The Big Loser

No - I am not the big loser in any weight loss contest. I am the big loser when it comes to family games. I have been beat big time at Scrabble by Chad. I had no idea he was the KING of Scrabble. Then last night I was beat like a drum by Diana and Greg at Canasta. I did not know that my sister was the QUEEN of Canasta. I had a hard time facing the fact that I was a big-time loser at some games. I know that I should have just been thrilled with all the great family time that we have been having with family games. I guess one of my New Year's Goal can be to learn to lose gracefully. I wish this losing would transfer to weight loss. There is where I would like to be the BIG LOSER.

Christmas 2009

The Christmas season is behind us. Almost all signs of the Christmas season are tucked away in the attic and closet, but the memories linger on. Without being too. lengthy, I will list some of the highlights of the season.

• The anticipation of Chad making it home for Christmas in the snowstorm that hit Oklahoma is near the top. A three-hour trip became a 8 1/2 hour trip.
• Diana and Keelie both in the hospital emergency room on Christmas Day.
• Twelve hours of Christmas games with the Rick, Greg, Chad, and Jenna. I bet we were one of the few families that NEVER turned a TV on - on Christmas Day. We listened to the Range Christmas music on the radio.
• An "unlikely" angel.
• My families "presence."
• Good food.
• Christmas outtings and events.
• Greg killing a wild hog.

Jesus - Wise men still seek Him.

Don't miss Christ this Christmas!

Signs of a Holly Jolly Christmas!

I finally finished my six weeks of Technology with Marilyn trainings. I can now do other things with my nights other than reading computer manuals and studying. So the first thing I thought I would do is catch up on some of my blogging. I have not added pictures in a while so I will share a few of my favorites.

The ice sculptures at the Gaylord with the grandchildren.

The ice sculpture nativity scenes.

Rick having a Holly Jolly moment!

Where did November Go?

I cannot believe that it has been a month since I have written a post. I must be a Davis!!! That is not my excuse. My excuse is I have been busy. I will just list a few of the things that took up my November.

• Redneck Weekend - Great family time with family and friends. However, the highlight was that I got to ride in a real Nascar race car on the track going atleast 160 MPH. This was better than any roller coaster I have ever been on.
• I "helped" out at the farm work on the coral and fences.
• OK City - A crafty trip to Chad's place.
• Thanksgiving week - good food, cooking, and family time.
• 50 Pounds of green tomatoes from our garden - many pints of green tomato relish or "chow-chow" canned plus 30 jars of fruit jelly.
• "It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas" - our house is officially decorated for Christmas. Gaudy is a good way to describe it.

As the Thanksgiving season has passed, I do want to say how blessed I really am to have such a great life. Chad and I were talking about how blessed we are. His comment is that he was more than just blessed, but SPOILED by God. I have to agree. What an awesome God we serve!

Trick or Treat - Through the Years

1960's

When I was a child, several things took place on this holiday. The usual Trick or Treating was a given, but the things special to our time was what would happen after the children went home. The high schoolers would go get all the cotton trailers and move them to the school yard. The other thing that would happen is an old outhouse would be moved in front of the high school to block the entrance. It was a treat to get to school the next morning, to see all this.

1970's

When I was a teenager, no longer did Gunter have a cotton gin with cotton trailers, and all the outhouses were gone or in too bad of shape to be moved. However, we did have our mischief. It was in the form of rotten eggs, water balloons, and shoe polish. It has taken me 35+ years to start back eating eggs after these Halloween experiences.

1980's

When I had children, Halloween completed the circle back to children trick-or-treating for candy. There are many great memories - Dawn and Bill's house is always at the top. She was always a clown; and Bill, a spook, in the yard. After the children got older, we went to their house for a snack. Chad even went back to help pass out candy. Other favorites when the kids were little are Butch Farmer's house and Anna Jo Reed's popcorn balls.

2000's

The circle continues. Greg now hosts a Halloween party for his group. It is always interesting to see the pictures from this event. Costumes are usually great. I am anxiously waiting to see this years pictures. Our grandchildren are adorable in their costumes.

What are some of your memories?? Please share.

California - What a Trip!

Welcome to Hollywood! What's your dream?

Everybody comes here; this is Hollywood,...

I can't wait to share my pictures with you, Greg and Chad. After the Florida trip, you said I had to pick out ONE picture to share with you. I guarantee you, that is impossible with this trip. You can't see San Diego and L.A., and say pick one. I could not even pick one thing to write about, so I think for this post I will take the boys' approach and do random thoughts of my trip to California.

1. The beaches are wonderful and indescribable. You really have to experience it yourself - the breeze off the water, the waves, the boats, the beach houses, the white sand, and the surfers. This trip the waves were high enough that I saw people surfing.

2. Pretty Woman - I did all the stops that were in this great movie. However, The Beverly Wilshire Hotel is not as tall as one would expect after watching Julia Roberts in the balcony scene.

3. Hollywood - Just call me a "tourist". I did not even try to hide the fact. I had my camera out snapping pictures of all my favorite "stars", footprints and hand prints.

