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Show and Tell Tuesday

It has become one of my favorite posts…

This Tuesday’s

Show and Tell

features a piece of furniture that contains more history than I can share in one post.

To begin, this lovely Lane cedar chest (aka hope chest) was a gift from my parents when I turned eighteen and/or graduated from high school.  I’m not sure if it was a birthday gift or a graduation gift, but I still have this beautiful piece of furniture that I cherish.  Inside I have memories of my high school years, my three babies, and my twelve years with First Guaranty Bank.  There are Beanie Babies, a baton, a tiara, and cards that were given to me by loved ones.Recently I opened my cedar chest because I was looking for a giraffe that I seem to have misplaced.

(So I have a thing about giraffes.  Don’t judge.)

A few of the items I came across are worth sharing.

These are Church DirectoriesI began attending Faith Memorial Baptist church with my parents, before I was born.  I attended this church until 1997.  These directories contain pictures and information of the members of the church.  It is interesting to flip through and look at the people who were at one time a part of my life.

This poem

was written by my Mama while she dealt with the grief of losing her father.

This is what it says:

At set of sun in times long past, I see him coming home at last
We’d run to meet him one by one, happy that the day was done
A special word, a hug, a kiss, would let him know how he’d been missed
A crowded table with sumptuous fare, he never tired of being there.
(Did we realize what we had? That special place, a loving Dad.)
He’d settle back in his old chair, content to rest, to just be there.
We’d find a place upon his lap, maybe he would take a nap.
We learned of Jesus at his knee, of how he died upon a tree.
He told us of a home on high, how we could go there by and by.
Of our Father’s gracious love, bestowed on us from up above.

And now the sun has set once more, reflected on that golden shore.
The fluttering of angels wings, bear him heavenward as they sing.
His home awaits, the table set; joy replaces all regret.
Loved ones who’ve been waiting there, bid him welcome as they share
Hugs and kisses, special words,
And then his eyes behold the Lord.
Son, welcome home, the day is through. I’ve been waiting here for you.
…He’s settled now in heaven’s care, content to rest, to just be there…

 

It is a beautiful tribute and now has a place in my family scrapbook.

 

This is a big flower

from my baby boy.

He made this flower for his mama and placed his cute little picture in the center.  Obviously I love it as it has been with me for 20+ years.

This is a big message

from a little girl.

My firstborn DaughterShe is quite an imaginative little artist.  I especially appreciate the Jasmine inspired floating head.

Even today, Stephanie still has a fascination with all things Disney.

This Comic Book

was written by that same little boy in the above mentioned flower… Richard Starling.

It is a first volume publication by Marble Comics and is titled “The Nother World”

One day I will create a post dedicated to this comic book.

Both of my Memas

are gone now.

Mema Reid left us in 2007.  Mema Duck left us in 2010.

How lucky am I to have had a relationship with both of my grandmothers.  They loved me and I love them.

And I miss them both.

There is so much more… I may have to open that chest again next week.and I found that giraffe!

Gina

There is a special bond between sisters that is unlike any other.
This I know from personal experience because of my sister Gina.  I can’t imagine what my life would have been without her (thank you Mama).

Today is Gina’s birthday

and this is for her:

 

You are my little sister and my forever friend
You’ll always be a part of me, on that you can depend.We started out together, were besties from the start;
We’re similar in many ways, my younger counterpart. We share family, the same parents, several secrets and good looks,
fondness for little kitties, You’ve Got Mail and Disney books.We’ve shared each other’s happy times, we’ve also shared our dreams.
Our life is filled with memories of laughter (and it seems)

Although our times together are not as often as before,
meet with me at Mama’s, and we’re back in time once more.Time and space may separate, and though we’re oft apart
You’re never very far from me, you’re always in my heart.Other friends have come and gone, but heartstrings know no end,
Your sister will be here for you, on Me you can depend.You are my little sister,
I hope that you can see…How very precious that you are
and how you’ll always be.

Happy Birthday Gina!

National Middle Child Day

“Each year on August 12th, National Middle Child Day is observed across the United States. This day gives special recognition to the middle child in the family” (source).

Amanda

is My Middle Childand she is a delight!

I searched google to find a National Day for the Oldest Child/First-Born and Youngest Child and I could not.  It is possible that Middle Children are given a special day because they sometimes experience

Middle Child Syndrome

There was no middle child in my family when I was growing up, only myself and my sister Gina.  Being the first-born in my family, it is difficult for me to imagine a disorder associated with birth order.  Therefore I am puzzled by the Middle Child Syndrome being a reality that some children experience.  The first-born is many times considered to be the leader, while the youngest, or “baby of the family” has his own special place.  Does this leave the middle child without a special place or role?  I have three children and happen to know that the middle child does in fact have a special role.

