Happy Birthday, my Beloved Memomer...

Today, October 26th, is my wonderful grandmother's 88th birthday!

Many knew her as Helen W. Maynard, but to me she'll always be, My Memomer!

She was many things to those who had the blessing of knowing this incredible lady. She was so easy to talk to and was a great encourager. She always offered a listening ear and a caring heart. You never had to wonder where you stood with her and she wouldn't hesitate to let you know if you did something that didn't please her. That was part of the beauty of her character.

Though her mind was still sharp at 87 years old, her body had become very frail. Over the years, as her health declined, she still loved to participate in family activities. In her time at home she would read, watch TV or catch up on her correspondence which included sending birthday cards to all of our family and her friends. There were certain programs that she enjoyed watching and she would let you konw ahead of time when NOT to call so she wouldn't miss the next episode. :o) As her hearing continued to fail she relied more on reading than watching TV. However, eventually her eyes failed her as well. The Lord took her frail body home on May 8th of this year. I was so thankful to be by her side when the Lord took her home. Today we celebrate her birthday for the first time without her. It is hard to not be able to pick up the phone and call her, but I KNOW she is celebrating in heaven with all of our family and friends who arrived in heaven before her.

Also, October 21st would have been Memomer & Grandy's 70th wedding anniversary.My loving & funny grandfather, "Grandy", who was a devoted husband and beloved father & grandfather, passed away in 1996. I know they are celebrating in heaven.

I will post my next update this week, so please check back and leave a comment so I know you were here. Wayne and I were able to take an unexpected (Thanks, Mick!) quick trip to Destin last week so I'm a little behind on things.

Big Hugs & God's Blessings to all, Kim

Finally Updating...Installment # 1 - May, June 2008

I've been a VERY bad blogger over the summer. Please forgive me for not updating but it's been a little crazy. Some good things and some not so good things, but, in everything, God is in Control! What I have realized though is I have 3 major things that I like to write about, 1 - my family, 2 -my creativity (painting, clay, etc.) & 3 - my faith. What I have determined is, I feel guilty about posting my creative projects if I haven't updated on my family or some amazing inspiration if I promised, with good intentions that I would post some painting or clay work. So, I'm going to start 2 more blogs, one for my creating and another for my inspiration. I hope to do this very soon but at the latest the end of the year. So, keep checking. I managed to make a couple of updates during the last 5 months like Ashley's graduation with her Associates Degree & my birthday. However, so much more has been going on that I'll have to fill in the blanks. This is the first installment, May & June 2008.

May 2008 - First Plane Ride & Graduation in Ohio

Bryant and I flew to Ohio for a friend's high school graduation. This was Bryant's first plane ride and it was a real joy to be able to share that with him.

Me, Bryant & Tiffany. Tiff is so special. She is sweet, smart, funny and loves the Lord.

This is a wooden box from HL that I painted for her. I also wrote her a note and glued it with a picture of the two of us on the inside cover. Of course no graduation gift is complete without a little money! :o)

I just had to take the picture on the 'moving sidewalk' at the airport. Bryant thought this was so cool. Luckily there weren't too many people on it. He had so much fun just being a kid and I enjoyed watching him. Thanks again, Jessica, for allowing me to have him for a few days!

June 2008 - Male Creativity, Mother Nature, Anniversary, UGA, Surgery, Swimming Pool Make-over & Family Challenges

Okay, so, I left the house for a while and when I came home, I had a checker-board lawn! My husband was so proud! He'd always wanted to try this. A couple of days after he did this he had to go on travel for work. I typically help him mow the grass and was so afraid he wanted me to try to keep this checkerboad thing going. However, he did not. What a relief!

While Wayne was gone, our neighbors dead tree fell during the bad storm we had. My husband had been asking them to take care of the tree because he was afraid someone was going to get hurt or it was going to cause some major damage when it finally fell. We were very lucky that it just damaged the fence. I think it scared them to death because I don't think they realized how much damage these things can cause. Now they know and no real harm was done. Thank you Lord!

