These are some pics I took at mom and dad's a few weeks ago. They were doing some work out in the garden. Coaley enjoyed it I believe, she likes to trape through the cucumbers.

Rita, thanks for those pics on the "family affair". I have never seen Addy or Janet throwin' a bale of hay. I 'bout fell off my chair (lol). Looks like Janet had some umph behind that muscle :) Looks like it was a beautiful day for that though. It's supposed to be pretty here the rest of the week, a small chance of rain on Friday. Those were beautiful pictures of the Hocevar family that Ruth sent as well. Little Clara is growing so much!! Mommy and Daddy look so proud and blessed!!

I can hear Jeff Foxworthy now. If you have a radio hangin' in your garden...you might be a redneck! :)

Janet, Uncle Bill Sweeney has had a radio in his garden for years here in Ohio. It keeps the raccoons away.

I have not heard, but I am guessing that there is a radio in grandpa's garden. Jeff Foxworthy could read this and have material for a year!

Do you all remember the first time a deer was seen up at Daddy's? They had been playin' music (real loud, is there any other kind), and they attributed the deer showin' up to the music. Trish, you need to have Casey make a tape of his singing (screaming) and play that if you want to keep the animals (and people) away.

Good Morning all,
Mom and Dad went to the doctor last week and both got a good report. Mommys blood work was all perfect and the doctor talked about putting Mommy on the medicine for her memory but we all decided the side effects wouldn't be worth it. She also said the effects of the medicine usually only lasted for about 6 months, which I wasn't aware of; think I will have to research that one. Anyway, Daddy is anemic and his kidney functions were a little out of whack, but he takes fluid pills so that is about par for the course. One of his liver functions was elevated too but she didn't seem too concerned about it. He has been complaining alot with nausea and his side hurting. But if you could see the way he sits on the mower on the side of the hill its no wonder it hurts. I just talked to them both and he was eating breakfast and said he felt better. Jacob went up and weedeated some yesterday and sat in a chair on the lookout for squirrels. He killed one and is going back this morning. The kittens are really growing and Mommy really enjoys sitting in the swing with them on her lap.
We had a good turn out for our first night at VBS last night. And as always the kids had a really good time.
The sun is shining and it looks to be a beautiful day here in Dawson. Oh by the way, the radio by the garden; I think it will keep away intruders too. It sure keeps Lucy out of the garden. Scared her to death, she won't even go near it. Daddy might have to put one by the cellar playing rock and roll to keep the bear away! LOL

Yes, Dad is looking forward to Lee and Carol's visit. Maybe Goldie can come by as well. He said he was going to try to have all of his mowing done! The radio seems to be working out at their garden! The deer are staying out of it so far. I told Mom they might have to change stations from time to time just to keep the deer confused! They could get to lik'en that cont'rey musick! Trish you might sneak out there and get us some shots of the dancin' deer!

Boy, do those cherries look good, and I bet the birds are having a field day Cherry Pie Rita!!!!!!!!!

 

Our Cherry Tree is loaded. By the weekend, we will be eating, hopefully, faster than the birds.
It was a beautiful day here. The hay is down and drying, and it smells sooooo good. If nothing happens, we will rake and bale it tomorrow.

Please saya prayer for Olivia and Kaiden- they are sick and missing Bible school, which is not making Olivia feel any better.

Lucy would definately bark them away. But no grit to go with it. She is definately a loud scardy cat! I will have to wait until I get Daddys film developed from WalMart before I can post any.
Mommy called and said that Uncle Lee is coming for a visit July 4th? I think Daddy will enjoy that! Maybe he and Lee can kill a bear! Wouldn't that be a tale to tell from a couple of old timers!

That is toooo close! Mom doesn't hear well anyway. A bear could slip in and she would never hear it. Trish, did you tell Dad that Lucy would have never let it get that close! Maybe that is why they haven't seen them so close around the house before-because of the dogs! Post a picture Trish.

Kaiden said "yuv you" on Monday for the first time! His talking has really come along way in the past few weeks. Matthew said Olivia never stops...I told him that I was sorry, she got it honest! Hope everyone has a great day!

That is a little close for comfort!

