Mother/Son Wedding Dance

I don’t know if I ever realized there was a Mother/Son dance at weddings. I knew there was a Father/Daughter dance, so at Brandon's wedding reception this weekend I was surprised when the DJ said, “And now for the mother/son dance”. My son walked across the dance floor from his bride toward me, and I left his Daddy’s side to meet him on the dance floor. As he put his arms around me he said, “Mama, listen to the words of this song carefully. I picked it out myself just for you.” I only heard the first few words of the song because my emotions took over and all the specialness of this son of mine swept over me like a tidal wave! He’s my baby boy! And now he’s a married man! No, I don’t think I’m losing him. He’s much too much like his daddy for me to think that. I know that he will always be there for me.

He was there for me when my mother died, even though he was only about 19 months old at the time. He was the one who sat on my lap and hugged me when I cried, and he cried with me over the loss I felt. I believe he felt the loss, too. He was the one that brought me little dried flowers he picked out by the woods. He was the one that needed a turtle to raise for Scouts, and we stopped and turned around in the middle of the road to go back to get Spot. We raised that little box turtle together. So many things I remember about this little boy as he was growing up—times we spent together.

But the thing I love the most about this son is that he’ll talk to me. He tells me about his work as a police officer. (Well, not everything. He’s also protective of me, like his daddy.) He tells me about how he feels about things. He’s patient with me when I don’t understand. (most of the time) But when he’s tired and irritable and perhaps does hurt my feelings, he’s quick to apologize, explaining why—that’s it’s not me—it has to do with other things.

He values my opinions and my prayers. He’s eager to please both me and his dad, and he’s quick to always say, “Let me know if you need anything.” He always ends our conversations with, "I love you!" He never fails to hug me when he comes and when he goes.

I didn’t hear the words to his song during the dance because I was too busy telling him these things—how special he is—how much he means to me. So I googled it, "The Perfect Fan" by the Backstreet Boys. I cried all over again.


I love you, Brandon!


I hope you enjoy it too.

Here’s the link to the song.


www.youtube.com/watch?v=
PCo9v5sCaRQ

Marine Corp Graduation—Part Two

My heart is still pounding with pure pride and humility as the Marine Corp Band finishes up that song! (see part one)—“pride” in this group of men and all the ones that have proceeded them on this very spot, my own sons being among them—“humility” in my position as a mother to such young men. The band stood at attention during this godly and patriotic song. The crowd is now on its feet applauding not only their performance, but their boldness in proclaiming their allegiance to our God Who founded our nation!

Now they’re playing a marching cadence down the parade deck! Near the end they do a sharp snap-turn and proceed back to where I’m sitting. But wait! The mood changes! They’ve slowed their steps to a slow march and the music follows suit. What’s that I hear? Oh, my! I haven’t heard this song in years, but oh what memories are sweeping through my mind, almost as many as the steps it takes the band to get through the song: “Nothing Could Be Finer Than to be in Carolina”. My first thought is “Yes! I’m so glad to be here on this beautiful day in my sister state, South Carolina, for my sister and nephew.” Then my thoughts turn inward to my own men.

First there’s my husband—so young when he left for Boot Camp in the Great Lakes. Our firstborn was only three months old when he left. I didn’t get to go see him graduate. Our baby was too little, and it was too far for us to travel. When he returned home I got my first look at him when he stepped out of that airplane. My heart almost melted at the sight of him in his uniform! And when he took our baby boy into his arms, I could hardly believe what I saw! That baby took one look at his daddy and HUGGED him. For real! He laid his little head on his daddy’s shoulder and put his little arms around his neck! What a joyous homecoming for us!

My thoughts skip forward to when I saw this first-born son in his own Army uniform. His graduation was also too far away in Oklahoma for us to attend. We also have five other children by now and not a lot of money for traveling. When I saw him step off the plane, he looked so tall! Of course, he was tall when he left, but seeing him in his uniform made him look even taller. He was so handsome, just like his dad!

My next three sons were Marines by the time they were old enough to go off into the woods to play by themselves. Really! They loved to wear their camouflage pants I had made for them and build forts and battlements out in the woods. They would stay out there all day and come in only for Koolaid and peanut butter & jelly sandwiches. These were the boys that marched across this same parade deck that I am sitting in front of now, not that many years ago. I’ve been at this exact spot three times and experienced the same feelings of honor and pride, thankfulness and joy. All the months of praying for their success culminated in these fine sons marching across this parade deck into my proud arms!

