A few months back, I took a small interest in finding out about my family tree. I feel that Lawson will want/need this information later in life, to understand his heritage on both sides of his family. I worked on it for a few days, and then kind of lost interest from lack of knowing where to look and how to begin. I had set up a free account at Ancestry's website, but could not follow the links without paying the subscription fee; I was not prepared to do this at the time. So, I let it go...
Fast forward to last Thursday evening. My husband works at Walters State Community College and found out they were doing a performance of "Walk Toward the Sunset" - a play about the Melungeon people of Hancock County, TN. Because his family history traces back to these people, he was anxious to see this performace - so we went! This was what set off the past few days of my life. I have been tracing family history since that night and cannot stop! I have looked at his family and my family, on both sides; the deeper I dig, the more I find.
I am excited about beginning to trace this for Lawson and being able to have paper and online record of everything I find. I want him to understand where his family comes from and I am anxious to find out more about my family, but even more about Charlie's. Charlie's family has such interesting trace and I am excited to see where my research will lead.
I am sure I will post as I find new and interesting details...I hope you will enjoy hearing about my searches as much I am will enjoy sharing my findings!
February 9, 2011
December 3, 2010
A New Beginning
I would like to warn you now...this will be long. If you make it to the end, thanks :)
Thanksgiving is always a great day to reflect on the past year and all the blessings you have received. I must admit, even after losing my sister in 2004 early on Thanksgiving morning, I still love the holiday! But, it seems like it is a little cursed for me at this point!
This year has been tough on my husband and me. We have been very busy and seemed like we never saw each other or spent any time together. There have been lots of arguments - even fights. But, through it all, we never gave up because at the end of the day, we are truly in love with each other.
Charlie hasn't been feeling well for a long time now, but no doctor could, or would, figure out exactly what was going on. We know he has diabetes - he figured that out on his own while teaching his class how to check blood sugar levels. Still something has not been right. He has been short of breath, tiring easily, and other symptoms that indicated a problem with his heart. But, after multiple trips to the hospital, blood work, EKG's, and stress tests, there was nothing showing up that could be wrong.
Thanksgiving Day was one of those "pick" days for us. Charlie wasn't feeling well again and I kept insisting he go to the doctor; he, of course, would not go. So, every time we were alone, I said something about it again. By the end of the night, it had turned into a full blown fight...about absolutely nothing!
Fast forward about an hour - I was quite certain my husband was having a heart attack in our living room. But, because of his stubborn nature, he was not going to the doctor nor was I calling 911...he assured me he would not go to the hospital if I did call! So, I gave up...I told him fine and I sat down on the couch and started knitting. A few minutes later, he decided he maybe should see what was going on.
So, I took him to South station in Dandridge so the medics on the truck could do an EKG - that was the closest we were getting to help at the time! After the EKG showing now difference, the medics (who were on my side, thank goodness) talked him into going on to the hospital; I did find out later the only reason he went was so I wouldn't worry - whatever got him there is fine!
Fast forward again - or this will be a book! Friday afternoon the cardiologist decided, in light of past results, to not do any tests that had already been done. He wanted to skip them all and do the heart cath - I was scared and relieved at the same time, as was Charlie. We wanted to know what was going on! Well, we sure did find out; the results of the heart cath showed 4 blockages in his heart - one 100% and three 70%. The next thing we know, he is on the way to UT Knoxville for bypass surgery.
I cannot even begin to explain to you what happened to me when I found out this was happening - my mental train wrecked and I stayed that way until yesterday...seriously!
So, we get to UTK and are informed the surgery will probably not be until Monday...what, really?!?!?!? This meant we would sit in the hospital all weekend to worry about what was to come. Thank God a doctor was sent to us who had no plans of that happening; the surgery would be Saturday morning at 8:00 am.
I didn't sleep at all that night - mostly I just cried. I know there were people all over praying and that God was in the midst of it all, but all I could think about was "what if something happens to him?". I am just not sure I can do this thing called life alone!
