I Heart My Cousins!

I've heard it said that our cousins are our

first friends and I think that's true. 



Ellis cousins: Kelly Rae, Gregory & me, probably circa 1970
We were always close when we were little.



I was blessed to have wonderful cousins

on both sides of my family and lots of them!



Kelly Rae, me & Gregory again, Summer 2010
We still love each other!



I'm sure we had our share of childhood

squabbles but I only remember loving them all.



Frye Cousins: Susie, me, Diana, Junior & my brother Ray
December 2006



Today I'm thankful for my cousins ...

I love you all!

(The pictures posted don't come close to representing

everyone I'd like to include ... I've got a lot of cousins! :)

Kelly Rae, me & Lorena Gayle, Summer 2009

My cousin Jack & his youngest son Tanner.
(Sadly, Jack passed away in January 2009)

My cousin Diana, with sweet Miss Addy (her granddaughter)
 and her daughter, Jenny, December 2010

On the right, my cousin Terrie (we call her 'ToTo')
& her daughter Stasha Lynne

Me & my cousins Trinka & Dawn on 'Sea Boots' my uncle (their daddy's) boat,
in Long Beach, CA, circa 1964. Trinka & I were 3, Dawn was 9.

Trinka Leigh & I, July 1976, age 15, as
bridesmaid in Dawn's wedding
She & I were very close growing up -- we were only
six-weeks apart (yes, I was the oldest ;)

Friends of Long Ago ...

 I was 16 when my parents decided it was time to
"go home".  So the summer before my

Senior year in high school, we relocated 
to the place where both my parents

were born and raised.

I was okay with the move (which was just as well)
as it been a cherished place in my childhood.
Every summer we had made the pilgrimage to
'Almost Heaven West Virginia'
and indeed, it was a city kid's paradise!

I actually had every intention of
returning "home" after graduation but I
fell in love, married & had two babies
before I made the journey back to
'my home' eighteen years later.

I did mange to stay in contact with a few of my
childhood friends but, sadly, as is often the
case, I lost touch with just as many.
(If we'd had the luxury of the internet way back then, I'm certain most, if not all, of
those relationships would have remained intact!)

Today I'm thankful for those friends of long ago,
some I still hear from on occasion, others
I haven't seen or heard from in years and
still others have gone on to heaven.

The friends I honor today brought
such joy to my life and I can say each one still
holds a special place in my heart!

I love you all!
(I don't have pictures of them all but here are a few ...)

Me & my BFF Libba, age 14
We were inseparable!

Libba & I (16 y/o)  in a photo booth @ Magic Mountain

Here we are again, 18 years later, having an iced coffee! It was as
though we'd never been apart!

Anna, me & Libba, 18 years later, during my visit in March 1996.

Luanne Zachary & Becky Benefield - I loved them both!
(Sadly, Luanna has gone to be with the Lord but we'll meet again some day!)

Sonjia, Kelly & I, June 1978



BTW:
(In closing, it has to be said that in the 32 years I've been here, I've made many, many friends that I love & cherish just as much and there's no doubt those friends will be a part of my 28 days of thankfulness!:)

Stir up the gift ...

"... Stir up the gift of God, which is in thee ..."

II Timothy 1:6

Today my thankful has to do with the great group of teens

and young adults that I'm involved with in my church. 



"Going Through The Motions"



"Stirred" is their name.



"Set Me Free"



Drama is their ministry.



"Everything"

I've been blessed to me a part of them.



"Stained Glass Masquerade"





Jaimee had to take a break from 'Stirred" to have twins Jaycee & Jayla
but she'll be back soon! I love & miss you Jaimee!



Lazy Saturday ...

Today has been one of those Saturdays when, if asked,

what I accomplished I would have to say "Not a thing"...

I did my grocery shopping on Thursday evening.

My dear hubby went to the bank for me this morning.

Emmy & I have hung out all day, drawing pictures,

watching movies & wiggling that loose tooth she's got ...

Papaw even joined us & took a nap on the loveseat.