You might ask, “Did all this really cross your mind during just one song?” The answer is yes. NOTHING could be finer than to remember the days of my children’s youth growing up in rural North Carolina. My thoughts come back to the present as the band finishes their stroll down the parade deck.

Next, an officer is called forth to PRAY! That’s right! The United States Marine Corp began their graduation ceremony with prayer, a beautiful and moving prayer that recognized God as our supreme commander of a nation that was founded on the Bible and the truths found therein. I was so moved by this officer’s prayer and thankful to him and the Marine Corp for putting God in His rightful place in this ceremony in our nation, in this ceremony, and in our hearts!

Now all the different platoons are being recognized for their hard work and dedication. The honor graduates are receiving their awards, and turning over the platoon flags to their superiors—a sort of “changing of the guards” you might say. Soon these same flags will be dispersed to other groups of young men beginning their journey through the rigorous training and adversities of Marine boot camp.

The families and friends who have come to cheer on their young Marines are now on their feet as the platoons begin their final march down the parade deck past the crowd. The Colors—the United States flag and the Marine Corp flag—are being proudly carried by Marines in their “dress blues”. What a sight to behold—four hundred Marines all marching in perfect step, the Colors escorting their way! The band begins their final performance for the day. Now I am in tears again! The song? “God Bless America”.

It IS a beautiful day!


God Bless America

While the storm clouds gather far across the sea,
Let us swear allegiance to a land that's free,
Let us all be grateful for a land so fair,
As we raise our voices in a solemn prayer.

God Bless America,
Land that I love.
Stand beside her, and guide her
Through the night with a light from above.
From the mountains, to the prairies,
To the oceans, white with foam
God bless America, My home sweet home.
God bless America, My home sweet home.

Marine Graduation--Part One

It’s a beautiful sun-filled day at Parris Island Marine Corp Depot in South Carolina. The wind is crisp, but just enough to rid my brain of the fog of sleep and the tiresomeness of the long drive from Bear Grass, North Carolina the day before.

My excitement is rising as I make my way through the crowd to the bleacher in front of which Platoon 1025 will stand at attention for their graduation from boot camp. My sister and her son have no idea my husband and I are here! I can hardly wait to see the look on her face when she gets here. Of course, my nephew won’t know until after the ceremony.

There she is! She’s down at the bottom looking up to find a seat! She sees there are empty seats right behind me but looks right past me! Oh, this is going to be good! She starts up the bleachers! Now I’m beginning to giggle because she’s almost on top of me and STILL doesn’t see me! Now I’m laughing hysterically! (I never could play hide and seek well! My giggles always gave me away.) But believe it or not, I'm having to wave my arms in front of her to get her to see me! Finally! She recognizes me! Oh, the look of total shock and disbelief on her face! Soon, this gives way to tears of appreciation and joy!

Now comes the questioning and telling of how we so thoroughly pulled the wool over her eyes! Especially since we were supposed to be taking care of her dogs while she’s away.

Many giggles, laughs, and tears later it’s finally time for the graduation to begin. The distinguished Marine Corp Band always starts the proceedings, and today is no exception. But the song they are playing not only rivets my attention on them, but also brings tears of gratitude for this valiant Corp that defends our country so unselfishly and honorably! The song the band is playing is: “Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory”! Oh, such wonderful meaning in that song!

Suddenly, I’m thinking of our forefathers who suffered and gave their lives so unselfishly to make sure our country was founded on our Christian faith and to enjoy the freedom of worshiping and serving our magnificent God! I’m thinking of all those who died defending that freedom and to keep our country united. I’m thinking of all our young men in the Marine Corp and other branches of service who died on foreign soil to protect our freedom here at home and to bring freedom to oppressed countries. I’m thinking of my own men who served: my husband in the Navy, son number one in the Army, sons two, three, and four in the Marine Corp. Down deep inside me I begin to weep for how good God has been to me! So many years of military service in my family! So many deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan! So many days, months, and years of prayer and believing God for my men’s safe return to our family! God has been so faithful and merciful to us! There are no words adequate enough to tell how deeply grateful I am to my God and how much I love Him!

