tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86854997693504754012024-03-05T08:05:58.616-08:00'A Southern Girl's Pursuit of Sanity'Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13736201038589942897noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685499769350475401.post-30947880796640999602011-12-13T09:47:00.000-08:002011-12-13T10:01:51.711-08:00A Time to Pray<span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>There has been a great deal of conversation the past several days regarding Tim Tebow and his standard pre-game practice. Most everyone is likely familiar with it now....it's called Tebowing. For anyone who might not know, before each game, he takes a knee and says a prayer. Lo and behold, his team is on a winning streak. I absolutely love that he is getting attention for this because it brings attention to someone who, in my opinion, lives what he believes. So much of what you hear regarding the sports world is negative. (Sandusky, anyone?) Now, do I think that God is truly concerned about the Broncos winning or losing? Probably not. Here is what I do know. God listens to prayers. I suspect that Mr. Tebow is asking for God to watch over the players, give them strength and guidance to do their best. Isn't that what most of us need anyway? In anything we do? I'm reminded of a story about the guy who went every day to the temple to pray. Every day he prayed "God, please, please let me win the lottery." This went on for quite sometime when finally the man heard God's voice speak back to him saying "My son, please, please go buy a lottery ticket". Prayers are good but without a doubt, God expects us to do our part. If Tim Tebow or "God's Quarterback" as some have called him, wants to ask for God's hand in the game, then good for him. I'm sure God expects Tim to give the game his best effort as well. Who knows, maybe God does have a hand in the Bronco's 7-1 record. It sure has a lot of people 'Tebowing'! <a href="http://tebowing.com/">http://tebowing.com/</a></i></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>xoxo,</i></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" ><i>Lisa</i></span></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13736201038589942897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685499769350475401.post-65483762418463830692011-03-07T19:24:00.000-08:002011-03-07T20:01:32.536-08:00The Day the Music Died<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLWBFQYnLXzZLrfou_AYT2qUR1GXUspxegi6sDKmxQKQMcGXw-U8mrqFlUBImMep5KT1C7MqRlM6K9kdy49x10DYVJibTSn14cRDkwhypXCwivL7lkG8-XDAX40XRC1ZDwseDH4-1kf3n/s1600/elvis.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 223px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5581553138551102834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLWBFQYnLXzZLrfou_AYT2qUR1GXUspxegi6sDKmxQKQMcGXw-U8mrqFlUBImMep5KT1C7MqRlM6K9kdy49x10DYVJibTSn14cRDkwhypXCwivL7lkG8-XDAX40XRC1ZDwseDH4-1kf3n/s320/elvis.jpg" /></a><br /><div><em><span style="font-family:georgia;">It was 1977 and I was 12 years old. For those of you who are bad at math, that makes me about 39 ;-D I lived in Memphis, in a corner house in the Colonial area...in a room decorated mostly with Shaun Cassidy posters. But, being the true Memphian that I prided myself to be, I had one very large poster of a hometown boy named, Elvis Presley. It was a shot from his 'Aloha' concert in Hawaii and he was gorgeous. At the peak of his career I think and looked it. On the afternoon of August 16th, I lay across my bed listening to WHBQ (56 on your dial) when the most devestating news of my life came across the airwaves. Elvis had been rushed to the hospital and it didn't look good. As we all know now, he was already dead. Agonizing moments later, that sad news was confirmed. My heart fell and tears burned my eyes as I ran to find my Mother. I remember crying in her arms. It never occured to me at the time that she probably felt the loss much more than myself as she had grown up in the 'Elvis revolution'. She had listened to his first hits when they were freshly released. She basically taught me to love him as I remember the night she taught Anne and me to do the 'bop' to one of his records. The day they took him to Graceland for a public viewing, my Mother took me there. We stood in the August heat along with thousands of other mourners to get one last look at the King of Rock and Roll. The line formed down the sidewalk in front of the house, around the corner and as far down that side street as I could see. I don't know exactly how many house we waited in line but we waited. Little by little the line moved and we inched closer to the gates. We made friends with our 'line neighbors' and shared fond memories. Mom had a few herself as many Memphians did. She was fortunate enough to meet him once on the lawn of Graceland one afternoon when he and Priscilla were out on their horses. She also recalled a funny moment one afternoon when she and my Dad stopped at a red light. My Dad said, 'Jean, that looks like Elvis in the car next to us'. She laughed and told him it couldn't be but when she turned to look, there he was. In an old station wagon clearly he was using to be discreet but it was definitely him. He smiled and raised his hand in a small wave and the light turned green. It was a moment she treasured. As the afternoon grew later we finally made it to the famous gates of Graceland just as some official person announced they would not be letting anyone else in. We were to be in the next group. There was no hiding our disappointment. For so many years, that was my story. How we made it so close only to not make it in. It's not so much a story of disappointment any longer but more of a laughable moment of our quest ending so abruptly. I haven't thought about that day in a long time until the other night when a completely different thought came to me. My Mom took me to Graceland. It was hot and the crowds were enormous but my Mom took me to Graceland anyway. The real moral to this story is the amount of love and understanding my Mother showed me that day. It no longer matters that we never got to see his body laying there. Maybe I'm sorta glad we didn't as I prefer to remember his handsome image on that poster that hung in my room. But my Mom took me to Graceland. She did. And that's my 'Elvis story'.