Summer Fun!

Cumberland Falls, KY.

If you haven't had a chance to stop by there, I highly recommend you find the time.

Absolutely gorgeous!

DH and I had an awesome time with five, recent HS graduates.

Our first night was spent here.

The five young people below are heading to college this fall. They are obviously, the cream of the crop! Two of the young ladies will be playing college basketball this next year. The other is majoring in Physical Therapy. One of the young men is planning on the mission field in sports ministry and the other is planning a career in medicine. How blessed those college campuses will be to have them. It is exciting to see what God has planned for their lives!

God Bless all of you!

Moonbow!

Have you ever heard of such a thing?

There are only two places in the world this phenomenon occurs, one is in Africa, the other, Cumberland Falls, KY.

If you read the information on the board below, you realize that conditions must be perfect in order for this to occur. Yes, it happened while we were there!

We were told by the waitress to go around 11:15 p.m. We thought that was a little late, but nonetheless we decided it would be a small sacrifice. The moon didn't arrive until after midnight. It was almost 12:30 a.m. before the bow appeared.

While the moonbow was amazing, I was more amazed with how many people were there to see it. I saw people with strollers, walkers and canes. I estimate there were over 200 people gathered around that falls in the darkest of the night, waiting for the moon to come over the mountain. Yes, I took a picture, then accidently deleted it. UGH!

Oh well. See it I did.

We were too close to the original KFC to not stop for lunch.

This is now a national historic site.

On Tuesday, we went to Roan Mountain.

Notice the beautiful flowers? They are rhododendrons and grow naturally on Roan Mountain.

Each year they have a festival to showcase the beautiful mountain. The picture does not do it justice.

Dad and P.

We had so much fun! It was nice to be with them.

Dad and DH trucked up a mountain to see the opening of an ore mine. P. and I enjoyed the rocking chairs on the porch upon meeting a lady hiker who informed us that it was a very rough trail. We chose wisely! LOL
I hope you are enjoying your summer days!

XOXO

Theresa

TV Chest

I thought you might enjoy seeing what the TV is now sitting on. This is the chest the mirror belongs to. With the doors open we have the perfect place for the video equipment. With them closed it looks like a nice cabinet. Not bad for a bargain hunter.

Mirror Continued

Do you have any idea how hard it is to photograph a mirror without your mug or the flash being seen? It is not easy!

I do love the detail on this mirror.

I found this embroidery piece at the same store where I found the blackberries.

I think it is beautiful!

Technology

In case you can't tell, DH is holding a DVD recorder in his hand. We are trying to become technology savy at our house. LOL

This is no easy task.

DVD's are so much more compact than video tapes. I thought...... I'll get hubby a DVD recorder for Father's Day and he will be so thrilled to learn new tech skills, he will transfer all our old family videos to DVD's.

What was I thinking?

It is GOLF season!

The weather is beautiful, the golf clubs are ready to go, and the DVD recorder is still in it's packaging. Oh well, it will sit patiently in that box until someone remembers that it is there.

I am trying to learn the new software program that DH gave me for Mother's Day. You see an example of it in the picture above and below. I love that white soft border around photos. Of course, it required one 18 year old (C) to leave me step by step instructions that I have taped to my computer screen in order to do this. I almost have that skill down. If I could figure out how to get those adjusted photos to a folder on the computer that will easily allow me to place them on this blog, I would be in tech heaven.

Unfortunately, I only know one way, so, in order for you to see the mirror I told you about, I am posting twice today.

Before:

After:
A

Close up, under the "pagan" tree.

Missed Birthdays

The dear lady in this photo had a birthday last week. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

I hope it was wonderful. I wish I had been there. We will celebrate in a few days when she makes a trip to TN.

It is amazing to me how quickly time goes by.

I know, I know, I keep saying this, but truly,

it seems like just last month that I was in KY holding this adorable, 6 week old baby boy.

He was born with all of that hair! He is the sweetest most adorable baby.

Last Tuesday this adorable, beautiful, baby boy turned

1!

Oh, I wish I would have been there! Hopefully, we will be able to visit soon.

I have it on good authority that he is the smartest child!

Honestly, he is blessed to have amazing Christian parents.

Keep up the good work!

Love and kisses,

Theresa

Time Flies!

It stands to reason, I should have more projects finished. School is out!

NOT!

I am teaching summer school. I love summer school. It is the time to teach in a relaxed setting.

I only have one more week.

Hopefully, I will begin to get caught up on a few things. Number one project I want to get caught up on is pictured below.

Before

We purchased this TV three years ago, Father's Day weekend when we moved into this house.

We love the TV but have struggled with something to sit it on. For a couple of years it sat on a Wal-Mart tv stand(it is not the chest you see above). While that served the purpose, aesthetically speaking, it left a lot to be desired.

We decided at Christmas we would look for an antique chest or sideboard for this purpose. A friend mentioned we should attend the auctions on Tuesday nights. He knew we would find just what we wanted, for a very reasonable price. Several Tuesdays, my DH attended the auctions, only to be out bid on every item by local antique dealers. This became very frustrating.

