Life...Living...Loving

I know, it's been awhile since I've blogged. It's been a busy time for our household the last few weeks.
First, Bud was laid-off from his job along with about 35 other men in his department. Downsizing finally hit the hospital. Fortunately, he has been there long enough (10-years) that he was offered severance. This of course helps for the next couple months. Trusting God for our future.
Second, we left for Wisconsin Wednesday morning of the 15th. Stopped in Southern Illinois to pick up our middle son, Jason and got into New Berlin, WI around 12 midnight or so. It was a long trip and we ended up going through Chicago anyway as we somehow missed our direction in Decatur, IL. But since we were going through there around 10:45 pm... it was breeze! I grew up driving around Las Angeles... so traffic, etc. doesn't bother me... I'm just kind of lazy about driving now and didn't want to go through Chicago. Oh well, it made me appreciate my "little city" of Chattanooga. If I want the BIG city, I'm less than 2-hours from Atlanta,GA.
We were heading to Wisconsin for our oldest grandson's wedding. Tim(Brian as we call him) and Christina(Tina) became husband and wife on Friday the 17th. He was handsome and she was a beautiful bride. Our granddaughter, Kailee was a bridesmaid, and she was gorgeous. Chloe, our great-granddaughter, and Brian and Tina's daughter was the flower girl. She was adorable. I enjoyed my time with her.

They had a beautiful warm sunny day for their wedding.
They took photos at a park not too far from the church, Apostolic Life Tabernacle in Waukesha, WI. Papa Bud performed the ceremony. It's neat, because he performed the marriage ceremony for all three of his sons and now his first-born grandson! Time sure whizzes by!

Mother and daughter before the wedding. Tina's youngest brother is standing to the left admiring his sister. She was beautiful!

Right: Brian surprised Tina with "something blue" after the rehearsal.

Chloe getting ready to practice her "flower girl"... although, she called it being a "princess".



.



Awwwww....how sweet!

Our beautiful granddaughter, Kailee







Chloe loved her Uncle Jay. He played with her. She asked him "where you come from?" She didn't remember  seeing him before. She climbed up and patted his cheeks with both hands and then rubbed noses.


One tired little girl. She finally gave up.

                          She definitely is her granny's girl... she loves her coffee!!!!!

Chloe enjoying herself at the reception!

I've more photos and have the cd that my daughter, Terri gave me. I'll get those posted soon.

Bud had the 7-day flu and was sick the whole time of our visit. We "doctored" him up for the rehearsal and the wedding ceremony and then he made a brief appearance at the reception and Tim took him back to the apartment so he could go back to bed. He was in bed the whole time we were there and on the drive up and back home. He ran a 102.3 fever and was almost delirious. At one point, I thought I might have to take him to the hospital. He was miserable and I didn't get much sleep either. I drove up and back. I drove home in one day... thank God for books on tape! Kept me awake. We got home around 1:30-2:00 am Monday morning. I was exhausted. His fever and illness finally broke early Wednesday morning. He said he felt like he'd been in a thick fog. I asked him if he even remembered the ceremony :) and he said he did!!!

Well, enough for now... will try to post again soon.

Technorati Tags: wedding,marriage,grandkids,family

You never know what you'll find...

Spring is in the air... it’s 72 degrees here today and a beautiful day.

Closet Shopping...

We are still “de-cluttering” and I have been going shopping in my closet. This has been great for my pocketbook. In digging through all the green plastic bins and the back of my closet, I have found clothes I’d forgotten I had and still are quite fashionable with adding a few accessories. Some of course are WAY too small and I really don’t have a hope of ever getting back into them. But some I’m very close to wearing again and should be able to in a few months. Since I’ve been sticking pretty closely to my ADA diet, I’ve lost a few pounds. I just need to get serious about the walking and the exercise!

Bud carried off 6-HUGE bags of clothes to the thrift store Friday and we still have a lot to sort through. I promised myself if I dropped it in the bag, I couldn’t take it back out! So far so good! Now we need to start on his!

