Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving from SC


We enjoyed our Thanksgiving meal today at Mom and Dad's house in Cowpens. My sister Loretta, and nephew Kenny, Casey, and Caden joined us for a meal of turkey and "crockpot dressing" and all the trimmings - Mom's creamed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, and corn, along with Casey's macaroni and cheese, Loretta's green bean cassserole, and pumpkin pie, pecan pie and choc eclair cake.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Video - For the Beauty of the Earth



Enjoy this slideshow to the music of John Rutter's "For the Beauty of the Earth"
Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Monday, November 22, 2010

Video - Duke, Home of Champions



College basketball season has begun - Can the Dukies repeat as National Champs? I think they can!

Sunday, November 21, 2010

family photo Sunday


Grandson Charlie T posed recently for his one year old photoshoot. This is one of my favorites - just love that expression!

Saturday, November 20, 2010

don't worry, be happy


Even though I know what the Bible says about "worrying for nothing" I have to admit that I do worry from time to time, about nothing! This week was no exception. We usually receive a "Harry & David" fully cooked turkey from my company the week before Thanksgiving. So when it did not arrive on Weds I began to worry that I would not get one this year. Welll, praise the Lord, Fed Ex delivered our turkey this morning! I guess we are spoiled a little, getting this gift now four years in a row, but we are surely thankful for this gift from my CEO. Now we can make our final plans for our traditional journey, "over the river and through the woods to grandmother's house" in SC. It will be a smaller crowd this year, but we will not worry, and eat and be happy, that is for sure!

Friday, November 19, 2010

many hands make light work

Cindy spent last Saturday with her "Frontline" group of children and workers from our church doing yardwork for an elderly couple. The kids enjoyed raking and planting flowers for the Mabry's. They ended the afternoon with hot dogs and snacks around the fire.










Thursday, November 18, 2010

extreme makeover

Pastor's Sweatt's daughter Sue Ellen and family were also able to be there for the "reveal" - Sue Ellen is the one taking pictures in this photo.

Administrator Brian Sweatt and wife and kids yellng "Move that bus!"


The finished building looks beautiful!

It was neat to watch the "Nashville Build"episode of Extreme Makeover on TV last Sunday. Our pastor's son is the administrator of Lighthouse Christian School in Antioch, TN and one of their buildings was washed away and across the interstate during the great flood on May 1st. ABC's Extreme Makeover chose to re-build their preschool building in September.

>>Click to view more photos and videos regarding Lighthouse Christian

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Video - "Hallelujah!" Random Act of Culture



This video kinda gets you in the mood for Christmas doesn't it? The Opera Company of Philadelphia sponsored this "Random Act of Culture" at the Macy's in Philly a couple weeks ago. Choirs from approximately 20 organizations participated.

Monday, November 15, 2010

Video - Decision Points by George W. Bush



Former President Bush has been on TV quite a bit this past week. Some of the interviewers have been kind to him, some have not. This is the video he posted to advertise his new book, "Decision Points". I may not have agreed with everything he did as President, but I sure do miss him now!

Sunday, November 14, 2010

family photo Sunday


Apple picking (and eating) time in Wisconsin
Ethan, Meredith and Natalie

Saturday, November 13, 2010

signs along the journey


While in Arkansas last month, Cindy took this picture at the home of some friends who live on the Arkansas River in Pine Bluff.

Friday, November 12, 2010

Video - BEHIND THE SCENES with Jeremy Gray



Enjoyed this video of behind the scenes of the recording of a new CD by Jeremy Gray. The string quartet players are members of our church in Georgia - Hannah, Rachel, John and Mark Dalrymple.

