Wonderful Fall

Fall is definitely in the air!! The crispy-ness, softly falling shadows and beautiful flowers and foliage at this time of the year are great. Guess the only thing I'm not too crazy about is the wind. Yep, winds begin to kick up bringing in the temps trying to maintain it until winter arrives.

This weekend was wonderful and busy AND windy...VERY windy! Winds were 25-30 mph with no telling what the gusts were and there WERE gusts!! You could hardly walk without it trying to trip you up.

The music, as usual, is so wonderful. It really prepares your heart to receive the message Bro. Lloyd has prepared for the people. Messages of hope in the middle of despair and love in the middle of an unloving world. Nope, it wasn't about that. But he does direct our minds and hearts toward the One who loves us in the middle of a mixed up world which surrounds us with depressing and hopeless messages. When our world has been turned upside down, whether from outside circumstances or bad choices, Jesus is always there for those who have opened their hearts up to Him. God is awesome and there is none other!!

A Pumpkin Festival was held Sunday afternoon in the church parking lot. There were so many things for the children to do, they surely couldn't get bored. When we first walk into the area, the smell of popcorn filled the air and, of course, off we went into that direction. Here he goes...

So out comes my camera to begin the show. With lemonade in one hand, a bag of popcorn in the other and smiles on our faces, we settle down at one of the lovely decorated tables.

There were so many games for children to participate in including pumpkin decorating, face painting, pony riding, petting zoo, pennies at the end of the rainbow, and many, many others.



There was also an excellent band entertaining us while we ate frito pies and slices of pumpkin pie. A cake contest was held representing anything "pumpkin" as well as a couple of old cars and several cool looking motorcycles. Lots and lots of blow-up jumps. There were some of the cutest children I've seen and the cool air just made everyone happy!




Oh, yeah, there was the cutest child riding one of the ponies: blonde naturally, curly hair and the sweetest little face. Actually, I didn't know if it was a girl or boy...just happy! Then there was another cute little boy trying his hardest to decide on which pumpkin he wanted to decorate. It was such a relaxing and perfect Lord's Day.


Have a Happy Fall and blessed harvest season!

Until later...Kent & Robbie

Hit & Run

I want to redefine the term "hit and run" because that was exactly what happened to me earlier this morning. Halfway through my long run, I saw a vehicle at the Hardee's exit going to turn into the highway. I watched and watched and watched and there was NO traffic for him to wait for but he continued to sit still. So, I thought he saw me and was waiting for me to pass on in front of him as there wasn't any other way around...his vehicle was close to the hedges in Hardee's driveway and my only way was to cross in front of him. I cautiously approached watching to see if he was going to move on out but he didn't. Then I decided he was waiting on me. As I got dead center in front of his car, he begins to pull out into the highway hitting me!! It caused me to fall against his car though I kept my composure as best as possible. I was shocked!!! Is this man an idiot, blind or totally unaware that the highways and driveways are for ALL people and not just for him?? I had not been able to catch his eye before this because of the glare off his windwhield from my angle but he could see me perfectly. Coming from a stand still kept this from being a bad accident. When it happened, I looked up into his older face framed with glasses that had dropped down on his nose, and saw that he was wrapping his sausage and biscuit to hold while he drove...yeah, like THAT'S a good idea now!! Both hands, mister...at least! He hit my left side where my left knee has given me trouble since the marathon earlier this year. I was so angry that he was so incompetent AND with a license. I'm glad I am a defensive runner because I had been watching him. But even that was not on my side this time. If I had not been aware, as he was, I may have fallen into the road where traffic was now flowing.

I'm glad to report that after about another mile and half, I was able to regain my composure and run normal. My knee got alright and my fear level dropped, trusting drivers again. I was in the middle of a 14 mile run. At the end, I was able to maintain a better pace than I ever had for that distance. As a matter of fact, I beat my best half marathon pace by several seconds...even with all the hoopla of the hit. My watch kept running during this time so it recorded even those slow moments of my run.