God came through, as He always does :) Charlie's surgery went well and his recovery is also. We were able to come home on Wednesday following the surgery. The doctor is very pleased with his progress so far; he is doing quite well considering the caliber of surgery he went through. Now we just pray the recovery continues to progress as it should and that he can stay on track with the plans.
We are celebrating our 6th anniversary today, and it just seems so much sweeter now. Through everything this year, and now this huge health scare, we know that together we will make it through anything. This is a brand new beginning for us and we are ready!
Thanksgiving is always a great day to reflect on the past year and all the blessings you have received. I must admit, even after losing my sister in 2004 early on Thanksgiving morning, I still love the holiday! But, it seems like it is a little cursed for me at this point!
This year has been tough on my husband and me. We have been very busy and seemed like we never saw each other or spent any time together. There have been lots of arguments - even fights. But, through it all, we never gave up because at the end of the day, we are truly in love with each other.
Charlie hasn't been feeling well for a long time now, but no doctor could, or would, figure out exactly what was going on. We know he has diabetes - he figured that out on his own while teaching his class how to check blood sugar levels. Still something has not been right. He has been short of breath, tiring easily, and other symptoms that indicated a problem with his heart. But, after multiple trips to the hospital, blood work, EKG's, and stress tests, there was nothing showing up that could be wrong.
Thanksgiving Day was one of those "pick" days for us. Charlie wasn't feeling well again and I kept insisting he go to the doctor; he, of course, would not go. So, every time we were alone, I said something about it again. By the end of the night, it had turned into a full blown fight...about absolutely nothing!
Fast forward about an hour - I was quite certain my husband was having a heart attack in our living room. But, because of his stubborn nature, he was not going to the doctor nor was I calling 911...he assured me he would not go to the hospital if I did call! So, I gave up...I told him fine and I sat down on the couch and started knitting. A few minutes later, he decided he maybe should see what was going on.
So, I took him to South station in Dandridge so the medics on the truck could do an EKG - that was the closest we were getting to help at the time! After the EKG showing now difference, the medics (who were on my side, thank goodness) talked him into going on to the hospital; I did find out later the only reason he went was so I wouldn't worry - whatever got him there is fine!
Fast forward again - or this will be a book! Friday afternoon the cardiologist decided, in light of past results, to not do any tests that had already been done. He wanted to skip them all and do the heart cath - I was scared and relieved at the same time, as was Charlie. We wanted to know what was going on! Well, we sure did find out; the results of the heart cath showed 4 blockages in his heart - one 100% and three 70%. The next thing we know, he is on the way to UT Knoxville for bypass surgery.
I cannot even begin to explain to you what happened to me when I found out this was happening - my mental train wrecked and I stayed that way until yesterday...seriously!
So, we get to UTK and are informed the surgery will probably not be until Monday...what, really?!?!?!? This meant we would sit in the hospital all weekend to worry about what was to come. Thank God a doctor was sent to us who had no plans of that happening; the surgery would be Saturday morning at 8:00 am.
I didn't sleep at all that night - mostly I just cried. I know there were people all over praying and that God was in the midst of it all, but all I could think about was "what if something happens to him?". I am just not sure I can do this thing called life alone!
God came through, as He always does :) Charlie's surgery went well and his recovery is also. We were able to come home on Wednesday following the surgery. The doctor is very pleased with his progress so far; he is doing quite well considering the caliber of surgery he went through. Now we just pray the recovery continues to progress as it should and that he can stay on track with the plans.
We are celebrating our 6th anniversary today, and it just seems so much sweeter now. Through everything this year, and now this huge health scare, we know that together we will make it through anything. This is a brand new beginning for us and we are ready!
October 22, 2010
Long time...so sorry!
Wow, I didn't realize until today how long it has been since I posted! Life has been crazy and I have neglected everything :(
So, I will do short updates for you on life events...maybe that will keep this post from becoming a small novel :)
Wiley and Siara got married on September 18. The wedding was beautiful and everything went great! Please just keep them in your prayers at this point though; I do not wish to go into detail, but God knows the need.
