Our Hero's Welcome Home!

We lined the street...

Flags in hand....

Welcome home Justin...

And here he comes...

He's finally REALLY home...

He made his rounds....

Hugging Dear Nanny!

And then Wally... A Marine and his dog!

Our Handsome Hero!

Doing what he loves... Singing with his Sister, Britani...

Playing his guitar and singing Amazing Grace...

And dancing to "Chicken Fried"!  With his brother, Bradley!

What a fun night and so much to be thankful for!  Tired but a good tired!  Welcome home Justin!  We love you so much!

The last game of Summer and you'll never guess who's coming home:)

Well, unless you just popped in for the first time you know that we are always at the ballfield.  Autumn had her last GWA school summer league ballgame yesterday morning!  Well, don't break out the tissues because she starts practice Monday morning at 8:00AM for the REAL GWA school team softball!  This girl has practiced and played all Summer with her school summer team and her travel ball team!  The travel ball team will take a break during school ball and she will only play with the school. 

Here is a picture of the Summer team:)

Here is my Autumn!

I have an important announcement!

JUSTIN IS COMING HOME TODAY AND

WILL BE HERE FOR THREE WEEKS!

He will be arriving to streets lined with family and friends!  A hero's welcome is what we are planning!  I am so excited especially for those who haven't seen him since his return from Afghanistan! 

Welcome home Justin, We love you and are extremely proud of you!  Thank you for your service and your sacrifice!

"Thank you Lord for bringing him home from Afghanistan and please keep him safe on his journey home."

Love you all and have a blessed day!

Roses are red, Violets are not, OMG it is WAY too hot!

I got so little accomplished yesterday and had so much to do!  I took Autumn to practice, went to Walmart for plates, forks etc. and back to the ballfield with a new magazine!  Sat there for a long time while they were still practicing.  I had the windows rolled down and there was a small breeze.  I park near the edge of the woods, I could hear the little critters scampering around and the birds chirping.  It was really nice except that I knew I had so much to do at home:)  Oh well, it was still here when I got home.  By lunchtime it was way HOT!  It is miserable outside.  I know that it is hot everywhere but I will be happy to see a little cooler weather and lower humidity!

Austin came to do more chores and he and I messed with his Ipod some.  They have been having some issues with their desktop computer and I have experience in that department from when I worked.  I put on my Superganky cape and got it all fixed for them.  Autumn and Austin both helped!

So, my friends, ballgame this morning... my glasses are ready and more on the "to do list" to move to "the done list"!  I pray you all have a blessed day!

Oh and here is a bit of information, IF the Austin, Alex and Autumn were going to public school this year... TODAY WOULD BE THEIR FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!  That is just WRONG!

Hugs!

Cleaning, grocery shopping and here they come!

I started out my day continuing my cleaning!  Today I dusted my doo-dad shelf and I "got lots" of doo-dads:)  Let me rephrase that, I have TOO many doo-dads, but I love them!  I finished that project and off to the grocery store.  Late in the afternoon, Tracy brought the grandyounguns to hang out for a while!  They swam and we laughed!  After dinner, they played in the floor and giggled some more, ran around and played!  We had a load of fun!

Sweeties!  Aren't they precious?

Avery trying to fly:)

Austin showing his stunts!

 
OMG, cutiepies!  Avery kisssing her Sister:)

Austin and Alex were really posing for the camera!  Great balance Alex!

Two more cuties showing their balancing act!

So, my friends...that was my Tuesday!  Autumn has school ball practice this morning and I will be back home to continue my cleaning!

Have a most blessed day my friends!  Big HUGS!

Peeking out the window at my handsome yardman:)

Oh I had a handsome worker at my house yesterday, I was peeking out the window and snapped a picture!  Girls, this was one hard worker...

my handsome Grandson, Austin! 

This is why he was working...

He got in the pool with his Ipod touch in his pocket at a friend's house and it wouldn't work a bit.  He was so upset!  What made it worse (for me) is that it wasn't a gift...he used his Christmas and Birthday money to buy it:)  Well, his precious Mama put it in rice to try to get the moisture out... didn't work.  Then they put it in the sun for several hours and it dried it out.  He called me and was so excited. 

In the meantime, when he thought it was history..he asked if he could do some chores to start saving for a new one!  Of course we said yes!  Well, after he got his Ipod working, he still wanted to work and earn some money.  We enjoyed having him and he worked really hard.  I said to him "Austin, I kinda like having a helper around"  He said, "I'll work for you all the time, as long as the pay is good"!  We both giggled and he kept on sweeping.  Pa had him cut a little grass and he trimmed the Jasmine!  Thanks Austin for a job well done!

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I worked my hiney off inside yesterday morning!  I was up at 5:45 or so for no reason and decided to get busy!  You see I am having a welcome home swim party for Justin on Saturday and had lots to do to prepare for that!  I was tired in the afternoon but felt good about what I accomplished!