A bird nest built in one of my plants on our porch every year. This year our little feathered friends chose a plant that was just starting to come back so I could stand on a stool, without touching anything and get some really good shots. Here is a quick look at the first few weeks of their new little lives...

There were about 4 eggs but only 2 on them hatched and grew. They were so cute. The picture on the right is the 2nd bird getting ready to fly. I just happened to be near and grabbed my camera. Empty Nesters Argument...

Our 30th wedding anniversary was June 24th. We went to the new Italian Restaurant in town, Santinas, and it was absolutely delicious. The walls had the most beautiful murals on them and the atmosphere and food were wonderful. I highly recommend it! We looked so-o-o-o-o young! What am I saying, we were young! He was 20 & I was 19. We made a couple of trips to Athens in June to sign Ashley's apartment lease and UGA Transfer Student Orientation. Here is Ashley in front of her apartment at lease signing. She was going to room with 3 other girls then met someone who wanted just one roommate, which worked better for Ashley as well, but is more expensive.

I took these pictures at the UGA College of Education.

In January we had an extremely heavy rainstorm. Due to a ground-water problem, our pool liner was just about destroyed. We brought someone in to fix it but it was beyond repair. We decided to put off replacing the liner until the weather got warmer. So, to try to divert some of the water, it was suggested that we dig a ditch on the high side of our property to divert some of the water during a heavy storm. So, $450 later, we have a "lovely" ditch. So far so good.

This is what the pool looked like before the new liner...

This is work in progress... ...a close up of the new liner pattern and finally...

...the new liner. I'll show more pool pics later in this post.

One of the reasons I have not updated in so long is that we've had many family trials over the last few months. I guess it all started the day Ashley and I went to her UGA orientation in June. Some of you know the details but I won't go into it in a public forum, at least not right now. The immediate result was, our daughter that got married in March, Stephanie, separated from her husband. It has been a very difficult situation and many prayers have been lifted with their names.

I told her from day # 1 to pray for God's will and not her own. I have done the same. God has been working overtime in all of our lives and Stephanie and Brian are no exception. Please pray for God's direction and His will in this situation. I'll probably share more later.

Fortunately, I don't have any pictures to share for this event, but I did have some "female" surgery in June. After a blood test in May showed I was VERY anemic, I was sent on the journey to find out why, which included many tests, biopsies, & doctor visits. I'll spare you the details but I ended up having to have an endometrial ablation. I am due to have more blood work to make sure this fixed the problem.

I'll start working on the second installment soon. Please leave a comment and let me know you were here!

Happy 50th Birthday to me!

40 years ago!

My wonderful family threw me a surprise birthday party on Saturday, August 30th at our church. I was very surprised and so touched by the 35+ that were able to attend and those who wanted to be there but because it was a holiday weekend were unable to come. I received many cards and gifts. My friend took pictures but I haven't gotten them from her yet. I'll post them on Sunday after Steph and I return from Athens. I have lots to post but finding the time has been more difficult lately.

Any chance of getting 50 birthday wishes from my family and friends? :o)

FYI - I've lost 15 lbs (again!). Happy Birthday to me! I'm hoping it's for good this time! Stay tuned for updates!

Ashley's Graduation from GMC . . . She's UGA bound!

A LOT has happened since my last post but I don't have time right now to do so. Instead, I'll post the most important - Ashley's Graduation from GMC last Saturday, 6-14-08. She graduated with honors, GPA 3.69, magna cum laude, with her Associate of Science Degree in Secondary Math Education.

Yes, that is Frank Malloy on the right. He was the guest speaker.

Unfortunately Wayne was in California for work so he was unable to attend. Sabrina was out of town with her Mom and Brian was at work. This was the Ashley Thompson cheering section! Here is a short video of her actual "walk" to get her degree. To stop the music so you can hear the video, just click the pause, first button, on the music player.