4. We had Sunday brunch at the world famous Beverly Hills hotel, the place where this Marilyn lost her life. Most people go here hoping to get a glance of a star. Since I do not know too many famous people, I was taking in all the other sites. Rick was taking in all the "boobs and Botox". Lots of dollars are spent on these! Speaking of lots of dollars, I think this could have been the most expensive meal that I have ever eaten. Some of you may be wondering how did the "country girl and boy" dress for this citified event. Well, for you who know Rick - No one died, so he did NOT have anything on but his jeans and T-shirt. I did put on black jeans and sandals for the day. We were a little under-dressed by Hollywood standards, but we did not care. I was happy, and Rick was comfortable!

5. Home Sweet Home - California style or Gunter style. Give me my home on the hill any day of the week. The couple we stayed with the last two nights had a very beautiful, expensive, small house with NO yard. I asked Brian if he cut the grass with scissors. Anything else would have been a waste of money. I am not kidding, the yard had no more grass than my kitchen dining table. The yard did have a very nice patio, hot tub, shrubs, and tropical plants. I also have to add they had a few crazy neighbors. While Rick and Brian were outside, the neighbor shot them several times--- with a hairdryer.

Yes, Virginia! There is a Santa Claus

The years: my early childhood

Place: My Grandmother's house

Santa Claus would come in person to bring a gift for each of the children and to visit with us for a few moments. Then off he would be supposedly to the next house. This Santa Claus was not a holly, jolly Santa. In fact, he was downright SCARY. He had a worn out red suit with a rubber mask for a face. So the anticipation for Santa to come to Pa and Ma's house was on several different levels.

Fast forward to about 1982, when I had my first child. I wanted to start a Santa Claus tradition with Greg and Justin. So I made a Santa suit and purchased a beard. We asked Marlon that first year to come to the house to bring presents and for pictures. This tradition has been going on for 27 years now. We have never missed a year with a holly jolly Santa. Some years have been more memorable that others.

Don Webb Taylor played Santa about 20 years. Our children grew up, but they still wanted Santa to come visit. Then Don Webb passed away. At Christmas they new Santa had died, and we had this discussion that Santa might not make it. However, we asked Randy Miller, one of Greg's best friends, to do the honors. The surprise on these college-aged kids face was priceless when they realized who it was.

There was another year that really sticks out. This time the joke was on me. Santa had come and gone for the night. Then he came back. He walked in the house with a tiny black puppy. Everyone is standing in a circle wondering who the dog is for. It was mine. Everyone knew but me!

The memories and stories could go on with Santa through the years. Many pictures have been made with Santa. So if any one every doubts, there IS a Santa Claus in our family. We will be awaiting with much anticipation the arrival of that special man again this year.

Family, feel free to add comments about some of your memories of our Santa Claus through the years.

This Little Chair of Mine

This little chair of mine,

I use it all the time,

To reach the things I couldn't,

And lots of things I shouldn't!!!

I changed the words just a little of the childhood poem. It is so ironic that Keelie and Di both wrote about chairs. Last week when I got home from Florida, Rick had finished restoring my little chair. This chair is an original from the old Gunter school building that I actually attended. I have this chair from the old two-story elementary building and a all-in-one desk from the old high school building. (I will also say that Rick cleaned my stove spotless. I should have taken a picture of it. It really looks like it has never been used. The rain and me being gone worked in my favor.)

The chair is used for everything in our house. I use it mainly for a footstool. In fact, my feet are on it as I am typing this blog. Rick uses it to sit on every morning to put his shoes on for work. Plus it is always used for a step stool. The reason that it had to be restored is because when he painted the ceilings, it was perfect to paint off; therefore, it had paint all over it. Now as we use it, we will be much more careful with what we do with it.

Oh! It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas

Marilyn's To Do

For decorating the house for Christmas

My goal is to start the week before Thanksgiving, so that I do not have to spend the time off I have for Thanksgiving for decorating. This is a challenge because I do have a trip planned to Ruidosa the week before Thanksgiving.

1. Take down all pictures and move out things to get ready for Christmas.

2. Dust and clean.

Now the transformation begins. This is the order that it normally takes place. I do this very methodically, and it does take time and energy.

3. Hang 10 wreaths.

4. The village on the bookcase

5. Nativity set on the mantle.

6. Decorate dinner table and kitchen counter.

7. Unload quilt box of trinkets.

8. Bring out the bears and other animals

8. Assemble and put lights on trees.

9. Decorate den tree

10. Decorate gameroom tree

11. Get greenery and poinsettas out

12. Empty storage box in gameroom

13. Tie bows on anything plain

I think if there is a way to describe my house during the holidays it is "gawdy." The movie "Christmas Vacation" is a good description of the inside of my house.

14. When the boys come in for Thanksgiving, then the lights and yard decorations go out.

It is hard to believe that this transformation is just a few weeks away.

So Far Behind

I have been busy with fun and work. The first six weeks of school have been a whirlwind. I am telling you this as my excuse for why I have done such a lousy job with my blog. I have missed weeks of Friday Fotos and entries for give aways. It is not that I have not had a lot to say; I just have not made the time to say it. My husband says an excuse only satisfies the person that makes it. So I will catch you and me both up.

I want to enter all these give-aways. There are some really good ones out there. Diana has a really cute one going on right now. This is my mention for that one. I filled in another post for someone's give away answering random questions. I hope I get entered for that give away. Keelie is doing a creative Christmas giveaway. This may force me to think about Christmas.