Em (still wiggling her tooth) & her Papaw relaxing, enjoying a
lazy Saturday afternoon

We've had wind, rain, some sleet and occasionally the sun

peaks through the grey clouds.

So on this February Saturday, I'm thankful

for the moments of sunshine & day to lounge around

my warm home with the hubs & my Emmy Rae.

Anna 'Boochie' ...

     

My Boochie girl.

Sweet as sugar.

She's not a morning person.

She makes me laugh.

A lot.

She loves her family.

Tells them often.

I sense greatness in her.

She's a bit bossy ;)





Papaw & Anna Elisabeth -- the first time they met, October 2007



Life is like a piano ...

This past Fall, while deep in my nesting mode, I decided that I wanted to take up the piano ... again.

I had taken lessons for a few years in my early teens but, as is often the case, I lost interest and quit.  Of all the things my parents insisted I do, I sure wish piano lessons had been one of them. Not learning to play has been one of my biggest regrets.

For a brief time, when my boys were little, I tried again but life got in the way.  The desire to learn was there but I reasoned that I simply didn't have the time for such frivolity. I was a busy wife & mother of two boys who were involved in everything coming and going. So long lessons :(


Only this time when I quit I also got rid of  the piano. It was a huge upright that had been graciously given to me so I decided to do the same. I had a friend who played beautifully but didn't have a piano in her home. She was thrilled to get it and I was happy to give it. She still has it and still plays beautifully!

When the strong desire to learn to play, once again, reared it's musical head I almost felt silly. I told myself, "Give it up Kimberly. You blew it. Forget about it girl. You don't even have a piano". Well, that much was true. When I discussed my desire with the hubs, he encouraged me to do it and suggested that we buy a piano (see why I keep him around? ;) I loved his idea but I certainly didn't want to invest a lot of money in one.

This is where the wonderfulness of the Internet comes in. I simply did a search for pianos for sale in my area and was pleasantly surprised to find several. I made a few phone calls and found a woman whose story was similar to mine. She had wanted to learn to play, her father had bought her a piano, she took lessons, lost interest and quit.  Since it was obvious to her (at least at this point in her life) that she wasn't going to learn and her daughter had no interest, she decided to sell her piano (and at a price I could afford) -- SOLD!

To make a long story short (I know, I know ... too late) I'm pursuing my dream. I fully intend to one day be able to sit down in front of my piano, look at any piece of music and play it and I'm not giving up until I can do exactly that.  The fact that I'm a grandmother only makes me appreciate it more. I know it will take a lot of time and effort to achieve my dream and I'm willing to invest that and more to make it come true.  I'm thankful to have been given another opportunity to do so. After all ....

"Life is like a piano. What you get out of it depends on how you play it" ~ Author Unknown

I Heart Groundhogs

I must admit that this was not what I had in mind for 

Day #2 of my 'Countin' My Blessings' post but with that said ...

I had decided that this year I wouldn't watch

ol' Phil and his silly prediction and I didn't.

BUT when I heard the news I couldn't resist ....

Really?

No shadow?

What does this mean?

Well, not a thing but it brought a bit of whimsy to this windy February day and

in my opinion that's definitely a blessing worthy of counting!

Just the thought that perhaps Spring

 will be sprung sooner rather than later warms my heart.

Since I've always been quick to criticize 'Phil' when he sees his shadow

I thought I should praise him when he doesn't!

Woohoo!  WTG 'Phil'!

Happy Groundhog Day!

Countin' my blessings .....

My blessings are many  numerous innumerable so

in an attempt to distract myself from all things winter,

I will, for the next 28 days, focus on the people or 'things' 

that I enjoy, love or have been blessed to have had in my life.

Today’s wonderful thing is …………

My Dutch Oven



Per my request, my parents got me a Dutch oven for Christmas. So there would still be some element of surprise, I asked my mom to pick out the color and I must say,

 she did a fabulous job (I knew I could trust her!).   

I use it all the time & I’m not quite sure what I did without it. 

Because it is very heavy and used nearly every day, it's home is on top of the stove.

 It cooks up a pot of beans quicker & smoother than anything I’ve ever seen. 