After graduation we all went to the new Olive Garden in town for a small celebration. Ashley and I are going to UGA for her orientation next Friday and went a couple of weeks ago to sign her apartment lease. She'll be leaving before we know it. We are sure proud of you, baby! Keep up the good work and study hard! Hugs ~ Kim

Personal Loss and Mother Nature's Devastation

One of my greatest blessings from God went home on Thursday evening, May 8th at 9:45 p.m. My dear, sweet, friend and grandmother, whom most knew as "Memomer.

Helen W. Maynard at age 17

God answered our prayers and took her peacefully and quickly as I was holding her hand and humming to her. God is so good! I am working on a post dedicated to her but it may take me a few days to get through it. I can't work on it too long without breaking down, so please be patient. I want to thank everyone for their support and prayers. They mean so much.

Stephanie and I heard a song on the radio as we were coming home that truly touched us. The song is by Mark Harris and is called "Wish You Were Here".

"Wish You Were Here" I wanted to tell you how closely I've kept the memories of you in my heart And all of the lifetimes that we had to share Live even though we're apart But don't cry for me 'Cause I'm finally free (Chorus) To run with the angels On streets made of gold To listen to stories of saints new and old To worship our Maker That's where I'll be When you finally find me No don't you be weary ‘cause waiting for you Are wonders that you've never known Just hold on to Jesus, reach out for his hands And one day They'll welcome you home And that's when you'll be Finally free Finally free (Chorus) I wish you were here, I wish you were here And all of the dreams that you treasure Will soon come together And that's when your sorrow will find tomorrow And you will rise again (Chorus) We'll run with the angels on streets made of gold We'll listen to stories of saints new and old We'll worship our maker that's where we'll be When you finally find me I wish you were here

The thought of my PRECIOUS (the name my husband always called her) Memomer having a new body and being able to run with the angels brings the biggest smile to my face!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I want to add that Macon is suffering devastating damage from the storm this weekend. I found out today that 11 tornadoes were confirmed in Georgia. Here are some pictures that I took when Stephanie and I went to Macon on Monday.

The tornado just snapped off the tops of these trees all over Macon and the surrounding area.

This McDonald's sign just couldn't hold up to the strong winds that were over 110 mph.

This was on the road in front of us.

Please keep the families in this area in your prayers. There are many who do not have power or water and may be without it for a couple of weeks. It's easy to take these every day conveniences for granted until we lose them. We heard today that one of our good friends from church lost part of their house and 2 of their vehicles. There are trees down all over their yard. Some volunteers are going over tomorrow to see what they can do to help them.

Hugs & Blessings ~ Kim

Every time I think of you, I thank God for you. - I Corinthians 1:4

Three G's! GA bound, Gutters & God and your Bod!

I've already e-mailed several of you about Ashley's exciting news but for those who haven't heard, Ashley is going to be a Georgia Bulldog in the fall! Ashley will graduate with HONORS with her Associates Degree in Math Education June 14th.

We are hoping to get signed up for the June 20th orientation at UGA. She is so-o-o-o excited.

Rob purchased a home and is working on getting it fixed up to move in. In the mean time he asked if he could move back home for a couple of months while he gets it fixed up. He's also been helping us get some much needed work done on our home while he is here. He and Wayne pulled off some rotten gutters the other day. He certainly has youth and strength that Wayne and I are now lacking! He has been, as always, a godsend.

He's also helped straighten the garage, get all of the pine straw off the roof of the pool house and clean those gutters. He is pretty amazing...he works full time, works out at the gym at least 3 times a week, has his own business buying and fixing up houses, works on those houses on the weekends AND somehow finds time to help us, spend time with the family and his sweet girlfriend. They have both been attending church with us and we have really enjoyed them being there.

We've had some awesome series of messages at church lately. Our last series was amazing. Joe talked about the many questions we have about God and about life for God. He made it clear that no matter how long we have been believers we will probably always have questions and it's okay! It was clear that though we have questions we can still walk in a wonderful relationship with christ. I love how Joe can make his messages so relevant to our everyday life.

