Playing "Catch-UP"

It has been awhile. I have a ton of pictures to show and a dozen or more stories to tell. Where do I start? A few weeks ago, on a beautiful fall Saturday, Ashley and I, treated Mom B. to lunch at our favorite restaurant here in Kingsport, Two Sister's Tea Room. We were excited to be able to share the atmosphere, which is very pretty and the delicious food.I took the opportunity to snatch a few photos of the two of them. It was a very relaxing time for the three of us and we enjoyed it tremendously. The quiet music playing in the background and the soft voices of those around us set the stage for wonderful memories.

Mom and Dad Burton one Sunday after church.

God is giving us a beautiful opportunity to have Greg's parents live with us. In the beginning, back at Labor Day, we were excited about this new journey and all that this would include. Little did we know Dad Burton was walking around with a terminal cancer. The shock and dismay we felt was like a freight train hitting us straight on. Within 10 days of their moving to TN Dad B. was in the hospital and diagnosed with multiple myloma blood cancer. The first few weeks were a blur of tests, questions and anger. The prayers we sent up were filled with pain and anguish. Our Heavenly Father has reached down and touched us in ways we could never imagine. Dad B. has been able to attend church the last three Sundays and Sunday School the last 2. While his strength is not what it was, he continues to be a witness to all around him. God has given Mom B. the strength to not only take care of Dad but the courage to drive in an unfamiliar town. Please continue to pray for them. Pray peace and strength for the tasks at hand, wisdom for the medical team that provides the health services and opportunities to witness to others.

Middle Son. We haven't seen as much of him this semester. He is busy with school projects and other college activities. He is doing well and looking forward to the all night camping trip planned for Thanksgiving night. More to follow on that story. LOL

Last Sunday night, DH and myself were able to steal two nights in the Smokey Mountains. It was wonderful! I can't think of any place I would rather be, especially during the fall. We took the opportunity to rest and relax. While there we read "The Shack". If you have not read this book, I highly recommend you do so. I won't go into the details, please let me know if you read it. I would love to hear your thoughts on it!


Fried Green Tomatoes

If you are from the south you have probably, at one time in your life, eaten fried green tomatoes. I can remember my mother preparing these at the end of the tomato season, when growing season for tomatoes would not allow them to turn ripe on the vines. DH went out to our tomato garden and pulled all the plants, hiding under some of the vines were green tomatoes. He brought them into the house and placed them in the kitchen window, reminding me of long ago memories. I happened to mention to Mom B. and Dad B. how my mother had prepared fried green tomatoes. The discussion that followed sent me to the internet looking for recipes. I found several, none that mentioned sprinkling sugar on the top. I asked Mom B. if she had sprinkled sugar on her tomatoes, she did. I took this recipe and adapted it by sprinkling sugar on the tops of the tomatoes once I turned them. They were so beautiful I took a picture. LOL Seriously, they were very tasty and all but one slice was eaten.

Last but not least. I took my Personal Finance class on a field trip Friday. We went to the Carter County Courthouse and they participated in a financial Life simulation. Each student was given a notebook that told them what their career, income, and marital status was. They then proceeded to walk through the courthouse, where displays were set up for them to purchase needed household items, such as a home, car, utilities, food, insurance, vacations, and a curve ball. This was a wonderful opportunity for them to experience "life" in the real world. What made this particular activity so special, the courthouse/county officials participated in the event. They met the mayor, and other county leaders. The kids had a great time and several "eye opening" experiences. Two of the students were married to spouses that were out of work and had 4 children. They had a difficult time buying all of the needed items for their family on one paycheck. I told them this might be a good thing to remember when they are in a car with their significant other and the car is getting steamy. Do they really want the responsibilities this activity can bring? Most said "NO"!

I took this photo in the courtroom. They were all saying, "We love Mrs. Burton"! LOL well, I DID tell them to say that. They are great kids and I am very proud of them!


May God Bless you this week with a warm heart and an opportunity to encourage others.

XOXO

Theresa

Beautiful Weekend!

We made a trip to Pippa Passes, KY yesterday.

The drive through VA was breathtaking! The colors are beautiful and we even saw a train running through the mountains. It was so pretty!

Why did we go to Pippa Passes?

Middle Child was in a Shakespeare play, "Much Ado About Nothing".

