tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87989920067855993702024-03-05T22:28:48.122-07:00Nana BNanaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380128403317679927noreply@blogger.comBlogger35125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8798992006785599370.post-38744972852455915312019-01-10T19:25:00.002-07:002019-01-10T19:25:21.091-07:00 As usual, i am not beginning at the beginning. I actually arrived in South Carolina early in December . My daughter, Elise and I pulled into Irmo, to the South Carolina, Columbia Mission Office late in the afternoon of December 14th, where I checked in with the office Sisters. They were as sweet and kind and welcoming as they could be. They gave me my key, offered refreshment, And then we were on our way. anxious to meet my new companion, and tired from almost 4 days of driving. Elise was a great driving companion. She took more that her share of the driving time, and was an awesome conversationalist to stay awake with. she was amazing in every way. She put up with my slow moving, my forgetfulness, and my crankiness when I get tired. Oh yes, and she is fun! We were pushing on to get here quickly as we could. But we did have fun. Just talking and laughing and remembering stuff was fun, but so was the taco munching carriage ride through the River Walk in San Antonio, and the lunch in the French Quarter in New Orleans. Even the detour was interesting, and the swamp that lasted for miles, and miles, and miles.<br />
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Back to meeting my companion. I'm not sure what I was expecting. I was hoping that she would not be so young that I would annoy her because of my age. I was hoping that she would not be too intellegent that I would annoy her because of my mediocrity. I hoped that she would be moderately attractive, but not so attractive that I would be totally overlooked as we conversed with folks. I never dreamed that she would be 13 years my senior, I felt I was probably at the top of the age limit. She is very lovely and intelligent. She is German born with a charming accent. She loves opera, She reminds me a bit of my Grandmother, but then the only"date" that I have had as a widow reminded me of my Grandfather. Soon after our" evening out" he married a woman 20 years younger than me.<br />
Sis. Davidson is lovely. She has an amazing testimony. She does not like my choices in music, but we survive and enjoy each others company.<br />
I was a bit shocked at the assignments we have been given. I had assumed we would be going from place to place helping different wards with suggestions for leadership as they might have discovered difficulties in implementing church policy in their wards. Not at all! These folks are right up to par in everything. Their leadership is Spirit filled and lacks no skill nor knowledge. What they lack are warm bodies to call on folks in need. There are so many here that need financial, spiritual, emotional, mental, legal and physical help. And a ride to Church. I just pray that we are knowledgeble enough, strong enough, spiritual enough to bring some help and relief. Our Relief Society President is amazing, as they most always are! She is on Top of every thing. Plus she's just really nice and down to earth.. No pretense, no nonsense get things done! with sweetness and a smile!!<br />
I was very glad for our visits today. First we went to a sister who is in a nursing facility to be cared for following some strokes . We saw her a couple of weeks ago. She was curled up against the side of her bed, with her face partially buried unto the side bars. She listened but didn't speak as we expressed the Savior's love for her,and asked if we could pray for her? She nodded in the affirmative.<br />
We prayed and she smiled a big smile for us, then reached out to hold our hands. It was all sweetness as we left. So today as we arrived we found her much as the previous time, with the added aroama of old urine.When I spoke to her she said she had used the bathroom. So I went and found a nurse and asked if she could come to give her aid. She followed in a minute or two, and we stepped outside to give her privacy. A few minutes later the nurse and aid brought her out in a wheel chair, all dressed in a fresh gown looking as if she'd had a shower, plus wearing glasses. I hardly recognized her. They wheeled her to a dining area, where she joined two other ladies. We talked with all three of them, We introduced ourselves. They introduced themselves. They were alert and well spoken. A fourth lady joined us with attitude. Wanted to know why we were here. And if we were trying to help, why we weren't here everyday? She had been there for three years!She was there to protect her friend. Sister Davis interjected that we were here teaching about Jesus. She asked, "Why you tryin' to teach her about Jesus? She don't understand "nuttin.'" At which time Carolny became upset and tried to say that she did understand. Her other two friends echoed her defense, but the newcomer continued to berate us for not being there everyday and for try to sell Carolyn something. She was patting Carolyn's arm and saying that she could "understand nothin'", but Carolyn got more agitated and was knocking away her hand and saying this lady didn't know about who Jesus was. We intervened with calming words of friendship and loving one another and they did calm down, but interloping friend walked away, still muttering to stop trying to sell Carolyn something. I followed her and explained that we were selling nothing. only trying to bring an uplifting message and she stopped muttering and went back to the table.We said our goodbyes to Carolyn and her friends and told them we would be back in a few days,<br />
marveling at all the gumption shown by Carolyn, and her protecting friend.<br />