Here is her link. My blog for this is coming next. I had to stop writing this to do Grandma time. I also have not had a chance to tell you some of the things I have been doing lately. Here are just a few:

1. canned 40 jars of jelly

2. canned 12 jars of pepper, carrot and onion relish

3. found our lost bull and fixed fences

4. traveled to Florida

5. PeeWee football games

6. Grandma duties

7. Decorated for fall

8. Cooked for friends and family

9. Read a computer manual

10. Trying to keep up with a woman's Bible study

11. Trying to be a good wife and going places with my husband. He still likes me to check cows and pick garden with him. We did pick a bushel of peppers last weekend.

12. Editing papers for an online course for one of Rick's daughter.

So, please forgive me for not keeping up with my blogging.

The Questions

1. Where is your cell phone? Purse
2. Your hair? flat
3. Your mother? legacy
4. Your father? one-of-a-kind
5. Your favorite food? chocolate
6. Your dream last night? none
7. Your favorite drink? diet coke
8. Your dream/goal? "well-done ...faithful servant"
9. What room are you in? den
10. Your hobby? cooking
11. Your fear? loss
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? content
13. Where were you last night? home
14. Something that you aren’t? skinny
15. Muffins? blueberry
16. Wish list item? travel
17. Where did you grow up? Gunter
18. Last thing you did? cook
19. What are you wearing? shorts
20. Your TV? unwatched
21. Your pets? fun
22. Friends? fun
23. Your life? wonderful
24. Your mood? conten
25. Missing someone? yes
26. Vehicle?LS
27. Something you’re not wearing? socks
28. Your favorite store? Walmart
29. Your favorite color? pink
30. When was the last time you laughed? today
31. Last time you cried? two weeks ago
32. Your best friend? sister
33. One place that I go to over and over? Walmart
34. One person who emails me regularly? teachers
35. Favorite place to eat? restaurant

Happy Fall

Here is my repurposed wreath. I forgot to take a before picture.

Happy Grandparents' Day

September 13 - Grandparents' Day

Although we do not make a big deal over this day in our family, I would like to make a few random thoughts about Grandparents - past, present, and future.

Past

George Marlow Scoggins and Sallie Lucille Taylor Scoggins - parents of 12 children (one of which was my dad) Both lived in to their 90's. They were instrumental in starting the Mount Carmel Baptist Church on Scoggins road.

Henry Eaf Henderson and Emma Mae Francis Henderson - parents of three girls. Diana wrote a beautiful blog about Emma Mae (Ma) They were a very devoted Christian couple.

Kennith Marlow and Bennie Scoggins - my parents. The best parents anyone could have. Together they complimented each other to give us the balance of work and play with strong Christian morals. They loved their four grandchildren. I know Nannie said many prayers for you kids.

Loren and Edna Ferguson - Diana's Rick's parents. They were so good to "adopt" my children as their extended grandchildren. I will always be grateful for the love that they showed my boys. They were also a very devoted Christian couple.

As I wrote this, a common thread went all through this. All had a relationship with God, and they passed it on to the next generation. God has really blessed me.

Present

By marrying Rick, I have inherited five grandchildren. My hope and prayer is that I will be as good of grandparent to them as the grandparents from my past. I hope that I will live my life so that they can see Christ in me. I also hope that the love of Christ will continue in our family.

Future

I am in no way in a hurry to have my own blood grandchildren. My boys are grateful for Rick's girls providing me with grandchildren. I would rather the boys continue the search to find the perfect wives for them and daughters-in-law for me.

Oh! What a Beautiful Morning

September 1

The First Day of September

The First Day of DOVE SEASON

You may be thinking - WHAT???? But let me tell you in the Kenneth Scoggins family the excitement was right up there with Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving. It was a holiday to us. In fact, on this day we usually had more people at our house than we did all the other holidays put together. Oh, the great memories of our childhood. I can tell you that the excitement was in the air long before this day came. Our Dad was one great shot, and he always knew where the birds were. He would get his limit, plus many others. The name Sammy Brown, the local game warden, did not scare him.

I went out this morning and saw this beautiful sunrise that God blessed us with. As I was praising Him and thanking Him for the childhood He provided me with and the wonderful memories, two doves flew over my head. It was a great affirmation that all is well today on this beautiful morning. Kenneth Scoggins would be a happy man today!

One Extra Thing

I just started my 32 first week of school. It was busy as usual, but very boring to write about. So I thought I would write about great memories I have of the boys and school starting. In the fall of 1987, Greg started to kindergarten. I cried - he didn't. School shopping was fun - yes, I did enjoy the hunt to find everything on that infamous list. Diana and I would take all the kids to Walmart. However, the best part of it all was that each child got to pick out "one extra thing." Oh, the suspense as the four children would go up and down each aisle in search of that "one extra thing" that would be special for the upcoming school year. Some of the choices might be a fancy writing instrument, flavored markers, stickers, or a "trapper-keeper," I believe they were called. Our traditions did not end there. On the first day of school, we always posed for the official school picture. Oh, what memories of my 'One Life Lived.' My request for each of you children is to leave me a comment on your favorite one extra thing. Yes, Jenna, you too.

Friday Fotos

Paul McCartney at the piano.

Rick at a stream at the mountains two weeks ago.

This buck and his friend were always around at the cabin.

