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Hanging out with Ronnie
Today Ronald McDonald paid our little island a visit- first stop the library for story time, corny jokes, juggling and magic. And then, McDonald's for lunch (what else?)
My camera said "Absolutely Not" today, so my phone was called in as a substitute-- and did alright, for a rookie.
Itty Bitty Church
Itty Bitty, originally uploaded by kellybrewer.
Driving home from Waycross, GA on Hwy 17 a few months past, we came across this small wonder. Though the sign out front proclaims it "America's Smallest Church" , there are other churches scattered throughout the country of comparable size.
Still, it was a curious place to explore and worth the fifteen minute pit stop.
Thanks, Clay-- for stopping.
The Secret Handshake...Revealed!
Logan and one of her friends from church have created a "secret handshake. Typical of gals their age, neither do well at KEEPING secrets:
Hillbilly Horseshoes
Hillbilly Horseshoes, originally uploaded by Muddy Britches.
Chandler and Fisher got picked to play Hillbilly Horshoes on-field at a recent Charleston Riverdogs game. -- enjoy!
Goodbye, Michael.
Your ride into the sunset came too soon.
We will miss you.
Mr. Michael Douglas Carnes
OXFORD — Funeral services for Mr. Michael Douglas Carnes, 44, will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Miller Funeral Home & Crematory with the Rev. Homer Longoria and the Rev. Howard Carroll officiating. The family will receive friends from 5-8 tonight at the funeral home. Mr. Carnes died Sunday, May 10, 2009, at Atlanta Medical Center. Mr. Carnes is survived by his wife, Amy Carnes; son, Steven Carnes; daughter, Kelley Carnes, all of Oxford; father, John Carnes, of Ohatchee; mother, Peggy Brown, of St. Petersburg, Fla.; two sisters, Judith Carnes, of Plant City, Fla. and Debra Sears of Charleston, S.C.; numerous aunts and uncles; several nieces and nephews. Mr. Carnes was a native of Sanford, Fla., but lived in Calhoun County since 1984. He owned and operated Carnes painting for the past 8 years. Michael died doing what he loved, riding on his motorcycle. "Ride safe ya'll." Miller Funeral Home & Crematory Oxford, Ala. (256) 831-4611 A Brown Service Authorized Funeral Home
Presidential Fitness
Tomorrow will be the last day of Presidential Fitness season for Chandler and Logan.
Chandler made Presidential for most everything he tried, Logan made several National rankings and Presidential in the Mile Run and Curl Ups.
Next season, Fisher gets to join in and he can't wait!
Tomorrow is the awards ceremony and Logan plans to bring her camera along since I will be in Bible study.
Below are a few pictures from one of their last testing/practice days.
Chandler made Presidential for most everything he tried, Logan made several National rankings and Presidential in the Mile Run and Curl Ups.
Next season, Fisher gets to join in and he can't wait!
Tomorrow is the awards ceremony and Logan plans to bring her camera along since I will be in Bible study.
Below are a few pictures from one of their last testing/practice days.
Easter Saturday
I spent the Saturday preceding Easter with my family in Augusta. I just love those folks! Here are some highlights from our cookout at Sprink Lake clubhouse:
King Tut
While in Atlanta recently, the kids and I took in the King Tutankhamen exhibit at the Civic Center. The kids just wanted to see a mummy, but I made them stop and listen as I read to them from the different displays. This only lasted so long! They were disappointed that there were no actual mummies to be seen, though I believe they still enjoyed seeing some of the burial items. Probably the biggest impact item for them was the cat's coffin, which they were sure still contained an ancient mummified cat.
(I imagine they are right)
I personally found the detail of the carving fascinating and the many various "gods" with which they were buried the most interesting of all. I have heard about idols made from wood and gold my entire life, but I've only seen modern ones (you know, golf clubs, Hershey bars... whatever :)
We've been learning about Egypt in our Mystery of History studies, so seeing the artifacts first hand was not only a real treat but a great way to observe first hand some of the things we had learned.
Obviously, cameras weren't welcome beyond the foyer- but here is what we did take:
In what can only be described as "typical", the one item best retained in their memories from our Egyptian studies (thus far) is the one item I included just for fun. I fear that the only thing they may be able to describe about King Tut now, is that he was "buried in his jammies!"
(On the bright side, their pop culture horizons were vastly expanded in Steve Martin 101, whom they had only previously known as "Inspector Clouseau" from modern day Pink Panther takes.)
(I imagine they are right)
I personally found the detail of the carving fascinating and the many various "gods" with which they were buried the most interesting of all. I have heard about idols made from wood and gold my entire life, but I've only seen modern ones (you know, golf clubs, Hershey bars... whatever :)
We've been learning about Egypt in our Mystery of History studies, so seeing the artifacts first hand was not only a real treat but a great way to observe first hand some of the things we had learned.
Obviously, cameras weren't welcome beyond the foyer- but here is what we did take:
In what can only be described as "typical", the one item best retained in their memories from our Egyptian studies (thus far) is the one item I included just for fun. I fear that the only thing they may be able to describe about King Tut now, is that he was "buried in his jammies!"