But research indicates that this syndrome is very real.  These children may feel they are given scant attention and that their siblings are recognized more than they.

Amanda

in my opinion, is an exception to the rule!Amanda is special for so many reasons.

For example:

she is a natural born leader and adventurer.This picture was taken during a tour of the United States Capitol in 2007.  Amanda was the tour guide.  She took the initiative to go to Washington D.C. and serve as an intern for Senator Mel Martinez while she was “just a baby”.  And isn’t she lovely?She also gave me a tour of the city, and obediently posed with the flowers for this picture.

Amanda is very imaginative and a lot of fun to be with.

But she also has a serious sideand beautiful blue-green eyes.

She has a Master’s Degree; graduating from UNF with honors.

I am very proud of her and hope that she is only teasing when she calls herself “the forgotten child”.

At this point she must know that she is anything but forgotten.   Maybe we should start referring to them as the “Central” as opposed to the “Middle”.

Happy Central Child Day Amanda!

Note to Stephanie and Richard: Be forewarned.  Even though there is no National First-Born Day or National Youngest Child Day… I’m a Blogger, and I’ll embarrass you too.

Friday Favorites

Happy Friday Everyone!

It’s my favorite day of the week and time for my favorite post…

Friday Favorites

Is it acceptable for a grown woman to like Marvel Comic movies?  I just can’t help myself.

Favorite # ONE

LB and I watched Guardians of the Galaxy early in the week and we both enjoyed it immensely.  This Sci-Fi  Superhero movie doesn’t disappoint!  The characters are an extraterrestrial team of misfits who each have their own agenda, but ban together to achieve a joint objective.  During the story, their appreciation for each other leads to a heartwarming friendship.  The interaction is amusing.  The plot is interesting.  The music is excellent!  I am looking forward to watching the sequel!

Click the links to watch the trailers

Favorite # TWO

Favorite # Two is a website… susanlucci.com

I’ve never watched the soap opera “All My Children”, but I KNOW who Susan Lucci is.  You know who she is too!

This woman is SEVENTY years old and drop dead gorgeous.  When I found her website, I discovered that she likes to do Pilates.  Well there you have it!  Pilates is the secret to lifelong beauty.

I searched online for her site after I happened to see her in an episode of The Kitchen.

Favorite # THREE

Speaking of the kitchen, I spent some time in My kitchen recently to prepare for the celebration of National Raspberry Cream Pie Day.  Obviously I don’t need much of a reason to celebrate.

Tuesday, August 1st was National Raspberry Cream Pie Day.

Because I am easily distractedI didn’t read the ‘Cream Pie’ part and assumed it was a raspberry cake that was the subject of celebration.  Sadly, instead of a Raspberry Cream Pie, I made a Raspberry Cake.

Happily, it was a GOOD cake!

If a cake hangs around too long in my house, it gets cut into slices, wrapped individually, and stored in the freezer.  Pop a frozen slice into the microwave for 30 seconds and enjoy a warm dessert that is almost as good as it was right out of the oven.

Favorite # FOUR

The Venus catalog that came in the mail this week

The Paisley Boho Dress on the cover caught my eye right away.  Isn’t it cute?  Must have.

Favorite # FIVE

Saving the BEST for last… this picture of my son and his sweet little girlLydia broke her toe recently and spent some time wearing this boot.

Richard has recently started blogging.  His style is very different from mine, but I like it.  You can find his blog here.   I am very proud of him and his desire to complete that which he was called to do.

Happy Birthday Lydia!

The invitations were in the mail

and arrangements were made for Lydia’s birthday party to take place at my Mama’s house.  As a matter of fact, when I arrived home from work on Friday night, the kids were at her house decorating for the next day.

Everyone was preparing for the big party… anticipating having a great time!Peanuts dancing peanuts charlie brown a charlie brown christmas GIF

Then a discovery was made.  Mama had a broken water pipe in her front yard.  LB turned off the water at the street and began investigating the trouble.   Soon after the discovery, a conversation with the water company revealed the pipe may have been leaking for 10 days.  It turned out to be a tree root that had caused the damage.Luckily LB and a good friend were able to repair the pipe and restore Mama’s water, although that didn’t happen until the next day.

The plan would have to be adjusted.

Since I live right next door, the obvious and logical conclusion is to move the party over to my house.  It didn’t seem possible at the time, but I was able to get the place organized.  The kids brought the decorations over and plan B ensued.

The big T-W-O birthday party went on as scheduled.

