Tennessee

This week has been busy getting things ready for Tom while I'm gone. Can't have him going hungry!
I leave early Sun. morning for Summertown , TN for a week of midwife assistant training. I'm looking forward to learning the skills and being able to assist some midwives in our area.
I'll be driving the beetle so I should fit in pretty well-at least that's our joke. The place I'm going to is actually --or should I say, was--a "hippie colony" from the 60's. They have since reformed some of their ways . One of the premier midwives in the country is there and women come from all over the world, literally, to birth their babies there. So, I feel I'm getting some of the best knowledge and training out there.
As a side, I have recently gotten a job working with elderly folks. I enjoy this , too. I find elderly people interesting and a lot of times, in need of someone to pay attention to them. So---I am working on both ends of the spectrum of life. That will prove to have a lot of emotion, I think.
Have a great day/week and I'll look forward to catching up when I get back!

Special Valentines

Following Sharonda's lead--here is My Valentine and our sweetheart Chastity. I think she stole Papaw's heart!

Kitchen

As I've said before, Tom and I have enjoyed decorating the new place and finding things at low prices. These are just a couple pics of the kitchen so far. I'm leaving the walls white--I like the openness--and accenting with blue and yellow, mainly.
Lowe's had border marked down to $1/roll . I found 2 rolls that really caught my eye--not enough! Enter, Hannah! She was able to pick up 8 more rolls in FL. and brought them home on their vacation. Thanks to her and Andy, the border was up in no time! Hannah also helped with decorating ideas but, had to leave before we could finish anything. So--- here is what we/I have come up with so far. I'm taking my time and trying to find tings I LIKE! Not just things to fill space! I don't want a cluttered look any how.
Maybe I'll post some other pics as I go along. At least Hannah will enjoy seeing them! hee-hee

Thrift stores

Okay, so anyone that knows me well knows my favorite stores are thrift stores. I mean--why would I pay top dollar for something I can get at half price or much less!It's a lot of fun to find an item you're looking for at a great price. I'm really thankful for those people who pay those high prices, gently use it for a while and then donate it!
Well, while Hannah was home we stumbled on a Goodwill outlet. All adult clothes are just 1.49 and childrens are cheaper yet--99 I think. While browsing the other day, I pulled out this very cute nightie and wouldn't you know!--it was Christian Dior from Saks Fifth Ave.! It looks new and feels oh, so soft! I would never think of spending what it would cost to purchase this new, but at 1.49 I think it was a nice deal.
How about you? Do you enjoy the challenge of shopping for what you need/want at thrift stores? I know it requires patience sometimes but, it feels better to spend less--at least I think so! Tom and I had a lot of fun decorating on the frugal.(not cheap)
If there's something coming up that you're going to need or just something you've been wanting, I'd suggest your local thrift shop--and have fun!

Papaw's little hunter?

Chastity is learniing how to use the call so she can go hunting with Papaw when she gets bigger!
Papaw likes his little hunter!

Sharing

I thought I'd share just a few pics from our Christmas with the kids. Our long-time family friend, Paul Jones, also got to visit us for an evening. He hadn't seen the children for about 4 or 5 years.

Family

Tom and I were so happy to have all the kids and Chastity here for a late Christmas.
Aaron only got to be here for a day and a 1/2 but, we were all so glad he made it! Nathanael and Becky have left to visit other friends but, Nathanael will be in and out until Sat. He and Becky fly back to WA. Sun. morning. Aaron will be heading back to GA. where he's been working and will live for the next couple months until they move to another job.The next one may be NY. Hannah, Andy and Chastity fly out at 6 Tues. morning.
So--while it was a short visit--we were happy to be together. Nathanael will be starting sea trials ( I think that's what he called them !) in about 4 months . He'll be at sea a month or more at a time then back to port and so on. He will eventually be going away for a year or possibly a year and a half. All that to say--we don't know when we'll all be able to be together again.
Poor baby was sick most of the visit so, we're just now getting to see her at her real self. We think she's a dolly!

A few Christmas memories

I hope everyone had an enjoyable Christmas and didn't over do it--either buy spending too much or eating too much!

Tom and I started our Christmas with his family. His brother, John and wife Chassidy did a wonderful job on the dinner--there was plenty to eat! We opened gifts and enjoyed watching Jocelyn enjoy her first Christmas.








At my family dinner there were over 100 in attendance this year. We had plenty of good food and a good time visiting. I really enjoy having such a large family. Mom and Dad had 10 children themselves--I'm #9. We have sort of come to expect at least 1 new baby each year!












Mom, me, niece Tara and sister Mary




The newest addition to the family-Daniel --about 3 weeks old