How about me! I actually got pictures on the computer on a Friday. I would love to say that I am going to do better. The rest of the family are really putting me to shame. I have been challenged by Ms. Blog, herself, that I could do better if I would try. So watch out - I may change my background (again).

The Sir in Jerry's World

For my birthday, my husband gave me tickets to see Sir Paul McCartney at the new Cowboy Stadium. We went on Wednesday night, August 19, which is already a very special day in my life. The night was wonderful except for the fact that our seats were "too good." This is the third time that we have seen him together. So this time Rick decided to get floor seats. Now I don't know if you know what happens on the floor at a concert, but all the people stand and dance - the entire concert. Now Paul does not put on a shabby concert. He sung 36 songs - yes we did count them with paper and pen. Before he came on a band from Ireland played for 40 minutes. We then had some sound trouble, so Paul did not even come on stage until 8:45 - 9:00. At 11:30 he was singing 'Hey Jude'. "Live and Let Die" was one of the neatest song productions I have every seen. On the way home, Rick commented that he was still vibrating to "Helter Skelter". The next day I could not get "I can't Get you Out of My Mind" out of my mind. That is coincidental.
The stadium is awesome. The screens are unbelievable. They have some problems they have not worked out yet. The biggest one we found was how to get people on the floor for a concert.
My home internet is down. When it is back, I promise to post a few of my favorite pictures. I also have some mountain pictures to post. They are coming. I know that I missed Friday Fotos again.

Friday Fotos

I am tired of the heat, so I chose a picture with some snow in it.

My Birthday Cartoon

I tried to find something "cute" to put on my blog for my birthday. I just could not find the right cartoon; then I found this picture. I used it in my homemaking classes, but I really did not know anything about the history of the picture or where it came from. It is a New Yorker cartoon with many different viewpoints on what it was referring to when it was printed. However, I chose it because as I get older each year there are more similarities in my mother and me. I do not mean for this to be negative in any way toward my mother. She was one great lady. It is just as we get older we hear things coming out of our mouths that our moms would have said. Also I cannot deny the fact that I do resemble my mother. Rick is always quick to point this out.

I did have a great birthday. Diana cooked a delicious meal for me, and I got to share it with Jenna and Jonah. God blessed us with a rain shower (storm) and cooler temperatures later this afternoon.

Maple Nut Chiffon Cake

I made this cake for the group of ladies that I travel with. We are meeting today to eat for Diana's birthday, so I am carrying through with a promise I made. When we were in Canada, we ate maple flavored items, because it is a local item up there. We had maple cookies, maple ice cream, etc. I made the comment that back when I was in high school I made a Grand Champion Maple Cake in FHA and 4H. So the conversation went on and that I was to make a cake to share with them. Last night I carried through and made the cake. After this I got my Canada pictures out and relived the trip. 

Friday Fotos

The church we worked on last week on the mission trip.

Cade and Cali

It is Friday, and I am getting my pictures uploaded. Chad, I hope you are pleased with me. I am still pulling for you to win Diana's Christmas towels tomorrow.

He's Back

Yes, Rick, my husband, the energized bunny, is back. I do not know if I mentioned that he has not been feeling well for the last 10 days. He had the shingles. Saturday he finally went to the doctor and got some medicine. The medicine made the shingles stop hurting, but it made him feel lethargic. So that meant from Saturday until Tuesday, we did not do too much. We did what normal people do, at a normal pace. He called me yesterday, and told me that he stopped taking his medicine. WOW! He came home from work ready to work. You have to realize that he gets home at 5:30. We went and picked the garden. He mowed our yard - 2 acres. We used the peaches that we brought home from Missouri to make Peach Jam. We made 4 batches. At this point I am sweating from the hot kitchen and am ready to go sit on the patio. That lasted every bit of 5 minutes. He then said that he was ready to go paint the bathroom that we are in the process of redoing. An hour and a half later - it was finished. I knew without a doubt that he was back to normal, as normal as Rick can be.

God is Great...People are Crazy

"God is great,

Beer is good, 

People are crazy!"

While traveling almost 2000 miles last week, there is no telling how many times we heard this song played on the radio; it was the number two song of the week. I did not listened to the words or the story of the song until Rick pointed it out. It was a cute song after I realized the story that went with this chorus.  

I will only comment on the two lines that I have some knowledge about - lines 1 and 3. I totally agree with the old man that "God is great." Each day I am more amazed with Him and His attributes. The more personal my relationship is with God, the greater He becomes. Now for the other line, "people are crazy," this one is not as black and white. I can say that I personally am getting a little crazier each year, but I have deserved the right to be crazy. This reminded me of a poem that one of my students read for UIL back when I was a sponsor/coach for poetry interpretation.

When I am Old I Will Wear Purple

When I am Old I will wear Purple! When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple - -  With a red hat which doesn't go, and doesn't suit me. And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves and satin sandles, And say we've no money for butter. I shall sit down on the pavement when I'm tired and gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells and run with my stick along public railings, and make up for the sobriety of my youth. I shall go out in my slippers in the rain and pick flowers in other people's gardens and learn to spit! You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat and eat three pounds of sausages at ago, or only bread and pickles for a week, and hoard pens and pencils and beermats and things in boxes. But now we must have clothes that keep us dry, and pay our rent and not swear in the street, and set a good example for the children. We must have friends to dinner and read the papers. But maybe I ought to practice a little now? So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised when suddenly I am old, And start to wear purple! --Jenny Joseph

Friends and relatives that know me well may think that I fall into the later category or that I am practicing way too much. Whichever it is - so far the fifties have treated me well, and God is even greater!