All I can say is that angels DO exist and takes care of me when I can't do so. Thank you, Lord!! Words cannot describe how much You love us...us mere humans!

This 'n That

This has been one busy year for us and it's almost over with tons more to do. Seems we hardly turn around good before we're pulled this way or that way doing something else. But I wouldn't have traded it for anything else in the world. I'm thankful that we have the time to do it all as exhausting as it's been. This may sound a little like fussing, but on the contrare, we've experienced many new and exciting things. Some things have had to be put on the back burner and wait for a while and others have snuck ahead to take precedence over previously first place things. Time with the grandchildren have been fun and a lot of pictures have been taken...of course!

On the other hand, I've experienced very bad allergy attacks worse this year than in years past but I'm plowing through it. Severe headaches have put me in bed several times. Odd enough, they have been different from any I've had with the problem of meds not working at all. Thankfully, I had a breakthrough about 2 weeks ago and new OTC medicine is helping just fine. Being a runner, this has really been a difficult summer for me as I've been limited to my running...even putting a halt to it for a while. There was a time that I could not even get enough air in my lungs to run. Never had this happen before so I know it had to be the heat and humidity even in early morning hours (starting at 5:30). BUT, I'm getting back.

My stamping is one thing that has been put on the back burner. I made many cards at Crop Connection in July and have even taken pictures of them but sadly have not had the time to sit down long enough to gather my thoughts to write them up and post them. And, of course, the buying hasn't slowed down much...blush, blush!! I have sooo many new things I can hardly wait to use...such neat things. One of my newest toys is my Cricut!! Just got it in and can hardly wait to use it. I've put off getting one for a long time but decided to get one when it went on sale two weeks ago. It arrived a couple of days ago.

All in all, with school back in session, camper issues repaired/updated, fall in the air and running back up and going, it's gonna be a great autumn! I love the shadows on the ground as fall begins to make its appearance. There's just "something different" about it even if the temps haven't changed much yet. It's a sign that it won't be long. I can hardly wait to sit outside and gaze into our fire pit and watch the stars. It sounds like such a waste of time to some, but to us, it's one of those relaxing moments, watching the fireflies light the sky feeling the nippy air, that many just take for granted.

Time's A Flying...

Where does the time go? With longer days here and the sweltering heat bearing down on us, it's hard to find the energy to do the things we're called upon to do and yet time never stands still. I guess it's good that some things push us out of the house or we'd stay inside where it's a cool and lazy lifestyle.

This summer is filled with new things for us. While our camper is getting a good check out and updates, 7 Year Old All Star Baseball has kept us on the road. We've really enjoyed the games. Landen is doing great and he's just the cutest little boy...ahem, man. These little guys play well together and support each other and I'm very happy with the coaches. They are great guys! They do not put the boys down when they've not done well nor do they push them beyond their means by screaming and yelling at them and yet the boys perform well. Good going, coaches! We have one last series (as far as we know) that will be played next weekend for the state championship. Below is a picture I took and will be my favorite for quite a while. Landen sliding into home at the Oak Grove tournament!


Much on the schedule and much to do. Gotta run for now...Later!

Who Are You?

I receive Proverbs 31 Ministries' devotion every day and am blessed by the ladies that write them. But today especially hit a note in me. I would like to take this time to paste part of the message here. I hope you will be blessed by it as much as I was. The key: read it slowly and let it sink in. If you do not have time to do this now. Wait and read it later when you do. Think about it. Let God have His way with you. Be honest with yourself and dig deep into the depths of your soul. Though these devotions are geared to women, it's not hard to place any gender or age in its place for today's message. For more about this ministry, you can go here.

"May 18, 2011

Becoming the Real Me
Renee Swope


“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13 (NIV)

What do you love to do? If finances were unlimited and failure was unlikely, what would be your dream?

The facilitator of our team-building activity asked our small group to answer these questions. I didn’t have an answer. So I decided to start praying we’d run out of time before it got to me. But just in case I had to answer, I listened to everyone else describe their dreams, hoping to get ideas.

