Strolling down memory lane...

Well everyone at our house, except Josie thank God, has been sick this weekend. Phil started last week with a bad cold-congestion, coughing, and body aches. Riley and I started with it Friday and it hit us hardest last night. Today my thoughtful mother-in-law has us at her house to give me some time to relax and help out with Riley. So I'm going to take advantage of the time and post some pictures real quick...


With Mamaw's passing has come the task of cleaning out her house. She lived in a big house on a 100+ acre farm where my mom and her siblings grew up. Sadly because of nursing home and caretaker expenses, my family had to sell her farm back in the fall but she got to stay in the house. It was so hard going back in the house with her not there and things so familiar to me being emptied out. Yet it was great to reminisce on such wonderful memories at Mamaw's house.



I LOVE antiques and appreciate the details of Mamaw's house like these mantles. I wish we could take them with us!

This is where so many of us grandkids have made memories...on her stairs. No telling how many bottoms have slid down those steps or banister!

Another love of mine is old barns. I think the inside of Mamaw's is so neat and loved how the sun streamed through.

Another one of my favorite places at Mamaw's, the creek. We spent SO much time down here playing in the sand and running back and forth across the rocks that use to lead from one side to the other. Daddy and Riley waded through thanks to some "not-so-waterproof boots" as Daddy found out later!

So many memories that will never be forgotten in this old house and on this farm.

Purity...

"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God."

Matthew 5:8

In a world so tainted by sin and selfish nature, purity seems to be a rarity. Yet this weekend we were blessed to celebrate one of the purest souls that I have ever known...my mamaw.

Mamaw was such a kind, gentle woman. She loved everyone with an unconditional love, never judged others, nor did she have anyone she could call an enemy. I can't ever recall seeing her lose her patience or her temper with anyone, even in trying moments. In my eyes, and many others, she was perfect.

On top of my memories of her pure heart, I feel like I actually, truly knew my mamaw. I think some grandkids "know" their grandparents from visiting on holidays and such but I had a wonderfully close relationship with her. I spent many a day at Mamaw's house when I was younger. There were years in my childhood that my mom worked but instead of having to go to a babysitter, I got to go to Mamaw's. I enjoyed everyday with her! Our days started with gravy and biscuits almost every morning and we would spend the day swinging on her front porch swing, walking to the creek, or even venturing out to town.

Mamaw's house was the place for my cousins and I to hang out and spend the night. I don't really remember there being any toys at her house yet we always enjoyed ourselves and never wanted to leave. From writing on the old walls in her upstairs (and yes, she knew we were doing it!), to sliding down her steps or banister, to pulling a mattress in the living room floor and staying up late talking, we loved our times at Mamaw's house.

It was so hard to lose such a wonderful, pure person but she lived a full, happy life and is now rejoicing in Heaven. Monday, two days after we buried Mamaw we had the most beautiful snow. The flakes were the biggest I'd ever seen. They looked like angel's wings and the softness and pure white of the flakes made me think of Mamaw. She was an angel here on Earth and is now an angel in Heaven. I pray that as she looks down on me and my children that I can begin to mirror her character more and more everyday.

"Create in me a pure heart, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

Psalm 51:10

An angel is home...

For 92 years, an angel walked among us, cared for us, cooked for us, and loved us. She never had a bad thing to say about another person nor did she ever lose her temper. After years of suffering and longing to be with her Lord, this angel finally went home on February 1st. We miss her so but are blessed that she is finally healthy and whole, walking the streets of gold.

Love you Mamaw.