What a difference a year makes!

Almost a year ago to the day, we were told that Heather needed to go to bed and stay off her feet followed by being put in the hospital for the duration of her pregnancy. What a scary time we faced and by the grace of God's love and many many answered prayers, Morgan Kate Callahan was born. The day Heather was put to bed was right before her birthday. We attempted to celebrate her birthday, which is August 16, and cheer her up the best we could. She tried to be a trooper and act like she was enjoying the day but her mind was on her unborn child and her well being. At times that seems like light years ago yet so much of that is etched in my memory as if it was yesterday. A lot has transpired in this last year....oh boy what a difference a year makes. However my mind is full of all the memories - the good, the bad, the difficult, the tears of joy and the agony of watching my first grandchild fight for her life. During that fight, Heather was a rock and I am so proud of her. My prayer this year as we celebrate Heather's birthday is that this day will be full of joy and laughter. I can't wait to watch Morgan Kate's expression as we sing to her sweet mommy and I tell her how lucky she is to have her for her mom. And speaking of lucky, I am the one who is honored to call her my daughter. Happy Birthday Heather! You are truly a blessing to our family.

33 and still going strong!

It was the year 1971 and I had just celebrated my 15th birthday - perfect timing to meet someone since they won't have to buy you a birthday gift (he he). I met him in my neighbor's backyard and literally fell in love with him. I remember telling my sister a few week's later - I will marry that guy! I spent the next five years getting to know him and spending as much free time as I could with him. Along with the highs, there were lows, but the lows were what helped me realize just how blessed I was in having Loitton Hardison in my life. I had found one of the most patient men I know, one of the most complimentary men alive, and one of the most giving and devoted men ever born.

On September 19, 1975, he proposed to me and this Friday, July 10, we will celebrate 33 years of marriage. Wow that sounds like a long time but boy has it been alot of fun.

Now for a few fun facts. We got engaged on September 19 and were married on July 10. Four years ago, our daughter, Heather got married on July 9, and was engaged on September 18, 2004. So as you can see, our engagement dates are a day apart as well as our anniverary dates. We also had the same person perform our wedding vows, my uncle. He and his wife celebrate their anniversary on July 11. I can't really recall the number of years they have been married but it has to be close to 60 or more.

I love the history that Loitton and I have established with each other. He jokes alot about how he knows me better than my mom because after all he has had me longer than her! In reality that is true and I love the fact that he knows me so well, loves me so deeply and cares about family so much! I know God had him in mind for me and I sure am grateful! He is the love of my life and my everything. So Loitton, Happy Anniversary, and I look forward to growing older with you.

PS - Happy Anniversary to Heather and Travis and my uncle and his wife. May God continue to bless each of our marriages!

Reflections and a Birthday

I guess between Father's day, the funeral of a good friend's dad, and the fact that it has been twenty years since my daddy died, I have thought about him alot lately. I've also thought about how much he would have loved getting to know Kyle, our youngest. Kyle turns 20 on Friday and at times he and I butt heads and really clash. There actually have been a few times when we have accused each other of not loving each other but if he only knew my heart, he would know just how wrong that thinking is....in fact quite the contrary. My bond with him will always be very special because he got me through one of the toughest times in my life....the death of my daddy.


Kyle was born July 3, 1989. Instantly loved by not only us as his parents, but his sister and big brother as well. I certainly can't leave out how much his grandparents loved him too. My daddy would get upset if I would not stop by each and every day and let him swing Kyle in their outdoor swing. Along came September of that year and we experienced Hurricane Hugo. We had to warm bottles on the outside grill and try and keep a 2 month old happy without electricity! In November of that year, my daddy died very unexpectedly. I was totally devastated and at times completely lost for words. I walked around feeling numb.....however in my darkest hours, I had a new baby boy that was keeping my mind occupied and busy. Between him and his siblings, I was able to face each day with a little more strength than the day before. See God in his infinite wisdom knew that we would need Kyle and he would get me through some tough times. I hardly know where the 20 years have gone ....just doesn't seem that long ago that Kyle was a "baby" and now he is a man. Happy Birthday Kyle and just for the record - I love you!

Father's Day

It is his first....his first Father's Day that is. Since 1997, I believe it was, I have had a "third son" in my life. I barely remember BT time (before Travis). He and Heather started as high school sweethearts. I knew he was special in her eyes and in her heart but as a mother you don't want to get too close to the boyfriends/girlfriends until you know they might become a part of your future. Too hard if you get attached and then they move on. Travis became a part of our future and we love him like our own....we have always gotten along so well and he and Loitton are just as close. Another big plus is he really enjoys Heather's brothers and they spend alot of time together.

On August 24, 2008, he abruptly became a father. A father to a premature baby girl born way too early. I was fortunate to be there when all of this took place and therefore I experienced first hand just how well he can handle pressure, emergency situations, and show his love for Heather. From the moment his daughter was born he has been a hands on dad who believes that parenthood is a partnership and he wants to do as much for Morgan Kate as he can.

It warms my heart to see him love Heather so much, take care of Morgan Kate so tenderly, and I don't dare leave out his attention to Cash and Lola (their dogs). I actually nominated him for "Father of the Month" with our local newspaper. I had been noticing an ad in the newspaper about nominations and it was a toss up between my hubby and my son in law. I opted for my son in law (knowing my hubby would agree). Unfortunately they did not receive my nomination in time for the judging but in my opinion, he is Father of the Month! I say with alot of pride, Travis Callahan, you have been one amazing daddy in the first 9 months of Morgan Kate's life. My prayers continue that God will guide you and walk with you each step of the way as you raise your baby girl. May your life with her and future children (he he) be full of rewards, beautiful moments and lots of love and laughter. I hope you have a wonderful Father's Day.