Is that the first time they have seen a bear? didnt know they had them that close around there.Well once is enough, how come Dad didnt shoot at it?
I dont think I would be going out after dark there anymore, Good thing they had the kittens in .they could have lost them.

Just got a call from Daddy. Mommy was looking out the kitchen window and saw a big black bear. Actually climbed up the tree right below the cellar. Daddy took some pictures BEFORE he yelled at it. Said it took right off. They had just put the kittens in the box.

Danny made the swing for Mommy for Mothers Day!

Where did Mom get her swing?

Mom's kittens are real cute, and I love her swing, wish I had one like that , sure looks comfey, and she looks content in it.
I am with you Janet, I hate snakes of any kind.

Those were alive????? OH my! I thought they were dead. Let's see, rodents or snakes? None of the above!

 
 

 
 
 
 

 

 

Tux and Lucy

 

These two haven't decided if they want to be friends or enemies yet. But they love checking each other out!

It was just a black snake. Glad to here the kittens are having a good time.

what kind of snake was the big one? was it a black snake? We visited with Mommy and Daddy yesterday evening and the kittens are loving it there. They have made the apple trees their haven. I got lots of pictures I will post later. I am so glad we decided to take 2 cats instead of 1. They really enjoy romping and playing. We took Lucy with us and of course they hissed at her. She pretty much ignored them! She treed them a coupoe times.

Sorry about the nightmares Janet :( It was very much alive. We just tossed it back out of the yard. I'm sure it helps keep the rodent population down.

Is that snake dead or alive??

I could have done without those pictures before bed- here come the nightmares!!! I HATE snakes! My kids had a date with Nana and Papaw this evening and they had a great time. Matthew and I had a nice, quiet dinner at Food & Friends...love it there!

We have never seen a snake where we live for at least twelve years. Today we found two, this one and a small garter snake about 8 inches long. We were just talking to out neighbor yesterday about how we have never seen a snake here. Andy tried to toss him across our back fence into a field and he got stuck on a tree limb.

 

This is a picture of a robin sitting on her nest in the tree at the end of our driveway.

Do as I say, not as I do...huh, trish? The announcement of baby Clara is so precious...makes me want another one! I am loving being home with my little ones.

She is so cute and adorable!!! Mark still says "NO". (haha)

 

Lucy loves the outdoors, as long as I go with her. She won't hardly go pee unless I am standing there for her to see me. Everyone tells me she has separation Anxiety. Sure hope that goes away!

Lucy

 

As you can see "Lucy" has made herself at home! We are in the process of trying to Crate Train her so she won't pee all over the house. They say it may take 3 weeks! Does anyone have any other solutions!

No, I told him to learn by the book, not by example. If he does that he should be an alright driver!!

Tanner is a very good driver if he doesn't text while driving. Uh, who taught him to drive, Trish or Danny? I know that Trish told him to always drive faster than the speed limit, she told him that's what she does!!! OOPS, did I say that?!?!?!

Mark said it's not the highways he's concerned about, it's the ditches (haha). Congratulations Tanner!

She starts her job as soon as Chrissy gets her station set up in her shop.

Congradulations Tanner!!!!!

I bet she is excited ! When does she start her job? I still see her and Andy as a little boy and girl but they certainly aren't. Thats a really good picture Steve of Kelsey and the flag.
Tanner passed his drivers license, so everyone watch out on the highway!

Wish I could have been there , she sure is a beautiful girl Steve and Treasea you have done a great job with your Children. and Congrats to Kelsey, and may God's Blessings shine upon you all. Love you .

Here is my baby girl today at graduation. We are certainly proud of her. Wish you all could have been here.

Mommy and Daddy stopped by after church and said the kittens were doing well. Were playing all over the place. Even his flower pots and trying to break over his flowers. Tanner turns 16 tomorrow and will get his license bright and early in the morning. I will let you all know if he passes.

I hate that I missed all of the fun! So glad you guys had nice weather. Love to all and Congrats Kelsey!