Vegetable beef stew, potato soup …. yummo!

You can saute, brown and roast in it …

versatility in a pretty pot!

I love it! 

 
Please note that these wonderful things (or people) will be presented in a random fashion as they pop in my head and not in their order of importance (or wonderfulness) in my life.  

If for some reason you're not listed (and feel that you should be ;) 

just know that it's only because February has 28 days and like I said 

"My blessings are innumberable"!

Have a wonderful day everyone!

If February is here, can Spring be far behind? Nope! ;)

Ponderings of My Heart



Today is my oldest son’s 31^st birthday.

Thirty-one.  Wow. That’s a lot.

Every year as each of my son’s birthdays draw near

I find myself looking back with fond remembrances.

I’m certain this is a common practice among mothers every where

Although it’s not something we always voice.

Whether you’re a mom to 1 or (what is it now?) 19

Each pregnancy, labor and delivery is as unique as each child.

We keep those quiet thoughts close inside our hearts

And they, like our children, are treasures.

I love this scripture.

I think it’s beautiful …

But Mary kept all these things & pondered them in her heart.

Luke 2:19

This is never more true than with your firstborn,

For it’s your firstborn who made you “Mom”.

Their new beginning is your new beginning.

Until this moment, you never really knew

How much you could love. You are both rookies in a sense.

They’ve never had a Mom and you’ve never been one.

And while the same is true for subsequent children

It’s no longer true for you. You are no longer a rookie.

You are now armed with a wealth of knowledge,

A seasoned veteran. Lessons learned, born of love.

Each new addition will, no doubt, benefit from your experience.

No practice needed. “I’ve got this”…

I’ve lovingly referred to Joshua as my ‘practice child’

And with that, let me say this …

“Practice makes perfect”.

Happy birthday Joshua!

Your momma loves you

xoxo



 

 

Can I Have Some Order Please!

“Winter storm warning, 3-6 inches of snow … Thursday evening through Friday morning” says the forecaster … Ugh … not again.  But it’s January and snow is in order … Order …

I’m actually a fan of order. I’m unable to function without it. Nothing can make me turn into a blubbering idiot quite like the absence of order. I even enjoy the definition of the word:

1. a condition of methodical or prescribed arrangement among component parts such that proper functioning or appearance is achieved; 2. a condition in which freedom from disorder or disruption is maintained through respect for established authority.  

What’s not to love about that? It comforts me. God is into order as well.  Ecclesiastes Chapter 3:1-2 says:

To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted …

I’ll not include the whole passage (v 1-8) but I encourage you to read it for yourself. Sounds like order to me though. How about you? Yep.

This winter has been a season of learning for me.  You know the children’s song so many of us learned in Sunday School …

“He’s still working on me. To make me into what I ought to be.

 It took Him just a week to make the moon and the stars,

the sun and the Earth and Jupiter and Mars.

 How loving and patient He must be.

He’s still working on me”.

Yeah, that would be me. A work in progress. I’m learning to enjoy a few things about winter. Surprised? Me too.  One of the things I’ve learned is that it brings some people such joy.  Yes, there are those who truly enjoy the snow (you know who you are ;). This realization has caused me to take a good long look (no really, I’ve stared at the stuff!) and while its coldness is not something I enjoy personally, I can appreciate its beauty (from the confines of my warm home) … its crispness … its ability to cover up the ugliness the besets the grey hills once Autumn has bid us farewell … the quiet it almost seems to command as it falls … (perhaps it really is ‘angel dandruff’ ;) … and I’ve learned to appreciate the time we’re allotted when we are forced to slow down. Stay in. Rest.  

 So I’ll endure … “But he (or she ;) that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved” ~~ Jesus (Matthew 24:13) … yes, I know the Lord was talking about the end of time but really, I have had moments when the grayness of the winter sky makes me feel as though the end is near (I’ll wrap this up before I get too dramatic! ;)

So in this season, the snow is in order and I’m (learning to be) okay with that. But I’m thrilled to know that the peeping frogs, chirping birds, daffodils and tulips of Spring, in their assigned season, are also part of His order (and something to dream about & look forward to ;).  “The steps of a good man (or woman) are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his ways” ~~ The Psalmist David (Psalms 23:7) … Awww, order, I love it!