One wanted to be the first female president of the United States. Another friend said she’d always wanted to sing in a Christian rock band. I knew I was in trouble.

Here I was, 32-years-old at the time, and I didn’t know who I was or what my dreams were. Eventually everyone looked at me for a response. I stumbled over my words. Then I finally admitted I didn’t really know what I loved to do.

I didn’t have a dream. I’d never taken time to think about or answer those kinds of questions. Instead, I had always tried to be who others wanted or needed me to be. But honestly, I wasn’t very good at it. I often had this uneasy feeling in my heart and a sense of just not being happy. And I was a constant candidate for burn out.

I wasn’t living out the truth held in our key verse today: “[God] created my inmost being; [He] knit me together in my mother’s womb.” (Psalm 139:13, NIV)

I was not designed to be who others expected me to be, or even wanted me to be. I was created to become all that God planned for me to be. But I was lost in the process of my becoming.

After I fumbled around looking for an answer during our team-building time, our facilitator encouraged me to ask God what His dreams were for my life.

I took her advice and started the process of becoming the “real me” who had gotten buried in the busyness of life and people pleasing.

As I read books that talked about discovering our passions, gifts and personality traits, I started to identify what I liked. I recognized strengths that came natural for me, and learned what I needed emotionally to encourage my heart.

For the first time, I realized there was an important reason I was who I was — with my passionate preferences and mixed bag of emotions. Instead of wanting to be like women I knew and admired, I sensed God wanted to use the unique way He made me.

Isn’t it easy to neglect ourselves to meet the needs of everyone around us, and call it self-sacrifice? It sounds godly. But in doing so we risk shutting down a place in our soul where God’s dreams and gifts are waiting to be revealed.

So, how well do you know the real you? Have you ever taken time to think about what you like to do? What would make your heart come alive if you had the confidence and resources to do it?

Although it might feel self-seeking, it’s actually God-seeking to take time to get to know the woman He created you to be. Remember God had a plan in mind when He made you. When you surrender your unique passions and personality to Him, God will use them to guide you towards His dreams for your life.

Lord, I want to know the woman You had in mind when You created me. I don’t want to grow old and never know Your purpose for my life. Show me Your dreams for me so I can offer what You want to give to those around me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Related Resources:
This devotion is taken from chapter 8 of Renee Swope’s upcoming book: A Confident Heart: How to Stop Doubting Yourself & Live in the Security of God’s Promises."

May you be blessed today, my friend.

Easter Blessings

From us to you...we hope you've had a blessed Easter today.


This has been a wonderful weekend! God is soooo good but, of course, it doesn't matter what I think, for He IS!! I'm so thankful that He reveals to us His goodness. That He allows us to bask in His blessings. That He opens our eyes in ways only our hearts can know. That He reveals the secrets of His ancient Word to us at appointed times and opens our understanding. He "wants" to have fellowship with us...yes, mere human sinners! I don't understand why. All I know is that He loved me before I began to love Him. He knew what I am capable of in my best and my worst. He knew that I would sin after I came to love Him and yet He still wants to hold me in His arms, draw me close to Him and say "it will be alright" confirming in my heart that He knew of my failure all along and sweetly says "I am glad you are back". The difference in people who are saved are that they are remorseful and regret those things they have "chosen" to do against God and others and those who are lost in their sins have no conscious, bask in their deeds and don't see a real need for a Savior. A true saved sinner hates their sin. We are all people for whom sweet Jesus died for. And, no, my friends, nothing can separate me from His love...nothing!

He lets me enjoy the smiles and giggles of children...nothing can lighten your heart like the joys little children express, the excitement that they just cannot contain. Christ says to come unto Him as little children and I think He wants us to be unaware of any condemnation of others, fear of being foolish, and just express the joy in our hearts for Him without any trepidation. When was the last time you opened your mouth and laughed like your heart really feels? As adults, we learn to "contain" ourselves. And when it comes to praising our wonderful God these things ought to fall away. Into your closet, I say, into your closet where you are at the most wonderful liberty to be who you really are in His presence. And when you exit, others will KNOW you have been in His presence.