Saying Bye is Hard to Do

The last day of a Mission Trip is such an emotional experience. Today the devotion was on encouragement, then we gave  verbal "roses" to each other. As humans it is so hard for us to take compliments. Then when this time was over, their preacher and his wife spoke about their gratitude for us coming to work. I know that we build for the glory of God; but when these churches tell us how much it means to them for us to come, it just makes us work that much harder the last afternoon so we can even accomplish more for them.

About three o'clock we get the signal that it is time to stop and bring all the tools in for inventory. After the counting and loading, this is the real tear jerker. We stand amazed at what God accomplished through us - physically for their church and socially for our church.  New levels of friendships are formed when you work and sweat with people side-by-side. 

Also I cannot praise enough our youth. This year's group was just remarkable. Even though they were young, they were so eager to learn and so willing to do anything. As always, we cannot do it without the youth. 

Building for the Glory of God

Tomorrow is the last day of our mission trip. Again this week just reinforces what an awesome God we serve. Each year the right people for the job go on the trip. This year was no exception; we had the right people for the job. The teenagers were excellent. The new people jumped right in and worked wonderful with the group. 

Several things especially blessed me. First, Dawn and Bill Arrington were a blessing. Bill is getting over bypass surgery, and Dawn had knee surgery last Monday. The doctor told her no way could she go after having the surgery. She was distraught over this. Finally on Thursday night she told Bill that if Delois Heath and Sandy Garner could both go with cancer, she could go with her knee. Bill gave a devotion on Monday that was such a testimony. They both had such a sweet spirit and so grateful that were able to get to be a part of this.

I am always amazed that so many use this week as their family vacation. As a teacher that is on summer break, I really do not sacrifice anything for this trip other than my own bed. I always hope that these people will be blessed for using their vacation time in such a way.

I was outside of the church unloading some trash, where I overheard the preacher here was talking on a cellphone to someone else. He was telling this other person that he really needed to come out to the church to see ALL these people working. He said it was a sight to see. Not only were they ALL working, they actually knew what they were doing. 

Again I give God all the glory for another great mission trip. As always, I was blessed for Him letting me be apart of it.

The World Wide Tour

We left out Friday at noon for our 2 ½ day tour. We started in Hot Springs with a walking tour of the bathouses, the hot springs and parks, and old hotels. We arrived outside of Hot Springs about 11 PM. Saturday morning we continued driving toward Memphis. We stopped at West Memphis for the dog races. Rick was much luckier than I was. I studied the race guides way too much. Betting on dog races is truly a “crap shoot.” We had to leave before they were over, because we had tickets for Larry, the Cable Guy in Tunica, Mississippi, and we had to “git her done.” So away we went. We arrived at Tunica in time to get our tickets at Will Call and grab a bite before the show. After the show, we started our casino hopping. The casinos were better to me than they were to Rick. I actually won two 30 dollar bonus rounds on a 15 cent bet. By midnight our eyes were stinging, and it was time to find a bed for the night. Sunday morning we were on the road again – this time to see if Elvis had left the building. We did the Platinum tour of Graceland. He was nowhere to be found. The memories of Elvis were great. After lunch we headed to Campbell, Missouri to meet up with the rest of the group.

Friday Fotos

The World Wide Tour

Rick and I on vacation.

Arlington Hotel

Hot Springs, Ark.

Hot Springs Bath House

Foto Friday

For my Friday's Fotos, I will choose some pictures from this holiday weekend.

Kaiya, Greg's dog, gets to come spend several weeks with us. This is a rare occasion when she was actually outside. She likes to be inside with the air condition.

Cousins at the firework stand.

Here we are doing grandparent duty with Cade and Cali. Rick is playing in bubbles.

July 4th - Family, Food and Fireworks

July 4th is another holiday with great memories for the Scoggins family. As we do everything, this holiday was always a big deal. When Diana and I were little girls, we always had Roman Candles and Black Jack firecrackers. For two sissy little girls, we did blow up our share of things with firecrackers. Some years we would go with the Kinnairds to the Baker Hotel in Mineral Wells. A fruit market with huge peaches was a stop that would be made on the way home. Other years they would come to Gunter with ice chests and baskets of food.

As time went on and our children were born, we wanted them to share the same excitement of the Fourth as we had. The day that we would go pick out the fireworks was an all day affair. The kids would have their checklists and their newspapers where they would decide which stand had the best deals. After the fireworks were purchased, then the real fun began. They would then line up the fireworks in which order they would shoot the fireworks off. Lists were made again. This would go on for several days with adjustments made each day. Then the day would finally come. Whether it was at our lakehouse or one of our houses, there would be food, homemade ice cream, and grandparents to oooH! and aaaaH! over each firework.

Now for the present - things have only changed to more and  bigger fireworks. With Greg's firework business, we still are making memories - good food, great family time, and fantastic firework shows. We are still so blessed to share a great holiday with those we love. My wish for you is that you and your family will have a great Happy 4th of July.

Foto Friday

Another great memory of our past. Just one day late, Chad.