January morning glory ...

"Morning glory is the best name,

it always refreshes me to see it"

~~ Henry David Thoreau ~~





Winter lies too long ...



"Winter lies too long in country towns;

hangs on until it is stale and shabby,

old and sullen"

~Willa Cather~

January ... Oh January ...

January … BBBRRRRRR … 31 days of blue cold weather. It was 7º outside this morning.  Not only am I not a fan of snow but I detest the cold in general.  Once my bones are chilled, I never feel warm again (not even under flannel sheets, three quilts & a comforter) … well, at least not until the Spring thaw.  Let me just say, that kind of cold can make a girl feel blue (& a bit cranky!).  Never am I more in touch with my Southern California raising then when winter arrives. It’s then that I feel a bit like a stranger in a foreign land (ok, I’ve exaggerated here a bit for effect but you get my point, right?;) With that said, I have never made such an attempt to avoid the wintertime blues as I have this year. I’m really quite pleased with myself and have decided the effort I’ve made reflects character growth.  (Please no comments on what a character I am. I’m trying to be a grown up here).

In the past, I’ve always thought that if I can just get through January, I'd be alright. February, with its 28 days, has a lot to offer. In addition to its brevity, it brings a cute distraction in the form of ‘Groundhog Day’. Each year I anxiously await “Punxsutawney Phil” and his prediction as to whether or not we will have to endure six more weeks of winter.  There have been many years, given the opportunity, I would’ve choked that stupid groundhog as he always seems to see his shadow.  So it’s likely I can be heard on February 2^nd voicing my displeasure because of that dumb rodent and his prediction. As if his being frightened by his shadow actually meant the continuation of winter weather was somehow written in stone.  Ridiculous you say?  I know. Maybe this year, I’ll skip that portion of the winter program. Why give a groundhog that much power? 

Valentine’s Day is really February’s claim to fame, don’t you think? Hopeless romantic that I am, I can really get behind a month that has a day set aside for the celebration of all things LOVE!  What’s not to love about a day where you are actually expected to indulge in the eating of chocolate? I knew you’d agree! Well, wait a minute, I know what you’re thinking. Sometimes February has 29 days. Well, that happens once every four years.  Really, what kind of a whiner do you think I am?  I can handle it (and I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it ;)

Then there’s March, and while it’s true that, like January, it has 31 days, it’s also the month that boasts the end of winter and ushers in Spring! I have always held fast to the motto “I can do anything for a little while” thus the reason March has never posed much of a challenge for me and my psyche.  In the 32 winters I’ve spent in Appalachia, we’ve had several HUGE snows in the month of March but that’s okay.  It’s March … really, even if it does snow “hub deep to a ferris wheel” (and it has) how long can it last? Not long, right? Exactly. So have at it Ol' Man Winter … “I don’t dread you none” (my husband used to say that when he was younger –in reference to what I don’t remember- but it amused me terribly).  March is also home to the beginning of Daylight Savings , St. Patrick’s Day, and, on occasion,  Easter!  What a great month, huh?  Agreed!

Oh, how I long for Spring, but alas, for now, it’s still January.  But wait, upon reflection, there have indeed been moments in my life where this long cold month has redeemed itself.   After all, it was a on cold January day in 1979 that I married my high-school sweetheart.  Thirty-two years later, that sweet boy who stole my heart still has it.  It was early on a January morn in 1980 when I became a momma for the first time.  I will never forget my first moments with that precious babe, who stopped his crying as soon as he heard my voice.  That moment, would be the first of many joys he and his brother would bring me in the most fulfilling role of my life.  Just the thought of it warms my heart and soul … January, oh January, I may owe you an apology.

Monday 2011 ...