Yes, it was a most beautiful day. I think everything went wonderfully. The Lord has blessed us richly and I can't help but think of that everytime we get together. I'm so glad we counted and prayed, I'm starting to look forward to that everytime. Congratulations Kelsey!!! And Steve & Teresa, you've raised two wonderful kids. Tata for now :)

Thanks to everyone for making this a great day for Kelsey. Thanks for the yard compliment too. We have a lot of hours invested. I was surprised at the turnout that we had. I think it was 53 in all! Teresa talked to Trish and she said that Daddy actually like the cats. Imagine that.

We had a great time at Kelsey's Party. It is nice to see, Steve, that you have adopted our family tradition as your own. The circle prayer and the head count. Only thing missing was the huge photo. You all have certainly done some creative landscaping, it is beautiful. You can definitely see Teresa's hand in it. That girl is so talented.
It is hard to believe that Steve's little baby is graduating High School. Her new boss got her all the tools of the trade to start her new position as a Hair Dresser. I think Lonnie needs to make an appointment for some color!!! That was suggested by Monica!!
The day couldn't have been more beautiful. There was Cornholin' of the serious kind and then the law showed up. Well, Actually it was Mark stoppin' by for a bite to eat on his way to work, but that ol' boy was packin'. Looked like the law to me.
Steve, the folks from your church were really friendly. I talked to several of them. It's nice to have a church family, ain't it?
I got home and thought I was going to freeze to death. It was 71 degrees!!
I hope you have good weather tomorrow and Congratulations Kelsey!!!
On the way home, Mommy counted all of her kids that were there and she didn't miss any!! Lonnie and his family, Bobbie and her family, Trish and her family, Timmy and his friend, of course, Steve and Me.
Steve and Teresa gave Mommy and Daddy two kittens for Mommy's birthday. I hope Daddy lets her keep them.

Monica~You tell Mark "Good Choice"!

Well Lucy is the name! "Lucy you got some splainin' to do", "Lucy I'm home" Danny likes to say all that. All I can say is Mommy loved dog, but Daddy didn't want her scratching on the door and whining to come in. He just wants something to bark at the deer and when someone comes up the hill, but doesn't want it to be petted or hang around the house for anything else. So she has become our housedog. And I will probably take her with me Saturday because she hasn't learned to stay by herself for very long at a time yet. She is so attached to me, I can't even go to the bathroom by myself. I don't know if she was a housedog or outside dog but she was used to being in a kennel at the animal shelter, so I think if Daddy would've given her a little time she would've gotten used to being outside. I took her out one night and she heard a hoot owl and it scared her to death. Montana has tried to kill her a few times but no blood yet...

Well, Mark has been wanting a red-headed german shepherd that will bite anyone outside of our circle of family and friends and he was thinking of naming it Rita (lol)!!! I will be at Kelsey's on Saturday but Mark has to work. Adam has to work as well but he gets off at 5 so hopefully he will stop by when he's done. As far as I know the rest of the family will be there. I'm glad everyone had a good weekend. Janet, I bet you and Addy are ready for school to be out so you can enjoy sleeping in during the summer. Oh wait, I guess Addy will be the only one to sleep in (haha) :( It sounds like pawpaw just needs a bigger dog. Maybe the Lord will send them another one like he sent the beagle after Daisy.

No one minded the ice water at the "Bass Pro Shop" except mom...and Kaiden when he got hungry. Monica, I was wondering the same thing. Everyone must be busy...things are finally slowing down here. Six more days, only three with kids and two of those are field trips. Then, I will get to be with my own babies instead of everyone else's. Talk to you all soon!

Lucy? I like it...but what happened to Fancy and Milly and all those other names?

Zac and I made it through the weekend...I really liked it, all except for the bugs and the fear that a bear would eat me while I slept! We saw a bear on our way there, and there were deer that walked almost right up to us!

We stopped at Droop Mountain on our way back from Watoga...the view was beautiful!!

Well, the little dog didn't work out. It was too aggravating for Daddy so Trish is keeping it. You know how he is with a dog in the house and it wanted in all the time. It is the sweetest little thing, just hope Montana don't kill it. He's not very fond of it but Marley is.
Took Olivia and Kaiden to the pool at Babcock this evening. The water in the kiddie pool was like ice water! Only stayed about an hour in the big pool. I asked Olivia on the phone where we were going to the pool, Babcock? She misunderstood me and said "Yeah, the Bass Pro Shop"!! You know where she goes in Tennessee.
Monica, are you going to make it to Kelsey's Party on Sat.? Trish, you ought to take Lucy. That's what she named the dog. Same as Ruth's. I'm glad my name is not Lucy. Don't hear of no dogs named Rita, do ya???

where's everybody at? it's been three days.....

