I know it’s been awhile since my last post. The past few months has been very busy and hectic. I’ve been a bit busy with my personal life. Yes, I still have one. Granted it’s not as personal as you might think. I doubt if anyone can stay private at this point in time. Someone knows where we are and what we’re doing at any given moment. I guess that’s not a bad thing. You’ll have to forgive me, I’m typing under a handicap here, no time to get my nails shortened before I leave for the Spring Carlisle, in PA.

As always, we have experienced our share of ups and downs, but in the end we are thankful that we are still together and growing…

Please allow me to share some of our memories. I may skip a few things but here are the highlights…

Our Christmas & New Years were party filled events; so much fun. Our Christmas Eve-Eve Party (huge family Slumber PARTY) was an even bigger success than the year before. I can’t wait for it to come around again next year, I have so many new ideas. I’ve shared tons of pictures on FB. The instant camera Sparkle Booth was the HIT of the party. Who doesn’t want to dress up in goofy Christmas disguises and act silly for the camera? [insert chuckle here] I could go on for hours about that, but I won’t.

Our February trip to Moultrie, Georgia wasn’t pleasant. That went on the NEVER- DO – AGAIN list. Our hotel was the “Bate’s!” Nuff said.

In March, our weekend trip to Pigeon Forge, TN was cut short, but not before we enjoyed a few fun filled events with my wonderful Brother-in-law & Sister-in-law Sam & Cookie. Just enjoying the sites. We took a drive through Cade’s Cove. I had to stop and take a photo of the bathroom in Metcalf Bottoms, for obvious reasons. It has its own mailing address. Lots of dining out and we caught a show & had a photo made at The Comedy barn. I hope to repeat this trip again in the next few month. I’m sure all will go well.

Also in March, we had a very nice time at Chuck E Cheese with my daughters youngest Foster daughter that she fondly refers to as Francis(Can’t user fosters real names on social sites – for now anyway. The times they are a changing). Plus Shirley & I , along with our first cousin Teresa Dunn Jones, whom calls herself Terry(name droppin’ here) had a nice afternoon together at the Olive Garden or as I refer to it as “The OG!” You know me… everything good in life – involves food. That reminds me, I need to run & pick up stuff to make Chicken Taco’s for dinner. I know I have a ton of ham leftover, but I’m just not in the mood.

I have had such a wonderful and busy month already, I can’t believe that it flew by. School will be out in about 21 or 22 days if all of the FB predictions are right. YEAH! (Happy Dance) That’s always a nice way to remember Summer “IS” coming. Spring was preempted by a seemly non-ending winter. The flowers that my lawn service/landscaper has let live are in full bloom & what a blessing. I was so over the bleak winter greys. I needed to see some color. Although, we did enjoy a week away in Pigeon Forge, TN for the Spring Rod Run where the Spring flowers were abundant. Thank you, Lord!

I had rushed through tax season, not dwelling on the checks I had to write. I think I may have personally funded a third-world country. ‘Nuff said. I’d rather focus on family events. Moving on…

While we were in there we celebrated our 35th Wedding Anniversary Vow Renewal & Reception with only the immediate family in attendance. Our usual party of 25. It was held at the MainStay Suites in Pigeon Forge. The hotel, staff and caterers could not have been more accommodating; the room was beautiful, the food was delicious and the service was outstanding. I want to express my personal gratitude to their Group Sales Coordinator, Mitch Lewis. He went above and beyond the call, putting up with a very crazed whiny bridezilla(for which I cannot apologize enough,) not to mention that he gave us a very good price on the Conference Center. Everything for our Reception was perfect. We received so many comments on what a beautiful place we picked. Anthony and I wanted you to know how pleased we were with all you did to make everything so special. We just can’t thank you enough!

I do hope everyone got a chance to see some of the pictures my daughters posted on FB. I was so glad Brandy and the girls were able to attend with her busy work schedule; she was our official family photographer. Hopefully, we’ll get to see them all after she finishes photo-shopping the daylights out of them. Brandy used her photography skills to capture the event so she’s not in very many of them.

The ceremony was almost ruined by the cake decorator. We had hired her husband to officiate & bring the certificate(paid-in-full – in advance,) he was a no call – no show. She refused our calls, saying in a text that she was in a meeting and didn’t have time to deal with it, but had no trouble showing up two days later, after she thought we had left the hotel, to retrieve a cake plate that I had clearly paid for… We didn’t know he wasn’t coming until the wedding was supposed to start at 5:30 p.m. and we still didn’t have a preacher. I know we didn’t need one, since we’re already married, but it was kind of the point. By 6:30 p.m. I was in tears, but Anthony and the kids were so wonderful. Brandy went online & found the wording for our ceremony. Our niece Teresa Ann South Parson’s, along with our children, called several churches in the area and found the nicest man anyone could ever ask for. He and his wife and child left his dad’s birthday party to come to celebrate with us. Such an amazing person. I pray that God will bless him abundantly for his efforts. We were so grateful to him that we put him in our group family photo.