We brought down the cedar chest above, from AMB's room. Our TV has been sitting on that since just after Christmas. Memorial Day weekend, while listening to the radio I heard an advertisement of a furniture store going out of business. If you have any idea of my history with furniture stores you would probably begin laughing at this very moment.

Sure enough, we go to the store, I knew the minute I saw the chest, "This is it!" It had scratches on it, which was ok with me. The price was a little below what we had budgeted for the item, and I knew it would have a few scratches living in my house. When DH and CM went to the store to pick up the chest, they were told they had to go to the warehouse. DH told the lady, this chest has our name on it, she agreed, but said, he was still to pick one up from the warehouse. They bring home two huge boxes of furniture. One has a chest in it, the other the mirror that goes on the back of the chest. I really didn't need nor want the mirror.

When they opened the chest box, it was not the one I had picked out. It is beautiful, has no scratches and by all who had seen the one that was chosen, this one was a step up, quality wise. You see the efforts of DH and CM putting it all together.

CM came to the rescue. He not only has a great head on his shoulders, he also has a grandfather with a truck full of the correct tools. Within no time, they had cut a whole in the back of the chest for all the cords to go through. It took a little longer to get the surround sound hooked up, but CM stayed with the task until it was done!

THANK YOU!

I wasn't going to post these pictures until I had the after photos but due to my school schedule and a 4 day trip to Gatlinburg for a conference, I have not had a chance to get the new piece of furniture photo worthy. LOL

Part 2 of this story is the absolutely beautiful mirror that came with this chest.

You will have to keep checking back for that story.

XOXO

Theresa

Graduation UHS!

It was with joy I prepared the bags above for the girls in my FCCLA group.

They graduated from high school tonight. There were 11 of them.

I am so proud of these young women!

Tonight they begin a new journey.

I pray God's blessings and watchful care as they walk on this new path.

They are beautiful, inside and out!

They surprised me with a basket of goodies.

They know me well!

The angel is adorable. the candle is apple scented(an apple for the teacher), the bag of Hershey Kisses is "sweet", the buttons are for me to use in a craft project, the nail file is to help me with a manicure, the lotion is to help keep my skin soft, floating in the bottom of this basket......

Lip Gloss!

Beautiful, wonderful, lip gloss. I am convinced, if people wore lip gloss, they would smile more. I could NOT teach without it!

Also in this basket, cards.

I attempted to read one and decided I would have to wait until tomorrow. These girls are very special to me and the words they have written are precious. The emotions are a little too close to the surface to read tonight, but read them I will.

Cherish them I will.

Girls,

God Blessed me the Day he sent me to UHS and you welcomed me by taking my classes. It has been my joy and privilege to be a part of your lives.

Dear Jesus, Bless each of these girls tonight in a special way. I pray they will look to you for guidance and wisdom as they begin the journey into adulthood. They are precious and wonderful young ladies. Keep them safe in your arms. In Jesus name.

Amen

XOXO

Mrs. There's a Burton

Trying something new

C in Love downloaded a photo program for me tonight. I thought you might enjoy seeing my efforts. XOXO

Last Day of School!

The last day of school. What does it mean?

For me, it gives me the opportunity to reflect on a year's worth of work.

Did I accomplish all I set out to do?

Did I make a difference?

What could I have done differently?

What should I do differently for next year?

All of these thoughts run through my head,

and then.......

I begin a dance!

The last day of school dance!

I have survived another school year!

I am a teacher and I love it!

Summer break, is not the best part of teaching, but it is a sweet perk.

My #1 son has a blogspot.

Please go check it out. He has taken on the sport of running for fun. I would have never thought running could be fun, but he seems to think so. He runs in different marathons across KY and came to TN on Mother's Day weekend to run in one. I think he is coming back in July to run. That's fine with me!

I plan on sleeping in tomorrow, then I will prepare for graduation, which is tomorrow night. The senior girls use my classroom to prepare for graduation. It is fun and a little emotional. This group in particular have made a difference in my life.

I pray you are enjoying this beautiful spring weather. May God Bless You!

XOXO

Theresa

Guess Who is Having a Birthday!

Hey Son, it's your

BIRTHDAY!

He was three months old in this photo.

The photo below is his first birthday! Wow! How time has flown.

Do you see him sitting in those plastic balls with a pacifier in his mouth?

below

The story behind this photo, He was almost 2 years old and we were on our way to FL. for the first time. I had taken away his pacifier several weeks prior, but he continued to ask for it. The minute his carseat was buckled around him, he began to scream at the top of his lungs for a solid hour, "I want my pacie". Finally, I couldn't take it any more and told his Dad to pull over at the next stop, and said "I didn't care if he got married with the thing"! Well, his Dad being the wise, wonderful man he is, replies, "I can see it now, "With this pacie, I thee wed". He was VERY attached to that pacifier. When his baby sister came home from the hospital 1 year later, he gave it up on his own and never asked for it again.

