Living Life

Bucket List: Enjoying life w family and kin.
 #LivingforToday. #NotWaitingforTomorrow.
 Taking in moments together. #UnitedAsOne.
 Family. Sharing moments w one another.
 Turning these moments into memories. #NeverForget.
Our biggest mistake. We think we have time.  #LiveLifeToTheFullest.
 ... And ALWAYS remember to say 'I Love You.'
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Hurricane Issac

Enjoying a mug of community coffee this morning w my mom and dad; watching the hurricane creep closer to New Orleans. Kelly came in last night w Pokie Joe and Floppy..  The news informed us that this is the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which has made the people of the gulf coast panicky. I can only hope  that this hurricane will make landfall at a  Cat 1 or tropical storm, however just in case I made sure my family evacuated New Orleans. Kelly does not have any leave, but we don't want to take any chances.. My Prayers go out to the people of Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and Florida..


We wait in hope for the LORD; he is our help and our shield.

Psalm 33:20

God Bless.

Sustainable Energy

I have been researching sustainable gardening pretty extensively.. I am actually pretty damn excited about it! Something else that we are looking into is Sustainable energy. When Kelly and I build our cabin in the woods we are hoping to purchase solar panels in order to produce clean energy; the panels will pay for themselves..

Right now we are in limbo waiting for a job reply, however if that job doesn't work out we are looking into a job that will be opening this winter.. Either of these positions will bring us closer to home. God will  lead us in the direction we need to go in next.

Until then we will continue to dream about our retreat in the woods.

Crowder Peas

Crowder peas are  drought tolerant plants that love full sun, and sandy well drained soils. We will plant these late spring to early summer.. When preparing the top soil tilt the top 6 inches of soil.  Then, add a tenth of a pound of elemental sulfur for every 10 square feet of soil. After doing this,  add 3 pounds of limestone for e very 100 sq feet of soil.. These two things help w the Ph of the soil. Lastly, cover the  seeds w 1 to 1/2 inches of native soil.

Sweet Potatoe Vine

Sweet potatoes and Potatoes are two entirely different vegetables, however sweet potatoes sound like they will be easier to grow.. This veggie will have to have 4 monts of warm weather to grow to size. They desire full sun / partial shade, however  afternoon shade is preferred in hotter climates. Soil Ph is said to be 5.0 to 6.5. Something to keep in mind:  Feeding sweet potatoes just increases foliage. So plant these in soil high organic matter and leave them alone! To prevent disease from year to year rotate your crop.

Potatoes

Potatoes grow under ground; so you never know how you are doing until you harvest your crop. You know when the top of the plant dies off the potatoes are ready to be harvested. We are going to use the container method to grow these plants. Readings suggest using a clean garbage can or whiskey barrel will work sufficiently. First Lay 6 in of soil in the bottom. After putting in  your soil, spread out your seeds. Then keep adding soil as your plant gets taller. We can try to grow these plants in soil or peat, either will work fine. Sounds like potatoes are going to be a nightmare to grow. Diseases and Bugs are going to be a problem, but we are up to the challenge! A good suggestion  to help control diseases is to refrain from planting your potatoes where your tomatoes or egg plant has been planted in the past. Controlling PH levels, and adding compost  will also help w disease and bug problems.. It is best to plant potatoes in the late summer or late winter. This will ensure that your plants will not have  to grow in the hottest months. Keeping the soil loose and well drained will help the plant develop properly. Potatoes like Full sun / Partial shade.

Egg Plant

We want to plant a variety of veggies and  fruits so we do not become bored w our selection of food we bring to the table.. Kelly wants to try to grow egg plant. This is another heat loving plant; thriving in full sun. They are usually around 3 in tall and bushy. The articles I have read on egg plants suggest planting the plant in the same spot year after year will help prevent disease.. Picking the plant before they are fully grown will encourage more fruit set; cut the fruits from the plant do not pull.

Summer Squash

Squash comes in a summer and winter variety.  Since we are focusing more on the summer plants  I am going to blog on the summer variety. Summer squash grows in a bush like plant. These plants like full sun, fertile soil, and sufficient moisture. This plant needs compost to thrive. They can grow quickly especially in hot weather. So squash needs to be checked everyday; picking these veggies encourage more growth. The summer variety should be picked before they have fully ripened.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are another favorite of mine. Growing all of these different vegetables will be a lot of work, but worth it in the end. Not only will the food taste better, but it will help w the monthly grocery bill. So back to growing cucumbers. This is another summer plant. We have chosen to use the cucumber vine instead of the bush.We will harvest cucumbers while they are slightly immature. Remember to cut the plant from the vine. Do not pull the plant off. Plant seeds after last frost; allowing soil to become warm and to dry out.  Hints: Cucumbers like full sun. When watering the plant do not let them sit in water; cucumbers like well drained soil.  Remember Vine crops are heavy feeders so these will need fertilizer. PH level 5.5 7.0.