First son and his girlfriend drove from Lexington to spend the day.

This is the first time in a long while that we've been able to be with him two weekends in a row.

I am a proud "mother"!

He did a fantastic job!

I am always amazed how well he does in theater. He's always good, but the memorizing and all of the work that must be done, I can't imagine how he does it all!

It was donut time again this week. I arrived at this establishment at 6:30a.m. on Wednesday morning and loaded over 100 dozen boxes into the "momma van". The smell of fresh, warm donuts was heavenly!
I am so thankful they sell as easily as they do. Mom and Dad Burton bought 4 boxes. We froze 2 of them. They are as delicious warmed in the microwave as they are the day you pick them up from the store. YUM!
My guys!

I think they are the handsomest group of men.

I love you!

Praying a productive, praiseworthy, and perfect week for you.

XOXO

Theresa

Fall is in the Air!

Happy October!

Trees are changing their colors, mums are in bright bloom and pumpkins are showing up in outdoor decorations.

AWESOME!

I have mentioned my "pagan" tree on other occasions. I thought you might enjoy seeing the transformation to fall. I truly debated buying the black feather tree, but decided I would make do with my white feather tree and add black and orange decorations.

I found the black and orange fuzzy sticks at my favorite store in the mall. I also picked up the beautiful orange and black tree topper there. The photo doesn't do the topper justice. It really is pretty. The black and orange beads came from Food City, a grocery store here in NET. The white pumpkin gourds also were found at FC.

We had a beautiful weekend.

Our oldest son and his girlfriend arrived from KY on Friday night. It was our first time to meet her and we were thrilled to be introduced. She is a beautiful and bright young lady, in her first year at UK Law School. They have a sweet relationship.

I took the opportunity to prepare a "family" meal for Saturday night.

DH and I had fun sitting at the dining room table surrounded by our children and the close friends in their lives. We had a full table and it was blessed! Mom B. was also at our table. For those of you that may not know, Dad B. has been in the hospital for the last two weeks. We ask your continued prayers on his behalf. He is anxious to come home and hopefully will be able to come tomorrow night.

Mom Burton, Darling Daughter and the very special young man in her life.

Oldest son and his beautiful friend.

Notice the UK shirts they are wearing? Our house was rocking on Saturday afternoon while the KY/AL game was on. Unfortunately the Wildcats came out on the short end of the score.

Middle son and D Hubby. It was so nice having all the kids home for the weekend.

May God Bless you this week with sweet appreciation of his incredible creation.

XOXO

Theresa

Guess Who's Having a Birthday!

19 Years Ago today, I gave birth to a beautiful baby girl in Nashville, TN.

She is very much our "princess"!

We met her and her young man at Cheddar's Restaurant here in Kingsport.

We had great service and wonderful company!

We so enjoyed hearing about how she celebrated her day while on campus. Her dorm mate got up at 5:30 this morning and strung a Happy Birthday Banner across the room. She received several texts messages wishing her a "Happy Birthday". Her only issue was, the messages were interrupting her "beauty" sleep. LOL

She went to lunch with friends and they have another night out planned for tomorrow.

While on vacation this summer, she discovered a new line of jewelry, Kamelon. She picked out the above ring with the understanding that it was for her birthday. One day we were shopping at one of our favorite stores in Kingsport and realized they carried the same jewelry line. We surprised her with a necklace to match the ring. She is wearing them both below.

The two young adults you see in these photos are an absolute joy to be around! She turned 19 today and he will celebrate his birthday on Monday. She's only 3 days older than he. He tells her he will still be in his 40's when she turns 50. LOL

Happy Birthday!

I love you !

Camera # 2

We used the new camera, a FujiFilm, S1000 to take the following photos on Sunday. M & D Burton joined our church during the Sunday morning service. This is a milestone for us as we have been in the ministry for 30 years and this is the first time we've had family members as church members.

After church we went to Cootie Brown's for lunch. The atmosphere in this restaurant is eclectic at it's best! They have old flatware and kitchen equipment hanging from very traditional chandeliers. I don't know if you can tell from these photos?

The outside windows are garage doors. The weather was perfect and they were raised for fresh air. It was refreshing. Of course, the bee that decided to join us for lunch was a very unwelcomed guest!

The border you see on the wall behind us is old pieces of broken china.