Monika - my heart sister - has given birth to a precious baby girl, Sophia Belle! She made her debut into the world one month ago today, on September 22, 2010. She was born at 9:11 am weighing 6 lbs. 12 oz. and she is beautiful, though I am a bit bias!
Last week we finally got to go on vacation...and it was much needed! We left on Thursday and headed to Myrtle Beach; it was me, my hubby, our little man, and my Dad. Now, my Dad hates the beach - anything outdoors really - but he goes with us because of Lawson :) We spent the weekend having a blast at the beach, swimming in the pool, eating, and shopping...it was wonderful! I hated for Monday to come so quickly, but was indeed ready to come home - as was the rest of my crew.
I have also made a change with me - I got my hair cut...short :) I love it...I want it shorter in the back once the cut is complete; it is a work in progress! Whatcha think...?
Ok...I think that is the short version of all that has happened! I will try to do better from now on and blog more than once a month :)
September 14, 2010
I WON!
I hardly ever win anything, but I love to enter contests. Well, lately I have won several, but last night takes the cake so far!
I support United Way and am a fan of a local chapter on Facebook. Well, yesterday afternoon they did a contest for concert tickets to see The Band Perry at The Tennessee Valley Fair. So, on a whim, I entered thinking there was no way I would win...WRONG! I did win...then the mess started...
How hard can it be to find someone to go to a FREE concert with you?!? Well, apparently very hard, especially when the concert starts 5 hours after you win the tickets!!! I posted on Facebook that I won and needed someone to go with me...and waited...and waited... I couldn't wait any longer so I started calling/texting people to see if they could go...no one could go. This went on for a while and ended with me bummed out, crying in the shower because I wasn't gonna get to go...yes, I am pathetic, I know!
Finally, the first person I called texted me and said she could go but would have to take her little girl...WOOT!!! So, at 7:00 pm - 1 hour before concert start time - we are loading a 1 year old, a 4 year old, two strollers, and all our junk in my van to head to Knoxville :) We had to drive to the United Way office, where my tickets were taped to the front door, then back to the fair grounds for the concert...off we went and I was stoked!
Well, we made it to United Way and then to the fair grounds. We walked into the concert at 8:05...man we are good :) The concert was great and both kids LOVED it. I was so proud of my little man for actually hanging out through the entire concert!
I must say, if you ever get the chance to see The Band Perry, go...they were great!
I support United Way and am a fan of a local chapter on Facebook. Well, yesterday afternoon they did a contest for concert tickets to see The Band Perry at The Tennessee Valley Fair. So, on a whim, I entered thinking there was no way I would win...WRONG! I did win...then the mess started...
How hard can it be to find someone to go to a FREE concert with you?!? Well, apparently very hard, especially when the concert starts 5 hours after you win the tickets!!! I posted on Facebook that I won and needed someone to go with me...and waited...and waited... I couldn't wait any longer so I started calling/texting people to see if they could go...no one could go. This went on for a while and ended with me bummed out, crying in the shower because I wasn't gonna get to go...yes, I am pathetic, I know!
Finally, the first person I called texted me and said she could go but would have to take her little girl...WOOT!!! So, at 7:00 pm - 1 hour before concert start time - we are loading a 1 year old, a 4 year old, two strollers, and all our junk in my van to head to Knoxville :) We had to drive to the United Way office, where my tickets were taped to the front door, then back to the fair grounds for the concert...off we went and I was stoked!
Well, we made it to United Way and then to the fair grounds. We walked into the concert at 8:05...man we are good :) The concert was great and both kids LOVED it. I was so proud of my little man for actually hanging out through the entire concert!
I must say, if you ever get the chance to see The Band Perry, go...they were great!
And, since my little guy was so great during the concert, he of course got to enjoy the fair as well...
September 9, 2010
Knitting
As I shared in a previous post, my knitting has become an addiction! Well, I have decided to try a business venture with it and would like to introduce you to my new business name...