He was content as he could be on that trip, once he had a pacifier.

Moral to the story, sometimes it is necessary for sanity's sake to give in to the demands of a two year old.

This photo was taken in 1998. I can't believe how quickly the time has flown.

He is a wonderful son and a pleasure to be around. He has a little more college to complete and then plans on going to Seminary. He feels the call to the ministry. I am so proud of him. He has a sense of humor that I envy. He brings joy to all those around him and is very entertaining when he chooses. He is working as a youth intern this summer. This is a perfect "fit" for him. It allows his strengths to shine through.

Happy 22nd Birthday Son!

Thank you Jesus for sending me this son 22 years ago.

He has blessed my life and those around him. Bless him on this "special" day.

In Jesus name.

Amen

XOXO

Mother

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MOTHER B.!

The dear lady in this photo is celebrating a birthday today. Happy Birthday!

We had the best weekend, celebrating Mother's day and birthdays. She gave birth my to my dear H. and is the best MIL a wife could ask for. She is a living example of Proverbs 31.

28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank you for Mother B. Bless her on this and everyday.

In Jesus Name,

Amen

XOXO

Theresa

FCCLA PICNIC

We had a wonderful time! While the weather was a little cooler than I would have liked, it ended up being a very nice day. The above girls are some of the kids I spend my days with. They are smart, creative and a group of kids I can count on to get the "job" done. We have participated in several community service projects this school year. Thank you girls!
Seniors.

The red rose is the official flower of FCCLA, each senior was given a red rose in appreciation of their service to our organization this year.
Left to Right

R.B. - quiet, hard worker, will succeed in all she sets out to do-

K.G. - sweet, funny, a joy to be around

R. W. - she's been my right arm this school year. Great organizational skills, and a "take charge" attitude when one is needed. Indispensable!

M. E. - Very determined, goal setter, sees the "big" picture, this is truly a gift!

E.A. - bright, enjoys life, willing to do the jobs others won't

J.K.- Calm, creative, poised beyond her years

S.J. - patient, finishes all tasks, reliable, easy to work with

A.B. - Creativity at it's best! Ability to think outside the box and to have several projects going at once.

E.W. - Focused, great memory, willing to do the "work"!

D. N. - unassuming, sweet smile, kind and generous

And will you succeed?

Yes! You will, indeed!

(98 and 3/4 percent
guaranteed.)

KID, YOU'LL MOVE MOUNTAINS

Dr. Seuss

Each of these young ladies make me proud to have shared a few minutes in their lives. Thank you! I wish you the best.

Funny photo.

We really did have a good time.

Thanks to M. G. for opening her home to us. She saved the day! When the best made plans don't go the way you think they should, it is great to have someone in your life say, "Let's meet at my house" and mean it!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

Happy Mother's Day!

Chest as you enter the front door. I apologize to my niece and "great" nephew. I did not realize I had cut them out of this photo until I uploaded to here. These young people are the most precious in my life. I love you all!
My friend D. gave me great advice this week. We were talking and I mentioned I was having a difficult time thinking of a centerpiece for my Mother's Day table. I told her my colors and she suggested I go with hydrangea. That was the "PERFECT" idea. I love it! Thanks!
The reason I celebrate Mother's Day!

#2 Son wasn't suppose to be here due to college commitment, he surprised me yesterday afternoon. #1 son arrived on Friday night.

We celebrated birthday last night. I think they are gorgeous kids. I love you all!

While I am proud of my table, I did not mean to have two copies of it on this post. I'm not sure how it happened. Maybe it was meant for you to enjoy. LOL

Glasses: Libby, Wal-Mart

Plates: Lenox, Butler's Pantry

Placemats & Napkins: Kohl's

Crochet doily: gift from Mother B.

Flatware: Onieda

Tablecloth: Not sure, found it in the closet. LOL

Plate stand: The kids gave it to me several years ago for M'Day

XOXO

Theresa

25 YEARS!

25 years ago on this date,

the small bundle in this picture entered our world!

6lbs 11oz

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

He was born on Derby Day in Lousiville, KY. His dad was finishing up his first year of graduate school at Southern Seminary. It was actually the week before finals!

He made me a mother the Saturday before Mother's Day. I was so "happy"! They rolled him into my room on that Sunday morning with a red rose taped to his bed. I immediately fell in love. He was more than I could imagine.

He was 3 in this picture. He loved strawberries and was absolutely the sweetest young boy anyone would want to be around.

Dad did graduate from Seminary.

15 years later and the "bundle" was graduating from high school. How time flew!

He has since graduated from the University of Kentucky and is working in real estate in Lawrenceburg, KY. He works hard, is focused, and a joy to be around. He has entered adulthood with grace and wisdom that some 40 year olds don't have. I am proud to be called, "Mother".

Happy Birthday, son. I love you very much! I pray your day is filled with wonder and blessings. You changed my world on that rainy Saturday, 25 years ago, and I am thankful. God Bless!

Hugs and Kisses

Mom