Someone a little attached to the new dog?

Well first of all, Emily and Zac aren't going alone...or I would be worried. They are traveling with experienced campers. They took enough food to feed an army. Steaks and the likes...not your regular camp food. They have a tent plus they are camping with a 4 and a 2 year old, so they will be okay.
Me and "No Name" have bonded you might say. She has definately been a house dog. She is the sweetest little thing. Rode in the van like she has been doing it all her life. When I picked her up I put her in the seat beside of me and she laid right down and laid her head on the edge of the seat. As I drove (Old 60) she inched her head then her body closer to me when I wasn't looking. First her head was in the middle on my purse, then on the edge of my seat then she was in my lap! She lays on my shoulder like a baby. She gets in the dog bed like she owns it. But anyway I guess she will go to grandma's this morning

I don't worry about them going hungry, but I do worry about them getting lost without a GPS. I doubt that the camp toilet is in the Garmin, and then if they make it to the toilet, how will they get back to their campsite? Are they home yet???? It's after 10:00, for goodness sake:)
I like the name Cricket but we may not be naming that dog! Trish????

So it is now Friday evening and the way I have it figured, Emily and Zack are camping without electricity I am assuming. So they should be back home any minute because I doubt if they have wireless in the woods. I don't know about everyone else, but I laughed out loud when i read that those two were going camping. Not that i am any better, but does anyone else have a mental picture of those two starving to death lost in the wilderness with no cell phone service or GPS. LOL

Janet,
Great minds think alike!! I was thinking of TUT2 also after I thought about it. TUT2, TUT2, zee plane, zee plane (lol).

Mom's dog sure is cute , but those eyes,a good name for her would be Cricket, those eyes look like a cricket, but she is really cute.
Steve tell Kelsey , I would love to be there for the cook out with you guys, but her gift is in the mail so be watching for it. Hope you all have a great time , I know you will, just hope the weather is pretty too.

Will Mommy's dog get any bigger? It certainly is cute.

Hey all,

Zac and I are going camping this weekend at Watoga. Like real camping, in a tent. I've never done it before, but we'll see how it goes... I'll be sure to let you know. ;)

The dog is adorable! I like bug.

Everybody have a good weekend!

What a cutie! How about TUT2? I am glad that mom is keeping Penny because my kids have become pretty attached. Penny is probably praying for her old home back or a new home without two kids trying to ride her like a horse all the time. Kaiden is pretty rough on her. Steve- tell Kelsey that I am sorry that I won't be able to come to her party because we have a Title I thing at school that day. I thought I could get out of it, but it turns out I can't. Tell her to be watching for her gift in the mail though! Sorry again and thank you for the invite. I'll miss being there.

I like Sandy, and Bug is too cute. With those big eyes she kind of looks like a bug.
someone else suggested Ginger, Ginger Snaps are Mommys favorite cookie. I am afraid Mommy will call her Tut, no matter what her name is! LOL

Instead of a puggle, you sure she's not a bug (lol). I think she looks like the color of sand, how about Sandie? She is precious, what a wonderful idea you two!! I'm sure grandma will be so excited.

Mommy's Birthday Present

 

This is the newest member of the family. Me and Rita went to the animal shelter and adopted her today, but she can't come home til Friday. Mommy thinks she is getting Rita's stray pup that showed up at her house, but they decideded to keep her. So this is mine and Ritas birthday present to Mommy. She is part Pug and part Beagle, Puggle. Her name at the shelter is Gypsy but we are looking for something else that will be easy for Mommy to remember!
Any ideas?

I am right in the middle of the state of Tennessee in Williamson county right under Nashville. About 30 miles out.

LOve the hands! and if you don't know, that is Mommys apron that the hands are on! Clara just wasn't very cooperative with her hands! She either wanted them out of the picture or her whole body in there!