Watermelons

Kelly and I want to use raised beds for most of our plants. We hope this will make maintenance a lot easier. This going to sound a little ridiculous, but I want to try and grow watermelons.  This plant is a heat lover, and does not need a lot of attention. Watermelons produce large spreading vines so allow space for this. 6 ft between rows. Build soil up so the soil stays loose for the roots to grow. Planting: Make holes 1 in deep. Place one to four seeds in each hole. Apply mulch or compost.

Peanuts.

Peanuts will be a treat. This is going to be more of a touch and go plant so I am going to plant these in containers.. These plants require full sun, frequent watering, and sandy well drained soil.. We will need a fairly wide container to grow the peanuts.. Since we are using containers we will use the Peanut Bush instead of the runners.. One plant per container. We will need to buy the proper seed from a gardening center. Shell the seed right before planting or they will dry out and not germinate. Plant 2 to 3 weeks after last frost. Add extra lime to soil to balance ph. If all turns out we should yield 30 to 50 peanuts per plant.. Do not eat if the peanuts become moldy..

Future Garden

Most of my upcoming blogs will be related to our future garden. Not much to these posts just segments for us to refer back to when we go to implement our plans.. These blogs are also a good way for Kelly to keep track of the different fruits and veggies I have in my mind when he draws the plans for our garden.. So we can be on the same page when the time comes..

Snap Beans

Ok just brainstorming. Summer Gardening. First  I think I will start w some of the easier plants to grow; snap beans for starters. TThey like full sun,  however in researching these veggies I want to go w a pole bean instead of a Bush. Snap beans can be directly seeded into the garden,  however the soil.needs to be warm.. So they need to be planted after the LAST frost.  The soil also  needs to be moist and loose. Keep the plants mulched and well watered, and about half way through the growing season, the beans will need compost.  If I decide to test ph levels these plants like their soil to be slightly acidic at 6.0 to 6.2

Simplify

Sustainable Gardening.  I have such big plans which include gardening, enjoying the  outdoors, and getting back to the basics. This life style is so appealing to me. I want our whole yard to be edible; from the bottom to the top. I have been surfing the Internet researching what I want to grow.. Not only do I want to grow veggies; fruits and berries sound tasty too. Different items can be grown during various seasons, of course I will freeze the surplus in order to eat good during the winter months. This is my dream. To simplify.

I will blog more on this as I explore more on the subject. Stay tuned.

Cathy Michele

We were given this poem when Alley passed away.. I wanted to share this w Momma. Our beautiful Cathy Michele passed away w cancer. Rest in Peace baby girl.

I wish someone had given little Jesus a dog as loyal and loving as mine
to sleep by his manger and gaze in his eyes and adore him for being devine.

As our Lord grew to manhood, His own faithful dog would have followed hime all through the day
while he preached to the crowds and made the sick well and knelt in the garden to pray.

It is sad to remember Christ went away to face death alone and apart, with no tender dog following close behind to comfort its Masters heart.
And when Jesus rose on that Easter morn, how happy he would have been
as his dog kissed his hand and barked its delight for the one who died for all men.

Well, the Lord has a dog now; I just sent him mine the old pal so dear to me.
And I smile through my tears on this first day alone, knowing they're in eternity.

Good Morning From The Mccaffrey House

Ok, beautiful morning people....

 Kelly stayed home, and we  took an early morning bike ride. After we circled the neighborhood several times we decided to stop in and do a bit of gardening in the back yard. Kelly Re potted two very important inside plants. The first plant is what we call  The Grand Daddy plant. This plant was given to us after his Granddad's Funeral. The other plant that we re potted was a birthday present.. It was sent to me by my Mom and Dad during Our First year of marriage... :)  Kelly and Noah re potted both of these beauties, then Noah and I watered them..

Re potting Grand Daddy

Helping Put the Potting Soil In

                               Repotting The Birthday Girl
                                                           

Noah wearing Day's Shoe

Pokie Joe Posing by a weed we pulled in the Flower Bed

Pokie Joe Checking things out in BW

Pokie Joe Giving me Love

That's all Folks! We watered our Plants and went inside for Lunch and a Nap!