Our latest series started today and it is called, "God and your bod".

This first message of the series focused on extremes. Joe asked the question,

"Are you a worshipper or a neglector?"

A worshipper could be someone who is obsessed with going to the gym and a healthfood fanatic where a neglector is an issue is someone who never exercises and eats with no regard to what is healthy. A worshipper can also be someone who worships clothes and is obsessed on how they look. Both of these extremes are issues of self-centeredness and affect the relationships in our lives. It is better to be balanced or more accurately perspective, GOD'S PERSPECTIVE. We learned that the bible talks a LOT about our body. We talked some about fitness and how we are instructed to treat our body as a temple and take care of it but he also talked about how our life is not our own. The creation (us) is owned by the creator (God) and since we are all created by God, we are His. It sounds like a great series and I can't wait until next week to see what else God has to say through Joe.

I'm going to set my goals this week for our 6 week challenge to get closer to God's perspective and will share that next time.

Hugs ~ Kim

The last 2 months have been a whirlwind of activity!!!

First of all, Happy, Glorious Easter! For a special Easter Blessing watch

Brad Paisley & Sara Evans - New Again

The Newlyweds...

I had intended to make short posts every couple of days before the wedding so everyone could share in all of the planning, etc. Well, as you can see, that plan didn't work out too well! :o) But, despite the craziness, Stephanie is married and we had a great time on our cruise!

Anyway, let's see if I can get caught up. Since my post on January 24th, it's been a whirlwind of activity.

On Saturday, February 2nd, we had Steph's bridal shoot in Washington Park and believe it or not Rose Hill Cemetery.

They were absolutely gorgeous. I took over 100 photos and one of Stephanie's friends, Adam Neil Butterick, recently started a photography business and shot some unbelievable photos. A small slide show version of his photos are on my side bar. If you are interested in great photography at a great price visit Adam's website. I've included a few pictures that I took.

Then I took the pictures Adam and I captured and created these collages @ Walgreens.com photo online. I framed them with black poster frames. They are gorgeous!

We had 5 birthdays between January 22nd & February 13th! I feel bad not doing my typical "tribute" post for each but just have too much to catch up on right now.

Bryant's 7th birthday was January 22nd. I can't believe that little guy was barely 1 year old the first time I met him and now he's 7! Where does the time go?

Rob's sweet girlfriend, Sabrina, but we lovingly call her "Sabby", started our February birthdays on the 3rd...

Our "baby", Ashley, was next on the 8th leaving her teen years behind and turning 20! I can't find where I filed the pictures from her b-day so I decided to post 2 of my favorite pictures of her. The first one is 2 years ago at a wedding and the second one is from her first trip to Europe in June 2004 posing with a gorgeous St. Bernard in Switzerland!

Jessica celebrated her birthday on the 13th, though she claims her birthday should be celebrated the entire month of February!

Then on the 16th of February my precious Mother-in-"love" (as I call her), Mary Ann, celebrated her birthday. We didn't get to see each other on her birthday but just 3 weeks later we were at the wedding and on the cruise together. Here is a picture of her with Wayne and his sister, Becky, on the cruise.

Also on February 16th, we had a huge shower for family and friends. I think our entire neighborhood knew what was going on that day with all of the decorations and about 30 cars on both sides of the street!

Heather & Ashley, her maids of honor, gave her the shower at our home.

Stephanie & Brian were truly "showered" with gifts! They received so many lovely things from friends and family.

Our CRAZY cat, Sandy, was not real happy with all of the people invading her home that day. She kept getting up in the biggest chair and spreading out so nobody could sit there. She is constant entertainment!

Steph with 2 of her childhood friends, Jennifer & Jadie. She was so tickled they were able to make it! They don't get to see each other enough.