Below are the words to this song, which is also known by another title: “The Battle Hymn of the Republic”. If only our nation would sing this hymn united once again!

Mine Eyes Have Seen The Glory Hymn

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord;
He is trampling out the vintage where the grapes of wrath are stored;
He hath loosed the fateful lightning of His terrible swift sword;
His truth is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His truth is marching on.

I have seen Him in the watch fires of a hundred circling camps
They have builded Him an altar in the evening dews and damps;
I can read His righteous sentence by the dim and flaring lamps;
His day is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! His day is marching on.

I have read a fiery Gospel writ in burnished rows of steel;
“As ye deal with My contemners, so with you My grace shall deal”;
Let the Hero, born of woman, crush the serpent with His heel,
Since God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Since God is marching on.

He has sounded forth the trumpet that shall never call retreat;
He is sifting out the hearts of men before His judgment seat;
Oh, be swift, my soul, to answer Him! be jubilant, my feet;
Our God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on.

In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free;
[originally …let us die to make men free]
While God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! While God is marching on.

He is coming like the glory of the morning on the wave,
He is wisdom to the mighty, He is honor to the brave;
So the world shall be His footstool, and the soul of wrong His slave,
Our God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Our God is marching on.


COMING SOON: Marine Corp Graduation—Part Two

Carter's Quilt

Can a fourteen month old toddler appreciate a handmade quilt stitched with love just for him? I would have said, “No”. After all, he’s just a little fellow. What would he know of hours and hours of tedious cutting and piecing, just for starters? Then, down on the floor, laying out the backing and strategically placing the batting on top and making sure there are no wrinkles and covering the backing completely. Next came placing the precious top, the main focus of the project for already countless hours, in its rightful place. By the time all this is done I can’t tell if my knees or my butt are hurting more! But that’s not the end of the “floor work”. Pinning all of it together so that the quilt won’t shift when I put it under the sewing machine is an equally ‘butt and knee’ burner!
Ok, all three layers of the quilt are finally pinned together, neat and tidy, waiting for its day (I mean days) under the needle. But I think I need to rest awhile first!
So, many school days have come and gone. I’m too tired at the end of the day to work on the quilt. So there it lies, folded, on top of the machine. But it keeps calling to me! “I know you’re tired!” it says. “But I’m ready to go home with Carter and play!” So, I drag my weary body over to the machine and get going. “Only thirty minutes,” I convince myself. As the motor whirs away, so does my weariness. There’s something therapeutic about watching the number of small stitches appearing and multiplying row by row on the quilt. My soul could keep on and on, but tomorrow’s another school day, and my bed is calling my body to rest.
Night after night, the quilt calls to me. Night after night, I rest my mind at the machine, then to my bed to rest. Block by block, the straight lines of stitching interlock all the layers of love together. Finally, the day comes that all the blocks are stitched. Next, the sashing has to be stitched, except this stitching will be done in stippling. Stippling is a free-motion type of quilting and lots of fun to do. Instead of the tedious and precise straight line stitching, this stitching allows my hands to follow my imagination. How delightful!
The day finally arrives when all the quilting is done and all that is left is the binding around the edge. This is the final step. It won’t be long now. Carter will come and Grandmama will give him his love gift!
Now you be the judge. Can a toddler appreciate a special handmade gift?

"Thank you, Grandmama."


Charity called about two nights ago and said that Carter had pulled his quilt down from the rocking chair onto the floor. He got on top of it and was loving on it by hugging it and kissing the pictures on it. He's such a sweetheart!

Update:  She recently got a video of him loving on his quilt.  The link is below.  (Just copy and paste it into your address bar.) I hope you enjoy it!


www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJLDMC-piek

Twins' Quilts

I am an old-fashioned hand quilter. I learned to quilt while watching Momma and my aunts quilt around a big quilting frame held up by handmade quilt stands. I say I watched them. I did more playing with my doll babies under the quilt than I did anything else. At first anyway! Then as I got older Momma would let me take a few stitches. I'm sure she took my first stitches out when I wasn't looking. lol I enjoy handquilting very much. BUT--it is so SLOW!

