Figs!

One of the nicest things about our nasty hot summers is figs.

Dad gave me a fig tree start from his trees many years ago.

It produces the nicest sweet figs.

They just started ripening this last week. 

 I am getting a double handful every couple of days.  

That is just about the right rate for snacking - since I am the only one in 

my family who likes them.  

I don't mind though - more for me!

Patches and Stitches

Ben came to me with his Boy Scout uniform shirt and 

asked me to get it up to date for him.  

He has a very important duty this coming weekend.

He will be master of ceremonies for his friend Jonathyn's Eagle Ceremony.

This is a big honor and very cool because Ben and Jonathyn have been 

scouts together since they were cubbies.

His uniform also needed to be updated because Ben is now 

Senior Patrol Leader for his troop.

In working through his Eagle requirements Ben needs to have leadership experience.

Now is Ben's chance to lead the troop.

In a couple of weeks Ben's troop will have their bi-annual Court of Honor 

where boys will be awarded the badges and 

rank advancements that they have earned.

After having a very successful week at summer camp Ben should be 

awarded several more badges to add to his sash.  

I guess there is no use putting away the sewing machine!

How Does This Happen?

How is it that I can't seem to keep the bar in my kitchen clean?

It seems to go from fairly neat to a big 'ol mess in no time flat.

Where are the cleaning fairies when you need them?

A New Year, A New School

This morning the kids left for their first day of school for 2011-2012.

Ben is a junior this year but goes back today with a new level of confidence and about 3 inches of height he didn't have last year.  He said is actually glad to be getting back to school.  That statement alone tells me that this year is going to be special.  

Allison is a freshman this year.  She has come from a small private school and is a little nervous about all of the changes that will happen this year.  First of all - no school uniforms!  For the first time since 5th grade she gets to pick out what she wants to wear and she is also wearing a little makeup.  (That is a whole other blog post!)  She will be changing classes and moving through the day with many more students than she is used to.  She has a tough schedule but I know she can rise to the challenge.  As far as making new friends - look at that smile!  She will have new group of friends in no time.  

(She gets that from her mother! :)  )

I pray that this year my children grow in knowledge and confidence. 

 I pray that they treat each other and those with whom they attend school 

with respect and kindness.  

I pray that they take full advantage of the privilege of attending school in a free country.  

I pray that they never feel afraid or threatened and that school remain a safe haven for them. 

I pray that their teachers convey the knowledge of their subjects and 

are good role models for the students. 

 I pray that Bruce and I never fail to nurture and support their education efforts.  

Amen.

My Photography Assistant

A couple of days ago I had the privilege of photographing my nephew's newest daughter.

Knowing that I was dealing with a three month old baby and that the clock would be 

ticking as soon as I started photographing her I knew I would have to work fast.  

This is where my lovely and able photography assistant came in very handy. 

 (Look at those lashes!  So jealous!)

She laid down on the pad I had set up for the baby 

so that I could make lighting and camera adjustments.

She did a great job holding the reflector and following instructions. 

She maybe felt a little self-conscious lying on the floor while I took pictures of her

and her aunt and cousin-in-law looked on.

But she was a good sport.  

This is one happy young lady.

Dad's Garden, Part 8

Dad's garden is about the only thing that is enjoying all of this heat 

we have been experiencing lately.

Everything is looking good.  The cooler weather veggies are now long gone.  

The heat-loving veggies are in their prime.

The muscadines are starting to blush.

The tomatoes are peaking now - they are loving all of the heat.

I mean, look at this plant.  It is loaded with fruit!

Dad has a knack with growing tomatoes.

From seed to harvesting seed for next year he has this whole routine down to a 

proven process that just doesn't fail.  

I know that one year he kept up with the poundage of tomatoes that he was taking to church - 

that year what he took exceeded 1500 pounds!  

That's a whole lot of spaghetti sauce!

Dad has staggered his lima bean plantings so that they don't all come in at once.

Red lima or green limas - they are all delicious!

Dad's fig bush is loaded up!  

When these figs actually start to ripen they are going to have a bumper crop.

Honoring a Special Young Woman

Tonight the GFWC Legacy woman's club had the privilege of honoring Megan Vansant.  Megan was the recipient of your 2011 club scholarship.  We have watched her grow up and become a lovely young woman who is well-versed in leadership and volunteerism.  

She begins the next chapter of her life at Mississippi State majoring in Architecture.  If the first 18 years of her life are any indication of the next 18 years, she will do amazing things.  

Good luck at school Megan!  We all love you and are rooting for you!