I have several other eye opening and interesting stories of other single ladies here in Columbia, but since I didn't start at the beginning I think I'll add them in sparingly in future posts.For now just know that Just loves you and I and every other one of his creations, regardless of how much of his gospel we understand.<br />
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<br />NanaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380128403317679927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8798992006785599370.post-61793327446410689192018-08-16T09:24:00.000-07:002018-08-16T09:24:08.149-07:00Well, yes, it has been a while. And true, much has happened. But I am still here, the same NanaB, now widow of Bob. grandmother of Kristin, Lisa, Michael, Sean, Stacy, Brianne, Brigitte, Lauren, Emma, Levi, Kas, Antionette, Ana Zophia, Boston, Mason, Sidney, Tabitha, Ian, Brecken, Karsten, Cullen, Eliza, Arianna, Hannah, Catcher, Whitman, Olive, Bennett, Amelia, Callahan. I am great grandmother of Cerenity, Rhea, Alex, Carter, Jackson, Danian, and soon to be little girl Bogle, of Brigitte, and Rogier Bogle Van Geel. My focus has changed from being a wife and mom to being a person searching for identity. I love being the mom of adult children. I am amazed at the accomplishments of my children in their successes. I am saddened when my children suffer hardship and failure, but having faith in God, and having been through many trying circumstances, I know that these things shall be but fleeting. I love my role of grandmother, am a bit bewildered by my role as great-grandmother. The grandparents of the great grand babies on our side of those families both died young, leaving a gap , that I sometimes fill, but not completely. I guess my new name, NanaB, helps ease that transition. Still my own identity seems to flutter somewhere just out of my reach. I know that I am a child of my Heavenly Father. As such I enjoy serving in callings in my Ward. I also love serving in the Gilbert Arizona Temple, where I stretch my learning capacity, try to improve my abilities to be helpful and kind and strive to become as close to my Heavenly Father as I can here on earth. Oops, sorry for the interruption, I apparently love flooding my back courtyard and my dirt and gravel back driveway. At least it seem so to my older brother, Steve, who lives with me and uses that area to indulge his smoking habit. Yes, sometimes I am still the farmer's wife, gardening, raising chickens, rounding up cattle, and cooking everything from fresh ingredients. I suppose that would be enough activity to fill my days if I had a bank account to support those indulgences without concern. Well I don't quite have the funds to maintain this lifestyle indefinately. I'd like to supplement my retirement with some endeavor of my own.NanaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380128403317679927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8798992006785599370.post-37837114666010589162012-08-23T17:16:00.002-07:002018-08-16T09:27:49.595-07:00A Dress for Baby OliveOn May 12, 2012 a precious little girl was born into the Reuben and Megan Craghead family. I claim her mother, Megan, as my baby daughter, so I just naturally claim Olive Reu as part of my family. Yes, I realize that I am just a grandmother, and have no first rights claim on this dear child, any more than I do on the other 25 adorable, wonderful adults, children and babies that I call Grandchildren. I do however, have one privledge, when granted by the mommies and daddies of these divine creatures, and that is to make blessing attire for them. I always consult with the moms as to the design, fabric, color etc. of these tiny outfits. Since Olive"s Blessing is fast approaching, I am in the middle of sewing a special dress for this little darlin'. Megan has chosen "MOM"<br />
as her career. She is good at it. She studies the latest research on health and nutrition for wee ones. She delves into theories of discipline and training. She is up on the latest in educational theory, and she has strong opinion on style.I am proud of her and admire her tenacity and dedication to her job It is amazing, however, that a mother and daughter who care deeply for one another and agree on so many things, even things pertaining to style, can have such different opinions on the tiny detail stuff like ruffles and bows. I like them both in large quantities. Megan doesn't really love either. I have known this since she was two, when she started dressing herself in her brother's hand-me-down cut-off jeans and T shirts, rejecting the adorable pink or lavender ruffled and bow covered togs that I and her older sisters chose for her. So I should not have been surprised that she rejected the gorgeous lace embroidered with bows, or the lace edged ruffle that I attempted to use on the hem of Olive's dress. Ok, I was not surprised, but thought I could get by with using them anyway. Megan was as kind as a kitten as she explained that no. she didn't love the "bow lace", and well the ruffle was just too much. She didn't want me to have to go to the trouble of picking out the stitches from the netting<br />