I'd also like to say Happy Father's Day to my best friend and love of my life, Loitton ,as well as all father's. In closing, I think of the saying "any man can be a father but it takes someone special to be a daddy." Travis, you and Loitton are special daddys and I love you both!

Time is flying by

I looked at my blog tonight and realized it has been a month today since my last post. Not that any one has missed it, but I have. I have always been one that likes putting my thoughts on paper....it helps me sorts through things and see things clearer. I have been reading blogs for quite some time and several I follow religiously. One in particular that I have been following has recently turned out to be a hoax. I literally have cried and prayed over this blog and the folks associated with it. Then I find out it is a bunch of untruths, just post after post of fictious information. I was really disappointed! To make matters worse for me, I recently found out that there are folks who actually get paid for you visiting their blog. The more views, the more money. In this particular, case I probably earned this family more than pocket change. I was so interested and prayerful for this family that I would check on them several times a day, actually more. They were all about the money and leading people into feeling sorry for them! So I guess when I view my blog and realize that I have a whopping 13 followers, you can be assured I will not get rich off of my blog....at least not in the sense of monetary value. I am richly blessed by those of you who come here to check in on me and occasionally leave a comment.

Life is way too busy these days, lots going on....some good, some not so good. Thank goodness for the constant of God's love each and every day.

Almost Full House

Every one was home ....almost. These days it is harder and harder to get all or our family home at the same time. This past weekend was no exception. I thought it might happen but Owens had to work and with the economy like it is, I am not complaining.

My weekend started out with a little pampering with Heather. I treated her to a pedicure for her first Mother's Day. We had a blast talking and laughing at my new found salon. It was a lot of fun! We headed home to have dinner and get Morgan Kate in the bed. On Saturday, we had a leisure breakfast and then some good family time at the farm. We have got quite the set up at the farm that will shield Morgan Kate from too much sun and the breeze Saturday was great.

Sunday was the best day! My mother's day breakfast was compliments of McDonalds but that was ok because we were busy getting ready for church and double checking to make sure we had everything we needed for the dedication service. It was a beautiful service and a nice surprise was looking up and seeing Owens walk in the church. Our pastor made it very personal and touching. As he talked about Morgan Kate, Loitton and I couldn't do anything but hold hands and try and contain the emotions. He did however say that he was glad that MK did not look like her granddaddy of which I laughed but totally disagreed with. I happen to think her granddaddy is quite good looking. Heather and Travis not only had family in attendance, they had friends that traveled from out of town and a church full of people who have prayed diligently for MK since her birth. They were finally able to see this little miracle in person. At one point, MK began to cry so I offered (he he) to take her out. One of my best friends accused me of praying for that to happen so I could get one on one time with MK. I honestly didn't pray for it but I sure ceased the opportunity and boy what a moment! I carried MK into one of the Sunday school rooms to try and get her to go to sleep. As I was "dinking" her, I paused and thanked God for her life and for our church. In the background I could hear the church bells ringing at our neighboring Methodist church. I thought to myself....if God were to call me home today, I would have died a happy woman. It was truly a beautiful day!

Mother's Day

Like everything good in life, children are a gift from God. We parents (and grandparents) are just caretakers of the children that God has blessed us with. This Sunday, mothers all over the world, will celebrate Mother's Day. I think for me being a mother is the ultimate priviledge. My children are my life and they bless me each and every day even when I could "pinch their heads off"....he he. I stand in awe when I think that God chose me to be their mother!

My husband and I have always thought it was our responsibility to dedicate our children back to their Creator as well as dedicate ourselves to helping them know Him. So each one of them was dedicated in our church. I fondly remember each dedication and each service provided its own special memories. I remember Heather's service, our first born and our first dedication service. I was nervous about the participation and prayed and hoped she wouldn't cry during the service. She did great and didn't cry, in fact smiled and chattered, thoroughly entertaining the congregation. Owens' dedication was no different. He was actually due to be born on Mother's Day but came the day after so his dedication service came a full year later on Mother's day. He was a little older and therefore he was full of character and wanted to "talk" out loud. Kyle's dedication was just as unique. It was the first time our church performed a dedication service other than at Mother's Day. We had an abundance of newborns that year and therefore we had a dedication service in October of 1989. Kyle was only 3 months old and we had just rebounded from Hurricane Hugo. Little did I know at that time, that although my daddy complained of having to come back early from a Clemson weekend for a dedication service, that God's timing was perfect! We dedicated Kyle in October and my dad passed away in November. Kyle made his prescence known that day - he cried the whole service.

Twenty years later, we will be present for another dedication service. This service will be the dedication of our first grandchild, Morgan Kate. Her birth, in itself, is a miracle and to be able to dedicate her back to her Creator will be an awesome experience. As I write this, just the thought of her dedication brings me to tears. To share in Heather and Travis making the commitment to oversee Morgan Kate's Christian development is very special. But not only will Morgan Kate's parents be making the commitment, her grandparents will too. Dedication to me means not only by words but also by example. I pray that God will work in me to help me be a good example for Morgan Kate and I dedicate myself to that purpose.

Happy Mother's Day to all and a very special Happy Mother's Day to Heather as she celebrates her first of many special days!