I love the picture of the hands. That will always be a treasure. I hate that I missed such an importnat event. We enjoyed the much needed rest. Headed home tomorrow. What part pf TN is Janis in? If you guys keep those adorable pictures coming...well, you know!

Looks like everyone had a good time! We wish we could have been there. Clara is as beautiful as I imagined! I just think our family is really blessed to have such amazing photographers!

If only these hands could talk. The stories they would tell! Can you tell whose hands are whose? :)

The pictures of Mommie and Clara are to precious for words, and Amy looks like she is in Heaven also, it's just beautiful what a new life will do to you . I know Mommie was just thrilled beyond words , she sure loves her babies, and Dad looked like he was enjoying it also; hope everyone had a great week end, the weather here is great too.

Rita, Yes I have heard of the leather britches < I have seen them hanging on strings in kitchens to dry.

I had just mentioned to Mark today about Janet and her trips to Tennessee!!!

Ah man I LOVED the Old Mill. I think that was my favorite place that we ate the whole week. So much food...and the chowder and peach cobbler were amazing!

And I agree, Amy is a natural! I think Greg is pretty happy being a daddy too!

Here are a few more pictures from earlier today.

Mom- Not every time. Those pics of Clara certainly are giving me the fever though. It is probably a good thing that I was far away this weekend. We had a ball at the zoo and today at at the aquarium. We had dinner with Addy & Paul at the Old Mill- had a nice time. We decided not to come home until Tuesday- having too much fun and the kids are being so good!

Clara is a little angel!! I love the black and white of mommy holding her all snuggled up. It was taken as soon as they got there. It's hard to picture Amy with a baby, but she is natural. I doubt that Clara will be an only child.
Janis, Have you ever heard of leather britchy beans? Both Addy and Janet went to Tennessee this weekend. Janet to the Knoxville Zoo and Addy to Pigeon Forge. Everytime Janet goes to Tennessee, she comes back pregnant! O MY WORD!!
Steve, you just wait til you get grandbabies!!! You'll wear out your camera the first day!! Blain said it best this evening "There ain't nothin any sweeter"!

Rita - Nice pic of the flag! You can take something other than grandkids after all. lol.

Emily - Nics pics also. I'll bet grandma was excited to hold the little one. She sure is precious. Wish we could have been there. When do they have to go back?

Emily,
Those pictures are precious. I hope everyone has a good time at grandma's this weekend and abroad. I told the guy at work that I was apparently a "leather britches" outcast (lol). I don't know how I missed out on those but I have. If everyone has all these memories of these beans how come I've never heard anyone mention them? Suspicious I think ? :) Love to all!!

Here are a few pictures of Clara Vivian and Grandma Vivian from today!

Are you liking it here in Tennessee . I just love it I just wish the rain would go away for awhile , it is suppose to rain until next Friday 50% Every day until Friday.I guess I am going to mow my grass in the rain ha ha.

Hey everyone! Love hearing what's new with you. I am with Addy and wondering where Monica grew up. I have seen those beans on the little house and wondered who in their right mind would eat them. If grandma & grandpa ever read this blog, they would laugh at all of us. We are in Tennesse and having a wonderful time. The kids are being good. They just went right to sleep after a day at the zoo. We had a good time and are making plans for tomorrow. Hope everyone is good and don't forget to take lots of pictures of Clara. Love to all!

Addy~I have all Steve's pics on a Memory stick that you can borrow!!!!!!! By the way, Your dad is wearing 34 pants now and Medium shirts if you need an idea for Father's Day. He is ALL THAT!! He weighed 193.4 this morning, that is a 42 lb. loss in 4 mos. tomorrow. I am at 136.4 this morning and I am going to 135 and going to try to hold steady. Let me tell you how Redneck Blain is!! As if you all don't already know. He has been taking up notches on his "work" belt, it was a 38-40. Well he ran out of notches, so rather than go buy a new belt (and he can surely afford one), he cut about 4 inches off and started making new holes. I know you are rollin', Monica!!!!
I talked to Leitha, Janis' sister, although I didn't know it was her, and she will be on the blog soon, hopefully. Can't wait to see Mommy's namesake tomorrow. I know, I will have to stand in line to get ahold of her.