Paul bought me a new sewing machine a few years ago after I wore out my favorite machine that I had used for years! I had to have a new machine because I was going to make my fifth wedding dress, my baby girl's dress. I purposefully bought a Janome quilting machine with the hopes that one day I would have time to quilt by machine.
Well, the time has come! These quilts are my first attempt at machine quilting. I enjoyed working on them very much! It's always fun to work on something for babies! Kate, Natalie, Ethan, Maryann, and Tim came for a visit over Thanksgiving.  I had the quilts ready so I showed them to Tim and Maryann.  We were going to mail the quilts to them for their Christmas presents since they won't be here for Christmas.
They've gone back to Arizona now, and I miss them so much!

                                                                              Kate

                                                                               Natalie

November 29, 2009 Thirty-nine Years and Counting

Today my husband and I have been married 39 years! So many years ago as a young girl I prayed and asked the Lord to send me someone to love me. My Father did just that! We started dating in tenth grade and have never separated. We married very young, right out of high school. I can honestly say we are more in love now than the day we married. My husband is my very best friend. He is also the most unselfish person I have every known. He does so much for me, for his children, and for anyone in need. He blesses me in so many ways, but most of all, he loves me. He loves me unconditionally. He's so much like our heavenly Father. I see the love of Jesus in my husband every day. And there's not a day that goes by that I don't thank God for blessing me with my wonderful husband.

Reflections of the Past

October 31st is a very controversial day. For me, it’s a day of reflection.
My daddy died on October 31st many years ago after an agonizing battle with cancer.
My daddy was a farmer. One thing I remember about him is that he always wore bib overalls working around the farm. The pants leg of these overalls had a loop on it to hold a hammer. I didn’t know it was for a hammer until I was grown. I always thought it was my special little handle just for me. You see, Daddy had long legs, and it was hard for a little girl that followed him everywhere he went to keep up with him. So, I’d hook my little fingers inside that loop and hold on tight! We walked over that farm many times like that!
Another time I remember is one Sunday morning. It had snowed during the night. A big snow! Very unusual for North Carolina! I liked the snow, but I was very upset because we weren’t going to be able to go to Sunday school that morning. I was upset because my church gave out Sunday school pins for everyone with perfect attendance. The first pin was round and every year after that there was a rectangular pin that attached to it. I had several hanging underneath that little round pin, and I didn’t want to miss getting one that year! I was crying so hard, as little girls do, that Daddy finally said, “I’ll get you there if I have to take you on the tractor!” I don’t know which I was more excited about, getting to Sunday school or riding the tractor there! Well, we got to church, but not on the tractor. When we got to church there were only a handful of people huddle around the old heater. (It wasn’t a wood heater. I don’t know what kind it was, just big and tall.) I remember thinking, “Where is everybody?” Even as young as I was (5 or 6) I couldn’t help believe people would miss church!
When you live on a farm everyone works, little to big. And I was LITTLE when I had to start helping put in tobacco. I hated it! But one special thing I remember is that when Daddy would go to the store to get snacks for the farm hands, he’d always bring me back a little round carton of vanilla ice cream. Momma would share her “nabs” with me. (For those who don’t know, a nab is what country folk call the orange crackers with peanut butter inside them.) I’d put two nabs in my little carton and chop them up and eat my ice cream. I knew I was special to my daddy because he only brought me ice cream! I still like peanut butter crackers in my ice cream to this day!
Another thing I remember isn’t as pleasant. I hate working in tobacco because it has worms on it! Horrible, green, monster-looking worms! One day, Daddy told my sister and me to go into the tobacco patch and pick off the worms and smush them! Uggh! If there’s anything I hate worse than a worm, it’s smushing one! I “pitched a fit” as we country folks say! Well, Daddy would have none of that! But I’m a determined girl, so the battle was on! Daddy, ingenious farmer that he was, came up with a plan. He put kerosene in a coffee can and gave me a clothes pin and told me to pick the worms off with the clothes pin and put them in the can! I didn’t like that much either, but at least I didn’t have to touch them, and I didn’t have to smush them! Well, I can’t really figure out who won that battle, but I think Daddy did! (lol)
Every year around the middle of October when the leaves start falling and the air turns crisp, I start feeling sad. I think, “What is wrong with me?” and then I remember. Oh, October 31st is coming up. I remember now. So, today I will be outside with my husband and son raking leaves, and I will remember.