Monday, November 08, 2010

Gwinnett athlete born without full arms and legs

An amazing and inspiring story for a Monday - This local athlete was born with arms and legs, but became a successful wrestler. ESPN2 will be airing this documentary about Kyle Maynard and his quest for a title in the MMA(Mixed Martial Arts). It is scheduled to be broadcast today and then again on Nov. 11th. Also there is a 90 minute video at this link http://www.fightingchancemovie.com/

Read the complete article and interview on line at AJC.com:
Gwinnett athlete born without full arms and legs to be featured on ESPN2 accessAtlanta

Sunday, November 07, 2010

family photo Sunday


Our Wisconsin granddaughters are growing up so fast!
(left to right - Natalie, Sophie and Meredith)

Saturday, November 06, 2010

Christian based family show


A few weeks ago, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution Sunday paper had an article about a Georgia family that hunts together. Their cable show is sponsored by an Atlanta furniture company, and it will soon be available to wash via Dish TV. What caught my eye was that this was a "Christian based family show." Even though I am not a hunter, I appreciate those that do. Plus, I love to hear the kids talk - nothing like a Georgia accent! Click this link to read the article on line.

At their website, you can also watch episodes of the Brannen family's adventures in the wild. Click link below:

Join Jarrod Brannen and family as they explore some of North America's finest hunting and fishing opportunities. Aaron's Outdoors is a Christian based family show that strives to promote and preserve the great American tradition of families in the outdoors.

"Jarrod Brannen wanted a relationship with a woman who could handle a rifle and reel, didn’t smoke or drink, and looked good in camo. He found Leanne.

"Leanne wanted love and work in balance. She pursued a medical career, but when being on call didn’t fit with 24/7 mom duties, she found her calling at home.
“Take your kids hunting, and you won’t have to hunt for your kids,” Leanne tells her audience each week.

Wednesday, November 03, 2010

Video - O For A Thousand Tongues To Sing



Just found out this week that the FOUNDATION BRASS from BJU will be performing for our church's "Guest Christmas Concert" on Sunday night, December 19. They also want our brass players to join them on one song, so I get to play my tuba with the Foundation Brass! How neat is that!

Sunday, October 31, 2010

family photo Sunday


Our youngest son's family in Jacksonville -
Brandon, Rachel and Charlie in a recent photo taken by Julie Paisley.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Blue Devils Ranked No. 1 in AP Preseason Poll

College basketball season begins on November 14th, when Duke will begin play against Princeton in the CBE tournament. With Singler and Smith returning as seniors, the Dukies should have a very good season. See link below to read more - Duke has been voted the no. 1 team in AP Preseason Poll.

Blue Devils Ranked No. 1 in AP Preseason Poll - Duke University Blue Devils Official Athletics Site - GoDuke.com

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

changes to my blog

I made some changes to my sidebar today. Since I have added a couple more bloggers to my blogroll, I decided to move the political blogs to the "News, Sports, Politics, and More section."

I have added several new sites to keep up with the latest political news - Huck Pac, Jack Kingston, Politico.com and Townhall.com. The next two years should be very interesting. I also discovered a new site related to the 150th anniversary of the
Civil War - specifically related to sites and events in Georgia.

The newest bloggers added to my "Blogroll" are by Ben Hulin and Danny Logan. Danny is now Dr. Dan Logan and a professor at Liberty Univ. I was privileged to be one of his teachers when he was a high school student at Victory Christian in Jacksonville, Fl. His wife has a very nice family blog called "Back Home". Ben Hulin was in two of my son's weddings and I am so glad to feature a link to his new blog "Ben Hulin". He was injured in a motorcycle accident a few years ago and did not let that slow him down at all. He is an encouragement to all of us!

Sunday, October 24, 2010

Saturday, October 23, 2010

signs along the journey

So where do think I was headed? A very important sign along the trail at Rock City!

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

signs along the journey


How is it that something so small as a cookie
can make things so much better? :)

Monday, October 18, 2010

Video - Duke History




With basketball season just around the corner,

I have to share some Duke videos this week!

