The apples don't fall far from the tree!
Thank God.

Children's children are a crown to the aged
And parents are the pride of their children.
The glory of young men is their strength,
Gray hair the splendor of the old.
Gray hair is a crown of splendor;
It is attained by a righteous life.

Izbooshka's, Everyone has one!

My Izbooshka, you are so right, it's Dad's Izbooshka.
Everyone has one!

Natalie's Izbooshka

Merry's Izbooshka







Judy's Izbooshka

A Son Remembers his Mother

The Mother in this story is my precious daughter,

written by her son, my precious grandson, in her memory.

She took him home from the hospital at four days

old, and he has been a joy in our lives since.

Matthew Willard
Engl. 1010K
Professor Ford
February 4, 2010

“When I Get Where I’m Going”

Songs in ones life have an impact that influences them in one-way or another. The way these songs make an impact vary in numerous ways such as, a child hood memory, a time and place or special person in their life. Many songs have a great capability to bring all these emotions back to someone and may cause happiness, tears, or maybe just the recollection of another place and time.

The duet by Brad Paisley and Dolly Parton, “When I Get Where I’m Going” was a song that I had heard many times on the radio. This song always found a way to hit my heart and stir emotions that I never felt before. It wasn’t until the passing of my mother that this song found an apparent stronghold on my soul and brought into my life, a new way that I perceive the passing of a loved one. When we lose someone who means the world to us, we frequently find ways we can remember them in our daily lives by our surroundings such as pictures, trinkets, and in this case, a song.

Many country songs nowadays often talk about similar situations that lead to the same point. In this case, a picture is depicted in our minds of what the end will look like once we are reunited with the ones we’ve lost and so dearly miss. Whenever I here this song now, I automatically think of my mother and how she left this world long before it was her time. Once the melody hits my ears, I know what thoughts will soon develop and replay over in my head.

Thinking back to the last time I saw my mother in the airport terminal as we said our goodbyes before I left to serve in the military overseas is the first memory to play out. With eyes overflowing with tears of a mournful goodbye, I did my best to drown out the loud and discerning babble of the overly crowded terminal. With my time to leave finally upon me, I found myself looking to where I once stood so close to my mother and father as I made my way to my departure gate through the midst of scurrying soon to be passengers. Once my parents were out of my line of sight, the last memory I have of my mother weeping because of her son leaving, always hits me the hardest. I was leaving for a three-year tour in England, but would seem like an eternity, which a few months later became reality. At the time of my absence I came to know what my mother had already known, that it was time for me to get where I was going in life, and her tears were those of a proud mother who’s tear soaked face would be my last visual encounter of her.

October 31st, 2002, was an event that has not yet to this day, become easier to cope with. “When I Get Where I’m Going” had not yet been released by this date. In 2005, Brad released his album, “Time Well Wasted”, which included this memorable song, that from time to time, finds its way into my ears and reminds me that just because I have been parted from my beloved mother, we shall be reunited in a place that God has set for us. Then those dreadful memories will be nothing but.

In the opening lyrics, the song’s title words are the first to be sung. The words portrayed in the chorus are so eloquently put together and heart felt, that they would touch anyone who hears it.

The chorus is as follows;

“Yeah, when I get where I’m going, I’ll cry only happy tears,
I will share the sins and struggles I have carried all these years,
and I’ll keep my heart wide open, I will love and have no fear,
yeah when I get where I’m going, don’t cry for me down here.”

These words that I have heard time and time again shows me that we need not cry tears of sadness when a loved one has left us. Instead, live life headstrong, full of love and when the time comes for us to leave this world, the reunion with our nearest and dearest will be like nothing we have ever contemplated. Brad sings of the pain and darkness that this world beholds for us as our lives travel through it. This world, without our loved ones, can contain a greater deal of darkness and sometimes feel impossible to navigate.

It may feel difficult, and every now and again, hopeless to try to deal with the loss of a loved one. We need not let this tragedy hold us back from what they would have us do. The lyrics “don’t cry for me down here.” let us know that their passing is to come it is that of a better place. This song contains different analogies that can help one who hears it be aware that their loved ones passing is not the end. Many times throughout the year, there are a multitude of occasions when my mothers passing is more difficult to deal with than other days. Mothers Day, her birthday, and even Christmas are holidays, which just don’t have the same meaning without her presence. Of course these days were not meant only for me, but without her here, they will never be the same, and some are not celebrated the same without her.

This song is not heard but maybe a couple of times a month, and when it does play on the radio, I think back to the wonderful woman who I knew loved me so much to give me a life I would have never known had she and my father not adopted me. The fact that my mother was able to give me the life I wouldn’t have had otherwise, is such a major reason, but not the only, I miss her so deeply. I now relate this song to her memory in a way that I know would suit it best. She would not have me morn, but rather keep that beloved memory alive with the life she lived and all the lives she touched.