</span></em></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13736201038589942897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685499769350475401.post-35583835614716426092010-12-29T13:35:00.000-08:002010-12-29T13:45:49.993-08:00New Year's Resolutions....It's All the Rage!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9Kw3E0am_jhA9T_dlH89cXe23gc0SlgHPXVmKP2aD-5IhJb7P1VMhX_FfbuFQHwj8yHjC7tLgz_sPebWD0JbuecZmyjGxOh_q0Mf70wMAKgTXgttJco7hjmoVffEUeLekX48NIl22xfr/s1600/2011.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 300px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5556223663759538034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW9Kw3E0am_jhA9T_dlH89cXe23gc0SlgHPXVmKP2aD-5IhJb7P1VMhX_FfbuFQHwj8yHjC7tLgz_sPebWD0JbuecZmyjGxOh_q0Mf70wMAKgTXgttJco7hjmoVffEUeLekX48NIl22xfr/s320/2011.jpg" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>Does anyone freely admit to being successful with making New Year’s Resolutions? If so, what is their secret? I make them religiously every year and I’m not convinced I have ever been successful with them….at least not for the entire year. For the record, I usually make several. Perhaps ‘LOTS’ is more likely to describe my annual tradition. I have the usual suspects on my list….Lose weight and become fit. Get more sleep, be a better Mom, wife, daughter, friend…etc. Be better in general. I just wonder sometimes if those declarations are a bit broad. Maybe I should break it down a bit. Rather than saying I will lose weight and be healthy…I should make a list of things I need to do to reach that goal….an outline, if you will. Maybe instead of saying I will get more sleep, I should make a plan that works. That means winding down before I go to bed rather than doing things that seems to stimulate me and then try laying down. It’s possible that I might be a better friend/family person if I dedicated myself to specific actions I need to do to make that happen. Call more? Visit more? Hug more? It’s entirely possible that those on the receiving end might have other things in mind. Call less? Visit less? Back off my personal space and stop hugging me? At any rate, I know one thing that would help would be to actually write my resolutions down on paper…somewhere I can see it daily rather than keeping it in my head where the ink seems to fade much too fast. One thing that is certain, I do want to rededicate myself to blogging. Oh, I blog daily…in my head. (What is it with me keeping all this in my head? Then wonder why I can’t remember anything) Throughout most of my days, I seem to be writing ideas in my head and thinking…that would be a good thing to blog about. When it comes time to actually sit and type, I draw a complete blank. Seems as though the key to all of these issues I have just written about it to stop thinking and start doing. This is what I know for sure.<br /><br />So, in the spirit of resolutions and seeing them through, I will throw out a list of ideas I have for my new year…<br /><br />1. Lose weight and be healthy….it seems like the only fair thing to do since millions of Americans will be doing this as well. Besides the annual courtship of my fat has begun in the form of minute by minute TV ads, etc. I can’t resist.<br /><br />2. I will strive to get better sleep. I’m not sure what the key to this is but I know what Dr. Oz tells me to do. I believe him.<br /><br />3. I will be a better friend, wife, Mom, daughter and person in general. That includes but is not limited to judging others unfairly, having more patience and thinking more in a positive nature.<br /><br />4. One more just for kicks and giggles. I want my life to be more organized. I want to clear the clutter and have a clean house. This should be good. (snickers)</em></span></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13736201038589942897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685499769350475401.post-37410270989101999562009-12-03T11:47:00.000-08:002009-12-03T11:51:19.841-08:00Rising to the Occasion<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEi8juA8O1feB4Ntj0UqITeKDS5vQUQsgYHYIn2zhxiqe6CDeIt1_0NqjfC_GqOi_-5V0s7YtG_IbrVPniD-zLf8BC6enS0aPpSEnB6_8_OqBA6JElaJvG6AeiJunQHg2qWszKCleKRWOE/s1600-h/Biscuits.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 129px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 129px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411099815815968034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEi8juA8O1feB4Ntj0UqITeKDS5vQUQsgYHYIn2zhxiqe6CDeIt1_0NqjfC_GqOi_-5V0s7YtG_IbrVPniD-zLf8BC6enS0aPpSEnB6_8_OqBA6JElaJvG6AeiJunQHg2qWszKCleKRWOE/s320/Biscuits.jpg" /></a><br /><div><em><span style="font-family:georgia;">There isn’t much that represents the south better than homemade biscuits and a truly well made southern biscuit is a force to be reckoned with. The taste of this warm and delicious delicacy has the ability to bring a family together or pull them apart. Wars have been fought over these southern treasures. Seriously.