Sunday, October 17, 2010

family photo Sunday


Our grandkids call us Mam-ma and Pap-pa! We are already looking forward to spending Christmas with all the family!
(Lord willing and the creek don't rise!)
Left to right:
Meredith, Ethan, Natalie, Sophia, Brielle, Layton and Charlie

Saturday, October 16, 2010

Photos from Rock City and Ruby Falls

On the way down to the falls inside the caverns at Ruby Falls






Paula and Cindy in front of Ruby Falls







I will be posting more photos on facebook sooner or later, but will post some on my blog today. Paula came to spend the week with us and we visited Chattanooga on Monday, Helen GA on Tuesday, and Ellijay GA on Weds. Cindy and I were college students in Chattanooga (Tennessee Temple) when we met and even got engaged on campus, so we always like to go back to visit. It was our home for four years. (Our first date was to the Thanksgiving Basketball tournament - 1974) We enjoyed visitins Ruby Falls for the first time, and Rock City.





Our grandkids would love this place!
















Walking across a suspended bridge makes your toes tingle!


Helen, GA is a great place to visit, especially during a weekday. There were plenty of parking spots available at $2.00 for all day. We walked up one side and down the other of the main street, visiting as many shops as we wanted to do. The city looked like any other small Georgia town in the 1960's. Then they decided to remodel all the stores to look like a Bavarian (German) town, and the rest is history.

Trying to decide what to order from Hofer's Bakery and Cafe - we enjoyed our lunch there!


Cindy and Paula, downtown Helen





>Ellijay is "apple country" and the small town has plenty of antique stores to check out, but many are closed on Tuesday and Weds. We visited a few that were open and found some bargains. But the main reason we went was to buy apples. I think we ended up shopping at four different apple barns. Each one was unique and I believe the apples tasted different at each barn.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

family photo Sunday


Even Rock City is decorated for the fall season. We had our pic taken in this cave with the pumpkins recently. Our friend and former neighbor in Jax, Paula, took us along with her to visit Chattanooga's Rock City and Ruby Falls.

Tuesday, October 05, 2010

signs along the journey


Now this is what I like about fall festivals!
Where else can you buy things "made in America" these days?

Sunday, September 26, 2010

family photo Sunday


Our youngest son, Brandon and his family, photo taken at the Atlantic Beach of Fort Clinch in Florida.
Our June family vacation included a photoshoot at the beach.
Brandon, Rachel and Charlie

Monday, September 20, 2010

fall is in the air


Even tho the temperature is still in the low 90's each day, we can feel fall in the air. Today's high was 91 and it "felt" like 89 (with a Northwest wind blowing). Leaves are beginning to fall from some trees. Yes, Fall officially begins this week and we can only hope for lower temps to follow.



Duluth, Ga. will be hosting it's annual Fall Festival this weekend. It begins with a parade at 10 AM on Saturday, and then there are over 350 arts & crafts booths to check out and many food vendors. Since the festival is free, including parking and shuttle bus, you can't beat the price!

Sunday, September 19, 2010

family photo Sunday




Our middle son's family, from the photoshoot this past June at Fort Clinch, the Atlantic Beach, in Florida.
Stephen and Leah have 3 girls and one boy:
Natalie, Meredith, Sophia and Ethan

Saturday, September 18, 2010

ESPN Video - Quack Attack



In case you missed it, this cute video is from ESPN College Gameday, behind the scenes with the Oregon Duck.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

one of our new American heros


I recently watched a Christian talk show host interviewing a disabled veteran of the War on Terror. It was an amazing interview. Brian Fleming is now a "motivational speaker" to school children and corporations across America. His book is pictured to the right, Yes, You Can!

Check out his website at http://www.blownupguy.com/


My name is B.C. Fleming. I grew up in a lower middle-class income family in a small factory town an hour outside of Detroit, MI. After joining the Army at the age of 18, I was severely injured by the savage attack of a suicide bomber who exploded 3-feet away from me in Kandahar, Afghanistan on July 24th, 2006.

Sunday, September 12, 2010

family photo Sunday


Our oldest son's family at Atlantic Beach, Fort Clinch in Florida from our June vacation - photoshoot with Julie Paisley.

Josh and Janelle, Brielle and Layton

Sunday, September 05, 2010