the dress was made of, or go to the expense of ordering additional lace. "After all in fifty years I'll just be grateful that Olive had a lovely dress made by her grandmother". But, she didn't love those hem treatments, and I want her to love the dress I am making for her daughter. I love Megan and little Olive, and I respect my daughter as Mom. My hope is that Olive Reu's dress will wrap her in the garb of affection I feel for them both.<span style="background-color: #f4cccc;"></span>NanaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380128403317679927noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8798992006785599370.post-11080774674913380272012-03-24T14:38:00.003-07:002018-08-16T09:29:26.040-07:00Just saw that my daughter, Merilee, commented on my last post, and it gave me the umph I needed to post again.. Alot has happened . Little things, like 12 hens just wasn't quite exciting enough, even though they have been laying eggs like crazy! They average 10 a day. Last Friday I went with Megan, Reuben and their boys to a feed store where we bought 10 baby chicks. They are Dixie Rainbow chicks. They are doing very well in their cage inside the coup. The hens are curious about them, but are getting used to all their hopping around. Ty and Shanda's dear little Amelia was blessed a few weeks ago. She looked adorable in her sweet little dress. And I must confess, her dress was adorable, even if I did make it! Now I am on to making a pink spring dress for the precious little Eliza Jane, Tom and Natalie's youngest and only girl. She is a blossoming 1 year old, brimming with new skills daily. I must finish her dress very soon, and then start on a blessing outfit for little Olive. Olive is our next precious little one to soon make an entrance into earth life. I am so anxious to see this little cutie, but not half so anxious as her Mom and Dad.<br />
And lastly, two dear and lovely ladies hve passed, I am sure into Heaven, Audry Ryan, and Judy Hearn. Both of these women gave generously to their communities as well as to their families. " Thank you" just isn't enough to express the positive impact that either of these ladies<br />
had on my life. God bless and speed you to life eternal.NanaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380128403317679927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8798992006785599370.post-40600061291004309022012-02-20T21:32:00.003-07:002018-08-16T09:30:36.634-07:00Ups and DownsHi friends, this is Betty. It has been one of those up and down days. It was up when I drove to get Omega 3 feed for my 12 chickens. I got a few other things for them as well, like oyster shell calcium and grit to clean their gullets. Ha Ha, that strikes me funny! But kind of down tonight when I could not remember how long ago Bob Had his stroke. Was it three years ago or Four years ago? Lets see. I think Monique's family moved here in the summer of , oh goodness , I think a year and a half ago, so it was 2010? My brain just could not wrap around the fact that Bob has been in this hospital bed for almost 4 years. But yes, Tom and Natalie lived here for two years after Bob's stroke, and then Mo and David came. The day was up again when I taped a few stones to be soldered into my project. Playing the piano was nice, but I struggle to play well enough for our Ward choir. We have extremely patient choir leaders! I loved taking Whit out to see the cows with Jacob, our choir director, Hiedi Whipples' adorable little boy. Sometimes my mind seems whirley, and I just want it to be clear. Sometimes I am just fine. Love you all.NanaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380128403317679927noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8798992006785599370.post-33956923168622281142011-10-12T22:17:00.002-07:002018-08-16T09:31:16.711-07:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7e3XON8kh5OoCZCNyM8YmYOQiMQCKQRZ6q2xBEJ69aVVacwgx8tNtZKysB9tdea8oA10ROrsCS6V4JquWPhbPJGjQvFQXf4l6QI2ZSQmN4CIX8u7_92TRYwYkQQQEvXCZEKT3rk1WPE/s1600/IMG_0618.jpg" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662842834627818514" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7e3XON8kh5OoCZCNyM8YmYOQiMQCKQRZ6q2xBEJ69aVVacwgx8tNtZKysB9tdea8oA10ROrsCS6V4JquWPhbPJGjQvFQXf4l6QI2ZSQmN4CIX8u7_92TRYwYkQQQEvXCZEKT3rk1WPE/s200/IMG_0618.jpg" style="cursor: hand; cursor: pointer; float: right; height: 200px; margin: 0 0 10px 10px; width: 150px;" /></a>This is "the first day of the rest of my life". The picture you see is the first step of a joint project my son, Chris, and I are undertaking. Chris, this is the sort of typical, frilly, feminine type of smocking that I normally do. I am not sure that this is what you want, but I need to give you a starting point. So, you can tell me"this is good, just what I want" or "yuk, way too childish and pink!" I did it in pink cause I had this fabric and it was sitting by my machine when I got the glass piece to practice on. I have lots of other ideas, but I needed to start somewhere and get feedback from you. I am so excited to do a project with Chris. I think of him as being amazingly creative, an artist, so it makes me giddy to think that I can do something creative with him, me, the homemaker, the mom, the caregiver. Do I really feel up to this? Well I may not be"up" to it, but I am over the top excited about trying. Thank you for suggesting that we try!NanaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380128403317679927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8798992006785599370.post-38180723133209810862011-05-25T19:24:00.004-07:002011-05-25T20:04:12.778-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrL8BCyFGqJzJCt5_4EhmVFOGYqDzJ0BjQWdzjUrZG00LunCi69Q6DXlxAKHFEyZ6mxGLqH2O8iWoujdbOH7a_-xBoo6ZESD2AJuSKrC6LCXtOwgVD8CZKXTtxwh3Adnc0vNC2cabkg_A/s1600/IMG_0580.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrL8BCyFGqJzJCt5_4EhmVFOGYqDzJ0BjQWdzjUrZG00LunCi69Q6DXlxAKHFEyZ6mxGLqH2O8iWoujdbOH7a_-xBoo6ZESD2AJuSKrC6LCXtOwgVD8CZKXTtxwh3Adnc0vNC2cabkg_A/s200/IMG_0580.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610855241115156738" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgM-uilztrv6-qpNml_7LLUOTCwvCFfuKPX6rARuUEMGRGqrqkhoczpXZ4asRtyFCj7gLl_qcYYkVoQTgABe6nbIKbTg8kxdGIQqgyW18WzMQ9sN-kEneSl3DeqrWwY3TmD5tcTV-N9rI/s1600/IMG_0592.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgM-uilztrv6-qpNml_7LLUOTCwvCFfuKPX6rARuUEMGRGqrqkhoczpXZ4asRtyFCj7gLl_qcYYkVoQTgABe6nbIKbTg8kxdGIQqgyW18WzMQ9sN-kEneSl3DeqrWwY3TmD5tcTV-N9rI/s200/IMG_0592.