(On the bright side, their pop culture horizons were vastly expanded in Steve Martin 101, whom they had only previously known as "Inspector Clouseau" from modern day Pink Panther takes.)
Uncle Joe
Joseph B. Carnes
July 4th, 1927 - April 3, 2009
AMAZING LOVE
Retired Master Sgt. Joseph B. Carnes, 81, of Lumberton passed
away April 3, 2009, at Southeastern Regional Medical Center, with his family by
his side. He served in the Korean War and the Vietnam War, retiring after 22
years. After the military, Joe worked in construction and later contributed to
his community through retail sales.Joseph B. Carnes was a dedicated family man, always
making sure that his family was taken care of. We loved him very much and will
miss him dearly! He was preceded in death by a son, Daniel Carnes; his parents
Harley & Pallie Carnes, both of Franklin, a sister, Ruth Edwards of
Franklin; and a brother, Zell Carnes of Grey, GA.Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Rosie Davis Carnes of
Lumberton; one son, Larry D. Carnes and daughter-in-law Myoung-Jin, both of
Florence, SC; three daughters, JoAnn Dudney and son-in-law Jerry Dudney, both of
Lumberton, Kathy Willoughby and son-in-law Mike Willoughby, both of Fairmont,
and Teresa Willoughby of Lumberton; 16 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren;
four brothers General Jackson Carnes and Ted Carnes, both of Covington, GA, John
Clay Carnes of Ohatchee, AL and Thomas Carnes of Cummings, GA; three sisters,
Madge Roper of Monticello, GA, Pallie Raby and Thana Smith, both of Covington,
GA as well as a host of nieces and nephews.~copied from obituary
I am one of the host of nephews & nieces group- I'm a great-niece to be exact. My grandfather is Uncle Joe's older brother, General Jackson (most folks just call him Jack, but a few realize it isn't everyday you get to call a man General because that's his name and take him up on the opportunity) Uncle Joe and Grandpa set out as young men (very young from what I'm not supposed to know!) and traveled around the country. They were quite a team from those same stories I've not supposed to have overheard. :) All that I know to be safe to repeat from those "early days" is that their tattoos were self inflicted in a way most old fashioned and involving heat, pain and soot.
Before Uncle Joe's funeral, I knew he had lived in Alaska during the Great Earthquake. I had heard stories about how great rifts had torn through the earth's crust and how Joe had made some great leaps towards safety. This story always left an Indiana Jones-ish impression on me. I sort of got the idea that he did this sort of thing everyday. I am pretty sure if he were here, he would attest to the fact that daily earthquake hopping wasn't his preferred means of gainful employment. Then again, if you look at his military record, he may well have preferred that sort of daring to "ordinary" living.
Uncle Joe served in both Korea and Vietnam. The soldiers who spoke- and shed tears- at his funeral read to us from various military records regarding his career and character. No one was surprised to hear about his brand of leadership. Some of us- me included- were delighted to learn they used to call him Cannonball Carnes ("because if you didn't follow his orders, he'd roll right over you") and those of us with that "Carnes" disposition-me included- were probably just a bit too proud of that moniker, too. We learned, with some amusement, that Uncle Joe had been involved in Military Charm School. It made sense that he had completed only the bare minimum requirements for graduation, but more sense that he indeed graduated a charming soldier.
I remember visiting Uncle Joe as a young girl. As we were leaving, he allowed a cousin and myself to pick a pair of sunglasses from his merchandise. All these years later, I found a new appreciation for that gift when I learned that Uncle Joe's business savvy and niche for making a profit was a well established fact. Gifts weren't unheard of, but they definitely came from someplace a bit closer to his heart.
A family friend- one of the family's pastors- recounted expecting to get a little discount on his first purchase from Uncle Joe, only to be set aright in his thinking before he was out of the gate.
PASTOR: "How much you want for this, Joe?"
JOE: " Well, what does the tag say?"
Uncle Joe was a resourceful guy- a Do-It-Yourself-er that got things done. He and a host of child labor "volunteers" hand dug the basement for his home. He paid them in coinage and ice cream at the end of each day, and as they realized years later, he'd also invested a sense of self reliance into their lives that matured as a Can-Do spirit.
Uncle Joe left behind a bunch of wonderful people. Folks I am glad to know and be related to. I am sad that I didn't get to know all the wonderful stories and personality traits of my Uncle Joe before he passed, but I count it all joy that there are plenty of memories and stories written on the hearts and spilling from the lips of my family members.
As I get older, I realize this Journey only speeds up the closer to The End we get. There is no "slow motion" or "pause". You really do have seize the days that remain with the people that remain, before it is too late. It is important to ask questions now, to learn all you can while the accounts are still first hand.
The older I get, the deeper my appreciation for family grows, too. Not my family only but human kinship as well. I imagine to die without having been involved in other's lives would be antiseptic. I can't imagine that life vacated could be as rich and fulfilling as a life that has felt deeply- both in joy and in loss.
It has been said "To have loved, then lost is better than to never have loved at all..." I am inclined to agree. Goodbye, Uncle Joe. You will be missed.