Beautiful!

The food was tasty too! DH had the best fried shrimp! He shared one and then generously gave me another. YUM! Our table also had a chicken salad, vegetable plate, and grilled chicken sandwiches. No one left the table hungry!

What do you think of the new camera? I think it may be a keeper.

I am praying you are having a wonderful week in your neck of the woods.

XOXO

Theresa

Happy September!

I have a new camera! I love it! Actually, I have two new cameras. One for school and one for home. Kodak Z1285 took the pictures below.

I thought you might like to see a picture of Nikki, the cat. She moved in with us three weeks ago tonight. She has adjusted well to her new surroundings. She loves it on Wednesday nights when the kids come home for supper after a "bowling" class in Kingsport. They get in the floor and play. Here she is showing love.
Mom and Dad Burton helping me celebrate my birthday.

Yes, I had a birthday this week.

My beautiful daughter and her sweet boyfriend brought me this "pretty in pink" cake. It not only looks pretty, it was very tasty. Thank you all so much. I love you!

The flowers below were sent to my by my sweet sisters. It was a nice surprise waiting for me when I came home from school. I can't remember the last time I received flowers. Thank you all for remembering me!

I also received several cards with well wishes. I had so much fun opening the cards and reading the precious words. I felt loved. Thanks!

I hope you have a wonderful fall weekend.

XOXO

Theresa

Thankful Friday

What are you thankful for?

I am thankful for a husband that is committed to our marriage, for children that not only make me proud to be called mom but are an example to their peers in their Christian faith. I am thankful for parents that loved me and gave me a childhood that was "perfect" for me! I am thankful for the parents that I acquired at the age of 19 when I became a wife. I am thankful for sisters that inspire me, for a niece and great-nephew, I love to brag about them!

I am thankful for friends that have encouraged me to continue on the journey, even if the road is bumpy and full of pot holes!

I am thankful for a career that allows me to earn money doing what I truly love.

I am thankful for the educators that prepared my lessons, even when they felt unappreciated. I am thankful for colleagues that are committed to the philosophy "all children can learn". I am thankful for an administration that offers encouraging words after I have fumbled the task before me. I am thankful for the young people in my life that are willing to tackle any challenge I throw their way. I am thankful for each and every name that is on in my roll book. I am thankful for the young man in my class who encourages me with his strength. He is 17 years old and taking chemotherapy.

I am most thankful for a God above who loved me enough to send His one and only Son to save me from my sin.

What are YOU thankful for?

Safe and Sound!

I am happy to report, "Mom and Dad" Burton have arrived safe and sound! Nikki(cat) seems to be adjusting well. Greg and two men from our church drove to Louisville on Thursday to load up the truck. They arrived in TN around 5:30 on Friday evening. We've had a fun day shopping for new bedroom furniture for them . Luckily the furniture store was able to deliver the things this afternoon. The bed's been made, the computer set up, once we find our bedclothes all will be good! LOL

I am so sad to not be able to show photos of our new adventure. My camera went on a trip to Israel and did not survive the trip. Thank goodness the humans did. Of course, when I discovered the demise of my camera they almost came to an end. Hopefully, I will be able to replace it soon. Sometimes good things come to those who wait.

I hope and pray you are enjoying this Labor Day weekend.

XOXO

Theresa

Blessings

God is beginning a new journey in the Burton Family.

After many hours of persuasion and prayer, the dear people below have graciously agreed to leave familiar surroundings and join us in TN. Please keep them in your prayers as they make this journey. We are overjoyed with the opportunity for us to spend quality time with them, no traveling required!

In order to make this transition as easy as possible, the attic space in our bonus room is being converted into a walk in closet. I am putting all pride aside when I show you the "before" photos. When we moved into this house, I'm afraid we were in a hurry to get settled and "dumped" the things we had no idea what to do with in this space. UGH!

This shot was taken as you first walk into the space and to the right.

This photo gives you an idea of the left side of the attic.

There are a lot of memories in this space. See that "My Size" Barbie? I can remember the Christmas Santa brought that doll. She really was the same size as the little girl that received her. Where has all the time gone? (I realize I ask this question a lot. ) That same little girl will be going back for her 2nd year of college life in just a few weeks.