<br /><br />Growing up, one of my favorite things about a Saturday morning was Mom making a big pan of homemade biscuits and tomato gravy. If you are not familiar with tomato gravy, you have missed something wonderful. Bearing in mind you must be a fan of tomatoes as well. It is a simple dish that includes just what the name describes. Gravy with stewed or chopped tomatoes. Although it might sound like an odd combination, it is a coming together of two very different tastes that work together to create a unique and wonderful dish. This, along with my Mother’s homemade biscuits, was a huge treat for us. Mother always complained that her biscuits were not pretty enough or too big, which is something I never quite understood. They looked just fine to me and besides….who cares? This was not a biscuit pageant. All that mattered is how wonderful they tasted. Next to Mom’s biscuits, I have to admit, there was one other person who’s biscuits I thought highly of and still crave….my Aunt Doris’ biscuits. Aunt Doris is my great aunt who we would visit regularly on our trips to the country. She and Uncle Walter were the warm and fuzzy version of the Cleavers. They never had children of their own so we felt like theirs every time we visited. Aunt Doris, being the true southern woman she is, always fed us like kings when we were there. Honestly, I remember suppers that often included two main entrees, several fresh vegetables, a dessert and of course mouth watering biscuits. She made biscuits every morning too. Breakfast included the usual….some version of pork (or two), eggs, grits and/or hashbrowns and thankfully…..those biscuits! Jars of homemade jams and jellies were always present. There was excitement when she opened that cabinet that held her biscuit supplies. Uncle Walter helped her out in the kitchen but his calling was more about entertainment. He possessed a simple but wonderful sense of humor as well as a love of telling wonderful stories about his life growing up. He is my Papaw’s brother and one half of a set of twins. His sister Aunt Rene being the other half. He and my Papaw have always been close and are a great deal alike. Everyone in our family enjoyed those visits and Aunt Doris’ infamous biscuits. So much in fact, that my Dad made a fatal mistake one day when he suggested to my Mother that she get Aunt Doris to show her how she made her biscuits. They say ignorance is bliss and this statement could not be truer than the moments that led up to this terrible suggestion. Dad couldn’t have known how those few simple words would alter his future….or ours. Could he? We all know now. There have not been biscuits made in the Bounds’ home since and I do mean none. There have been feasts prepared along with prize-winning desserts. There have been no biscuits. In fact, the subject of biscuits is a taboo subject. We all quietly respect that. While we miss the biscuits Mom once prepared, we accept our biscuit empty lives and occasionally remind Dad that he robbed us. He knows it. We all know it.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></em></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13736201038589942897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685499769350475401.post-4687990058307322632009-12-02T06:50:00.000-08:002009-12-02T07:09:17.028-08:00A New Day<em><span style="font-family:georgia;">To everyone who is reading I am writing today to apologize for neglecting my writing duties. Obviously, I have the time so there is not a valid reason other than I seem to have been stuck in a writer's block. It seems that I have ideas popping in my head at various times of the day or night but when it comes time to sit and put my thoughts on paper...or in this case...a blank screen...I seem to freeze or simply write a few lines that never <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">develop</span>. Then a pretty little butterfly flutters by and I've lost my focus. So, there's really not any butterflies or other distracting shiny objects inside my home but you get the idea. Today I am rededicating myself to this blog. Not because I am under the impression it will influence world peace or cure cancer but because it somehow contributes to my personal sanity to get these fingers to clicking and write my thoughts down. Also, on that note I have tossed around ideas for months now on an official title for my blog. There have been plenty and some of you have offered a few wonderful ideas as well. There are two common thoughts that continue to surface. One is my strong love of my southern 'raising' and the other is the idea that this really is a personal way to keep my head and thoughts leveled and preserve my sanity. So, on that note...the official title to my blog will be 'A Southern Girl's Pursuit of Sanity'. Thank you to everyone who has given me encouragement the past few months in regards to my writing. It truly means the world to me.</span></em>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13736201038589942897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685499769350475401.post-59958289156049251092009-09-28T05:49:00.000-07:002009-09-28T06:16:16.407-07:00It's the Circle of Life<span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>Our family is expanding, yet again. Oh no...not me or any other living human in this house (sigh of relief) but our Mama Cat..Roxy. The real kicker is that we are not sure how. Well, let's stop for a moment. Of course we know 'how'...but we're just not sure how or better said...when. We have watched this cat like a hawk watches their prey, taking every precaution to not let her out as we know she has, let's say loose morals. Hey...she's a cat. The last few weeks we have noticed her expanding body hoping and praying that she was simply becoming a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">fattie</span>. In the last few days however, while we bravely and even <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">adamantly</span> called her a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">tubbie</span> and even nervously laughed while we "mooed" at her...deep down feeling the dread that this isn't a simple matter of binge eating. This morning, our fears were confirmed. As my alarm was going off and I dragged myself from bed, I was met with a very <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">insistent</span> meow. Several in fact. I knew. I looked over at Brian and said..."We have babies". This was the all too familiar chatter I got from her after the last delivery. It was a little premature though as it appears she was simply letting me know they were coming. There may have even been a little bit of "I've been trying to tell you people I wasn't a Jenny Craig candidate". After checking to make sure we didn't actually have a nursery going just yet, I made up a nest for her and she promptly took residence. Within 30 to 40 minutes, the first one was delivered. We are waiting on more and trust me...there are more. I shouldn't be excited because I now face the daunting task of finding homes for these babies in a few weeks but I can't help but get a little smile on my face as I watch this take place. For those of you that remember the first kitten she had about a year and half ago...Abbey, the big sister is anxious as well. I won't let her in the room unless I am there to watch her so in between she is outside the door, pacing, crying and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">occasionally</span> 'head butting' the door. Siblings....they are all alike.