Bud’s next project after he’s through setting up the canoe as a bog garden/fish pond is to clean and reorganize the garage. Although, our garage does not even begin to look like some in our neighborhood. We are in a subdivision that was built in the late 70’s & early 80’s, so most of the kids are off to college or married and the garages are so packed you cannot even walk through them. I know, I’ve seen them with my own eyes. Ours isn’t quite that bad, yet! I hope never. We do have some of our kids stuff in the garage and under the stairwell in the basement. But you can (carefully) walk through our garage.

To give you an idea of how we classify as genuine “packrats”... I have a bonnet hair-dryer in A-1 condition from when I was in high school. I kid you not! I still have my Brother Word processor with the black screen and bright yellow font! Again, in A-1 condition. Know anyone who would like to acquire these items? Please let me know! I just might get up enough gumption to part with them (and more). Bud just purchased a book and when he got home realized he had the original 1936 version. I can’t say too much to him as I’ve done the same thing and bought a book twice. We are so bad! They change the book covers on you now and republish the same book with a different cover and supposedly an “updated” version.

I have (kind of) promised our kids that we would sort through all the clutter and OLD PAPERS so they wouldn’t have too when that time comes. I’m afraid they wouldn’t go through all the bins and boxes and would just set a dumpster in the drive and start chucking. Although, I do believe they realize some of the “stuff” has value, monetarily and as family heirlooms/keepsakes.

Well, we will keep plodding along on the de-cluttering process. But it will have to wait until I get through my CE study and exams for my State License renewal. Then I have to take my companies BANK course and exam. All this before our Tennessee District Ladies Conference March 19-21! I’ll be ready for a break and a time of REFRESHING!

I want to be outside digging in the flowerbeds getting my hands dirty and feeling the soil sift through my fingers.

Have a blessed weekend and enjoy...while I go back to my studies!

Technorati Tags: Clutter,Decluttering,family,springtime,stuff,closet shopping,garage,reorganize

It's Here...2009!

I'll be quite honest, when I was young, I never thought I would see this year, let alone 2000.  It seemed so far away, a distant realm never to be reached.  Whew, it has sped toward me like lightening streaking from the heavenlies!

Bud and I celebrated our 41st wedding anniversary December 24th and while we didn't do anything special yet, as we were in Missouri with Fred's family, we will plan something.  My boss always gives me a gift card to a local restaurant for Christmas to use for our anniversary and we enjoy that, especially since it's free!  :)  

This past year has in some ways been an unusual year.  Bud was busy with trips to Illinois caring for his mother and then her death on Easter Sunday.

My parents moving in with us in April and adjusting to each of us no longer having an "empty nest".  We've both had some health issues... mine has been ongoing, but so far I've been blessed each time with "cancer free".  Then just before Christmas Bud's younger brother Fred lost his battle with metastatic renal carcinoma.  He fought hard to maintain a normal life right up to the end!  So, this has been quite a year for us. 

I'm "missing" my grandkids today!  I would love to see all of them and our great granddaughter, Chloe.  She's two now!!!!!  They are all growing up so fast.  Our oldest(Tim's son), Brian is 21 years old!  And Jason's son,  Brock will be 16 in April!

And Kailee  our precious granddaughter will be 15 on February 3rd.  I'm not ready for all this growing up!!!  I did get to see Micah and Gavin (Marc's sons) last week.  Micah is to my shoulder now and I'm 5'7".  He's only 10.  I think he's going to be tall like his daddy.  I hear he can play some mean ball. He's a good student too!  Little Gavin... he's my "munchkin".  He is full of little words of wisdom!  He's Papa Bud's boy... Granny Pam gets hugs, but he loves his Papa Bud. 

Oh by the way, if any of my dear sons or daughters are reading this... I NEED some photos of these dear grandchildren... school pix... please!

 

We had our Watch Night service last night.  Started at 8pm with a break around 10:15 for sandwiches and coffee & dessert.  All our ministers spoke and then pastor spoke last with it ending right at midnight with prayer.  All spoke from their hearts.