Happy Father's Day

Kennith Marlow Scoggins 

January 20, 1920 - April 14, 1990

I thought I would take a moment from our travels to write a very brief tribute to my dad on this day. I cannot do it justice in one blog. Just as it took several to pay tribute to Mother on Mother's Day; it will take equally to do justice for Daddy. So for a top ten with stories to follow this week.

1. Daddy loved life. He had fun wherever he was - no matter the situation.
2. He loved his family and was always there.
3. He never met a stranger. He had the gift of gab.
4. He had a great laugh and smile.
5. He liked to be outside. He loved nature.
6. He loved the land and to hunt.
7. He loved to GO - Go anywhere, anytime.
8. He liked to eat.
9. He was "hard headed" and hated storms.
10. He liked brand new red Chevrolet pickups.

God blessed me really well with the parents that I had. They were a great balance to learn life lessons. "Honor thy father and thy mother," was quite easy for me.

O Canada, O Canada

We are having a blast. The weather is perfect, and every view is a Kodak moment. We have been to Vancouver and ferried over to Victoria. We have entertained many Canadians. Our Texas accents is a dead give away that we are tourists; therefore, both young and old are intrigued with us. 

Check Di's blog for more information and pictures.

The Great Comedian

George Marlow Scoggins

This was my grandfather. I do not remember much about him except he was a very old man, that sat in the corner of the room smoking a pipe listening to a radio.I have no recollection of him ever talking. However, this week I heard stories from a cousin, that is 20 years older than me, about Papa. The papa he told about had a sense of humor. Di and I had a hard time believing this this.  He told several stories. One of them was as follows:  At one time an oil well was dug on his property, and then it disappeared. My cousin asked where it went. Papa told him it messed up his Johnson grass crop so he had to get rid of it.

Friday's Fotos

This is Friday, and I did make the deadline for the first time. I thought I would share two of my favorite pictures of the Davis boys from when they were young.

The Playboy Bunny

These brought smiles to me as I was hunting for my Friday Fotos for last week.

No Sweat, Please!!

We have completed our first week of summer break. It is still hard to realize that school is really out even though I did work two and half days this week. It is on my time schedule now. I did find a way to get a few good meals in, a little fun at Texas Motor Speedway, and doctors' appointments.

I have had another sensor go out on my car and the air conditioner is out in the house right now. I try really hard not to whine too much, because I know there are so many people less fortunate that me on a daily basis. I do have a car for the sensors to go out and a house with an air condition that can break. For some reason God let me live in Small Town, Texas during this time period where we are blessed with many luxuries of life. I am very thankful for this, because I would not have made a very good primitive woman or a woman in some third world country today. I do not like to sweat nor do I like to eat mystery meat. No, Jerry - I do not have your adventurous drive for the unknown countries.

This was a great idea even though I have a hard time getting my pictures on the computer. I am going to take the challenge get some weekly random pictures on the blog. I might can find a few to share. Occasionally, I can snap a picture or two.

Pebble Beach, California 

One of my all time favorite trips with the boys, Diana, and Jenna.

Grand Canyon 2007

Our honeymoon. The moon is rising behind us; as the sun is setting in 

front of us.  It was one of those memorable sunsets.

The tour bus left us out here in the Canyon for 45 minutes

after dark in very cold temperatures.

Memorial Weekend

Memories were made this Memorial Day weekend. I think I will do a list since I am too tired to write about each one.

1. Rough Rider game on Thursday

2. Went to the lake. Ate with family and friends on Friday night, then Music on Main in Denison to hear Marlon play the drums.

3.  Rick, Missy, and I sat around a fire pit and just chilled after we got back to the lake house. 

4. Randy agreed to come cook catfish at the lake. Diana, Jenna, and I planned Rick's birthday meal and then went to Walmart.

5. Justin brought kids out to the lake.

6. Great food. Catfish cakes were a big hit. 

7. Jenna and Ashley started jumping rope. The rest of us nuts joined right in. Diana hurt her foot, Teresa fell on her bottom, Randy's knee swelled two times its original size. The highlight was Randy, Rickie, Jenna, and Ashley all four jumped at the same time.

8. Jonah dug worms. They were deep fried in the catfish pot. Weisal and Rickie did eat one. Jonah started to eat one, until Jenna grabbed him.

9. This is Rick's birthday. SS and Church. Debbie Keats sang a song that words can't explain how good it was.

10.I went back to the lake. Before we packed up - I watered the grass we laid two weeks ago at the bunkhouse. Without me knowing, I flooded the bunkhouse. Then we had to sweep water out for the next hour.

11. We were invited to another fish fry. So we had more fish and catfish cakes with family and friends.  I will share the recipe later for the catfish cakes.

12.  Monday - Rick and I went to Lowe's to get the lumber for the dock. We screwed all the boards down. It is almost finished.

13. We then went to the garden to plow and replant a few vegetables.

14. Flats were fixed on the Ranger and Cade's bicycle. 

Needless to say, we are dragging right now. He has the foot massager on his feet right now. But I have to say (other than Jack LaLane) I do not know another person near his age that has his stamina and energy to go nonstop from sun up to sun down. I forgot to mention that he put an extension ladder on top of the lakehouse and leaned it against tree with a chainsaw on a pole to cut off some branches so that satellite TV would work. He did get it stuck in the tree, and that is where the calamity of this story took place. You would have had to see him 30-40 feet in the air with Big Rick with a ski rope tied around his body and the tree. It was memorable as was the entire weekend.