There was a plenitude of people…Goodies Galore…A plethora of presents…

LOTS of presents!

Little Lydia received so many presents, her Mama and Daddy had to have help transporting them to their house.

She loved all of her gifts, and had a great time with her Mama opening each one.

But there was one gift that Glammy was able to present to the Birthday Girl… the pink princess piano

Lydia wanted me to play first, so she took hold of my fingers and pressed the keys… then we experimented with the microphoneAnd Glammy showed Lydia how to play “Itsy Bitsy Spider”It turned out to be a lovely day for a pretty little girlHappy Birthday Lydia!

Glammy loves You!

 

 

NumNell Knox

When my daddy was just a little guy, learning to talk, he heard his Mama being called Irma Nell Knox by her parents.  She was a teenage mother raising a baby and living with her parents (circa 1947).  Hearing the name Irma Nell Knox, my Daddy (as a toddler) translated her name to be

NumNell Knox

While you may think this is totally bizarre, I think it is adorable.  Apparently she responded when she heard the full name call and he thought he would achieve like results by demanding “NumNell Knox! Get up! Breakfast!”

My Daddy and his mother, My Mema have gone to be with Jesus.  But not a day goes by that I don’t give a thought to both of them.  Two people who greatly influenced my life.

Irma Reid

(aka Irma Nell Knox) died October 17, 2007 at the age of 78.

She was born July 16, 1929 in Valdosta, Georgia to Alton Knox and Grace Bennett Knox.  She married my Grandpa, Harold Reid when my Daddy was just a little fella.  He adopted my Daddy and has loved him as his own… even to this day.Mema was an old fashioned, Southern girl.  If you ever heard her speak, you would immediately recognize the southern dialect.  I talk to people from around the country every day and once in a while I’m asked, “where are you from?”  In every instance I will admit, I’m from North Florida… Jacksonville, but most of my people are from Georgia.  They will reply, “Yes, that’s it!”  If you know me, and you recognize that I have a southern accent, it’s likely due to the fact that I’m a direct descendant of Irma Nell Knox.

I’ve gone to church all of my life, (since before I was born) and my first church was a church that my Mema and Grandpa Reid helped to start.

Faith Memorial Baptist Church

…a place that was a second home to me for 30+ years.

While I was growing up, my Mema was there with me every Sunday.  She sat on the second row, left (piano) side.  I would typically sit with her and she always had Juicy Fruit Gum.  One Sunday I commented on a ring that she was wearing.  It was (is) pretty!  It was a beautiful silver ring (she always wore silver jewelry).  She took it off of her hand and placed it on mine.  She would do that again before I graduated High School.  I still have both of those rings and wear one of them EVERY day.

What I remember most is that she loved me unconditionally.

The stories I could tell would keep me typing all night.

My Mema Reid

 

Thank you for the pictures Mama

Wonderful Wednesday

This Wonderful Wednesday morning when I asked Alexa “how’s the traffic?” she informed me that the fastest route to work would take me fifteen minutes longer than usual.  With that, I grabbed my things and headed out the door.  There was an accident on the bridge that had one lane closed and the traffic backed up.  That said, I started my day in a feverous frenzy that only accelerated as the day wore on.  It is amazing how the start of your day seems to set the tone for it’s entirety.

I won’t go on and on about how stressful my Wednesday has been, but the fact that I have managed to keep it together and make it home by 7:15 PM is just short of miraculous.

Now I am expecting my children and grandchild to visit shortly.

Although Lydia’s 2nd birthday party has been scheduled for Saturday morning, it would not be appropriate to let the actual birth-DAY pass without proper acknowledgment…

The doorbell rings… I go to the door, open the door.  There they are.  FIVE of the most important people in my life.

My firstborn

Stephanie

and dearly special daughter bringing style and enthusiasm wherever she goes (Aunt Feffy)My second-born, second daughter, and Brilliant Middle Child

Amanda

(don’t sell your position short Dear)My only son (and father of my only grandchild)

Richard and Emily

my daughter-in-law (who is just like a daughter to me)and the crème de la crème of two year old Glam-babies,

LYDIA

… the Birthday Girl!With a bag full of ponies in hand, she is ready to come in and show me all of the My Little Ponies and Peppa Pig Paraphernalia she has acquired during the day Her Big T-W-O party is Saturday and I will be well rested and ready.  And to her parent’s dismay, I have a large present and another Rainbow Dash to add to the collection  (if they read my blog they would know, but as it stands, it will be a surprise).

It has been a long day.

Good Night to all!

Hope Your Thursday is as WONDERFUL as mine is going to be!

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