This song by Brad Paisley, since it’s release, has made an impact on my life that will remain with me forever. The detail of the lyrics is just enough to paint a picture in my mind of the better place where I know my mother now resides. Those of us that believe in that better place realize that even though we have lost, we shall regain, and the tears of sadness once shed, will be wiped away forever! I can’t say that this song is my all time favorite song, but the meaning it has to me is one of someone who was and still is one of my favorite people, which cannot be replaced by anything that this world has to offer. No song can ever replace the feelings that my mother has given me, but “When I Get Where I’m Going”, always helps to remind me that the day will come when we shall be reunited forever.

I believe that everyone, regardless of what genre of music they enjoy, should hear this song at least once. They then may realize that many songs in country music can be attributed to real life and how it can be related to some part of their lives whether it is a loss, a gain, or just a memory that maybe had been completely forgotten about.

To all who come to face the loss of someone special, the remembrance of their life and the better place they are, is what should be embraced everyday.

AN EXTRAORDINARY VISIT

A lovely grandaughter that I seldom see, except for holidays,

came to visit today. We enjoyed our chat and an hour

or so just visiting. because of weather conditions

she made a stop at the grocery for me, and brought goodies.

She is seen above as a lovely

baby held by her big brother, with Pop standing

by to catch if necessary, you see that beautiful hand!

Second picture was on her wedding day. Such a beautiful

day, with the blending of two families.

The third picture is at my 80th birthday party,

given by daughter Merry for our double birthdays.

Her 60th, my 80th.

At her table she is seen with her sister in law Anna,

her cousin Becca, and my next door neighbor

in Cookeville many years ago, 50 to be exact.

My wonderful neighbor Katheine and her lovely

daughter came to my party after all these years.

Our 52 year friendship continues as we grow

older by e-mail. We still talk everyday,

just not in the back yard at her picnic table.

A SONG FOR BIRDIE BOOP

Boop was a gift to Leonard, shortly after he got sick and was confined to his chair much of the day. Merry thought the bird would keep Dad company and perhaps he could teach him to talk.

This was just after Betty went to Heaven and I wanted to name him a name that would remind us of her. Her pet name at her office was Betty Boop. One day as I was cleaning his cage when he flew out scaring me badly. I said, "You little old Birdie Boop". That was his name from then on. Can you imagine some business on the Internet asking, "What is your pets name?"---------Boop.

Well, Boop did entertain; he would fly to Leonard's tray when I took him his meals. Leonard allowed him to sit there and he would pushed things he could have to eat to the edge, but he was not allowed to put his feet on his plate! Boop sang cheerfully as they spent long days together on the sunny back porch. He was a good companion and it was sad when he was found dead in his cage early this year.

I prepared a little box and made him a nice casket but was not able to dig a grave for him. I put the box in the freezer and it stayed there until this week when Merry was here, and she provided a decent funeral and burial...as only Merry would. ;)

Story of Dot, Gwen, Ed and Ken

HOME

Barking dogs- A yellow cat, Basketball - A baseball bat,

Piano playing -Mother singing, Daddy praying -Telephone ringing

Children coming - Children going, Mother cooking - Mother sewing

Brothers fighting - Sisters scratching, Blue jean knees - Need a patching

Books and music - Jack-in-the box, Tonsils - Measles, a hole in my socks

Paper dolls - Dot and Gwen, Cars and Trucks - Ed and Ken

Baby sister- In her bed, Looks like Elroy -Someone said

Company coming - All the time, Preachers, kinfolk - Come to dine

Kids bring friends -Home from school, Bring them all - Daddy's rule

Potatoe Salad - Chicken to fry, Egg Custard - Chocolate pie

Happy days - Come to me, From my bank - Of Memory

DFH

My Baby Turns 60!

This Celebration started with the love of a good woman who prepared a wonderful feast for the one she loves...then together, they shared it with us...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUGH!

Hugh's 60th Birthday Celebration from Merry Croft on Vimeo.

Syracuse: Sharon, Old Ivory, OH MY!

My brother took me china shopping, and I must admit I'm excited, but I have to pick between the following two!

Top two pictures are the Sharon

pattern, Old Ivory, Syracuse China.

One Hundred Twenty nine pieces.This one features

the Demitasse Cups and saucers.

The second two pictures is the Selma pattern,

same Old Ivorty, Syracuse China, with

One hundred fifty nine pieces.

My favorite feature of the Selma is the

Bouillon handled cups and saucers.

****************************************

Thanks, Kenneth for all you do...
I've always loved dishes!!!

Rerun...An Archive Favorite

As Time Goes By from Merry Croft on Vimeo.

(The blogger video site is down and I just couldn't stand for this not to play, so Merry uploaded it to her video web account to use while mine isn't working.)