Monday, Monday

                                                         Mom's side patio Buterfly Iris's

Monday morning Mom and I enjoyed the side patio. While Noah  came in and out of the fence, we rocked in our rocking chairs and listened to the sweet sounds o country life. Very Relaxing. Birds and Bumble Bee's sang their spring time songs.. Noah loved the  bumble bee's buzzing around. While Noah played in the side yard he sang, I'm bumble bee.. "I'm bringing home a baby bumble bee" I'm loving the spring weather!

Noah Coming in and out of the gate

My Birthday Flower Arrangement

It was my birthday weekend, and we were gearing up for the Patty Day Parade. We had family down, and I was looking forward to getting some great pictures. Sadly, my camera went out. My sweet husband rushed to the store that moment and bought me a new camera. Happy Birthday ME!! I was so excited to get a new camera! That afternoon Kelly went outside and picked a fresh arrangement from the yard. Here is a picture of my fresh flower arrangement taken with my new camera! I am so blessed to have such a wonderful husband. I love you Kelly! I can only hope I make you as happy as you make me...

My Birthday on The Hill

Mom, Dad Kory Sara, and I celebrated my 35th birthday yesterday. Kory and Daddy sat outside and cooked steaks.. Mom stayed inside, and made  baked potatos, macroni and cheese, corn on the cob, and banana pudding. Sara lounged in the recliner, and watched Saturday Night live. Noah and I was back and forth enjoying everyone's company.  Other than missing Kelly and Michele, we had a GRAND time! The steaks were delicous, the Pudding was sweet, and the  company was great! Noah even told me Happy Birthday! Thank Y'all. You all made my birthday so special!

Daddy and Me

Kory sharing his secret steak recipe with Noah

Memol letting Noah take a peek at the macroni and cheese

 

Me opening my presents. Michele Kory and Sara got me a shovel, gardening gloves, and a home depot card! Mom and Dad got me bath towels, and lots of spring clothes! I had a wonderful birthday with my family on The Hill! I love y'all!

Night Night Kiss

It is 'Night Night' time at MeMol and PaPa's house, and MeMol is sneaking in a quick kiss before I lay Noah down.. He is sitting next to his new friend, Bunny. MeMol and PaPa gave him this adorable rabbit for Easter. With his floppy ears, and soft coat he is the perfect night time partner! Night Night, Noah and Bunny!

Doesn't Miss a Beat

Jacquelyn Jackson Photography



Noah eating his yummy chex mix, while Pokie patiently waits for a bite! Noah is Pokie's BEST friend; Wherever Noah goes Pokie follows. Here is a scenario: Noah runs down the hall w a  HANDFUL OF TREATS, and  his faithful dog follows behind! When crumbs hit the floor Pokie Joe is there for the save! I get mad when Pokie Joe bugs Noah while he eats, but I am thankful I do not have to get the vacuum out every time Noah runs through the house with a cracker! Scenario Two:  Noah's hand is coated w blueberry yogurt! Pokie Joe is once again there for the save, however I would rather that than creamy yogurt  on the  couch! Pokie the Joe doesn't miss a beat, and NOT ONE SINGLE TREAT!  Gotta love it people! Gotta love it!

Noah the Great

When Noah was first born I had  to hold a pacifier in his mouth at night in order for him to sleep.When I let go of the pacifier he would wake up and start to cry. I learned how to hold a pacifier in place while sleeping at the same time! People told me that I was spoiling him, but you do what you have to in order to sleep.. Night after night. Little by little. Our sleeping patterns  started to get  better. See... He was finding his thumb, and the rest is HISTORY!

 Noah the Great and his Delcious Thumb

Photo by Jacquelyn Jackson Photography

Mom and Dad bought Noah a fort swing set for the backyard. It has everything! A slide, rock wall, swings, three different levels, and a picnic table. AWESOME!   Kelly finished putting it together yesterday, and Noah the Explorer has been all over it! He sat at his picnic table smiling, and said "picnic table"..  With little assistance he climbs to the first floor, then down. He loves going up and down, over and over! Kelly attached his steering wheel and telescope onto the first floor deck, so he can enjoy them now; obviously he can not climb onto the other two levels yet.. He was overcome w joy, while exploring his play fort. The fort has gone up in stages over a period of time, whenever Kelly had time he would piddled w it. Now it is fully functional, and Noah could not be happier! Jackie and Todd came down a few weeks ago for a weather conference and we got to visit w them. While they were here Jackie took some pictures of Noah in the backyard. Jackie is a professional photographer so I was so excited when she offered to take a few shots of our boy!  Here is a few shots from her session..  Noah Patrick sliding down his big green slide.  Jacquelyn Jackson Photography

Thinking back

I went through Noah's baby clothes today in order to make some space in the attic..  As I fold  night gowns, and straighten baby blue  bubbles, I shutter to think my baby boy is growing up too fast. Each piece of clothing brings back a memory of swaddling our newborn son. I was so unsure of myself as a new mother, and now almost two years later Noah is a smart and healthy toddler; exploring the world around him.. Pondering these beautiful memories I know one thing for certain.. I don't want to miss a single second of Noah growing up! I have stopped taking as many pictures and videos, however after today the camera is charging, ready to go!