</em></span><br /><em></em><br /><em>As a side note....it's not too early to shop for Christmas and wouldn't a little kitten look great under that tree? :-D</em>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13736201038589942897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685499769350475401.post-82661850794287201042009-08-16T00:04:00.000-07:002009-08-16T00:13:06.685-07:00So Easy A Caveman Can Do It<span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>If you thought cavemen only existed thousands of years ago or maybe in a Geico commercial, think again. It appears I have been raising one all this time. Who knew? So here is how the conversation went that led me to this realization. Zane and I are getting ready to spend some time at the park...just the two of us, which is the best time for us to have our heart to heart's.</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>Zane: Mommmmmmm....(him dragging my name out more than a few seconds is never a good sign)</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>Me: Yes?</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>Zane: When I get married, my wife is going to stay home and raise babies and do housework.</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>Me: Well, good luck with that. That marriage should last...oh about 2 or 3 minutes.</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>Zane: Why is that?</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>Me: Becuase women today don't want to be told they can or can't have a career. In fact, it is most likely your wife will want to have a career.</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>Zane: Yeah, that's stupid</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>Me: Why more stupid than you having a career?</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>Zane: Because women are supposed to stay home and work.</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>Me: And you learned this where? Never mind, how do you suppose you will be able to take care of your wife since you don't want her to work.</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>Zane: I plan to be a pro skater (stop with the spandex jokes...he is referring to skateboarding, not ice skating haha)</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>Me: Really now? When will this dream be fulfilled?</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>Zane: I should be on the pro circuit Christmas after next.</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>Me: Hmmm...that makes you almost 13...planning on much homework while you are on the road?</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>Zane: Oh I will finish school because I will need to be able to manage my finances.</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>Me: (trying not to giggle or show my skepticism) That's great...so being a rockstar is SO last year?</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>Zane: I haven't ruled that out. I will need to make a lot of money to be able to take care of my family and finally build you that big house with the wrap around porch.</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>Me: Carry on, Son....you follow that dream and never mind what your wife wants. Mama wants that house....</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em></em></span>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13736201038589942897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685499769350475401.post-33345272465742504882009-08-02T07:54:00.000-07:002009-08-02T08:02:43.197-07:00One Year<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAJHOuJEwlw4SHMbgS8y33p5kRxtTjsWjpSZsTDK496K3kXzANw-G_Ig7mDKj0JljiEeilJ6DqEhyYv3cnnO9oqyWyMajT5AQoMwAN1dwThSwS6T3UN2xHxZrPduAHhfM1gat42xZSmTD/s1600-h/Me+and+Dewayne.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 264px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365381034961796498" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieAJHOuJEwlw4SHMbgS8y33p5kRxtTjsWjpSZsTDK496K3kXzANw-G_Ig7mDKj0JljiEeilJ6DqEhyYv3cnnO9oqyWyMajT5AQoMwAN1dwThSwS6T3UN2xHxZrPduAHhfM1gat42xZSmTD/s320/Me+and+Dewayne.jpg" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:georgia;"><em>It has been a long year. Today it feels like a very short year. I'm referring to the one year anniversary of losing my brother. My big brother. There have been moments I honestly didn't think I would remember how to smile and enjoy my life and the wonderful family and friends that I have been fortunate to have around me. I am quite positive there have been moments that those same family and friends have questioned if they would ever enjoy a minute around me. Yet, here I am and they are still here. Saying it has been a roller coaster of emotion is possibly the understatement of the year. I still, even in this moment I am writing, can't think about Dewayne being gone without choking up but thankfully I have managed to smile and even laugh over the memories I have of him. That is the best part of all of this. I have so many wonderful memories. Many of those memories are more recent but I tend to think of our childhood more than anything. We were not 'dirt poor' growing up (even though I probably thought so at the time) but we were 'financially challenged'. Despite this, we never stayed idle for very long. Our life was filled with family and church activities that brought us all closer. The thing that