It’s the first Monday of 2011 and I got up bright & early (but only because the phone rang), I’ve snuggled with my Boochie-girl (who was also woke up early by the phone), made her breakfast, read my Bible, had my devotions & prayed.  Hmmmm, this Monday, this NEW Monday, is not too dissimilar from my Mondays of yesteryear (aka 2010 ;) …. What’s up with that?

Shouldn’t I be working on menu plans, a new budget (so awesome it will free the Dial Home from debt in 2011;), clipping coupons,  mopping  floors, vacuuming, dusting, stripping beds … shouldn’t I?  Uh, the answer to that question is “yes”…. and I will …

I spent the last evening of 2010 just as I did last New Year’s Eve, with a group of ladies from my church … laughing, bonding (which always includes eating in the Church of God:), learning, teaching, praising and praying our way into the new year and I’m so glad I did. Yes, there was effort made to get there and I’m glad I made the effort but more importantly, I’m glad I was given the opportunity to do so.  This was the second year the ladies of our church met on New Year’s Eve and I hope it becomes an annual event.  It’s powerful … encouraging … necessary.   

I’m looking forward to what 2011 holds, although I’m aware of a few challenges it promises to bring, but that’s okay, ‘cause I also know that the Lord is in control and I absolutely trust and know that He’s a Father with my best interest in mind. No worries there :)

Here are a few pictures of our meeting on New Year's Eve ...

 We had a small group but The Word says "where two or three are gathered ...."

 "Sis. Pastor" ... Dreama Wilson

 DJ (who turned from the camera!), my mom, Sis. Darlene & Sis. Sheila (on the front row)

 Natalie blessed us with a song & did a fantastic job!

Sis. Coreen, Sis. Janice, Sis. Marcella & Sis. Lee

 DJ turned away again!

Little Miss Lexi sang for us too! 

So, I’ll get to "all things Monday" in a little while.  I’ve learned in my nearly 32 years of homemaking it’ll be there … no one is going to jump in and do it for me (unfortunately!;)  but first, I want to encourage any and all who read this to schedule time in your life for God.  It’s the Word that was given for our church, which means it’s for all of us. Make time for Him …. develop your relationship with Him & nurture it throughout 2011, one on one. You’ll be glad you did!

Ok, now onto my day …. God bless!

Merry Christmas!

It's Christmas Eve & I just wanted to take a moment this morning to wish each of you a very Merry Christmas from our home to yours!  I hope 'Santa' is good to you this year. 

We will have a white Christmas here in the Mountain State (with a predicted 2-4" of new fallen snow by morn) and, for many, that's a Christmas wish come true.  Having grown up in SoCal I prefer a Christmas in the mid 70's with lots of sunshine ;)

 Gals at the annual Christmas cookie swap gals @ The Blankenship Home, Dec. 17th, 2010

 The stockings were hung by the 'chimney' with care!

 My angel-grandgirlies are growing up so quickly. They were both part of the 'Little Angel Choir' in our church play this year -- 'Angels on Assignment'

Emmy Rae with her teddy @ this year's Christmas program at her school.  She's in Kindergarten (sniff, sniff) -- how that happened so fast is a mystery to her Nana!

I can only imagine that next week, being the last week of  2010, will be one of deep reflection for the majority of us ladies -- we tend to do that don't we? I pray your reminscing brings back wonderful memories & few regrets.  The Lord has certainly been good to my family this year (& in all the year's past!). Praying for you & your families now & in the coming year.

Merry Christmas!



Christmas Traditions ... they comfort me!

Let me begin by saying "I love Christmas".  Few things make me feel as warm, cozy & loved as being surrounded by family at our home for Christmas Eve dinner.  It's tradition. We've lived here for 26 years now and for just as many years our families have gathered at the Dial Home for dinner and to exchange gifts.  As our children turned into teens & their friends got their drivers license, it wasn't unusual for them to drop in and they were always welcome!  My oldest son had a friend who showed up for so many years (even after he joined the service) that the first year he didn't show, several asked "Where's Travis"? 