Could it be that Kelly and I are ready  for baby number two? Are we ready to  embark on another adventure.. Perhaps so Perhaps so.

Good Morning!

Pokie Joe

Jackie took these amazing pictures of our 'ole girl;  she captured our baby's golden eyes..

To the girl that still gives me a kiss every night before bed,

Our Pokie Joe..

Talented and Creative Musician

Noah's favorite show is The Fresh Beat Band. It is a great show that teaches children about music. He will walk around the house pretending to play the trumpet. He has shown lots interest in music, which is wonderful! On an episode of the The Fresh Beat Band, The Fresh Beats make a drum set out of everyday items. The other day I heard racket coming from the hall. Investigating a little more, I noticed that Noah had pulled his clothes hamper into the living room! (We went w a construction theme for his big boy room hence the big tin can!) He pulled the tin can into the living room in order to make a drum set! What a talented, and creative musician we have on our hands!

Mardi Gras

We came home for Mardi Gras this year... Kelly had not been home, and this was a great three day weekend for him to visit w his family..

I think this year we are doing the Patty Day parade, which is this weekend! So we are looking forward to catching LOTS of heads of cabbage, and potatoes! I hope the rain holds off, b/c I am looking forward to pulling Noah around in his wagon, and cooking hot dogs on the grill!

For Mardi Gras Mom had a top hat and beads for Noah to play with. He loved it! The hat was easy for him to put on, and the he loved wearing the beads. What a great idea! Mom also had a crate of beads  Noah played w. He would take the beads out of the crate, and sit in it! His very own Mardi Gras float! So celebrating Mardi Gras this year in Vicksburg was a lot of fun. Mom has a way of making things fun for the kids!

                                 HAPPY MARDI GRAS FROM VICKSBURG MISSISSIPPI!

PawPaw's Store

Mi Maw

Mommy

BAYOU

                                                                         BAYOU

Daddy

This is Louis Daddy.

Paw Paw

Louis

I Have written a handful of children's stories. They are about a boy named Louis and his dog Bayou. The stories are set in South La. I'm working on illustrating the stories now. I will give y'all a quick peek at Louis.

Introducing Louis or should I say my first attempt at composing Louis!

Grammy and Pappy's Christmas Party

Every year Sherrie puts together the best Christmas party. The food, family, love, and laughter always lights up the room! Going home on a full stomach, and a pocket full of new memories, we can truly say we all had a wonderful time! I still have more Christmas pictures and stories to put up.. Stay tuned in to My Morning Cereal! Enjoy!

Is this big one mine?!

Wow, a 4 wheeler!

Broooom Broooom!

Pappy was super excited about this one! Introducing...CHUCK!

Pappy telling Day-Day about Chuck the Dump Truck

While Day and Pappy discuss Chuck, Noah eats a cookie!

Grammy grabs her boys so Noah can go thru his stocking!

First thing is First, The card!

All kind of things were in his stocking! Trucks, Cars, Toys, and even a special book Grammy and Pappy made for him.

MiMi and Tim enjoying finger foods, and tea.

Smile, Aunt Nez!

Noah gave Grammy and Pappy personalized Texas Rangers t-shirts!

Aunt Tina always gives such cool presents!

 

Pappy and Noah playing football outside! Noah, has the cutest run! We have determined he runs like Super Mario! All arms!

Noah playing w his new buddy, John Wyatt!

What can I get into!

Hmmm..

How bout I get into my NEW RIDE!  Brooom!

Taking a swing break! Pappy swinging the boys HIGH!

Christy and Kelly watching the fun!

Winding down..

The sun was going down and the breeze was getting chilly so we headed inside

Kelly and Marie talking about Noah's new toys! Noah brought her one of his new bath toys!

Meanwhile, Aunt Tina and Grammy exchange gifts!

MiMi and Tim were about to leave so I thought I would get a quick picture... Look Noah!

SMILE!

A great picture of these lovely ladies!

Aunt Nez telling Mr. Pat bye..

Another set of lovely ladies..

Noah fell in love w Christy he hated to see her go

We all had such fun we hated for it to end..

After everything settled down, and everyone went home we took a picture in front of the tree. Noah was way to busy w his toys to slow down to take a picture!

Thank you Grammy and Pappy for such a wonderful Christmas Party.

God Bless