My thoughts for the New Year:

I've been thinking about resolutions and goals.  Some people are very goal oriented almost to the point that if their goals aren't met within their allotted time they become depressed.  I am a list maker.  I do like to set goals.  However, I am not "stuck" to those goals.  Some might say... "I wouldn't even write down any goals if I had that attitude about them."    I've found that "the best laid plans of mice and men..."  :D   We have to be open to change.  God never changes, but we have to be open to change for Him.  This can be really difficult for some; to make plans and then have them totally changed.  As I mentioned, I am a list maker.  I have lists for everything!  I occasionally misplace these lists!  :D   I don't like going to the grocery store (Sam's club) without my list.  I like to get the items on my list and then, "I'm outta there".   Shopping is not one of my favorite things to do anymore!

Back to my thought... the LORD gave me this scripture in Philippians 3:13-16 for the New Year:

13 Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, (emphasis added)

14 I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
15 Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal even this to you.

16 Nevertheless, to the degree that we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us be of the same mind. (NKJ)

I love the way the Amplified reads:

13 I do not consider, brethren, that I have captured and made it my own [yet]; but one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead,

14 I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.

15 So let those [of us] who are spiritually mature and full-grown have this mind and hold these convictions; and if in any respect you have a different attitude of mind, God will make that clear to you also.

16 Only let us hold true to what we have already attained and walk and order our lives by that.

After all... whatever goals or aspirations I have for this coming year... they should revolve around "the main goal".  "Keeping the main thing, the main thing" as Bro. Tenney's book title states.  I can't undo last years mistakes or things not accomplished, I can only begin again.  It's a new year and a new day in the LORD... I want to press/strain toward that higher calling!  He is calling us.

The "unknown" of 2009 can be daunting!  But when I was first diagnosed with cancer this came into my possession, I don't remember how or when, but I know it was during a dark, alone period of time:

"When you come to the edge of all the light you know, and are about to step off into the darkness of the unknown,

Faith is knowing one of two things will happen: there will be something solid to stand on, or you will be taught how to fly."

I've never looked to see who the author was, but the words soothed my soul and they still do! 

I'm looking forward to whatever 2009 holds... I do know it has put me closer to His blessed returning, maybe sooner than I realize!

Have a blessed NEW YEAR with Jesus!

 

 

Technorati Tags: family,2009,gandkids,thoughts,musing,church,God,new day,new year

Only ONE LIFE to live...

We received a call early FRIDAY morning on the 19th of December.  Judy (sister-in-law) had called an ambulance to take Fred (my husband's younger brother) to the hospital Thursday evening.  His Oxygen level was down drastically and he was very weak.  Fred received a diagnoses, I believe this past April,  of renal cancer that had metastasized.   He fought a hard fight and had 8-months to be with family.  Everything was organized and in place for his family.  He took great care of his family.  He passed from this life on Friday evening around 6:30pm EST.

Just an example of Fred's "thinking ahead".  While there I noticed a beautiful vase of roses and a card leaning against the vase.   He had ordered these flowers the day before going into the hospital for Judy's birthday on the 26th.  That's Fred, always thinking ahead, always thoughtful.  Here is what Fred wrote on the card:

He desired an informal funeral/memorial service and that's what we did.  His older brother, my husband, spoke and then Robin his daughter gave her memories and thoughts (more than a eulogy) but spoke from her heart of what her DAD meant to her.

Teresa and Bob (his sister and brother) spoke of fond "family" memories.  Marc talked about his Uncle Fred.  And there were others who spoke fondly of Fred.

 

We cried, we laughed, and we cried some more.  But we did laugh and that I know is what Fred wanted us to do.  He loved family get-togethers.

Round the table.. Micah, Marc, Eva, Kaylee, Sarah, Brynn, Shenyle, and Gavin.

On the left is Judy, Teresa, Eva, and Craig.

  

Uncle Bob and I, keeping the kids occupied.

Papa Bud with Micah and Gavin(our handsome youngest grandsons).

Judy, Fred's wife, looking at the memories of their life together, 41-years!  Best Friends for longer than that!

 

Scott, Fred's son, in quiet thoughtfulness.  A moment of contemplation.

 

Fred's military (Navy) medals and a signed photo with President Reagan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

21 Gun Salute.

 Taps... such a solemn, sad sound.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fred's HAT... 