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5610854811795042962" border="0" /></a><br />Blessings come in many sizes and shapes. Some are giant size, like our lives, our spouses, our health. Some are tiny like our babies, butterflies, chocolate candy. Some are intangible, like kindness from others, and a spiritual awakening. Some are breathtaking like a rainbow or a mountain meadow. Some are just everyday things like having a clean house or enjoying a hobby. One is a special day in the life of a wee one, just come from Heaven to sojourn on earth. In my church we introduce these new little ones with a formal"Blessing" pronounced most often by Dad in front of the Congregation. A name is given as well as a blessing pronounced under the guidance of the Holy Ghost. The tiny little cherub receiving this blessing is not required to wear anything in particular, but it is often family tradition for baby to wear a white dress or romper to represent the purity of these little ones in the eyes of God. When my youngest daughter was four years old, I learned a sewing technique called smocking. Aw come on, you remember, all those cute little Polly Flinders dresses, so cute, and so expensive! Anyway smocking led to Heirloom Sewing which led to Christening gowns and rompers. Which leads to another blessing for me. I have lots of hours to fill as I stay with my husband who is pretty much bed bound with a severe stroke. When my fingers get itchie for something to do, I pick up my smocking and work on a dress or other smocking project. I also had the chance to help my oldest daughter make a Christening gown for her firstborn. Yes, blessings come in all sizes, I think maybe the ones I like best come in size Newborn. Thank you.NanaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380128403317679927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8798992006785599370.post-16584380042646968262011-04-21T21:19:00.004-07:002011-04-25T15:11:22.204-07:00You Can Come HomeIt is said that" you can't go home", meaning that when you do go home, things will be different and it won't seem like home. As the mom of all grown up children, I want to say "you can come home, PLEASE." No, things will not be the same as when you grew up. The house will be older. The grass will not seem as green. The trees may not even seem as large. The garden where you worked hours on end may have shrunk to postage stamp size. All of the many interesting places you used to play will now seem silly or dangerous, or at best boring. Your favorite foods may not taste as good. You've had better chicken soup at the grocery store. The bisquits are better at KFC. Old man Jacobs, down the street is dead now, and your best friend across town has become an accountant with no sense of humor. The corner grocery has been replaced by a Super Selllmart, and they sure won't let you get your own dill pickle out of the wooden barrel in the meat cooler with a pair of tongs. You will not be a child anymore, you may even have to follow around a little cherub of your own. You won't feel the same carefree self you used to be.<br /><br />But from the inside out, you will be the finest sight in the world. You will be more beautiful, or handsome, and smarter than you have ever been. Your spouse will be the nicest person ever, and your children will be the cutest little creatures that ever lived. And even though YOU get tired and bored and annoyed with your parents for being so old fashioned and slow, YOUR PARENT will wish you had more time to spend with them. So ok, home will now be where you live with your little family. But, to the folks who gave you your beginnings, you will always be the son, or daughter that grew up in the old house, with the run down yard, and the dangerous play places. You will always be the laughter and the tears that filled the kitchen where grandma's chicken soup was made, and the owner of the "ouwies" and the" triumphs" that demanded every waking hour of attention of that mom and dad who love you so much. So do come home, please, over and over again. No, things will not be the same. But as you share your childhood memories with you own little family, things might be as comfy as an old quilt.NanaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380128403317679927noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8798992006785599370.post-5405428509565996372011-04-07T21:32:00.006-07:002011-04-21T17:16:09.479-07:00Bennet in the Whitman's Den<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTMOlt9ux7vU8_TR6FYAiqeuUTqzaxJxACfvqsKFDEGVKaW6ACQyF4ehdTVShdORgcUCylnecuKq2-fzrD08DYDn6GTuKxvzCIaRQB6Z4MxIx3EPaZwYsSgJuzSqvBEBznDTwqxFxEnY/s1600/P3170277.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTMOlt9ux7vU8_TR6FYAiqeuUTqzaxJxACfvqsKFDEGVKaW6ACQyF4ehdTVShdORgcUCylnecuKq2-fzrD08DYDn6GTuKxvzCIaRQB6Z4MxIx3EPaZwYsSgJuzSqvBEBznDTwqxFxEnY/s200/P3170277.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5598194500833397106" border="0" /></a><br />This is the most recent picture that was taken with my camera. Two adorable little grandsons are caged because they were both a little tired or bored or in need of a new something to do. We thought it might be interesting to put them together and see what happened. Yeah, they just pretty much ignored one another. We should have added one sippy cup to see what kind of response we got then. These are both active, charming, engaging baby boys, but they do not perform on demand. At this time they just needed a little down time. Don't we all from time to time? Aren't you glad they don't make adult pack and plays (we used to call them play pens)?NanaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380128403317679927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8798992006785599370.post-42874837085909945862011-04-01T23:39:00.002-07:002011-04-01T23:52:31.068-07:00SURPRISE!This post is just to acquaint myself with my new computer and the program. I may have uploaded a picture to go with this, but all I saw were numbers, so the picture will be a total surprise to me<br />Today has been a pretty quiet, just go through the routine, kind of a day. I am trying to sort out alot of really important things right now, like