stands out in my memory more than anything is that no matter how much Dewayne and I might have fought as brother and sister while growing up, he never failed to be my big brother in every sense of the term. He fought off the bully in elementary school that tortured me and looked after me and worried over me. He introduced me to his 'rock and roll' music and the books he loved. He used to love the Alfred Hitchcock series that was written for kids, 'The Three Investigators' and read those books to me. I read them again as I grew older and still love them. I laugh when I think about Dewayne's romantic adventures. Goodness, he loved girls and they usually loved him right back. One of my very favorite memories with him was when we (Dewayne, me, Anne and Mike) all sang together in church. Almost every weekend, we traveled to a nearby church somewhere to play another singing and we always got back for church on Sunday morning at Papaw's church. Dewayne was our lead singer and was wonderful. I miss hearing him sing. Thankfully, he recorded at least one CD so we can all still hear him but I do miss those live sessions. I miss talking to him more than anything. We had the most comfortable talks. Any subject we found to discuss was easy. I miss the way he loved my kids. The way he would come in, smile with that one eyebrow raised and give you the best hug. I miss those stories he would tell describing something he had seen on a recent trip on the road, playing golf or singing or running into an old friend. I really miss how much he loved me. I miss that most of all. I know he is in Heaven now and he is not in pain so for that I am thankful. Selfishly though....I wish he were here. I love you Dewayne!</em></span></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13736201038589942897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685499769350475401.post-73331395008956144282009-07-16T14:57:00.000-07:002010-12-30T14:48:26.795-08:00My True Hero<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbX3K-bLGjZFuBxk9Xs6khpEYMsjP0BXcCSJfwOuQ_AB78Y3Vy266BP7x2uRdetYUhIu2o3zpa75WATEapegjX0g5MuyHzgWbkXZdgoSMnHBBMoOwn1xpxqbNvCw33WLa2vM8MouN6GSfc/s1600-h/Dad+%3Bin+Army.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; WIDTH: 213px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5359186326511218338" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbX3K-bLGjZFuBxk9Xs6khpEYMsjP0BXcCSJfwOuQ_AB78Y3Vy266BP7x2uRdetYUhIu2o3zpa75WATEapegjX0g5MuyHzgWbkXZdgoSMnHBBMoOwn1xpxqbNvCw33WLa2vM8MouN6GSfc/s320/Dad+%3Bin+Army.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="FONT-STYLE: italic;font-family:georgia;" >My Grandfather happens to be the greatest Grandfather that ever lived. Now, I know most of you will argue that point but I am making the declaration anyway. At the age of 87, he is still just as sharp minded as I can remember he was when I was just a tot. (yes, eons ago). Brian tells me often he hopes to be that sharp when he gets up in age, to which I respond...I wish I was that sharp now. Back to Papaw...I know he gets his 'sharpness honest because his Mom was razor sharp right up until the day she passed away at the age of 90. She raised 11 children, more or less on her own as she had outlived 4 husbands. Just to give you an idea of how great Papaw's memory is still..Just last fall, we were visiting him and he told us about several childhood stories. One was about the last time he saw his Dad before he died. He told of this story with such great detail, I could close my eyes and picture it as if I had been there myself. Papaw was just over the age of 4 when he lost his Dad. He wasn't much older than that when he saw his Stepfather die after saving two of his siblings from drowning. It was believed that his Stepfather might have had a heart attack but was never known for certain. Papaw tells so many great stories about growing up. How he teased and tortured his younger siblings, all in good fun...how his Mother wanted things quiet while they enjoyed the evening meal. It was not unusual for him to use this known fact to his advantage. Often, he would just stare at his younger brother, Uncle Walter, until Uncle Walter would screech '<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Maaaaaaamaaaaa</span>...make him stop!" Her response was usually a back hand without ever looking up. Uncle Walter has told us about Papaw hanging him on the clothes lines by his overalls. So many great stories. My favorite part is the way Papaw gets tickled every time he tells one...several times before he ever finishes. He also described to me several times the loneliness he felt as his ship left New York taking him to war. It was night and for the longest time he stared into the darkness at the Statue of Liberty until it fell from the landscape. I am so thankful he came back home. My Mother was 2 the first time he ever saw her. Papaw and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Mamaw</span> raised 6 children while he was a pastor and did construction on the side to supplement his family's income. He was never formally trained but he could build anything or fix anything that needed repair. He is so easy going and has more patience than anyone I've ever known. Even with Anne and me when we would tag along with him to Philadelphia so we could see our 'boyfriends'. We once changed all the clocks in the house so we could steal a little extra time. The next day nothing was mentioned up until it was time to leave again that evening. All he said then was "Now, you can change those clocks all you want, but I'll still know what time you get in." How did we ever think he wouldn't notice? I have learned so much from him and usually by watching his actions. He has remained faithful to God and the church all these years and has never wavered from his beliefs. He still has as much patience with my children as I remember he had for us. He still teaches me things. Things about being a parent, things about being a better person. He told me not long ago that our greatest task as a parent was to save them from themselves. I had to think about it but it made complete sense. He taught me when Haley was just a baby that children truly belong to God and it was a gift to be given the chance to raise them. It's something I have never forgotten and often when I say my prayers, I still thank God for this gift. I thank him for my Papaw for being such a great teacher. His love and wisdom are a blessing in my life and I am so lucky he is my Papaw.