Tough Week....Remembering My Granddaddy

This week was a tough one.  

Saturday BL & I went to visit Granddaddy because we knew his condition was getting worse and we wanted to make sure we had some time with him.  While he was asleep most of the evening while we were there, it was nice just to be around him.  

My sister called Sunday afternoon to let us know Granddaddy would be put on 24 hour watch, and I knew it was time to go sit with Granddaddy some more. The family spent Sunday night, into the wee hours of Monday morning around his bed...some reading scripture, some telling stories, all loving on our Granddaddy.  

Just after 8:00am on Monday morning, and just as "I'll fly Away" ended (which was playing from Granddaddy's favorite Alan Jackson gospel cd), our sweet Granddaddy took his last breath and went to walk with Jesus.  It was bittersweet and a moment I will never, ever, forget.  The world lost an amazing man this week, and heaven gained an angel.  We will miss him every single day, but rejoice knowing we will see him again when we get to the other side.  No doubt he is waiting to spoil us in heaven, just as he did on earth.  He  had such an impact on so many people, and I am blessed to have had the close relationship with him that I did. 

The celebration of his life was yesterday and it was beautiful!  All five of us grandkids teamed up to deliver the eulogy.  It was one of the toughest things we've ever had to do, and also one of the most precious.  No doubt in my mind he was looking down from heaven, just as proud of us as he's ever been.  

John Hulan was the youngest of four brothers to Otis and Effie. Raised in Tallapoosa, GA, he enjoyed basketball, running the hurdles and participating in the high jump, where he set a school record. He married Florene on April 14, 1956, and they enjoyed 54 wonderful years together. They had two children, Johnny and Melanie. He retired from  Lockheed after 41 years of service as tool designer. 

He is remembered for being an avid family man and never missing his grandchildren’s special events.  He was a gentle man with a kind spirit who brought much joy to those around him.  He was a member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, and was a faithful follower of Christ. 

What I'm Loving Wednesday #1

ok, funny side note...I had this draft saved from last night for my first WILW and then, unbeknown to me, my sweet sister was planning to do her first WILW today as well....great minds do think alike, Ster!!

After many weeks of reading what great bloggers like Michelle & Leigh are loving every Wednesday, I am excited to be participating myself :)

I am loving Trader Joe's chocolate cat cookies!

 

I am loving Gigi's cupcakes 

but some of you (if you read last week) may already know this

I bought the Valentines Box with four cuppy cakes for my sweetie, and we I consumed the last one last night :)

 

I am loving my new tiny lion purchased from this cute Etsy Shop.  Perfectly timed shipping since I officially changed my last name last week :)

 

I am loving my valentine from a sweet little boy...

I am loving the new greek yogurt brand I just discovered last week. Oh-So-YUMMY!!

If you'd like to join in, then do :) and link up here!

Make it a great day!!

Happy Valentine's Day

 



 

Feel Good Friday {2}

Hello folks, and happy Friday!  Its been a while since I linked up with The Girl Next Door Grows Up to participate in a Feel Good Friday, so I thought today would be a good day to do so again.....

I received news last week from one of my closest friends that was not happy news.  She is going through a lot right now, and this is one of those situations that makes you ask "why?".  However, in the midst of it all she is smiling, staying positive and not giving up hope for healing...for happy news :) So my FGF is dedicated to this sweet friend.  We met up this week and I brought her some delicious goodies from Gigi's Cupcakes ...

(bless you, Gigi, and all of your cupcake goodness)

We sat and ate and laughed for over an hour.  In the midst of her heartache, she made me feel good.  I left Micky D's (yes, we were actually at Micky D's, drinking some tea, with our Gigi's) and cried.  Not sad tears, I cried happy tears because I am so inspired to stay positive in trials; giving glory to God when life is good, and not forgetting to do so when life is tough too.  

What made you feel good this week?  If you have time, go link up with Erika and share with the [blog] world :) 

Happy, Happy Friday!!

Terrific Tuesday!

Why is it a Terrific Tuesday? 

Well....no real reason at all.

I just wanted to remind myself that I am so blessed and God is so good, all of the time. 

When I am frustrated or stressed or trying to understand 'life' in general, I need to just stop what I am doing, and remember to

choose happiness

....just as dad always said!

What do you do when you're stressed?

Thrifty Thursday | #2

Who doesn't like to save money?! I know I sure do!  I thought it would be fun to bring you another installment of Thrifty Thursday and look forward to reading some feedback!

Today I'm talking about Groupon.  Unlike the last site I mentioned, you do have to purchase the Groupons, but trust me when I say you're still getting a great deal!  Groupon offers a great variety of food, fun activities and accommodations for customers to purchase at a deeply discounted rate.  When you sign up for the service, they send daily emails with coupons to purchase.  As long as enough friends are interested in purchasing the groupon (and by friends I mean folks in your area) then it will be available for purchase...what they call "collective buying power" (See how it works here)!

AND, my new to me favorite feature is on my BlackBerry with the Groupon App.  I get to see what is available right on my phone and make a purchase without having to log on to the computer...easy peasy :)

So head on over to Groupon and take a look around.  Again, go here to how it works and find out if they are in your area :)

Enjoy!

Wednesday Brain Dump

{1} How is it only Wednesday?

{2} Wait...how is it already February? 

Happy Groundhogs Day!

{3} I went to Mellow Mushroom last night with ladies from our Sunday school class.  I had a great time chatting and getting to know some of the girls better, not to mention that  I ate a yummy calzone (and of course brought BL the other half!)!

{4} I would like some fun weekend getaway ideas.  Preferably not far from (or even in, I am ok with stay-cation) Atlanta.  Any ideas?

{5} Loving this song "Dancing in the Minefields" by Andrew Peterson:

Make it a great day!!