income source, and learning new stuff, so don't really count this as a blog, it is more of a "I need to know how to figure out some things on my own" post. Thank you for your indulgence.NanaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380128403317679927noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8798992006785599370.post-61981697803123456782011-03-25T22:43:00.002-07:002011-03-25T22:59:37.912-07:00New Mac<span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);">Good evening. Have I ever mentioned my puppy, Mac? He is not really a puppy anymore, but a 6 year old white standard poodle. Well, technically he is apricot, because of a little color on his front knees, but when he is clean he is about as white as my laundry. We bought him a few years ago, after my husband's first stroke. We needed him to take us for walks...And he did! We used to walk a couple of miles most everyday. It was a terrible shock to his system when Bob had his last stroke and couldn't do that any more. He used to give us little gifts just to prove how much he loved missing his walks. We have worked that out.<br /><br />Well a couple of day sago I got a new Mac. No, it is not a cute little poodle. It is a cute little computer. My big mac was getting old, especially by tech standards. My daughter and son in law bought me a new printer for Christmas. My computer was so out dated the it could not support the printer. So now I am learning how to use a cute little 13 inch lap variety that allows me to sit in our room with Bob while I do my computer work. We are truly blessed to have such technology to help us out. And I will get this thing figured out. I promise.<br /></span>NanaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380128403317679927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8798992006785599370.post-27016229974765134242011-03-24T14:11:00.002-07:002011-03-24T15:09:27.174-07:00The DayToday is THE DAY. Well maybe only The Day. It is not the Second Coming. It is the day I begin to become bread winner for my family. I had signed up to try an internet thing that just wasn't going to work out, that for a while I believed it to be a scam. I am not sure if it was or not, but they pulled a switch from what I was signing up for to internet selling and more of an investment. The money that they said I could earn was enough to replace my income, so I fell for it. It was not something I felt comfortable doing. So I am going to try what I know and love to do.<br /> I love smocking and heirloom sewing. I have belonged to a smocking guild for many years. For a while I worked at Sew From The Heart, where I taught classes, as well as sold machines and all the wonderful things that go with sewing. SO...i am making Christening gowns to sell. It will start slow, but I have a bit to live on while I build my inventory and my business.<br /> Please wish me luck. I'll keep you informed as I go along.Hopefully I'll have lots of adorable pictures to post of adorable babies in beautiful dresses. Top of the afternoon to you all.NanaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380128403317679927noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8798992006785599370.post-11363366588179586622011-03-18T13:45:00.002-07:002011-03-18T16:36:26.663-07:00<span style="font-family:georgia;">"Did she die?" "No, she's not that old." "Does she have a new baby?" "Good grief no, she already has ten! And besides, She is too old for that." "Did she go to work?" No actually, she, meaning "me" actually quit work and have been full time care giver for my husband for the past three years. The first year after my husband's stroke, I mostly sat by his side and read to him, tried to keep his arms and legs moving by manipulating them, and tried to learn how to care for someone who had lost the ability to walk , talk , move his arms or body, eat , and stay awake for more than an hour at a time, except through the night. We made several trips to the emergency room and checked on or fixed several malfunctioning body parts.<br /><br /> The next year we acquired therapists . Physical, Occupational and speech(off and on). I got better at helping , and Bob got better at doing a few things, like his feeding tube was removed and he learned to eat again. I think he was highly motivated in this area. We still spent far too much time in medical facilities.<br /><br /> This year we are dealing with arthritis, making therapy more difficult. But we have become friends with a couple of pain doctors who make life more bearable. In general Bob has a bad reaction to most pain relievers and we avoid those like the plague. Sleeplessness and hallucinations are his most common reactions to pain killers. Thank goodness for orthopedic and anesthetic specialists.<br /><br /> This year I have also realized that I need more to occupy myself than voracious reading. I have restarted smocking, cooking, gardening, and various other interests from my past. Bob still likes me close at hand , so these projects take a miniscule corner in my day. Still, keeping the creative juices going helps me to curtail my desire to be out and going, going, going.<br /> I hope all of my friends and family are well and happy today. Sorry for the long, long pause in blogging. I hope to catch up with those that I have missed seeing, and connect with friends, old and new. Thank you, Lord, for this day.