</span>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13736201038589942897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685499769350475401.post-63226749373927937312009-07-07T14:10:00.000-07:002009-07-07T14:55:27.784-07:00God Bless America...Land That I Love!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcH77uj-CIr2QR03llCLKMXr2EX0M-o6z0ETZ7rsCrsb24RQXfa0AJ0tBoeA55-renZrZylClFXK3gvP4UJNXQNfsrO-C5FxCPp6g68YI2FrfCMsmxe4tItuISHlAiW8nEF-CebcWCSg0B/s1600-h/BattleofIwojima.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355840036786726626" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 259px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcH77uj-CIr2QR03llCLKMXr2EX0M-o6z0ETZ7rsCrsb24RQXfa0AJ0tBoeA55-renZrZylClFXK3gvP4UJNXQNfsrO-C5FxCPp6g68YI2FrfCMsmxe4tItuISHlAiW8nEF-CebcWCSg0B/s320/BattleofIwojima.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><em><span style="font-family:georgia;">I hope everyone had a great 4<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">th</span> of July celebration! We had a enjoyable weekend with family over on Saturday. The parental units joined us Saturday evening. Brian cooked up his famous ribs on the grill....oh my they are yummy and I made baked beans, potato salad, and rolls. We both pitched in on the jalapeno poppers. We made 44 and there was not one left afterwards. Ice cream and fresh fruit was dessert. Later, we watched the fireworks from the park which were <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">breathtaking</span>. Sunday was a lazy day recovering but nice just the same. I couldn't help but think throughout the weekend how blessed we are to live in this great country. It's not just a cliche. I can remember when I was very, very young my Mother telling me often how lucky we were to have been born in America. Often times I would wonder why it was I had won the lottery of sorts. Now I understand that those decision are left up to God and for that I am thankful. We are so very fortunate to enjoy the freedom we have and owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women AND their families who serve our country and those that have given their lives for our freedom. It's so easy to take freedom for granted. I know I have been guilty of that myself...but just stop and think once in a while that while we are free to walk and talk and go about our lives as we choose, there are people around the world who are not so fortunate. I am proud of the men in my family that have served although I chuckle when I remember a story about my Grandmother and a certain phone call she received from the Army recruiter when my Uncle Mike was a senior in high school. She quite sternly informed that recruiter that she had already given three men in her family to the service and there would not be another one going so just to back off. Keeping in mind that those three men came back home safe and sound but she fully believed she had done her part. I can't say I blame her but it still makes me smile to think about that sweet, soft spoken lady getting tough with the Army. </span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">XXOO</span></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:georgia;">Lisa</span></em></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13736201038589942897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685499769350475401.post-73206300149391943642009-06-18T08:00:00.000-07:002009-06-18T08:20:27.773-07:00Poppin' Peppers!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47BPC2cUd4Jd8TYso2oL-lk9O6v84zrT1f5XsLF3Gd1qWEyOju5FKf2vpJgJaD1g1JIciRXmaHtkJL4mJsB545OfY0n1-OZy5UqbjmC0fHMzq2NJT1x6qXL4vPZP7zoVjx8G4VC8geujE/s1600-h/GrilledJP.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348685812311050530" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg47BPC2cUd4Jd8TYso2oL-lk9O6v84zrT1f5XsLF3Gd1qWEyOju5FKf2vpJgJaD1g1JIciRXmaHtkJL4mJsB545OfY0n1-OZy5UqbjmC0fHMzq2NJT1x6qXL4vPZP7zoVjx8G4VC8geujE/s320/GrilledJP.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Just a week or so ago, B and I tried something new on the grill so I thought I would share with you guys. Caution..only try this if you are all about the 'hotness'. It was really simple and turned out quite tasty. Since we planted the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">jalapenos</span>, I was doing a little research on how to make <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">chipotles</span>. In the process, I came across several how to videos on YouTube. (Yes, it's true, you can find ANYTHING on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">youtube</span>...just ask Zane) There were videos on how to make a version of <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">jalapeno</span> poppers on the grill or you could make them in the oven but the grill sounded nicer. You need fresh <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">jalapeno</span> peppers, cheese, onion, bacon and brown sugar. We used feta and extra sharp cheddar and it turned out wonderful! To begin, you need to slice the peppers in half and clean out all the seeds and the white meat or membrane. Keep in mind this is where the heat is so clean it out well....you will still have plenty of heat, trust me. Once this is done, wash and dry the peppers. In a bowl, mix your cheeses. We added minced onion for flavor. At this point, you simply stuff the peppers as full as you can. Cut your bacon in half and sprinkle with brown sugar. You can rub it in just a little to keep it from falling off. Wrap the half slices of bacon around the peppers and get ready to grill. Note...the bacon will stay on the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">peppers</span> without any help but if need be, you can slide a toothpick in to hold it down...just remember to take them back out. Cook on the grill for about 15 to 20 minutes and let cool before you try to eat. Now here are a couple of steps I didn't do the first time but will 'definitely' do next time. First...use latex gloves when handling the peppers, especially if your skin is sensitive like mine. Trust me on this one ;-) Also, next time I plan to roast the peppers in the oven before I stuff the cheese in just to make them a little more tender. The peppers were great and even though that packed the heat, it didn't stop us from clearing a tray.....Let me know how they turn out!