I started with a different name, but found it was too close to several already in use. So, the search began and it took a lot of time for me to come up with just the right name. But, the name I settled on seems to fit me very well :) The logo was another task...it was created by Tatorbug Creations and I think it is perfect for me! Stephanie is also a saint to put up with my particular ways but she is wonderful to work with ;)
I have an abundance of baby hats and am working on a couple of new projects now...I hope to share them early next week! I have opened up my Etsy Shop and plan to post items in it this weekend. You can also visit my fan page on Facebook - Hip Knits.
Let me know if there is an item you would like and if I don't have it, I will make it. If I have never made it, I will try it! I hope to learn many new projects in the coming weeks and be able to offer a large variety for all ages.
September 7, 2010
Craziness!
I am a bad, bad blogger...especially when life gets crazy busy! That has been exactly the case the past two weeks...and it isn't slowing down anytime soon! Man, I am ready for a vacation :)
As most of you know, I run a small shop in the heart of downtown Dandridge, TN. I love it and have a lot of "sweat equity" in the place! I decided to have a big sale because I want to order some new items for the shop. So, I have been busy working on sorting and stickering everything in my shop for that sale...now it is in full swing and I am kinda settling for a bit.
I am also in the midst of putting the finishing touches on my stepson's wedding, which will take place September 18. I have loved working with Siara to plan this wedding, but I will be so glad when it is over. Shew, it has been some work...but it gonna be beautiful!
I am also trying to get my house organized...this is the biggest job of all, believe it or not! My ADHD kicks in and I just sit and stare. It isn't exactly how I would like it to go, but sometimes it just happens that way. Luckily, my aunt/bff is wonderful and loves me! She came up yesterday and helped me jumpstart my cleaning escapade. We knocked out quite a bit, and I now LOVE how my living room is set up. I have had an amazing canvas picture - that she gave me - sitting in my bedroom floor for 2 years, just waiting for that perfect spot on the wall. Well, as of yesterday, Audrey Hepburn dressed in her "Breakfast at Tiffany's" attire, found her spot...and I must say, she looks gorgeous!
I also sent me husband off to Chicago yesterday morning; he will be there until next Monday. It has been one day and I am ready for him to be home...I do not like it when he is gone :( But, I have a wonderful (soon-to-be) daughter-in-law, who is staying with me this week so I am not alone at night...I love her :)
This was just a quick update, as I have a million other things I have to get done today. But, hopefully in the next couple of weeks, I can blog regularly. I hope you are all enjoying the "cooler" weather that seems to be slowly making it's way in...I know I am ready for fall!
All I can say is - HURRY UP OCTOBER 15!!! That is the day I head to Myrtle Beach for a couple of relaxing days...so ready :)
As most of you know, I run a small shop in the heart of downtown Dandridge, TN. I love it and have a lot of "sweat equity" in the place! I decided to have a big sale because I want to order some new items for the shop. So, I have been busy working on sorting and stickering everything in my shop for that sale...now it is in full swing and I am kinda settling for a bit.
I am also in the midst of putting the finishing touches on my stepson's wedding, which will take place September 18. I have loved working with Siara to plan this wedding, but I will be so glad when it is over. Shew, it has been some work...but it gonna be beautiful!
I am also trying to get my house organized...this is the biggest job of all, believe it or not! My ADHD kicks in and I just sit and stare. It isn't exactly how I would like it to go, but sometimes it just happens that way. Luckily, my aunt/bff is wonderful and loves me! She came up yesterday and helped me jumpstart my cleaning escapade. We knocked out quite a bit, and I now LOVE how my living room is set up. I have had an amazing canvas picture - that she gave me - sitting in my bedroom floor for 2 years, just waiting for that perfect spot on the wall. Well, as of yesterday, Audrey Hepburn dressed in her "Breakfast at Tiffany's" attire, found her spot...and I must say, she looks gorgeous!
