Category: blessings

Auburn · beginnings · blessings · Carmen · children · kids · Random Thoughts

Beginnings Continued…

jachancellor2 Comments

I say in the title continued, mainly because I am tired of all of the endings.

I was on vacation last week (my staycation), and accomplished a lot , but not near what I wanted to.  But it is back to the daily grind with a little change.

My biggest accomplishment, I believe, are my children.  Carmen left today for Camp War Eagle (Freshman orientation), at Auburn. It is the beginning of her being away from home. It is the beginning of just Stephen and I as far as school is concerned.

But a wonderful new beginning for her.  She is truly excited, and for me it is bittersweet.  I am so proud of her and what she has accomplished.  Sad because she starts a new chapter in her life, full of adventure and without us.  Truly the beginnings of adulthood.

Carmen at 2 (daycare picture), and one of my favorite photographs of her.  Carmen’s smile is contagious. And, isn’t just like parents to remember them young and sweet.  One of my favorite commercials is a little 3 or 4 year old getting ready to back out of her driveway, and her Dad sees her like that.  But in reality, she is a grown woman. And the Dad just watches her go.

I believe her smile still is contagious.  She is going to have a great time at Auburn.  I also believe that we have raised her with a sweet spirit of fellowship and love.  I pray that God places in her path godly friends that are strong in their convictions.

He has blessed us with such a precious gift.  I love the woman she has become, and look forward to hearing of her beginnings.

Have a wonderful week.

Blessings.
Jerry Ann

Auburn · beginnings · blessings · college · family

Endings and New Beginnings

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I am so sorry that I haven’t posted in a long while.  We have been busy with Carmen and Stephen’s graduations.  Finally have a moment to post some pictures of all of the events that have kept us occupied for the past several weeks.

First was Stephen’s graduation.  He has attended Liza Jackson Preparatory School since Kindergarten.  This hit me emotionally far more than I realized it would.  Alex, and Nico have been consistent friends through middle school, and we are thankful for their friendships.  Stephen is going to be (hopefully) the Stylemarchers at Choctaw High next fall.  He has had a rough year, but survived, and we are all truly thankful.

Carmen graduated with Cum Laude Honors, National Honor Society, French Honor, International Baccalaureate program, Yearbook staff, Wheelettes Service Club, Indian Scholar, and Anne T. Mitchell Award recipient for 4 years.  Lots, that meant she worked hard (not really – she is really gifted in a lot of areas, which irritates me and Stephen.) and awarded for her work.

Carmen will be attending Auburn in the Fall, with some scholarships (Yeah!!).  We are transitioning this summer (I guess), and will be busy with getting her ready to be on her own.  

So, again, thank you for your patience.  I will be updating more now (hopefully), but haven’t been cooking, let alone time for posting.

Have a great summer!! 
Blessings.

blessings · family · friends · lupus · Random Stuff

Busy

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Schedules.

Mine is normally not that busy on weekends mainly due to needing rest.  This past weekend there were commitments that I wanted to keep.  I did – I kept all of them.  Surprising even to me.

Do you say “no” when asked to do things?  Do you feel guilty if you do?  It seems lately that I do say no more.  The kids are extremely busy, but not as much as some I know. 

I am the social one in the family I think.  I like people –friends!  I enjoy them.  I want to be an encourager.  Hug, smile, and love on them. Some days are just busy.  Not enough of hugging, smiling or loving on anyone.  Schedule that time.  I plan to.  Our days are too short not to love on our friends and family.

Hug a friend, especially when they say no.  =)
Have a good Monday, and be an encourager.

blessings · family · friends · Random Stuff

Friends and Family

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Who do you consider family?

I have lost most of my immediate family over the years, and tend to believe that my friends are my family. I have family in Germany, and love them dearly.  But they are so far away.

One young family, in particular, was difficult to get to know.  God opened a door, and all of us have been so very blessed.  I have spoken of them before…but this morning part of them are traveling North.  North for another adventure in their lives. 

The youngest one…C…wrapped himself around all of our fingers.

He is a joy.  Just over a year old…and we have gotten so much love from him.  Babies love big.  Big love.  You see it in their faces, happy to see you.

This little family has had so much impact on our lives.  Touched each one of us.  Carmen: a big sister.  Stephen: an paper airplane friend.  David:  joy, from all 3 of them with games, talks, and smiles.  Learning more of himself, and the joys that a baby can bring.  Me: family. 

Today is bittersweet.  Knowing that we won’t see them for a long while, hurts our hearts.  Knowing that we will see them soon…and that we have made life-long friendships:  priceless…truly.  God given family.

We love you.

blessings · encourage · family

Bret Michaels and Me

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Bret Michaels, lead singer of Poison, winner of Celebrity Apprentice, was in my town today.

Living in a military community has its blessings…and this was one of them.

Bret is to perform at “The Swamp” tonight, and you have to be 18 to enter.  Carmen is my bff when it comes to Bret and Poison.  She and I attended a Poison concert last year in Birmingham.  We had a great time.  I so wanted to attend tonight, but since Carmen doesn’t turn 18 until January 1st…so, what to do?

A wonderful friend of David’s, Ray, had said that the rock radio station was advertising Bret was going to Hurlburt Air Force Base at 3p today.  Julie (dear scrapbook, stampin’ up friend), sent me an email that Bret was going to be there at 2p.  So… I go to work, and I have truly given up on going to see him.  Justifying it…I had already seen him in concert, and so I lived out that dreamed from teen years.  I get this email from Julie encouraging me to go.

Carmen brought lunch, and I asked off for the rest of the afternoon….and, we got to the base, and there were some people there.  Not a ton…and we made our way into the middle of the crowd.  It was incredibly hot. 

Bret’s bus pulls into the parking lot…

 Carmen and I in the parking lot of the BX.  Waiting for Bret to walk this way…
 BRET!!!!
 Love his smile.
 more…
 We fought our way to try to get a picture with him.  The military guards were not going to let that happen, at least not with us today.  As Bret was walking to his bus, I was close enough to ask he could sign Carmen’s Poison shirt.  “Do you mind if I keep walking while I sign it?” – NO!  Of course, not!  He signed it.  I told him that we were praying for him to continue to get better.  We love you Bret.  “I love you too!”, and I was 19 again.  I believe that he is completely sincere about his love of his fans.  I experienced it today. 

 Carmen’s shirt.

I know that Bret is a rock star, and famous for now.  It was a pleasure getting to meet him, and have Carmen experience a “star.” I will say that it was a really great day for the both of us.  A bonding experience if you will.  But, we will have many more, and I am sure it will not be because of Bret or Poison, but of God’s blessings.  
I am blessed with a husband who allows me to stalk out a rock star at 43 years of age.  I am blessed with a daughter that loves 80’s music…my music…and her own generations music.  I am blessed with a son, who found a set of speakers on the side of  the road, and connected them to his electronic drums!  There was a reason for the headset…but…
I am blessed.  I have been asking God to “show me His Glory” like Moses did in Exodus.  I have seen bits and pieces of it in the past weeks.  I believe that we forget to ask for this.  We forget to ask for big things.  Simple things sometimes.  
Bret has survived a rock stars life, an appendix surgery, and a brain hemorrhage.  I don’t know if he knows Christ, but I believe he has been shown bits and pieces of glory.  God has given him a 2nd, and 3rd chance.  
I know that He has given many to me.  Over and over again, I am shown the path I need to take.  Gentle reminders of His love.  Opportunities to make things right.   
Meeting Bret today was really cool.  Meeting my Savior one day will be incredible.
Blessings,
Jerry Ann