</div><div>xxoo</div><div>Lisa</div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13736201038589942897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685499769350475401.post-48874267664016387782009-06-08T11:24:00.000-07:002009-06-08T11:41:50.896-07:00This and That<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjebtgtd9vBCq_ImWzTxFdw5_VaNfmGIJdhr8Ok1uyjIgSDoO8AYo07w59V1dMqa2P97JZkR_ZPZXiLxep2PEG4rL6CZsn_ozsSzjv1hUDSnC5Utnv1kO_6STDj7ZY68dA2UEve-NBag9/s1600-h/101_6643.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345026176693669042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjebtgtd9vBCq_ImWzTxFdw5_VaNfmGIJdhr8Ok1uyjIgSDoO8AYo07w59V1dMqa2P97JZkR_ZPZXiLxep2PEG4rL6CZsn_ozsSzjv1hUDSnC5Utnv1kO_6STDj7ZY68dA2UEve-NBag9/s320/101_6643.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><em><span style="font-family:georgia;">It's been a great week! Zane returned from his 'Travels With Grandpa" on Monday. He really had a great time visiting with his Grandpa and seeing a few states he had not visited before, including making it to Laredo, TX where he was able to at least see the gates of Mexico. He thought that was pretty cool. Other cool sightings included....large cactus (or is that cacti? <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">lol</span>), oil wells, and one of the trucks from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">CMT's</span> 'Trick My Truck'. He learned a lot from Grandpa too. We should all learned to listen to the 'older' folks more often. Where else can you find this much knowledge and plain common sense wrapped up in a loving package like Grandparents? The picture above is one Zane took. I thought it turned out pretty well.....<br /><br />My nephew, Kyle, is visiting. What a loving and handsome young man he has become. I am so proud of the level of maturity he has and how strong he is both physically and spiritually.<br /></span></em><br /><em><span style="font-family:georgia;">Friday I planted <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Lantanas</span> by the mailbox. If you aren't familiar with those, they are a 'shrub like' flower that is available in several colors. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Lantanas</span> are wonderful for attracting butterflies too, which is a bonus. The real beauty of these flowers is that they tend to grow well even in poor soil and full sun. You don't find that often. In addition, they are annuals so once the planting is done, you simply have to sit back and watch it grow and come back bigger and better every year. I read that you can also start new plants in the early spring from <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">cutlings</span>. I fully intend to learn more about that and give it a shot next year. While I'm on the subject of my planting projects, I can give you an update on the 'Garden on Wheels'. In just a few short days, the plants are already showing growth and look wonderfully healthy. The cart has proven to be a very handy investment as well. I know once these plants get larger, it would be too hard to move without damaging the plants, but for now, I have simply pulled the cart around to the faucet for watering.<br /><br />Haley went to <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Hattiesburg</span> Sunday to see her 'Friend-Boy" Cameron receive his promotion at an awards ceremony on Monday. She went with Cameron's Mother. Cameron will be deployed to Iraq soon so be sure to keep him in your prayers, as well as all of our other service men and women. We owe a huge debt to all these wonderful and brave souls for the work they do. Sunday was D-Day but we should all take a moment to remember the ones who have given their lives for our freedom every day. When you say a prayer, don't forget their families who also make the <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">sacrifice</span>. God bless them all.....<br /><br />Lastly, I just wanted to share a new search engine I think is worthy of a mention. </span></em><a title="http://www.bing.com/" href="http://www.bing.com/"><em><span style="font-family:georgia;">www.bing.com</span></em></a><em><span style="font-family:georgia;"> is powered by Microsoft and appears to <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">eliminate</span> a good bit of those sites that usually pop up with no <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">relevance</span> at all. Give it a shot and let me know what you think....