back. We were very tired by the time we got back to NC.

Our Days

I'm busy finding the right path every day. I'm trying to be a good daughter, but finding my way of trying to help Dad be healthy without "bossing" him too much. Today, I'm a little ill with him. On Thursday, he became concerned about his cough. After his day in the wind on Saturday, he's very congested. His comment was "I've about coughed my eyeballs out". Others as well as I tried to get him to go inside, but he didn't take our advice. I called his doctor this morning and he's prescribed a "Z" pack, a 5 day antibiotic. He has slept most of the morning, per him. I have asked him to put a #15 sunscreen cream combined with a male moisturizer every morning when he washes up. Yesterday is the first time that he's done it. Family, I'm not going to badger him to do what's right, but I will heavily suggest. (Rick thinks I'm already doing too much for him) I am trying to find the middle ground. Right now, he's asleep and he looks like Michael Jackson! One of his fingers gets cold, so I've given him a pair of thin gloves to wear, but he's only wearing one.

He's asked for a rail in his bathroom, and I picked it up for him today. I'm not sure if Rick is going to install it or if we'll need to hire someone that can do it professionally.

We do plan on having a small garden this year. I thought that it would be helpful for Dad to have a project. I hope that I don't badger Rick too much to get the ground ready in time.

Dad

Dad is settling in. He went to the doctor for a checkup today. Weigh was good @ 143lbs, bp was good @ 130/60, & heart beat was "not too fast". Blood work was done but won't hear from that for two weeks as Dr. Hasket will be out of town for the next two weeks. Next checkup is in 4 months. Hopefully he'll remain healthy and won't have to return b4 then. If all goes well, we'll see some of you @ the birthday party next Saturday.

You're Invited

corey

address in b's post is no longer valid

address

Thought that you'd like to send Corey a note or a birthday card on April 15.

Corey Venters
#1116381
5155 Western Ave.
Morganton, NC 28655

Easter

Anyone interested in going to Ocracoke for Easter weekend + few days? I am interested but don't know if we can. Just asking...

SpRiNg

The Blanchards are happy that the groundhog didn't see his shadow today! We are ready for an early spring!

Cathy

Hear that Cathy's having a bit of a health concern. Anyone want to share any info?