OK I have never been a person of a few words. My list got a little lengthy.

 

Muggly Utt

The picture says it all. I took Missy to the groomers and for some reason Rusty cut her like a lion - an ugly lion. I said cut her "a little". He must have thought I said cut her like "a lion." (So - Greg, you do not get the priviledge of doing this to her for a joke.) Sachmo has longer hair than she does. This is the second bad haircut in a row that she got there. I will be taking her to someone else if the hair ever grows out. 

What an Awesome God we Serve

Last year at this time I was a little disappointed. I was not mad, and I sure wasn't going to question God; but I could tell that our church was fixing to hit another bump in the road. As  you know, I love my church; therefore, this bump was very disturbing to me. I could paraphrase many scriptures here about God's ways are not our ways and that He is in control, but let me say that He proved himself once again. Today God provided for us a new pastor for our church. I know that God has great things in store for FBC. I am just so thankful that He has chosen me to be a part of this. What an awesome God we serve!

I am My Dad's Child

            Last week I wrote about the influence that my mother was in my life. Yes, she was everything beautiful, gracious, and loving. But just as there is a balance in life, mother and daddy were a balance in ours. In our Bible study we have been studying about balancing Mary and Martha. In some situations Mother and Daddy were opposites just as these two ladies.

            Next month as Father’s Day approaches I will write several articles about the influences that he had in my life; however, for this blog I will write about a passions we both shared – Las Vegas. Through the years, he and mom went many times with the Kinnaird’s. Actually the first time I went was with Mother and Daddy in 1979. It was truly love at first sight - the lights, the music, and the SLOT machines. It was my first exposure to this form of entertainment. I had no idea what paid or how to bet. I learned that two cherries were good and you wanted things to match on the center line. Back in those days you played with real money and you pulled the arm on the side. I remember I would get rolls of nickels and play forever. At the end of the day your hands would be so dirty from the money.

            Today the machines are different. No dirty hands and the nickels have been replaced with a coupon or ticket that you just move from machine to machine. I am a big fan of the penny slots that have 15 to 20 lines max. I do have my favorites – Kenny Rogers, Money Storm, and 50 Lions were the ones that were good for me on this trip. I really do not sit at a slot machine and play, but I rove. My logic is three spins and I rove on if I do not hit. However, if I hit then I will stay until I have played either a dollar or three spins without hitting. I usually go in a line of the machines. As you can tell I am very methodical about my slots. I am never going to get rich or hit a BIG amount, because 15 cents a spin is not going to give you a lot. It is just the excitement of is it going to hit or let you play the bonus round. I think the other part of the challenge is how long will my twenty dollars last. With my method – it is amazing how long a person can play on a twenty.

            This morning as I was in bed thinking about coming home, I had to get up and go say good-bye to the one-arm bandits one last time. As I walked to the elevator, I was feeling nostalgic, because I knew if Daddy was alive he would have been with me. So I was doing this for us. I got my 10 dollar bill, and I was ready to start my farewell. As I got to the Money Storm slot, I looked down and there was a real penny on the floor. Yes – God is ok with me playing pennies, and I believe that He did have an angel leave it for me. Not only did it make me smile, but I actually left the machine with 6 dollars ahead to say goodbye to the other machines. When I cashed out, I did leave a penny in the change bin for someone else to find.

            I alluded to the fact that I love Vegas for several reasons. It is only fare that I mention all the attractions that go with Vegas. When I travel I do not miss much wherever I am. This trip was no different. We did all the usual tourist things, but this year we found a new one. At the Winn, they have a wall with a waterfall behind a pool with lights in the trees. I will share just a little of this with you. My camera did not do it justice, but you can get an idea.

            We did two shows. The last time I was here I did a little culture- Phantom of the Opera and humor. This time I did pure humor. We saw Gordie Brown and  Terry Fator. I highly recommend both of these guys. As the lady that sold me the tickets said, “Gordie Brown sure doesn’t hurt the eyes.”

            As I write this I am on the plane and my computer is losing its charge fast, so farewell to Vegas. Dad, you would have loved it. Diana, you were missed! She is one of the few people that I know that can sit or rove with me at penny slots. She has a little of our Dad in her, too.

Viva, Las Vegas

Hello, from Vegas. There is a penny slot machine calling, so I will have to write about my trip when I get back home. Love to all!

Part 3 The Tribute Continued

4. I have told this story many times, but it is worth repeating. One day after school when we were probably in the 4th and 5th grade, Diana and I came in from school to find the china and crystal out. The table was set. Of course our first thought was who is coming to dinner. No! Mother decided it was time to teach and practice our table manners. 

This is just one of the many things that she did to make sure that we knew right from wrong - down to our table manners.

5. Bennie Scoggins believed that cleanliness was next to godliness. I can assure you that our house was never dirty or messy. Dishes were never left in the sink. Clothes were never left in the dryer. The bathtub nor commode never had a ring around them. You could eat off the kitchen floor. Beds were always made. I am sure that you get the picture. This ended up being a blessing for us in the end. When Mother was at the Howard Apartments, she would get up and go outside and dust her car before everyone else got up and about. She did not need to be driving, so instead of us having to take the car away from her; she was ready to give it up so that she would not have to dust it everyday. 