He can do it, Nicholle, see.

These two cuties will keep things in order and there

won't be anything funny about the whole wedding.

Enlarge to see those innocent faces.

Zoe was even ring bearer at this wedding.

I believe Ozzy could do so for you.

He, Michael, did a beautiful job for Jahnna.

Now all you have to do is practice.

SHE DID IT HERSELF

SAID THE LITTLE RED HEN

Happy Birthday, Kirill

Monday, January 11, our Navy Grandson will
be 23 years old. This will be his last year in the Navy, unless
decides to make a career in the Navy. Our family all wish you
great day and wish you quick recovery from the "accident"
Be careful in the snow. Does a plane have a pilot? Well our
Nikolayev boys are going to experience every exciting adventure
available. Enjoy your life, Kirill and HAPPY BIRTHDAY.
Nana

Counterclockwise: L top USRR docked back in SanDiego

Kirill in the deep

The plane he keeps in order ready to go

Back home after 6 months at sea

Kirill's plane ready to go

Big conversation

Snow Boarding, best part of the Navy

Click to enlarge, better view

Miss Macon's birthday 1/8/05

Yesterday would have been our beautiful mothers

105th birthday. She would have been an

agreeable, uncomplaining lady if she were l05 today.

She loved her Lord, husband, children and families,

her neighbors and friends. She was true

and faithful to her church.

What a lady!

The Christmas Mantels at N.Church...

,

In the words of the Little Red Hen..."Oh, who will help take the Mantels Down?". (Well, something like that.) Tell you what, I'll serve the bread if you want to come and join me in the putting away of Christmas, anytime between now and Valentine's Day. :)

(What did you expect me to say, "I'll do it myself'", said the Little Red Hen?)

My Girls and Their's

Leigh, Abby, Judy, Kate, Merry, Gwen, Kimberly One pictures can speak volumes of words.

Can you see the love this Christmas brought to view?

The house was bursting with scenes like this one. I am a blessed mother/grandmother/great-grandmother/friend. It was indeed a very, Merry Christmas.

I enjoyed a great visit with # 4 Grandaughter, Becca

a couple of days before Christmas.

Sad that she could not stay for the Christmas

holiday, but great to see her for a couple of hours.

Happy Christmas Darling.

I love you.

A bride from Africa with Kentucky roots...

Parents, Sally and Brad proudly give newly graduated and creative artist, Emily away in marriage.

It's been a big month for Emily! Emily was born to God loving, passionate, missionary parents and raised in Africa. A combination that produced a wonderfully creative, sensitive and capable young woman for her new husband, Bobby.

SISTERS in attendance.

Geraldine and Phyllis...Leonard's sisters, (on right, Mother of Sally and Nancy and Grandmother of the bride)

Sally and Nancy...Mother and Aunt of the bride

Mary Beth and Emily...Sister of the bride and Bride

Audrey and Abbie...Bride's cousins

It was an exciting week-end for this great aunt

of the bride. So exciting to spend time

with this little family after 20 years of just

reading about them as they served

In Africa.

Sorry about the handsome brother of the bride,

now 12,

also the other sister the maid of honor.

Just did not get a picture, he was

having too much fun on the dance floor.

and Ruth's intended got there and

somehow occupied her time.

Those of our family who follow the Wombles

blog, "Because we swam with Hippos",

I am sure the entire wedding party will

soon appear.

Have a wonderful honeymoon

than back to work.

150 YEARS SERVING CIVIL AND CRIMINAL COURTS

The Christmas season brings us back together once more. This year Ellie opened up her house and culinary talents to the retired co-workers of the Murfreesboro Court House.

The above photo is the first of Ellie's six beautiful trees. It was a wonderland of color and sweet hospitality. Not to mention the delicious dinner!

"He has made everything beautiful in its time" Ecc 3:11

I shared a comradeship with beautiful Max.

When she moved to NY in 1968, I "tried to take her desk". When I was ready to retire in 1989 she was returning from NY and took her desk back again!

I worked with Ellie from 1968 to 1989 and off and on three more years.

What a great boss!

Lindy Lou . . . I worked with Linda at M'boro Pure Milk, then many years in Clerk's office.

Gail calls me her, " teenager idol".
(I am so glad I am not!)
She is our morale booster,
makes you feel great and
strong.

Just a guess, but I am thinking almost 150 years of service from these fantastic gals. We knew all the criminals in town and of course all the wonderful Attorneys, Judges, Law Enforcement Officers and the great fellow workers that we had the priviledge to serve with.

It is my prayer that those who took our place will continue to work tirelessly to keep the judicial system working fairly and serve with dignity and honor.

Merry Christmas, Ladies. Thank you for making my working years as good as they could have possibly been. I love ya!

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