There was an Easter Egg Hunt Saturday morning at the Park. The little ones were so cute. Carrying baskets bigger than they were and wearing their little sunglasses you couldn't help but put a smile on your face and become as a child as you watched in excitement when they would find an egg. Here are a few pictures I took. Hope you enjoy the moment it takes to look at them.

We began our morning early today. We arrived at the beach at 6:00 a.m. for the sunrise service. We got their early not knowing if there would be enough seats or places to park. Wearing our shorts and sandals with our Bibles in hand and sunglasses on our heads, we saw the beautiful beach with the Lord's presence all around us. Here is the sunrise.

There were about a couple hundred people that attended. We were amazed that so many showed up. They must have been Baptists because a chunk of them showed up right at the appointed time or a little later. There were hardly any seats left and many brought chairs.




After service was over, we headed back to the camper to change clothes and get to First Baptist for their early church service. I'm so glad we did! We love the music there and it didn't disappoint today. As a matter of fact, we thought the last song they sung could have ended service (well, not really)!! The church was full as it has been every time we've gone. Oh, my...the power of God filled the sanctuary! The message was good but all we can talk about was that beautifully inspired last song. Oh, yeah, the name of it is "Something's Happening". You MUST hear it...it will bring you to your knees and your heart to God. Praise Him for this has truly been a glorious day!!

Missing Everyone!

We've been having a great time...a great, refreshing time. I wanted to share a few things that bring joy to us. First and foremost and the most recent, we went to church today and experienced a wonderful service. It began with music that prepared our hearts for the wonderful sermon we heard by Rick Stanley, Elvis Presley's step brother. His message was so refreshing, encouraging and embracing! I am so glad that we were able to attend. The Spirit was cleansing and wooing. We truly felt the presence of God in the service and among the people.

We've been running quite a good bit and enjoyed it all, soreness and injuries. Here's a picture of Kent getting his award for a race and another picture of me coming up to the Finish Line at the half marathon I ran.


One afternoon while we were sitting out the sky changed. It was a beautiful day, practically cloudless...is that a word?? And it was a gorgeous blue! There had been no rain nor was there any forecasted. Then a few wispy clouds collected and all the colors of the rainbow came together. It was only in a small part of the sky. Kinda of like there was a message somewhere in it. It was so beautiful! I felt like God was telling us that He is the giver of fresh starts, newness, beauty and hope! And, just as quick as it came, it disappeared. I really felt like it was a message to those that saw it. God is so good and there is not enough praise for the Creator of this world!!

And, finally, I leave you with a picture of my Sweetie taking it easy one day after lunch.

We are so thankful that we have the chance to spend quality time together.

This & That

Well, our big race is over. Being a first long distance for us both, we didn't know what to actually expect and we're pleased with the outcome. All the hard training has come to fruition and now, for me, I'm in my recovery period. I'm feeling my body do things I've not experienced before and am learning just what all I put it through to run over 26 miles. I must be good to it so it can be strong and healthy for me.

Spring has sprung and everything has been touched with God's hand in the beauty all around us. Our Bradford pear trees were in buds two days ago and yesterday when we woke up they were in full bloom and gorgeous! How can one even question there is a god when we have One that is almighty, loving, and always wooing us closer to Him? Even when we've elected to not be as obedient children as we should be, He's still there with open arms. Springtime is a wonderful reminder of His love for His children.

I have decided to memorize a Scripture passage this spring but haven't selected it yet. I've always enjoyed when Bro. Jeff would put us to the test to do this each year. And, it wasn't just to us; but he'd memorize huge portions himself, even reciting it during a service. Memorizing is scriptural as God has told us to "hide His Word in our hearts so that we might not sin against Him". So when sin does creep up and overtakes us at times, God still loves us and uses our memory to bring us back to Him and the position we were before. He is so good and nothing compares to Him. The last couple of years, we've been slack. But I've always known the importance of Scripture memory and was thankful that he challenged us to put God's Word in our hearts for a closer walk with Him.