This is such a special picture. I didn't really know it at the time. I just thought it was a cute shot. Little did we know that sweet little Bryant would get food poisioning the night before the wedding in Tampa and had to stay in the hotel with Jessica's Mom during the wedding. It was so hard to leave that little guy lying on the bathroom floor feeling so miserable. He ended up missing nearly the whole next week of school and went to the doctor twice that week. So, this picture is the only one we got of him in his ring bearer tuxedo. :o(

This is right before the wedding in Steph's cabin on the ship. Ashley, Heather & I are helping Steph get into her dress and get her make-up on. That was such a special time and something I will always remember. My sweet friend Sandy sent me a text message while taking these pictures telling me she was thinking about us and wishing she was there! It was so special and meant so much to me to know that she was with us in spirit like so many of our friends and family who could not attend.

These pictures were actually taken right after the ceremony. Aren't they GORGEOUS?!?!

Here is the wedding party:

(L to R back row) Sabrina, Jessica, Shayla, Heather, Ashley, Stephanie, Brian, Jesse, Chris, Travis, Alan, Rob

(L to R front row) Lexi, Campbell & Maddy (Wish Bryant could have been there!)

Steph with her maids of honor, Heather & Ashley

Our family, me, Rob, Steph, Brian, Ashley & Wayne

The Newlyweds with their parents & grandparents

We are on the left and Brian's parents, Debbie & Jesse are on the right.

Seated are Wayne's Mom, my Grandmother & my Mom

On to the reception...

We had such a GREAT time...

The really funny part is Sabby (Rob's girlfriend) caught the bouquet and Brandon (Ashley's boyfriend) caught the garter. So Rob & Ashley "staged" a "jealous" look for the camera showing they were both VERY close by and were watching every move. It was so cute!

In all of the chaos before the wedding Steph left the CD with their reception songs in the car. Luckily the DJ had one of the songs she inteded to play for the father daughter dance. It was certainly not your typical father daughter dance song but it was just PERFECT! They danced to Gimme 3 Steps which they have been dancing to since she was about 3 years old and used to stand on her Daddy's shoes. It was absolutely adorable!!!

This was the ice sculpture they had at the reception with the wonderful food. Like everything else, it was gorgeous! I want to send out a special thanks to our dear friends Tracy, Dee & Haley for coming to the wedding and taking back a lot of our wedding stuff.

Now for the REALLY FUN part...the cruise! Okay for those of you who have never cruised...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR? It was FANTASTIC. This was our 4th cruise and they just keep getting better and better! There were 47 of us at the wedding and 26 of them cruised! That is a fantastic turnout. I wish we could have gotten a picture of everyone at the reception but it just didn't happen. We had a great mix of family and friends from 6 years old to 87 years old and every where in between.

Here we are on the beach in Cozumel, Mexico with Ashley and Brandon and our very good, long time friends, Paul & Tracy. You might remember that we visited them in Tennessee last summer for Wayne's birthday.

Ashley & Brandon being Ashley & Brandon! :o)

Here's our family!

This is a very meaningful picture. Let me explain. Let's start at the top so you know who everyone is first. From top to bottom, my Aunt Mike (Michele), me, my cousin Amy, Stephanie, Amy's daughter Lexi. Now the meaningful part... I was a junior bridesmaid in my Aunt Mike's wedding. Amy was the flowergirl in my wedding. Stephanie was a junior bridesmaid in Amy's wedding. Lexi was one of the flowergirl in Stephanie's wedding. How special is that???

So we headed back home last week on Saturday afternoon. I have to say that night at bedtime it was so disappointing that my bed wasn't turned down with chocolates on my pillow and there were no cute little towel animals either. Then, when I got up Sunday morning there was no breakfast buffet. Wow, getting back to reality was difficult but I am just thankful for the wonderful time we had with our terrific family and friends. This whole experience was full of MANY BREATHLESS MOMENTS in my BLESSED LIFE! If you stopped by, please leave me a comment so I know you were here! With much Love, Kim