<br /></span>NanaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380128403317679927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8798992006785599370.post-44389328475855251982008-06-03T23:08:00.002-07:002008-06-03T23:21:21.177-07:00Whoa! I can hardly believe that it is June already. Sunday we will be bringing Bob home. He will be coming to a hospital bed, a wheel chair and a remodel job so that we can get him around. I owe one giant debt of gratitude to my boys( my boys are my sons and sons in law) and their friends and my daughter's friends, such as John Barnes, Derek Pratt, Jason Pratt,Fred Lines, and Monte, and Jordan and Charles and several others who may have been here helping while I was at the nursing facility with Bob. A GIANT BIG THANK YOU to you all . It is seeming like a huge challenge right now, but we are so happy to be bringing Bob home, and are hoping that a home atmosphere will speed his recovery. I may be calling on you all as I try to figure out all the ways to get Bob all of the therapy and care that he needs. I am just very grateful to be able to get to this point. Many prayers have been answered, and many more will go up in petition for Bob's recovery.NanaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380128403317679927noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8798992006785599370.post-13573857864536386582008-05-01T14:19:00.002-07:002008-05-01T14:31:42.297-07:00May 1. Ah May, not quite the MAGIC MONTH, in October we are looking forward to the weather change, but pretty close. Happy Birthday Monique. I am home with stomach flu, so that is not so great, but in the next week Mo has her birthday, I have mine on Cinco De Mayo, our grand daughter, Sidney is getting baptized, and the horses run in Kentucky for the Roses. The pagentry is so fun. We have not yet perfected our virgin Mint Julips, but we are working on it. This year I might try Sonic's Lime slushes with a bit of mint added, that is, if I can face food by then.<br /> And whenever else can we put on a hat whether the sun shines or not? Happy May 1st to everyone!NanaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380128403317679927noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8798992006785599370.post-66580893695240602682008-04-30T21:55:00.002-07:002008-04-30T22:30:37.346-07:00Today is April 30. That means many things. It was the last day to pay my bills and get them in on time.Got that done! It was the last day for me to register my car without a penalty. Got that done! An it is the day before my oldest daughter's birthday. My husband, Bob has been in the hospital for 1 week. If you read my blog, you probably read my daughter Megan's blog and so you know that Bob had a stroke last week. His doctor has not been very encouraging as to his prognosis, but we remain hopeful, because of what we have seen rehabilitation accomplish in the past and because we have faith in what the Lord can do. This week has produced highs and lows in his progress. First, it was so hard watching as he had to have seven feeding tubes placed before they were able to get one into the right place. Yesterday they finally got it working. Sunday he was moved out of ICU into the neurological med area. Sunday and Monday seemed to stretch into eternity as Bob remained so sleepy he couldn't really be evaluated for rehab. Then Tuesday dawned and he seemed to suddenly awaken and be ready to take on every challenge. He was so awake, I asked him if he could say my name. He tried, but could not. I asked if he could say his name, Bob. He said "Bob". I jumped up and down and clapped. He responded by saying"Bob, Bob, Bob, Bob, Bob", maybe a dozen times. WOW! A few minutes later, his speech therapist came in. When I told her what had happened, she asked him if he could count to ten. She started counting and he joined her, going on to ten. Double WOW! That wasn't the end. He also was able to swallow a few items that he was tested with, so hopes began to soar thinking that Bob might not have to have that feeding tube after all. No such luck. His doctor was afraid that he would not get enough nutrition from his little tiny sips. But he also had a good physical therapy session that day. Yesterday Bob slipped back to his semi sleepy state, but he did start his feeding tube, after being taken to radiology to insert it for the eighth time. Today he was still sleepyish and somewhat congested and had diareah. He coughed so hard this evening that he coughed up his feeding tube. When they said they were going to put it back in, I had to leave. I felt so guilty walking away after I said good bye, when he had to stay, but for today I just couldn't watch him go through anything more. So April 30 may not be such a great day after all. Love you, Bob. Hope you'll forgive me.NanaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380128403317679927noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8798992006785599370.post-7562896647968390292008-04-12T14:01:00.002-07:002008-04-12T14:32:39.691-07:00<span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="on down" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Italic" title="Italic" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 4);ButtonMouseDown(this);"><img src="img/gl.italic.gif" alt="Italic" border="0" />It is Saturday, April 12. All is well. This morning we were up and out relatively early to work in the lawn. It is a beautiful day, maybe a little bit too windy but not too hot. I mowed the lawn on my nifty little "ride on", and then went on to weed eating the grass in the front by the entry way. The telephone man arrived to fix our out-of- service phone and internet. He eventually found a cut wire, most likely cut by the trucks that have been driving on our vacant lot to reach the park that they are building behind our house. It is the second time in a month that they have cut our wires. Monday I think that I will call the city. Mac is at the groomers having a bath. Bob and Tom are at Gigi's replacing a light over one of her paintings. The children(Brecken, Zo, Antonette, Kas, and Karsten ) are watching UNDER DOG. Ooops not any more. I was about to comment on how peaceful it was, but Not Now! Movie Over! Peace Broken!