 

 

 

 

Judy and me.  Judy is stronger than she realizes and while I know there will be "bad" days and moments of grief and sadness, the memories of a loving husband and father will carry her through.  She has family that loves her very much and will keep her daily in their prayers. 

Maggie will miss him too

!

 

 

 

The end of one day in our lives and one life, but never will Fred be forgotten.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If Fred were watching us today, he would have been pleased.  He would have laughed with us and cried with us and enjoyed the grandchildren at play.  He would have added his own special memories of times past.  His spirit was there with us!  He left us with a "smile" on his face. We can only give him a "smile" in return. 

Technorati Tags: Grief,sorrow,laughter,family,loss of loved one,father,friend,husband,uncle,grandpa,God,life,memories

RAZZLE DAZZLE

Please, before I post my thoughts, I am NOT a Mrs. Scrooge! But CHRISTMAS has gone “overboard”. I think that’s why I enjoy THANKSGIVING more than Christmas.

Now don't misunderstand me... I think the "lighted" homes are beautiful... most of them :D But when I walk into the malls in our area and observe the shoppers... my heart hurts for them. My mall days are over a couple of days before Thanksgiving and I don't go back until after the New Year!

We’ve let the RETAIL WORLD govern our pocketbook, and the atmosphere of our homes. Our children and even we ourselves, think we have to have certain “gifts” or we have not “received”. I sometimes ponder what we are teaching our children, and not just at Christmas time.

I worked retail briefly as manager of a Hallmark Card & Gift store in Columbia, Maryland for 5+ years when we were there starting a Home Missions church. The holidays were sheer torture! There were very few friendly, appreciative shoppers! Most were rude (to us and other shoppers), demanding, and just unkind in general. You could see the stress in their eyes and stance.

Then when I realized how many people go into DEBT over this holiday... well, it just boggles my mind. I don’t think this is pleasing to our Lord and Savior.

What happened to simple family get-togethers? No stress, just good food and lots of talk and fun.

I had a mother stop by our house Sunday afternoon with her 11-year old son asking if he could rake our leaves for Christmas money. My “mothers” heart melted... Yes, I said, if he could come back Monday after school! Later my husband, knowing I’m partial to little boys (having raised three), “Why didn’t you just give him some money?” NO, NO, NO... I appreciated that young boy’s mother very much! She was trying to instill some work ethic in her son, whether it is by necessity or just a learning process. I appreciate what she is doing.

Again, please don’t condemn me for hating the materialistic side of Christmas! I think maybe having the word “cancer” come crashing into my personal life has given me a different perspective on the “important” things in life.

My joy is complete when I’m with family and friends and rejoicing over God’s love and compassion for us, when we are just enjoying each other for who we are, what we hope to become, and our mutual love for one another. That's when my heart is full and overflowing. I wish I could be with my sons, daughters (in law), and our precious grandchildren more. I miss them so much!

Again, I am not a Mrs. Scrooge... and I know we love to give gifts to one another, but God gave us the best gift we could ever receive... let's not forget!

Hopefully, WISE MEN STILL SEEK HIM!!!

Technorati Tags: Christmas Season,Jesus,materialism,razzle dazzel,family,friends,GOD,Scrooge

This WORLD is NOT MY HOME...

This World is Not My Home...I'm just a passing through...

Remember that old song? I remember singing that song all through my childhood and young adult life. It’s been awhile since I’ve heard it. It was brought to mind recently.

Let me preface this post by saying, “I am proud to be an American”, and I enjoy living in the United States of America with all the privileges that includes. I was born here, grew up here, and I’m still here! I enjoy living here.

BUT... THIS WORLD (USA included) is NOT MY HOME!

This country was birthed on the HOPE of religious freedom. And while this freedom may have been interpreted beyond our forefathers intent – none the less, it is a freedom many other countries do not allow.

However, I do believe that the “Christians” freedoms will be slowly and subtly removed. While we are required to be tolerant of stated Biblical sins, we are not recipients of that same tolerance by “others”. I believe this is only going to escalate as time marches on.

The recently elected President is by the “people’s choice”. There is a generational change taking place. Our world as we have known it is soon passing. We don’t know what changes await us. I do not FEAR these changes. I personally know the one who is in ultimate control.