This time of year also brings to mind another special time. It reminds me of the beginning of the preparation of Summer Day Camp at church. I absolutely LOVED this time of the year. There was excitement in what all I wanted to do for the children in the summer. All the calls to fun places I thought the children would enjoy. Getting things in order such as: cleaning, registering, hiring, placing orders for shirts and crafts, and daily planning for the summer. Every year, all things were complete before the doors opened for business in May. Having things prepared allowed me the blessed opportunity to enjoy every day with the children. I am thankful that God allowed me to work with such good Christian ladies who loves children, a wonderful husband that did so many things for me (I cannot begin to list these nor even pay him for all he's done) and a pastor that helped me with church related issues and assisted me when I first began. I couldn't have enjoyed and done the work God led me to do without the people He sent my way. These were truly great blessings. I REALLY miss it in the spring and it brings back such wonderful memories.

Have a wonderful day today and look for Him in all things this spring!

There's A Lot of Training Going On...

Though I've not posted here in a while, we've been busier than bees. We are both focused on new running goals right now: me for my first marathon and Kent for his first half marathon. Once we've finished our running for the day we're both a little tuckered out. Mostly because training of some kind has been daily. We will be running in the Rock 'n Roll Mardi Gras Races. It won't be long now before it's here. I think I'm more excited about it then he is. He has discovered that he doesn't care for long distance running. I've found I really like it. I think I can say that I enjoy running the distance of half marathons (13.1 miles) and see a lot in my future. Love the distance of 13-15 miles. Today I ran 12 miles and thought absolutely nothing about it. Ran at an easy pace and it was close to my best half marathon race pace. I hope to improve this time this year. I feel a lot stronger running than ever before. This week begins our step down before the race. It takes place on February 13th. In other words, our distance begins decreasing three weeks prior to the race in order to not over-work our legs. My partner and I have run up to 20 miles (yeah, running) and they say that that is enough. I feel that we need to run further, but I've seen in several places and have talked to several people who run marathons that if you can run 20 miles you can run 26. Guess it won't be long now before we will find out if this is true.

Sooo much, sooo long ago!!

It has been quite a while since I've posted on this blog. There's been so many things with traveling, holidays, etc. that I've not had the time to keep up. With all of that in mind, let me start by saying we had a great camping trip in November. We ran all three Saturdays we were gone ending up with a half marathon Thanksgiving weekend. We, also, had the opportunity to meet my nephew's wife. He is stationed outside Washington, D.C. right now. They are really a sweet couple. That's them in the middle.


And here's one with me and my handsome nephew:


On to the campground...we've seen signs warning of impending alligators, but this is the first time we've actually seen one. Actually, for a few days in a row, there was one sunbathing at noon...and these babies were NOT small!


Here's the sign that these creatures were determined to disobey. Notice the part "seldom seen at midday"...yeah, right!


There was a short trail that ran alongside this swampy marsh where the gators were seen. Now, mind you, that didn't occur to us when we ventured down the trail. We just headed out like no one's business.



Look how welcoming the paths look.

And a final note on the half marathon. Here is me crossing the Finish Line. I was very proud of my time since I wasn't trying to beat my best time. This race was used for training for a full I'm preparing for.



And, finally, by utter shock and surprise, I received 2nd Place in my age group!!! I never thought in my wildest dreams I could place in any half marathon! This was my last race before my birthday and last time to run in this age group. Kent ran in the 5k race. We loved the race and look forward to doing it again next year.

Homecoming & Baseball

A couple of weeks ago we went to see Shelby in her school's Homecoming Court at the game. We got there quite early so we took advantage of the walking track and made a couple of loops before going on over to the field. As a Maid, she chose and was escorted by her handsome brother, Spencer. She is so beautiful and deserved to be the Queen. She IS Queen in her family and a gorgeous one at that! Spencer was such a good brother to escort her. The one thing I loved about the court is that they were the only brother/sister duo! Though it's nice to have your Dad escorting you, I thought it was so special to have your brother do the honor. We love you both soooo much!!! After the court was presented and the Queen selected, we left and went to our sweet Landon's last baseball game. He is a natural in baseball. He has the stance downpat as well as playing offense and defense; even his running is great. Could I just say that I could eat him up, he is so cute!