National Day of Prayer

If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 

2 Chronicles 7:14

Join me in praying for our nation today. Obama is the first President to boycott this day since it has been in place. Our nation needs healing.

part 2 The Tribute Continued

Remember that these are in no particular order.

2. Mother was a great cook, and she did cook a lot of food in her life. Some of the sweets that she was known for are: pecan pie, coconut pie, chocolate chip cookies, a chocolate scotch cake, seven-minute frostings, and banana pudding. We always had a homemade birthday cake with the seven-minute frosting on it with the candy sugar decorations. Anything she cooked it was good. We always had a dessert with every meal. When we were in school, she made our lunch for us. The other kids were envious because we had such good lunches. Also when we got in from school, we knew that there would be a home-cooked meat waiting on us. You never left the table of Bennie Scoggins hungry.

3. Mother took great pride in the way that she always dressed. She would get up early and get her makeup and clothes on. She loved clothes and like to dress up, even if no one was going to see her or not. She went to the beauty shop on either Saturday morning or Friday. She took care of her hair so that when she went into the beauty shop that her hair was still in place. No one every saw her hair messed up. Her old clothes were better and looked nicer that most people's good clothes. When she was outside working, her clothes still looked like she was headed somewhere important. In the 50's she had hats and high heels to match all her dresses.

A Tribute to a Great Lady

This weekend is Mother's Day. Last week at our Bible study Mother kept coming to my mind throughout the night. Using the title from our study, Bennie Henderson Scoggins was the Martha in "Having a Mary Heart in a Martha's World;" and a great lady she was. So this blog is going to be a tribute to her and the legacy that she left to us. I will be adding to this as the week goes on. If you are reading this as a grandchild, feel free to add your stories.
1. Mother was the epitome of a Christian. She read her Bible, she prayed before every meal that she every ate, and she did not miss church until her health declined. She went three times a week or as we used to say - every time the door was opened, she was there. She did not ever drink, smoke or cuss. Her ministry was to send words of encouragement through the mail. Proverbs 31 was written with her in mind - "Her family will rise and call her blessed" (paraphrased as usual).
It is said that when you are squeezed or down -what is inside comes out. Well good things came out of Mother. The last time that she was in the hospital for a lengthy stay, we were with her almost around the clock. One of the nights that I stayed with her and she was a little disillusioned, she literally said her good night prayers all night long. Every time that I encouraged her to lets go to sleep, her response was that we had to say our prayers. She would say her prayer, and would pray for everyone by name and what she wished for them or for blessings for them. Thirty minutes later the whole process started over.

Other stories to come - food and cooking; clothing; cleanliness; holidays; family; teaching us to be little ladies- right from wrong.
I will also find a couple of pictures to add.

Showers of Blessing

The pictures are in reverse order. Finished to the beginning. I will get them rearranged when I have another moment.







Today we were blessed with showers, or some might call it a flood. Whichever - it was just what we needed. We had our tank dug out and enlarged. Then we built a dock. Now the Saturday that we started the dock was the coldest and windiest day of the spring . The wind chill was in the low 30s. Greg, Rick and I looked like we were headed to the ski slops. On Sunday when Rick and I worked it was much nicer day. Monday when we worked it was beautiful. We have been praying for a hard rain since we put the last piece of pipe in. We put tires in for one kind of fish, and Rickie made two trees out of 5 gallon paint buckets, pcv pipe and concrete for another type of fish. Both of these looked funny in a dry tank. We have had two little showers that did nothing for our tank, then Wednesday God blessed us with 6 1/2 inches that not only filled the tank, but let it run over so that we could even see how the runover would work and the position of the dock in relationship to the water. We are pleased with our project and very thankful for the showers of blessings.

Sam - stood up today!

Greg wrote a blog about the "landline" telephone; and how it has changed our lives. Well, I thought about how the internet has changed our shopping habits. Here it is Saturday morning, and WE are shopping online. Now you have to realize that Sam Walton and I have been dating for about 30 years. We have a ritual that we meet on Saturday mornings or around lunch time. However, Diana is out of town; and I do not go there without her unless I absolutely have to. I guess you could say that we have been having double-dates with Sam. Anyway I do not like to go to Sherman by myself, so a few of the items that were on my list I bought on the computer. My pets needed fleas pills, so rather than find a vet that would sell them to me without actually taking Princess, Missy, and Sachmo in - I just bought them online and saved $40 bucks. I did say that we were shopping online. Yes, Rick was on his computer buying a special Bermuda grass seed with four different kinds in it. Just FYI, grass is really expensive if you have not priced 25 pounds before. Next I made plans for my next travel experience next month. You know I probably should have gone to Sherman by myself. A date with Sam would have been cheaper.

Ways to Import Pictures

The layout of pictures is a little "qwirky." This is for the class that I am teaching.

Image >Layout >none Small picture
The picture was taken in Orveto, Italy of a Drumo or another ABC (Another Beautiful Church)

This picture was taken in Pisa, Italy. I did not rotate it for this because I am showing examples of layouts. This layout the image was on the left.

This picture was taken at the Pont Du Guard in Nimes, Italy.
The layout of the image was in the center.

Another Beautiful Church or a Drumo. The layout of the image was to the right.