I also sent me husband off to Chicago yesterday morning; he will be there until next Monday. It has been one day and I am ready for him to be home...I do not like it when he is gone :( But, I have a wonderful (soon-to-be) daughter-in-law, who is staying with me this week so I am not alone at night...I love her :)
This was just a quick update, as I have a million other things I have to get done today. But, hopefully in the next couple of weeks, I can blog regularly. I hope you are all enjoying the "cooler" weather that seems to be slowly making it's way in...I know I am ready for fall!
All I can say is - HURRY UP OCTOBER 15!!! That is the day I head to Myrtle Beach for a couple of relaxing days...so ready :)
August 18, 2010
Knitting...my new addiction!
June 20, 2010: My 28th birthday. Why is this significant you ask? Well, on this day, I decided I needed a new hobby. I love hand knitted items, especially for babies, so I decided knitting it would be! I had my husband take me Wal-Mart where I purchased the "I Taught Myself Knitting" kit and 2 skeins of yarn. Then, I went home and started learning!
Now, my husband, being the skeptic that he is (because he knows me), swore I would put it down within a week and never pick it back up. Well, even if I had wanted to do that, I couldn't now because he would then be right...not gonna let that happen!
But, much to his surprise (and mine), I love it! It has now been roughly 6 weeks since I decided this would be my new hobby and I am going full force. I was strictly needle knitting to begin with until a friend suggested I try looms. She said it is much easier to use and doesn't make your hands hurt as bad. So, I went out to Hobby Lobby and bought the Knifty Knitter round loom set...well, now I am completely addicted!
I knit all the time now. At home, at work (I run my own shop), in the car (when hubby is driving, of course), and anywhere I can find the time. If I go a full day without knitting, I feel like I haven't done anything that day! I still needle knit some but mostly I use the loom. I now have the Flower Loom and I am enjoying making embellishments for my baby hats. But, I plan to get the long looms in a couple of weeks and then I can make so much more!
My problem lately is finding patterns for the round looms. I can find thousands of patterns for needle knitting, but I really want to use my larger looms. So far I have only used the small blue loom to make the baby hats. If I don't learn to make something else soon, I am going to have to build a room onto the house just for the baby hats, ha! If you know of any good loom pattern sites, please pass them along to me :)
Here are three of the hats I have made...I have plenty more! My Etsy Shop is open and I will add items soon; be sure to visit - Hip Knits.
Now, my husband, being the skeptic that he is (because he knows me), swore I would put it down within a week and never pick it back up. Well, even if I had wanted to do that, I couldn't now because he would then be right...not gonna let that happen!
But, much to his surprise (and mine), I love it! It has now been roughly 6 weeks since I decided this would be my new hobby and I am going full force. I was strictly needle knitting to begin with until a friend suggested I try looms. She said it is much easier to use and doesn't make your hands hurt as bad. So, I went out to Hobby Lobby and bought the Knifty Knitter round loom set...well, now I am completely addicted!
I knit all the time now. At home, at work (I run my own shop), in the car (when hubby is driving, of course), and anywhere I can find the time. If I go a full day without knitting, I feel like I haven't done anything that day! I still needle knit some but mostly I use the loom. I now have the Flower Loom and I am enjoying making embellishments for my baby hats. But, I plan to get the long looms in a couple of weeks and then I can make so much more!
My problem lately is finding patterns for the round looms. I can find thousands of patterns for needle knitting, but I really want to use my larger looms. So far I have only used the small blue loom to make the baby hats. If I don't learn to make something else soon, I am going to have to build a room onto the house just for the baby hats, ha! If you know of any good loom pattern sites, please pass them along to me :)
Here are three of the hats I have made...I have plenty more! My Etsy Shop is open and I will add items soon; be sure to visit - Hip Knits.
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| Baby Boy - Variegated Brown/Green/Blue/Tan |
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| Baby Girl - Variegated Pink/Brown/Beige |
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| Preemie Girl - Variegated Pink/Black/White |
These two are my first order! They are for a friend who is just beginning her photography business :)
Please visit her site: Shatera Marshall Photography
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| Baby Girl - Pink |
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| Baby Boy - Blue |
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