Two very gifted and generous men in our church family( C., A's boyfriend, & his grandfather) began the tedious work this morning of turning that attic space into a closet.

I will show you those pictures later. They began at 9:00 this morning and didn't stop until after 6:00 this evening. I am worn out and all I did was make them a peach pie!

This story will continue for several days/weeks. We are hoping to have the major portion of the renovations completed before DH and Middle Son leave for Israel on a mission trip. Say a prayer! Pray for the people that are working, for God to give them good health, energy and strength. A million (ok, I'm exaggerating) trips have to be made up and down the staircase in order for the project to come together. I'm hoping that counts as exercise. LOL

Sending

XOXO

Theresa

Wonderful, Wonderful Vacation

We're home! I wish you had been with me this week. It really was the most wonderful vacation. Several years ago, my DH went to a minister's conference on Daufuskie Island.

He came back and shared how beautiful this place was and that we both were going the next year. I did, fell in love with it and we have made an effort to return each summer for rest and relaxation.

One of the cool things about this Island, which is just off the South Carolina Coast from Hilton Head Island, you can't drive to it. You park your car at HH and then ride a ferry for about 45 minutes.

My handsome husband on the ferry ride to the island. Once you sit down in that ferry you begin to automatically relax. You can see dolphins swimming in the water on this ride. We arrived on Monday evening, on Tuesday, the two beautiful people below came over.
We swam, the guys played golf, I read two books, I'll tell you about them later, and basically, relaxed. It was WONDERFUL!
They had to catch the trolly to catch the ferry on Thursday evening. DH and I didn't leave until Friday morning.

Did I mention how wonderful this was?

A and C are still in HH with his family and will be coming back tomorrow. She has her camera which has most of the photos we took.

I'm back on the homefront. I have a few days left before school begins. They are already filled with things to do, but that's another story.

God Bless,

XOXO

Theresa

Happy Birthday America!

I hope you are celebrating America's birthday in a fun, relaxing way.

The best gift we could have been given for this birthday party was rain!

Rain it did!

Thank you God for this beautiful gift.

My sweet DH decided we should have an interesting view from the kitchen window.

Feed the birds!

He brought a shepherd's hook home and hung the bird food from it, thinking the squirrels wouldn't be able to climb it. Well, I'm not sure if they climbed it or jumped up, either way, the squirrels ate the birds food.

Silly squirrels!

When my Dad was here he suggested we feed the squirrels and they would leave the bird food alone. We now have another shepherd's hook, this one placed more towards the back of the yard. I'm looking forward to watching how the squirrels respond to their own food source, or if they, like many of us, think the "grass" is greener on the other side.

Wishing you a Blessed Day.

XOXO

Theresa

Summer Sewing

I hope you are enjoying this beautiful summer! I know I am.

I always set sewing goals for myself for the summer time.

This is a project I began a few months ago. Unfortunately, as with a lot of my "projects" it got put on the back burner.

A sweet baby was born in our church this past spring. I wanted to make her an outfit. When I saw the lady bug fabric I knew this was IT. Hopefully, you can tell from the bottom photo, the top is a halter, type. Instead of using a button to keep it in place, I chose to use red ribbon. I love red ribbon on babies!

I had forgotten how much fun it is to sew for babies. Actually, it is a lot more fun now, I don't have to sew while the babies are sleeping. LOL

I think I am going to invest in ribbon tags.

I've been using the fabric paper that you run through your computer printer and then iron onto your projects. While these have served the purpose, I think I'm ready to invest in my new adventure.

I have several projects I need to finish.

It will be time for school to start before I know it!

God Bless!

OXOX

Theresa

YUM!

Do you remember this?

Approximately 10 weeks ago my wonderful hubby built and planted this small garden.

In no time, those small plants began to grow. I know this photo is blurry, it was misting rain the day I took this photo.

Yesterday, I walked into the kitchen to see these lying on my table.

My sweet hubby had been in the garden.

Aren't they beautiful?

I had one for supper last night and one for breakfast.

They are so tasty.

There is something about a tomato from the garden. Thank you God for giving us fresh vegetables.

Then God said, "Let the land produce vegetation: seed-bearing plants and trees on the land that bear fruit with seed in it, according to their various kinds." And it was so.

Genesis 1:11

May God Bless you on this beautiful summer day.

XOXO's

Theresa