This was a fabulous night. We loved every minute of it and wouldn't give a million dollars in exchange for 10 minutes of the night. Thank you, Lord, for blessing us so much with our family. Here are a few pictures we took. Hope you enjoy looking at them. FYI-the picture of shoes was Spencer's. They were talking about how big his feet were. Actually, he's growing up soooo fast! Too fast...

Thanks for visiting our blog...we love each and every one that comes by.

Busy, Busy, Busy

I don't think the word "busy" actually defines our lives in the last month. Mom had thyroid surgery and is doing well. My stepfather's aunt died in Florida (he was close to her).

We began preparing for a garage sale that included cleaning out, throwing away and separating items for the sale. It has been 2-3 years since we've done deep cleaning like we did in the last month. I probably could have had another couple of days to go through more things inside the house. It's really good to discard, share or sell things that we no longer care to own. Our building is nice and clean and it is actually not scary to go inside, ha!

We had a wonderful opportunity to visit with a cousin and his wife almost daily while they were in from Colorado. We enjoyed good ole southern home cooking and eating out, too. His old college roommate and wife ate out with us and it was nice hearing old stories. It was a great time making really good memories on a positive note and not surrounding a funeral or something negative.

And on top of that, we've kept up our running every day through all of this and have run in a couple of races. Another decision made during this time is that I've decided to run in my first marathon. This was a major decision! Kent, also, signed up to run in his first half marathon. I knew I was going to do the half but I've really been wanting to try a full marathon. This course is flat and shouldn't be so challenging. Thought it would be a good "first" one to do. Once that decision was made, it was like a cloud lifted off of me; fear kinda had me in its grips but no longer has its stronghold on me in this area. Now, I can't get enough reading and perusing first-time marathon articles. I have friends that have run them and now I feel I am qualified to enter the stadium, so to speak! It's exciting and scary all at the same time. For more information on my running, go here.

And there's more that was quite time consuming but I won't go into all that. Can I say again, "we've been busy!!" Then I wonder why I am tired and give out. Whew!! Isn't it great to be spent? Hope you've had a good fall beginning.

Visit

Last week we got the chance to visit with my parents. It was so nice. The day was a perfect temp and everyone felt well. We took them out to celebrate their anniversary at one of their favorite places to eat, Royal Buffet. This is one of the largest Chinese buffets we've gone to and has a great variety to select from, even if you don't like Chinese food. We always leave there stuffed. When we got home and rested some, Mom fixed a fruit plate that was so delicious. Just plain ole fruit. There was cantaloupe, honeydew melon, peaches and mango. We've never tasted mango and fell in love with it. It is one of the sweetest, fragrant fruits we've ever had. Needless to say, we'll be adding it to our "wants" (like fresh cherries) when they are in season. Here are a few pictures we took. I can hardly get Mom to smile but the one with her and Harry is one of the best pictures I've taken of them.

Kent always takes a perfect picture.



Great pic, you two!

S & S (Snake & Style)

Kent went outside a couple of days ago to get in his car and something caught the corner of his eye. He turned around to see what it was and there was a snake crawling up the door facing of our Storage Room on our carport!! For some unusual reason, the shovel was by the lawn mower. He ALWAYS puts it up. Guess God knew he was going to need it. It was at least two feet long! Here are some pictures upon death.



Does anyone know what kind it is?

Okay...on to something less invasive! I went to have my hair done today and decided I wanted to see what it would look straightened. So she played with my hair and this is how I left the salon. I think I like it...now, if only I can get it to look like this on my own. That will be the test to see if it will stay straight or go back to the curl!


What do you think?

Rambling

I haven't posted much on this blog lately but there HAS been a lot going on this summer. Our running blog stays quite busy as does our time running. It has been so hot that we're hoping all the hard work we are "trying" to do will pay off this fall. And, my diet has gone to pot! My stamping blog has been updated but not as often as it could be. It will be updated more in the days to come.

