Brainwashing...

Nah....the kid just knows good music when he hears it! Ben watched himself dance in the video from my post yesterday, and he started singing this little bit of "Undo It" just from watching the video! Watch for yourselves!



I just love this kid!

Moved by the music

Have you ever been moved by music? Tonight during the American Idol finale, Carrie sang her new single "Undo It." Ben, at my "brainwashing" some would say, loves Carrie. He was moved by her performance! Watch!



How about that split at the end? Maybe his mama should sign him up for So You Think You Can Dance! ;)

The Final Goodbye

Luther Wallace Burton, my Paw Paw, went to meet Jesus this afternoon. He was born March 13, 1917 (he and my sister share a birthday) and died today May 16, 2010. He was 93 years old! My Paw Paw was a funny man...he made me laugh a lot! He made many, many things out of wood....some of which I still have....rolling pins, cooling racks, paper towel holders, a kitchen set for me and my sister, a small table and chairs that I'm now using for my Godson, toys, baskets, picture frames...anything you could want! He could cook some good cornbread and hush puppies among many other things! He was a HARD worker! He had the biggest garden until he just couldn't walk anymore. He would raise more vegetables than he and my Maw Maw could ever eat...he would just give them away! He loved his little church, Ironaton United Methodist Church! He also loved my Maw Maw dearly. He hasn't been the same since she died 3 1/2 years ago. Though I will miss him, he still lives on. I can see him in my Daddy and my brother...it's crazy because sometimes they'll do a little something and I'll say "Wow, you are just like Paw Paw!"

Today is also the day I lost my final grandparent. I was blessed enough to have all 4 of my grandparents until I was 23 years old. I was blessed to have at least one grandparent until I was 30 years old. It feels odd to have no living grandparents anymore!

Here are some pictures of my Paw Paw:


Paw Paw with me and Celia


Paw Paw and Maw Maw - he wore overalls ALL the time!


1986: He used to smoke a pipe. The story of why he finally quit is another funny one!


Paw Paw with my cousin Cody. See the cast....he almost cut his thumb off doing some woodwork!


We spent most Thanksvings at the Burton side. Here is Paw Paw helping to set the holiday table.


Daddy with Paw Paw and Maw Maw


Thad looking at Paw Paw Ford. He loved Fords....I sure wish somebody would fix up this old truck!


2008


Making me laugh


PawPaw....you are missed! We are sad for us, not you, for you are no longer suffering, and you got to meet Jesus today!

Has it been a year?

One year ago today I sat by my Granny's hospital bed and witnessed her take her last breath. Though she was 91 years old, and lived a full life, it's still hard to believe she's gone. I miss her.....I always will.

Granny, here's to you, celebrating your one year anniversary of the day you got to meet Jesus face to face! Know you live on in all of our hearts! I'll see you again someday!






Letter from Heaven

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say
But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's not more tears of sadness; Here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I am with you every morning, noon, and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through.
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you.

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly, you're part of my plan.
There's so much that I have to do, to help our mortal man"

God gave me a list of things that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you...in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years.
Because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry: it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
If I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over,
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
But together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too;
That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain;
Then you can say to God at night..."My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented...that my life was worthwhile.
Knowing as I passed along the way I made somebody smile.

So, if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low;
Just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go...from that body to be free.
Remember you're not going...you're coming here to me.
-Anonymous

Beach photo shoot

I went to the beach this weekend to work at a PT conference to help my company recruit. You can never take a child to the beach and not take his or her picture...here is the result. I must say before you look at them that my camera is "broken." It measures light inconsistently which makes it near impossible to get the correct exposure. I will be sending it to Nikon in the next week or two but I suffered through frustration to get these images! (ie...don't judge!)













My favorite!


We went to eat at one of my favorite childhood places. It really held up to the memory. This bird came within 5 feet of us. Celia, this is for you!


Somewhere over the rainbow...


These next ones were taken later in the day. The haze was think and TERRIBLE, and it began to rain just as we were getting in the car! Not my best, but cute anyway!














Done!