<br /> If you are reading this, then you most likely know our daughter Elise, her husband Stephen, and family. They could use a few prayers at this time. Thank goodness they are well, but Stephen was restructured out of his job this week. He is graduating next week in some computer field, and has lots of great job experience, so I feel that he will find a great new job, but they would like to find it before they run out of the 3 week severance that his company gave. Not a lot of time to relocate Anyway Prayers Appreciated!.<br />Life is really a blessing and we are grateful for every day and every friend along the way. May all be right with you!<br />Betty<br /></span></span>NanaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380128403317679927noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8798992006785599370.post-36359011262297697522008-03-16T17:21:00.002-07:002008-03-20T23:39:04.816-07:00As usual, a while has passed since I have checked in and written anything. I have gone to battle with, and beaten, several varieties of virus' and/or infections. But I still have one little viral enemy<br />that has refused to lie down and die. This one likes to sneak up and rob me of every ounce of energy that my warring body can produce, so, as soon as I finish some mundane, but necessary task, I just sit and concentrate on breathing for a while, and get not one fun or exciting thing accomplished. I did manage the energy to go shopping with Megan, Catcher, Elise, Antoinette, and Zo the other day. We found cute little dresses for the girls to wear for church, and adorable little "whale" pants for Catcher. I got back home just in time to pick up the Hoke's Pricilla and Pat, to take them to dinner with dad and I. I must have been about as much fun that night as barbeque without sauce. (We went to Joe's for dinner. I did manage to stay awake until about 8:15, when we dropped off the Hokes' to return home. I love Sister Hoke. She has been my visiting teaching companion for several years, until we were thrown out of our old ward. Actually we were moved to Pleasant 2nd Ward, where everyone has been just as nice as they can be.This is too weird. I started<br />this a few days ago, but got cut off and now as I am trying to add to it, it really seems dumb and makes no sense. Most of our children are here, just arrived for Easter, so I am going to go join them. Sorry this is so lame. Happy Easter.NanaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380128403317679927noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8798992006785599370.post-25841303868492648262008-02-16T21:31:00.003-07:002008-02-16T22:53:57.416-07:00Wet or Dry, Home is Home, no matter What Ward You Are InOh my, It has been a long time since I last posted. Sorry. Things just sometimes get too crazy to feel like I have time to sit and write. It has been an eventful week or two, or three. Bob and I took a trip to Alabama. Bob went with me to a long time wish of mine, to attend a Martha Pullen school in Huntsville, Alabama. I took classes from three teachers, all were excellent, and very different. My longest class was a four day class on making a jacket and skirt. It was so much fun. We spent our first day pintucking yards of silk, with no rules, just wiggles and squiggles, rivers and mountains. It was very liberating to pin tuck with such abandon. While I was sewing away, Bob was trying to figure out how to spend hours and hours with basically nothing to do, in a strange town he knew nothing about. Fortunaly we had a big screen TV in our room. But if his days were boring, well? The first nhight we spent there at 3:00 in the morning our alarm went off. Wll, I thought our alarm went off and I hit the snooze button, but the alarm just went off again, this time with voices telling us to hurry directly to the 1st floor ballroom immediately. Oops TORNADO WARNING! People rushed in in their terry robes and their sweats and filled the floor along the walls. Finally three ladies arrived in their lovely lace and pintucked gowns...of course they had just finished finishing their class project and had an excellant chance to show off their heirloom project NightGowns. We sat around for about an hour when we got th OK to go back to our rooms where we watched for an hour or more while dangerous storms fluttered around the area. That was the night that a record was set the most tornados hitting in one night. Something like 90 storms hit over a 5-6 state area. The next night, just at bed time, we had a fire alarm. A few minutes later, we were told that it was a false alarm. We were a little nervous about getting ready for bed the next night. But all went well for the rest of the trip, except for the plane that we were supposed to fly home on was hit by lightening on its way to Nashville, where we were meeting it. Thank goodness they had another nice healthy plane there to bring us home.Ah yes HOME! We were so happy to hit the dry Arizona dirt. What dry dirt? Oh, it hasn't been dry for a month? Yes, that is what global warming does to the dessert, rains on it . Yea rain! OK It is late and I am itching to win a political argument, cuz my side has not been faring very well. I just say that if we, Republicans are getting John McCain for Presidential candidate, we better have a VP like Mz Rice to add a little balance. No more of this. Sorry.