<br /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">xxoo</span><br />Lisa<br /><br /><br /></span></em></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13736201038589942897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685499769350475401.post-21311730803355912832009-05-30T12:58:00.000-07:002009-06-01T08:18:42.572-07:00Veggie Tales<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVJQKxGCyAgZ0NiK-VkLOToT61TP_QTxsueQdd3Lykh7z4nuFj6gS0wdWJIDO7qxcQW8LZDvbVA8-xhk4aw7LsS2C9WyKPKO8LXetn_-j75qtudoAvd7zbFVeiCcM9HeqyplrxOqoHP-m/s1600-h/DSC05029.JPG"><em><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342356042464925810" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 214px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvVJQKxGCyAgZ0NiK-VkLOToT61TP_QTxsueQdd3Lykh7z4nuFj6gS0wdWJIDO7qxcQW8LZDvbVA8-xhk4aw7LsS2C9WyKPKO8LXetn_-j75qtudoAvd7zbFVeiCcM9HeqyplrxOqoHP-m/s320/DSC05029.JPG" border="0" /></em></a><em><br /></em><div><em>Sunday I planted veggies. Hubby and I are trying a new approach that I'm just a wee bit excited about. First, let me tell you the soil in our yard leaves a LOT to be desired. So, with this in mind we are trying out the "5-gallon bucket method". This method apparently has proven quite successful for many as I have found in my Internet research. Ideally, I would like a small garden with some of my favorite veggies (squash, cucumbers, okra, tomatoes, peppers...maybe even a few beans or peas) but given our limited amount of space and the crummy dirt, I have decided to go with this new method. Well...new to me. We have 6 buckets that we are going to try. Saturday, we purchased 2 jalapenos, 2 Big Boy tomatoes, 1 Roma Tomato and 1 Cherry Tomato plants. Brian drilled holes in the bottom of the bucket for drainage. In addition we placed 2 or 3 inches of washed river rock in the bottom for better drainage. Then...the planting began. (insert dramatic music ha) I can't wait. I am planning on a bountiful harvest for which I have many ideas. The jalapenos I plan to smoke for chipotles. The tomatoes I will use for several things and hopefully there will be enough to make a salsa. I can use the jalapenos for that purpose also. After an extensive Internet research, I decided to plant both jalapenos in the same bucket. The 'experts' say that planting 2 to 3 plants together produces far better results. This decision also left a bucket open to use for pumpkin seeds I purchased for Zane to plant. He has visions of a successful roadside pumpkin stand because of the high yield....Go Zane :-) The final step was buying a utility cart to put the buckets on. This allows our plants to be mobile which is beneficial in a couple of different ways. One, we can control the amount of light the plants receive much better and secondly, we don't have to worry about the buckets killing the grass beneath them. Trust me, this is all trial and error, Anyway, if this works well this year, we may add more next Spring and possibly a raised bed type of garden. Regardless of the outcome, I truly love to dig and get my hands dirty. I'll keep everyone updated on the progress. Wish me luck......</em></div><br /><div><em>xxoo</em></div><br /><div><em>Lisa</em></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13736201038589942897noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8685499769350475401.post-81668802939165879562009-05-22T16:01:00.001-07:002009-06-01T08:17:00.824-07:00Baby Steps<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxSIKlZJeCn7e99mJAaeDA7SwxXM8afTuKuCIdEdE7jAbEkDmAllDsaaj0Ma-iNvnIsKUejE8g0GQuOYcmCv_Kgnv8KU5J6q14JgWDLQBOqMHWbv76osgDS0oEu-_hltbMk0G_l8tkvuo/s1600-h/HaleyGrad1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339134497230046802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 258px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXxSIKlZJeCn7e99mJAaeDA7SwxXM8afTuKuCIdEdE7jAbEkDmAllDsaaj0Ma-iNvnIsKUejE8g0GQuOYcmCv_Kgnv8KU5J6q14JgWDLQBOqMHWbv76osgDS0oEu-_hltbMk0G_l8tkvuo/s320/HaleyGrad1.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><em>I am a Mom, a Sister, a Daughter, an Aunt, a Cousin and a Granddaughter. I have two children who challenge me almost daily. My daughter, Haley, is 18 and graduated from High School just last night. My eyes are still red and puffy to prove it. My son, Zane, is 11 and will begin middle school this next school year. Between the two of them, I am having one of those serious Mom moments...ok, let me be real....it's more than a moment. Everyone tells you how fast they grow up and you 'think' you have an idea; but, you have NO idea until you have experienced it. I am looking at these two and thinking, I should still be rocking them, chasing them and trying to survive smelly diapers, 2 a.m. feedings and those first steps being made. I thought those years were challenging because let's face it, small children in the house is like being on a suicide watch. Sit in any room of the house and look around at the endless possible ways your child can be hurt. :-) Those years have evolved into the "I know more than anyone, especially my parents" years. The only comfort is knowing that when they have a family of their own, they will once again realize Mom and Dad are pretty smart. Smelly diapers and 2 a.m. feedings have been traded in for Mom mending the scraped knee, soothing the broken heart after her 'first breakup', putting millions of miles on the van to get to dance, softball, football, baseball, basketball, volleyball, the skate shop, the skate park.....and plenty of other places. Questions like "Why does God put stars out only at night?" and "How are bulldozers made?" have turned into "Can I dye my hair?" and "When can I start driving?". Well, as you can tell I can go on for days, weeks and even months about what Motherhood has meant to me and how my life changed when these two crazy but loving kids came into my life. I'm sure I will elaborate more in future blogs but for now I will stop or else I will never stop the tears. lol One of my favorite aunts in the world (and I don't say that lightly) told me this morning that while she was looking at pictures that were made last night after graduation, she thought..."She did it. She got her raised. Even though it really never stops...she got her to this point of entering her adult life and she is raised. No matter what it took to provide for her and take care of her...she did it." I have had some proud moments in my life but I don't think I have ever felt the pride like I felt when she said this to me. Sometimes when life deals you a bad card and you feel just a little insignificant....Moms everywhere should rejoice when they look at their children. My kids are healthy, happy and loved. The rest is just details.</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><em>xxoo</em></span><br /><span style="font-family:lucida grande;"><em>Lisa</em></span></div>Lisahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13736201038589942897noreply@blogger.com0