My concern is not in whom our country VOTED in as President, but my concern is if WE, the CHURCH, are ready and how WE the CHURCH will handle this change.

I am concerned for our YOUTH—Church and World. We must not let down our standards, give up teaching our doctrine, or compromise our beliefs in any way.

We must not lose our HOPE of a better place, greater than this world that’s being prepared for us (and I’m not talking about a mansion filled with “possessions”).

This change is going to precipitate the “sifting” of the Church like never before. We will be tried, tested, and persecuted. We will learn where our true priority lies. We will learn what is MOST important to us. I pray it’s not our homes, cars, clothes, and all the extra trappings this World throws at us as necessities.

I do believe there is coming soon, a time when we won’t give those “things” a second thought or glance. The TRUE BELIEVER will have risen above the materialist greed this World offers.

We will find that simply gathering together in small or large groups for prayer, praise, and worship of the MOST HIGH will provide our JOY and will be our greatest priority.

Oh yes, I know... We are in this world (but not of it). I have to go to work to pay bills and feed my face and buy gas for my car... but these are only for my earthly, fleshly existence.

As one grows older and sees the changes taking place and reviews the changes that have already taken place in their own life span... then you begin to realize, this is truly HISTORY in the MAKING and you begin to contemplate what the future has in store.

That’s when PRAYER becomes the only solace for the heart. We travail for our children, grandchildren, family, church family, and the lost of this world. Only true intercessory prayer is going to SAVE the LOST of this generation. The “pull” of this world is both subtle and strong at the same time. PRAY for OUR CHILDREN, they are and will face a World we’ve never known.

I leave you with these scriptures:

• 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 & 17-18
• 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed;
• 16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; 18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
• John 15:19
  If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.
• John 17:14
  I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.
• John 16:33
  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
• 1 John 5:4
  For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.
• 1 John 2:15
  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
• John 9:5
  As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.

(This was written in the wee hours of post-election morning. I was unable to post it online before leaving for work.)

Technorati Tags: Bible,Prayer,future,beliefs,God,Church,WORLD

Mother of a Prodigal

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

3 John 1:4

I realize that John is speaking of “spiritual children” in this verse of scripture; however, I have made it personal to me as a mother whose desire is to see her children walk in truth.

I’ve posted this short verse on the closet door in my study/office/computer room. It is prominently displayed and catches my eye the moment I sit down or walk by. It’s a reminder (as if I needed one) to pray for my children, ALL my children (those in our church family, other ministry friends children, but especially for the ones I physically birthed).

How blessed you are if your children are walking in truth. You should THANK God continually!

Satan knows the heartaches he causes parents when he “thinks” he has drawn a pastors or ministers child, or one of our church family’s kids away from the truth. He is attacking our children every day no matter what their age. He goes for the “jugular”... he knows how precious our children are to us. He means to draw blood... He means to hurt, kill, and destroy. But MY FAITH is in God’s WORD!

But I have NEWS for him... and I’m not being “smug” either... because I know that anyone of us can falter at any moment... after all, we are still in this degenerate WORLD and we still wear this fleshly robe. I am CLAIMING my children, my grandchildren, my church children, my friend’s children in the Name of JESUS!

I remember once hearing Sister Nona Freeman speaking at a Ladies Retreat in western Maryland... she was telling us about how she prayed for her lost children... YEARS of prayer... telling us “DON’T STOP, PRAY, PRAY, PRAY”. I have the tape...still. It never leaves my mind. I can hear her words to this day... and that is approximately 18 years ago.

Don’t stop, Mom and Dad, keep praying. There is HOPE in their returning. The Word of God gives us that!

One Mother’s Day Sunday, I spoke on God-appointed Mothers in the Bible and the challenges they faced, including our mother of origin, Eve.

I also read the following:

Mother of a Prodigal

Where is the mother of the prodigal son
On that day so long ago?
What were her thoughts
And what were her fears
As she watched him turn to go?

How many times in the dark of night
Did the tears slide down her face?
Did she get out of bed
And fall on her knees,
Just to pray that her boy was safe?