<br />We were really excited to be home. Just not so much to learn that we were moved to a different ward. I will not pass judgement until tomorrow, just hate saying goodbye to so many dear friends, especially with no opportunity to say Good Bye. But to our dear new friends in 2nd ward I feel it only fair to pass along this old Scottish saying "The Bogle's will get you, if you don't watch out" Sorry, but the thought of so many of our family descending on one ward all at once kind of scares me, and I am quite comfortable with our particular brand of insanity. I just hope that the good folks of Pleasant 2nd Ward will not be too overwhelmed by us. We truly mean well.I do love being home, and baking Valentine cookies for thr grandkids, and holding ou new little Catcher again, It had been a long time. But good night now. Nice to visit with you again.NanaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380128403317679927noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8798992006785599370.post-60283112668921797532007-12-26T22:32:00.003-07:002007-12-26T22:35:36.591-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL800QsfhHd6S9hZ94amL_gDrQ88IVyWb6sR3AhgJxnDDFngEcrm115jA6sVWXYmZWFiqgqRXMM_Z5Q-ilJssuLEbDZh-VY7HQySdRD7SxLtupdgMY8BcBuvuddZWb7PFn13XNB605C1g/s1600-h/011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL800QsfhHd6S9hZ94amL_gDrQ88IVyWb6sR3AhgJxnDDFngEcrm115jA6sVWXYmZWFiqgqRXMM_Z5Q-ilJssuLEbDZh-VY7HQySdRD7SxLtupdgMY8BcBuvuddZWb7PFn13XNB605C1g/s320/011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148521948432333474" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcy3vR1ePqu3YHvGray-26_E7VDq-XIvpg90L5SZb__fmo07J0Pa3mt7ldOJ9ZudtZJxa1og9wJlPxFxTRQ2j8P-dnDmmYm6-xYodcNQbhEJsA4NbMEwf_1yUEyvu46xfj-AzWp8hu2M/s1600-h/007.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcy3vR1ePqu3YHvGray-26_E7VDq-XIvpg90L5SZb__fmo07J0Pa3mt7ldOJ9ZudtZJxa1og9wJlPxFxTRQ2j8P-dnDmmYm6-xYodcNQbhEJsA4NbMEwf_1yUEyvu46xfj-AzWp8hu2M/s320/007.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148521609129917074" border="0" /></a>NanaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380128403317679927noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8798992006785599370.post-30839004562834196782007-12-26T22:26:00.000-07:002007-12-26T22:31:19.219-07:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-RQCeONkgjuQydIamSDd0WIIaS5nWekyXyiJHH0qNX1pvxoFE1oYWkJWeAfEg2WFsBSa_oOe9sEPXq424K2Aa_WxLXm08WjP6q5gXQ_1tMjuhf0wT3Ha4e4gtNKO4-EXc680P5N7WOg/s1600-h/023.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT-RQCeONkgjuQydIamSDd0WIIaS5nWekyXyiJHH0qNX1pvxoFE1oYWkJWeAfEg2WFsBSa_oOe9sEPXq424K2Aa_WxLXm08WjP6q5gXQ_1tMjuhf0wT3Ha4e4gtNKO4-EXc680P5N7WOg/s320/023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5148520797381098114" border="0" /></a>NanaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380128403317679927noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8798992006785599370.post-20891593563215470362007-12-26T13:07:00.000-07:002007-12-26T13:29:54.321-07:00Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. All is well here in the Bogle homestead. Christmas Day has come and gone. Christmas Eve was full of family. Almost everyone was here. We enjoyed each child and grandchild. We also missed those who are far away. We tried to talk to everyone, but missed our dear James and his family. I think I may not know how to navigate international calls. Either that or they were not at home. Anyway ,if you were not here, I want you to know that you were talked about....all in a good, full of fond memories sort of way. We had Megan and Reuben and baby Catcher portray the Holy Family, and little cousins were dressed as angels and shepherds at their request. Now we might quiet down a bit, but it is Emma's birthday on New Years Eve, so we are obligated to celebrate. I hope that you all are well and celebrating too!NanaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380128403317679927noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8798992006785599370.post-76714722960234182282007-12-11T20:25:00.000-07:002007-12-11T20:48:55.284-07:00ALOHA!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtsaleKHfQK8gCuwIVSbIjV882wrUujnd1OTRloTR5V6j64qvkWuTJaURSPjzpXfSZllp2SzQWU6ODoBDy9kW26BDiA-e8cfFKp8ot3th4ECFaUAcg8lE9lRMvuh2l1EB5D3sr2LGC3E/s1600-h/from+AZ+to+Hawaii+069.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUtsaleKHfQK8gCuwIVSbIjV882wrUujnd1OTRloTR5V6j64qvkWuTJaURSPjzpXfSZllp2SzQWU6ODoBDy9kW26BDiA-e8cfFKp8ot3th4ECFaUAcg8lE9lRMvuh2l1EB5D3sr2LGC3E/s320/from+AZ+to+Hawaii+069.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5142924144625253250" border="0" /></a>Rats! I didn't really mean to pick a picture of myself, but here I am. We had been up to see an active volcano. We are stopped at some big hallow tubes where we had to take off our shoes to finnish our walk or get our shoes wet because of the rain the day before. A lot of people turned around, but dad and I forged on. It was in a rain forest area just below the volcano, and very beautiful. Yesterday we went to the Cultural Center. We enjoyed all of the shows at the villages we visited. Our guide was from Australia. He was the only blond boy at the Center. Today we went to see whales. We walked around Lahaina, Maui today then caught a boat out to watch humpback whales. We saw several.<br />All of out adventures are fun. but we do get tired. Dad is doing fine. I'm not allowed to comment on food. Miss you all. See you soonNanaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380128403317679927noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8798992006785599370.post-13778768438772473242007-12-10T11:19:00.000-07:002007-12-10T11:28:10.157-07:00Standing on the PortsideIt is Monday morning, about 8:30, I am looking out the window of my stateroom on the port side in Honolulu. I see many ships at dock and across the street right outside I see an abundance of huge hotels. I will try to figure how to post pictures so I can show them to you. It seems that my internet will only work when near enough to an island to get a signal. Just wanted you all to know that we are alive and well. I tried to call several of my children yesterday, but could never catch anyone at the right time. I believe that we are about 4 hours ahead of Az. time. And I am learning to move without a mouse, cause I left mine at home. I will post again later, but for now I need to go.NanaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380128403317679927noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8798992006785599370.post-36425917346201726282007-12-10T11:18:00.000-07:002007-12-10T11:19:22.062-07:00Standing in PortNanaBhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16380128403317679927noreply@blogger.com0