Gaege and Harrison's visit

Springland got all spruced up for two very special guest. Our grandson Gaege and his good friend, Harrison. We had 3 days to make some special memories with these fine boys so we started out with the reenactment of the Battle of Franklin. With 7oo reenactors, horses, cannons, rifles and black powder, made for a great time for guys who love history. It was great to have Felly and Rob with us. Then we headed back to the house for a home cooked meal and chess, movies and down time. Sunday, was Sunday School and Church and a quick visit to see Great Grandmother and Merry and Terr. The afternoon was a awesome time at the Cumberland Science Museum and Juju had to pull the guys out of the building at closing time. They love this place. Back home to a fried chicken dinner. The next morning was work time and earning money for good attitudes and chores well done. With two truck loads of leaves and two trees sawed down they both got to add money to their pockets. In for lunch, showers and then off to see Mr. Fulton, a World War II veteran who gave us a personnel account of the Battle of the Bulge, on landing craft on 2nd day of the evasion at Normandy Beach, Berlin airlift, 99 missions to Korea and so much more. Mr Fulton was in Patton's army and had pictures of him. What a hero. Then back home to write thank you notes to Mr. Fulton and have Abby clean Gaege;s ears!!! Tuesday, was back to work for me and Louis driving the boys back to Memphis. after Louis brought Gaege and Harrison to have their teeth checked out. I think we covered every base and needless to say, a great time for all and we miss them!

Our daughter in law is having a Birthday

We are hearing in the Boro that Lisa is having a pretty BIG Birthday in Lakeland. Wish we were there to enjoy the fun and excitement. Thank you for our wonderful grand boys and for the special love you and Chad have for each other. Wishing you many more. We love you!

Celebrating The Queen's 84th Birthday

Yes, The Queen is having a Birthday, today. We don't know how you do it Mom, but we think you are amazing. Wishing you many more years of all the things you love. Happy Birthday!!

Happy Birthday, Sis

I am so thankful for my family and what a pleasure to share Birthdays as the years pass. Today, we celebrate Merry's Birthday and all that she means to us. Like, Mother and Natalie, Merry has so many passions and talents and she just keeps growing every year with creative things and adventures and blesses all those around her. I wish her the best in life and a wonderful year. I love you, Sis !

Abby's Young Journey

My daughter planned a special night for Louis, Mom and I last night. She wanted to share with us some of the things she has learned in life and had put into words in a story she wrote in her writing class while pursuing her Masters degree. We were all told to be at Mom's at 6 o'clock. Abby had planned, as she does so well, a night to remember with a special supper of every one's favorite dish, small talk, coffee and then her reading of "Strength Through Generations." As I watched my daughter explain, through thoughtful insight, how she views her life she went from her grandparent's roots in Watertown, Tennessee until today, as a young 2nd grade teacher. I sat in amazement of her writing and how she had taken 3 generations and found such a correlation of that time, her inherited strength, and above all faith. Mother, Louis and I were humbled to be the subjects of her depth of remembrance and insight. I am at home now, reading and rereading and looking in between the lines, only to see how our merciful God uses all things for good to those who love Him. My fervent prayer for my unexpected gift from God, Abby, is that she will continue to see the things that God has for her and also be able to discern the things that aren't meant for her. I thank you, Abby, for your heart and understanding. What a joy to help you with your classroom and those precious children who might, one day, start with YOU as they REMEMBER!

Celebration of 10 Wonderful years

On our anniversary, we quietly slipped off to Sewanee, Tennessee to revisit the place we were married. Louis and I both will agree that this passed decade has been the best of our lives. We sit in amazement of the love we have found and God's blessings on us as He orchestrated our meeting. Louis has shown my children and I what selfless and unconditional love is and how sweet everyday life can be. In 2001, just in time for our wedding, Louis found, on a mountain top in Tennesse , the place we called "The Falls" because of the huge 3 stage waterfall that started at our front door and ended at the bottom of the gorge. The beauty of this place will never be forgotten and as Kate, my niece, so beautifully wrote in the poem she penned and recited for our wedding "the Thundering of the waterfalls", was heard all over the property. Working and trying to keep 2 homes was more than we wanted to handle so, reluctantly, we sold the Falls after 4 years of pleasure and adventure. Louis, then set out to design and build, Springland. His heart was again set to give his bride an unique and new adventure, which indeed it has been. As we celebrate Memorial Day, I will share our 1st display of the American Flag at Springland. Also, the entrance, bluff view, garden spot and porch at the Falls where we married. There is a glimpse of the waterfall in one picture, but the beauty of the Falls could never be captured on film. Finally, a picture of my wonderful husband with all his charm and wit. Louis and I thank God for his blessings on our country and for His hand on our lives. We pray for His continued protection of America and for many more years together. As Louis says, he is asking for 20 more years with an option for another 20. I love this Man!