How were the days when she did not know
Was he alive? Was he warm? Was he well?
Who were his friends?
And where did he sleep?
Was there anyone there she could tell?

But, oh, on that day when she looked down the road
As she had looked since her son went away,
Did love unspeakable flood her soul?
Did she cry?
What did she say?

I think when the father had welcomed their son
And the boy had greeted his brother,
That the servants made a path
For him to enter the door
And the waiting arms of his mother.

I don't know who wrote this, but they surely had a mother’s heart.

I WILL NOT lose the vision of seeing my prodigals coming down the road to home. I still have HOPE and belief that TRUTH will prevail.

Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I pray,
and cry aloud: and he shall hear my voice.
Ps 55:17

I know that some of my children may read this... please remember I love you very much and pray for you continually!

Technorati Tags: family,prodigal,motherhood,prayer,HOPE,Vision,long road home

Missouri Visit - Osage Beach/Camdenton

We left Tuesday the 9th for a visit with Bud's brother, Fred and family.  We had a wonderful visit filled with the presence of the Lord. 

Here are a few photos:

Bud's younger brother Fred during a moment of contemplative conversation.  Fred has cancer and has started another round of Chemo without radiation this time.

 

 

 

 

"A kitchen moment"

All the Childers men are excellent cooks!!!!

Scott is in the middle.  He was having a good time with company.  Judy (sister-in-law) is observing. 

When Bud cooks, I don't mind being the observer!!!  As my mom says, he always comes up with something GOOD!

Brynne had to smother GREAT Aunt Pam with kisses.  She was my little buddy while we were there. 

She took about a 40 minute nap on my lap one afternoon.  I decided to join her. 

 

 

 

Brynne and Kaylee.  I had to get a photo of both with me before we left.  Kaylee is a busy little girl.

Grandpa Fred and Grandma Judy are enjoying living near the girls.  I envy them!  I miss my grandkids so much!

 

 

 

Robin(Fred & Judy's Daughter) and Craig with their girls.  We enjoyed visiting with them.  Robin grilled a pork loin one night that was delicious! 

 

 

 

 

Bud and Scott enjoying a quiet moment together at the State Park on the lake.

We had taken Scott for a ride while Fred & Judy were at Fred's medical appointment. 

Stopped for a milkshake and hamburger at Sonic's. 

 

 

We stayed at the beautiful Tan-Tar-A Resort on the lake where Craig and Robin work.  Thanks to them we stayed at no expense to us.  This was a blessing!  Thank You, Craig and Robin!

 

 

The Entrance to the resort with a beautiful winding drive to the main entrance. 

 

 

 

 

 

We stopped by on the way back home and visited with our middle son.  I have more photos to post of our visit there next time.

August 2008- SlideShow

Family Time

We were privileged to have two of our sons visit us this summer.  Marc and his family in June and Tim and his family in August.  So, we were able to visit with all the grandkids but three.  Hopefully, we will see the others this year too!  Chloe our Great granddaughter will be TWO YEARS OLD on the 25th of this month.  I can't wait to see her.  I know she's grown so much since I saw her last August.  And OH MY, Kailee has grown-up so fast.  She's going into HIGH SCHOOL this year!

Here are some photos taken during these visits:

Nana and Poppy relaxing at the camp site.

Our oldest son, Tim on the Carousel at Coolidge Park in Chattanooga,TN

Below- the THREE MEN on a bench!

Kailee at the Camp

 

This is a photo of the inlet (a part of Harrison Bay-Tennessee River) that Tim & Terri were camping at. We live less than 4 miles from this park.  And we take long walks here.  It's beautiful, especially early spring and fall.

 

 

 

This is a pic of the fountain area at Coolidge Park and the kids are allowed to play in it.  There are all these zoo animal fountains surrounding the center fountain.  They have a lot of fun during the HOT summer days.  This park is right next to the TN River.  If you look off in the distance you will see one of the four bridges that cross the river into the City of Chattanooga.  WE LOVE IT HERE!

 

I've already posted some of Marc and Shenyle's  Florida Beach Vacation, but I have some more to post and will next time.

Well that is all I have time for this year.  I have more to post and more to write... but it will have to wait until later.