The Way It Was

I'm thinking about how it used to be. Does that mean I'm getting old? Or just that life really was innocent and good when I grew up?

Hard work in tobacco fields.

Delicious meals cooked by Mom, no matter how busy she was.

Fresh strawberries raised close to our house.

Picking wild blackberries - eating the pies Mom made.

Playing with my cousins til dark - catching lightning bugs in jars.

Knowing without a doubt that I was loved.

Three brothers - one who loved to torture us with his temper, one who was the peacemaker, and one who was the baby of the family - more than a little spoiled.

My mom made the best yeast rolls I've ever tasted - and she made them often.

Christmas = tangerines, oranges, apples, candy as well as toys. I still remember Christmas when I smell a tangerine.

Lewis Miller's store - going there on rainy days when my dad couldn't work.

My mom on her Ford tractor.

First trip to the beach - the ocean was so big and so loud!

Things we didn't have and I didn't miss: Cell phones, Ipods, huge tv's, malls, computers (I am glad we have them now). Seems like we had more time.

Remembering Vietnam...

I never know what triggers the memories. Memories of my 20 year old husband leaving for Vietnam. Memories of him returning home wounded in his body and soul. Struggling to return to his life - our life. His nightmares. His injuries. His courage. He never complained, he just put his mind to living his life. He has never talked about Vietnam except a few times with others who were there. It is hard to believe how young we were and how hard it was. He is good and brave and strong. I think the hardest part for him was having so many friends who didn't come home. I think of them often - I can only imagine how often he thinks of them. I didn't know them, but they touched my life - they gave their lives for our freedom. I hope each of us will say "Thank you" to the next soldier we meet.

Mother's Day

A wonderful day! Jeremiah was dedicated this morning - surrounded by family and friends. We had lunch with Josh and Becky - her parents, grandparents and brother were there as well as Perry. I wish Dale and Tristan could have been there, but they were with their Mom.

Josh cooked burgers and hot dogs on the grill. Lots of good food.

Perry's birthday is today - he was born on Mother's Day. I baked a pound cake - especially for him.

Jeremiah was so cute today - and funny. We all laughed so hard. He has a toy that he can hold on to and walk. He must have made 20 laps through the house. He is so thrilled with walking.I know his legs are tired tonight.

We have had so much rain! Good for the garden and grass. Everything is green.

We have Romaine Lettuce, Iceberg Lettuce, Radishes and Spinach ready to eat - delicious.

Becky &I picked strawberries recently. I made jam and froze the rest of the berries.

Becky made this mother's day card for me.