This time of year, also, brings back such wonderful, yet sad, memories of directing Day Camp at our church. I have missed it so much but, honestly, I don't know how I could have "fit" it in these last two summers. The last year I worked I had all the kinks worked out, state issues resolved and church members pretty much satisfied that things would work as usual with minor changes during these two months. I left it to run practically by itself and that was pleasing for me. The sweet children kept me wanting more and more and there wasn't a year that went by that I didn't cry because it was over!! I'm not just "saying" crying but actually crying! And, the first and hardest year, some of the children and parents SAW me crying...I couldn't hold back. After it was over, I would browse through that year's photos and reminisce...then I would look at them again seeing how much they had grown from the year before or even from the inception of Day Camp. Don't get me wrong...there's work involved-lots of it...but it never superceded the love I had for providing a fun summer for the children. And after a month's of rest, I could hardly wait for it to start again...call me crazy, I guess. I loved each child like a mother would and treated them as such. I remember many church members coming up to me when it was over and saying "aren't you glad it's over" and with tears welling up inside, I would emphatically say "No!" Truly, I don't believe they understood. Okay...nuf said on this subject!

Keep cool and I'll try to post a little more often than I have been. Now, off I go to get in a good run. Preparations for another half marathon will be rounding the corner soon. Once I healed from my fall earlier this year, the heat set in and my running distance has suffered. But I can hardly wait to get started again. Yay!! I love doing these!!

Fun Frenzy w/Fabulous Friends

We took our camper to Timberlake Campground at the Ross Barnett Reservoir so I could participate in Crop Connection's Summer Crop at Pearl Lower Elementary School. The first night we saw a most wonderful sunset. The sun was large and each moment it took setting was breath-taking. This was taken at our campsite with the reservoir waters between us and the sun.


Now on to the crop.


Amanda and Tiffany come all the way from the Mobile area. Tiffany has been so ill lately and I was glad to see she felt well enough to come. I hope you are completely well soon! Thanks, Amanda, for convincing her to come with you. It's always good to see you. Love you, girls!


Here's a look around a quarter of the room.

A lady (or two) showed up at the Crop with a great scrapbooking organizer, per se. And if you know anything about croppers, you'll know that all of us own many organizing things to "help" us put things in their proper place (oh yeah, that's where they stay). Once word got around, everyone wanted to get one of those chests. Yes, I said chest because that's what it is...a man's tool chest! It is a heavy duty tool chest on heavy duty wheels that lean back and rolls as a dolly. It stands hip high and when it opens up it slides back and reveals different levels of storage compartments. It's a dream! AND gotten at Lowe's. So two ladies across the table from us, Tammy and Boo (from Saucier), left and went to get them one. When they got back, more of us saw it. Shortly, two ladies behind me disappeared and went to get them one...the last Lowe's had! Many ladies were just beaming and so excited for the "deal" they got. After all, had it been classified as a scrapbooking item, it would have been double or triple in cost. Guess they knew a man wouldn't pay that kind of money.


Now on to the picture above...Valerie wanted one real bad, too. As a matter of fact, we talked about it off and on throughout the day and all of us were getting convinced that we couldn't live without one of these. So the next day came and when she showed up, she had one of them trailing behind her! She went to a different Lowe's and got her one. She was just tickled to death. See her showing it off to another lady just like it was a newborn baby. Just wait, Valerie, there may be more of your table mates with one when you see us next. *Ü* The good thing about it is that she began packing her toy...in essence cleaning out her stuff. All of us received such fun things so she could make room in her new scrapbooking, I mean, chest. Oh, yeah, we still love ya!


Back row: Valerie, Elwyn, me and Dawn. Front row: Nadine, Andrea and Deanna


Back row: Susan, Vana, Pat and Tammy. Front row: Barbara and Debbie (I hope I got your names straight, ladies.)


Finally, a picture of Dawn. She's already been shopping once with her $100 win. She's just beside herself. I'm so happy for you...AND jealous!!