Well it looks like Monica was one of the lucky ones that didn't get leather britchey beans shoved down her throat. I remember sitting at grandma's table choking them down because Trish threatened not to take me to the fair if I didn't eat those beans. YUCK! I've never eaten them since. Between having to gag down mashed potatoes and beans no wonder I never ate my beggies when I was a kid! I used to hate dinner time...but I've definitely made up for it since then! Ummm...I've been trying to look at pictures from the reception and I don't have a disk from either Steve or Emily and the other one won't even play. I have Monica's and Marcia's pictures and that's it. Any way you guys could get that to Mom this weekend?

Beautiful picture Rita, the fog behind the flag is awesome.
Monica where have you been! Grandma has been drying green beans on the roof since I was a kid. I called the other evening and she and grandpa were eating leather britchey beans then. I like them with cornbread. yum yum.
Rolling thunder in Rainelle this week. I am going this morning with Emily to see. Me and Emma will walk the streets with her, Emma HATES motorcycles. Jacob can't even ride his while she is here. She runs and hides and says "no mo cycles!"
Emily you need to put some pictures that you took of grandpas flowers on here. They turned out really good.
Janet and Addy hope you guys have a great time on your weekend away from home.
I am anxiously awaiting meeting Clara on Saturday! I love babies!!

 

I took this from my front porch one afternoon when the fog was coming in. What do you think, Steve and Emily?

Monica~Grandma has been making those for years!!! Only it sounds like those were not cooked and grandma cooks hers. She puts bacon grease in them and cooks them just like green beans, she also cans them. They taste like a cross between green beans and dried beans. Blain says it is an acquired taste and he hasn't been able to acquire it yet, just like pickled corn!!! YumYum!! I can't believe Grandma hasn't tried to give you some.
80 degrees is looking good for the next week (probably 90 in VA) Almost got all my garden in, Now the fun begins. I wish "Someone" would come up with a weed killer that you could plow in the dirt and it would only kill the weeds but let the plants grow. I mean, come on, we can put people in space!! How hard could it be?? LOL
Steve, I have tried to blog a picture and it won't work, but I can send it to (our sister's) blog with no problem. Any idea what's wrong?

Took some pictures of Tanner today...actually got him to smile in a couple!

Have any of you ever heard of "leather britches" (it is food)? I had a co-worker bring some to work last night and they were so neat!! For those of you who might be wondering what they are, they are dried green beans. These had a little bit of salt on them but they taste like a potatoe chip or cracker. I was impressed. When the guy set the little baggie of them on the desk, one of them fell out onto the desk. I heard it and thought he was trying to get me to eat a plastic bean (haha).

Get lots of pictures of Clara for us- Olivia wants one for her purse!

I hate that we're going to miss everybody this weekend, but Paul and I are taking off too. We are heading to Pigeon Forge til Monday. Hope you all have a good time! If you're going to be in town the big car show is Saturday evening starting at 4:00 in Rainelle. They're having fireworks and all that too.

Good morning all,
Rita and I took Mom and Dad to the doctors yesterday. Mommy to the eye doctor and Daddy to ortho to get injections in his hands for the arthritis. Mommy had had some hemorrhages in her eyes a few months ago and he was afraid she had some blockages in her carotid arteries, but this time they were almost all gone and she doesn't have to do anything different and go back in 6 months.
Daddy got injections in both of his hands for the carpal tunnel and arthritis. The doctor tried to talk him into surgery but he didn't want to go for that and I don't really blame him. They just scheduled him to come back in the fall for more injections.

Awesome! I have been dying to go to a zoo for a long time! I think we are going to go to the one in Columbus sometime in July for our anniversary.

Can't wait to meet Clara this weekend!

We are taking the kids to the Knoxville Zoo! Anybody been there? This is our first time.

WOW, I didn't know Andy was engaged also, Boy I guess I am way out of the loop. These kids are just growing up too fast for me.but Congratulations Adam and Andy.

Janet where are you headed on a trip?

Vonda,
As far as I know Andy is the other grandchild that's engaged. If there is anyone else, I'm not aware of them.