I bought matching bow rings for each of us to commemorate for ceremony. I know it’s one we will never forget. The Grandgirlies were absolutely beautiful in their white gowns with green sashes. Trinity insisted on white high heels. I had a slight wardrobe failure at the last minute and had to run out to David’s Bridal and purchase a new gown(mine was too snug). I’m probably the only bride in history that gained weight before the wedding; Only me. I don’t feel too bad, Mandy bought about 6 or 8 different dresses before she settled on one from the Mall. I hope she can return a few them anyway. Anthony decided to rent a Tux instead of wearing the one he has because he said it would just be “EASIER,” since you can return them to any Men’s Warehouse, anywhere – except they don’t have one in Pigeon Forge or Gatlinburg. Hard to believe since they have the most chapels of anywhere known to man. Fair enough, but my GPS – needs a GPS. We spent most of the following day returning stuff, this being the hardest. Now, we’ll be avoiding Alcoa, TN forever.

The reception was held in the hotel Conference Center. Our theme was “You’re Still the One.” Colors: White, Shades of Emerald/Sage Green, Coral, Black & hints of gold/champagne where necessary. Flower arrangements contained a mix of wildflower, thistle, hydrangea, poppy and green & white dogwoods. Eiffel Tower Centerpieces. Everything was so beautiful. My bouquet (caught by Brandy) and Anthony’s boutonniere were made by Roger Neargarder at the Village Flower Shop in Germantown. A very special thank you to him. Our party rentals were from Campbell Tent & Party Rentals in Knoxville, TN. I made the mistake of calling back and shortening the pipe and drape from 30 feet to 15. My mistake; we always learn from our mistakes. The Uplighting was in coral; it was so much fun watching the grandkids dance behind the curtain. Worth every cent.

Thank you everyone – Thank you!

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    I should also apologize for any negative comments that I made have made to family, friends or distant member emails during the stressful months leading up to the event. I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me. Being mindful that I am only human. With that said, I should always strive to put my personal feelings aside and show Grace in trying times. So, Love to each and every one of you. Genealogy is my hobby. I spend countless hours loving and doing, but my Family is my passion. My best years are invested in them.

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Happy Belated Easter Sunday to you, and here’s hoping you have had a hopping good time with food, family, & friends!

 

We spent a wonderful Sunny Spring day outside with the kids & the grand’s. Minus Craig whom worked late(we saved him a plate,) Tiger & Brandy were out of town & Steven said he got called in early, and Yoko, is well, but still in Japan. Hopefully, they’ll be here next year. I love it when the family is altogether. Party Central wasn’t up to my usual party gala standards; I only got out the necessities; not enough hours in the day. [Note to self: Buy two new white tablecloths for the big tables.] Easter was a major food event as usual, with me swearing, that I won’t make that much food next year. Somebody please hold me to it.

 

Menu for Easter Supper

~ Appetizers ~

Meatballs (for which Tron proclaimed were my best ones ever)
Shrimp Cocktail – off the list for next year
Cheese Chunks & Crackers
Chips & dip (less is more)
Salami
Grape snippets
Cherry Tomatoes
Mixed nuts & cashews (only one or the other next year)
Applesauce cups
 

~ Entrée ~

Baked Ham
Smoked sausage w/ sauerkraut
 

~ Sides ~

Candied Sweet Potatoes–off the list
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Green Bean Casserole
Pork stuffing – off the list
Corn pudding
Baked Beans
Deviled Eggs
Glazed Carrots – off the list
 

~ Breads ~

Wheat bread and butter
Crescent Rolls – off the list (purchase dinner rolls)
 

~ Desserts ~

Cherry Pie w/ vanilla ice cream
Coconut Cake
 

~ Beverages ~

Sweet Tea – Coffee – Sodas – Bottled Water – Raspberry Punch (not my fav)
 

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    I shipped Brandy’s gift, I’m not sure, but believe at least, it will arrive in time her Birthday. I’m equally unsure if she’ll like, but it’s something useful. Crossing my fingers.

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    German Township Water & Sewer development plans are scaring the daylights out of me. Not sure where I stand on the issue. I’m still trying to process it all. That’s TBC…

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    Now, I’m off to pack for my business trip… what to wear – what to wear? I’m thinking… “The Keystone State” Blue & gold it is! Won’t be a problem for Anthony, his entire closet is a sea of light blue business oxfords. Me on the other hand, well… I’ll work on it, since we all know I prefer to wear black, because its slimming, and the white metals. Sure I own some gold, just not my fav.

Have a good one….

Are you working today, or do you have today off?