Our Fall Creek Christmas Eves are a tradition born of love and ... compromise. "Compromise?" you say ... well, yes.  When I was growing up Christmas Eve was really just another night at the house with one exception -- Daddy would take us to Downey, a wealthy community near our home in Southern California ('The Carpentars' lived there!) whose residents went all out.  It was always so lovely and still one of my favorite childhood memories.  Then it was back to the house where we were sure to go to bed relatively early in anticipation of Santa's visit (in our new PJ's so we'd look our best for Christmas morning pics!).  My brother (who was 7 years my junior) & I were, as you might suspect, early risers on December 25th. I can still hear his voice "Sissy, he came" and then, it was on -- stockings were always first then onto the gifts.  Oh yeah and somewhere in between we had to wake up mom & dad so that mom 'could see our faces'.  My brother Ray & I are still big believers! As far as I'm concerned when you stop believing you're in danger of not receiving (wink, wink) ... & I think I'm onto something because jolly ol' St. Nick fills my stocking full and I awake to wonderfulness every Christmas morn. So I ask you, why would I ever doubt? No reason that I can think of! ;)

My hubby's childhood Christmases were quite different, in that Christmas Eve was the big event! Santa even came to his house and delivered his gifts first (while his family was at dinner at his paternal great-grandfather's home "Poppy").  His dad explained the reason for Santa's early visitation to Branchland was because Ol' Kris Kringle had a long night ahead of him and well, why not stop at Branchland first? It worked out perfectly ... that way Roger  was able to enjoy his gifts that evening before the family, once again, went to visit, this time to Wayne County to see his maternal grandparents on Christmas Day.

When we married, I couldn't imagine Santa not coming in the night, slipping quietyly into our home to leave gifts & fill stockings but I didn't want to throw his childhood remembrances and traditions out without a thought so .... hmmmmm, what to do? What to do? I know! We'll combine them ... ah hah, a compromise ... perfect!  Thus began our tradition .... we would have dinner & exchange gifts with friends & family on Christmas Eve but Santa would fill stockings and leave more gifts in the night ... I was onto something!

In the early years of our marriage, my MIL still lived in the area and we spent Christmas Eve at her home and exchanged and opened presents, ate dessert and then we were back to our home to get to bed early and awake to Santa gifts.  My parents & brother were invited as well because, you know the story, they never did anything on Christmas Eve any way (even after our move back East).  Christmas day would be at my parent's home and we'd have dinner there and open more gifts and another stocking was filled! (I love Santa! ;)

So 1984 was the first year we hosted Christmas Eve dinner (I had never baked a turkey before, much less all the trimmings!) and it was wonderful ... so wonderful it's continued all these years. My boys, who are now 30 & 28, were only 4 & 2 then ... where has the time gone? I have no idea :/ but we have wonderful memories of all those years.  Our family has grown and my kitchen, dining room and living room are filled .... we love it!  Our two sons have multiplied and together, with their wives & children, now number 7, my brother is now 3 instead of 1 (and BTW, we will have another little one Christmas 2011 as my SIL is expecting their 2nd child in August!) ... you get the jest of it .... families grow and hey, isn't that what they are supposed to do? Yes!

My goal is that one day my grandbabies will speak of fond remembrances of Christmas Eve on Fall Creek at Nana & Papaw's.  I know both of my boys have wonderful childhood Christmas memories, of that I am certain.  While some rebel against tradition, I embrace it. I love it. It comforts me.  This year will be the third without our oldest son and his family as the Navy had other plans. I have to work on not being sad and I can't tell you how much they are missed. I trust the Lord completely and believe that soon they'll be back here with us for on Fall Creek for our traditional family Christmas Eve safe & sound.

Oh my, I almost forgot to mention a tradition Roger & I begin with our boys very early on. After dinner and before the first gift is opened, the Christmas story in Luke Chapter 2: 1-20 is read as a reminder of why we gather and exchange gifts ... to celebrate the birth of Christ, our Savior! 

Wishing you all a very "Merry Christmas" & choice blessings to you & yours now & in the coming new year!

Here's my heart ... our precious grandgirlies ...

Emmy, KyKy & Boochie

Adorable Christmas Elves!