Sir William (the Moist) II
Evidence of True Love? There is not a subsequent picture where she socks him one (longsuffering)
Made With Love
Chandler made everyone "cheese sandwiches" today for a snack. I've just got to show you mine:
Logan's 8th Backyard Birthday Tea
Logan turned 8 and celebrated by inviting a few Sunday School/Homeschool friends over for tea in her "garden".
Strawberry Beginnings
won't be long now...( if I can beat the "early" birds to pecking..er, I mean, picking them)
High Heel
High Heel, originally uploaded by kellybrewer.
Art, just sitting around in a Five Points alley way, waiting for someone to take it's photograph, so I did...and there ya have it- a high heel.
Tides & Thievery
Sometimes, things just work together, ya know?
If you ever find yourself studying the ocean's movement, and if during that study you are instructed to build a model ocean but can't find any sand, it may all work out anyhow, if you happen to live on a golf course and have one to three children who do not mind being sneaky little thieves on occasion.
That is how we managed our project...bunker sand snatched from the 15th hole:
(we really only borrowed it)
Frescoe Projects
One of our projects while studying Greek civilization was to create a frescoe, like the many found throughout their ancient architecture. This project turned out to be one of those "Mom does the majority" projects. Oddly enough, the kiddos were still extremely proud of "their" work and tickled to see their frescoe work hung in the schoolroom:
* Word to the Wise: Never mix Plaster of Paris in a large yet narrow mouthed jar.
* Word to the Wise: Never mix Plaster of Paris in a large yet narrow mouthed jar.
Earthenware
As one of our projects to learn about ancient civilizations-Greece specifically on this particular day- we took to some Sculpey and made clay pots. After the children rolled their "snakes" of clay into a pot formation, I baked them and then we painted them(as well as large portions of our skin and clothes) The end product has been grouped with other projects that we completed...each child pretty much stuck with "their" signature color- Chan went red, Fisher blue and Logan pink/purple:
Puppy Dog Tails
Puppies remained on the forefront of Fisher's mind however, and he looked for them on every aisle. As we passed the "Rodents", a glass of gerbils specifically, I remarked that you couldn't get me to buy anything with a tail...I'd already served my time (see Maria above)
Fisher- paying more attention than I realized- reacted with a great garumph and protested : "But Momma...puppies have tails!"
Withering Leaves
Chandler and Logan have been encouraged to begin committing the Psalms to memory. Their choir instructor at church has even added a reward as incentive for the quotation of three specific Psalms. Psalm 1 is one of the key verses and the kids have had me listen to their attempts at recital throughout the week.
((Turns out we have at least 4 different versions of the Bible here at home, adding a bit of a challenge))
Chandler quoted:
" Blessed is the man who walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, ....he will be like a tree, firmly planted by streams of water ...whose leaf does not SHIVER..."
According to some theologies, I can claim this version as an all inclusive relocation to some lush tropical isle..right?
Blooming
A tree at church caught my attention--- I pretty much climbed inside to take this picture :)
I am reminded of dragons or lizards with flicking tongues...
Mugs
The kids went to an audition for Willy Wonka Jr at the Beaufort Children's Theatre this week. They were to bring a head shot to attach to their forms...we printed of a few quick candids. Here are those plus the ones we didn't print:
How I Roll
I tried my hand at making Jelly Roll cakes. I impressed me! There were no egg shells in the cakes, everything was palatable and nobody got food poisioning! What more can one hope for?
Snowy Greenville
We had the pleasant surprise of snow while in Greenville recently. It was the first time in probably five years or so that we have seen (or played in) any real amount of snow. Since I didn't have to live in it for months on end, it was an agreeable snow :) And thank goodness for 80% off Winter Apparel Clearance!A Snow Day slideshow is at the end of this post, but here are a few of my favorite "snow shots":
See the fallen flower...cool, no?
Beach...Ha!
Beach...Ha! 
Frozen Flowers
Brrrd Bath...
Why Me, Lord?
SLIDESHOW:Feathered Friends
I've become somewhat a bird lady in recent years. This weekend, we catered to my weakness and got a few new birdy-things. It didn't take long for our new friends to drop by:
Sonrise Choir
Chandler and Logan practice for The Sonrise Choir's special song time on a recent Wednesday night (I only took video during practice so as not to be disruptive during service):
All The Earth:
Praise To You:
All The Earth:
Praise To You:
Choir Antics
All of the children have been involved in a "choir special" in recent weeks. Those posts will follow shortly but first, the fun one. This was practice for Fisher's group, The Genesis Choir. Mostly you'll hear a lot of talking as the kids do their run thru...but also some giggling. Here's why - look at the boy beside Fisher and watch as he moves through a chorus of movements from funny faces to arm farts. (I later learned that my giggling eldest may have been silently egging him on from behind me, though I have yet to confirm this for sure):
Jarvis Creek
The kids enjoy one last swing before leaving the park.
Jarvis Creek Park
Hilton Head Island, SC
3/9/2009
Mr. Frosty Pants
While in Greenville this weekend, we were surprised with snow showers and the delightful immobility that ensued.
Snow Day pictures to follow in the near future. Until then, Mr. Frosty Pants:
BEFORE:
AFTER:
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