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So, let me give a PRAISE report about my Uncle!  He was up yesterday at the Nursing Home on the stationary bike... peddling.  It is a miracle:)  When I left Sunday afternoon, he could barely open his eyes and as I said in my previous post... it just wasn't looking good for him at all.  So my friends, prayer gave him a good day and some encouragement for his family!  One day at a time!

Love you all and thanks for praying!  Have a blessed day!

How did I miss it?

I missed my 500th post!  How in the world did that happen?  No bells or whistles, no firecrackers or fireworks, no balloons... sorry, it came and went!  BUT, now that I realized it.... we will celebrate!

500, that's a lot!  I sometimes think I will skip a day... but I just can't!  I love blogging, I love my blog friends, I love getting to know you all, I love that my family checks in on my blog everyday!  What can I say, it is just a part of my day.  I have met friends that are TRULY lifelong friends, I pray for them and they pray for me.  I want to meet you all someday!

So, here's the deal!  Leave a comment and I'll pick a winner!  You will win something and it will be good, I promise!

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I visited my Uncle Obie after Church yesterday and what a heartbreaking visit it was.  I walked in the door and he looked so much like my Daddy... I burst into tears.  I was there to comfort them and all of a sudden, I was blubbering.  He is precious!  He opened his eyes and smiled at me, made my day!  He held my hand and shook it just like my Daddy did when he was in the Hospice.  Let's just say, I left there with a heart filled with a variety of emotions!  My cousin, Debbie and Aunt Dot were there and I sure enjoyed visiting with them.  Please keep them all in your prayers!

Love you all and have a most blessed Monday!

Crafts with kiddies, a birthday party and a prayer request!

When I visited my Sister, Barbara this week... she gave me this tub of beads!  I thought she would enjoy seeing WHO enjoyed the beads!  These two little ones played with the beads for the longest time.  Alex lined up her beads in a row before putting them on a string!  Thanks Sis (aka Nanny)! 

Saturday was this sweetie's birthday party!  She is my Niece's Granddaughter and is one precious child!  6 years old! 

Happy Birthday Madison!

A pool party at their apartment complex and it was kinda like being on vacation!  VERY nice pool area with lots of chairs and umbrellas!  Grill loaded with lots of hot dogs!  Table full of delicious ice cream and cookie cake!  Thanks Jessica and family for a wonderful time!

                                      

We had ballgames ALL day and ladies, IT WAS H*O*T!  I don't know how those girls played in that heat!  It was really too hot to be out there!  I think that was our last game with the travel team!  We came in third place but honestly it was good that we got to get out of there a little early!  Our girls needed a break!

A prayer request!  My Uncle Obie isn't doing too good!  He is my Daddy's baby brother and the only one left!  Some of you may remember me talking about him, he has Alzheimer's.  He has fallen recently, taking my Aunt with him.  He is just really not doing good at all!  He doesn't know anyone except my Aunt and I pray that he doesn't have to suffer!  I also pray for my Aunt and my Cousins as they travel down this path that I know all too well!  I love them so much!

Love you all and enjoy your Sunday!  Big Hugs!

Yes, I even eat them for breakfast!

Those of you new to my blog may not know how much I love tomatoes!  I remember walking in the garden with my Daddy, he would say "come on, let's go pick you some tomatoes"!  I would follow along as he walked along and picked them and handed them to me to put in my sack:)  These memories are so strong with me and I hope they stay with me forever.  When I smell the tomato plants, I always think of him.  He would tell me stand back a little so I didn't get my shoes dirty:)  Actually, I always have on flip-flops and he knew that I didn't need to be in the weeds. 

My Brother Marshall did the same thing when I visited him this week.  He told me to stand still while he picked.  I would give anything to be able to follow my Daddy to the garden just ONE more time!  He always gave me WAY too many tomatoes and said share them with Tracy:)  Is there something in your life that triggers memories, precious memories?  I do so love tomatoes and even eat them for breakfast!  I toast a bagel and slice a tomato, YUMMY!  It is also good with cream cheese, a slice of Vidalia Onion and tomato!  Try it girls, you'll be back to thank me for sure:)

Here is what I did on Friday!  I met this bunch to celebrate my Aunts 77th Birthday! 

This is my Mama's baby Sister and since my Mama passed away, we have stayed close to her.  Her sweet daughter passed away last year and it just broke her heart!  She had the best time at the luncheon and got lots of good gifts!  She goes to Church a lot and I gave her this suit:)  She loved it!

She got gift cards and money, a watermelon and this sweet plaque from my Niece, Regina!

There is a glare but it is absolutely gorgeous!  Good job Regina!

So, thanks for stopping by and visiting with me here at "theycallmeganky"!  I hope you enjoyed your visit!  Ya'll come back now, ya hear?

Big hugs and happy Saturday!  We have ballgames all day and a noon birthday party for my GREAT GREAT NIECE!

My giveaway gift from a dear friend!

Back in May I won a giveaway from my sweet friend, Laura at White Spray Paint!  I have received the first of both magazines and they are both WONDERFUL!  Thank you dear Laura for such a sweet gift and I will keep on enjoying them:)  month after month:)

The pages are filled with gorgeous images!

Wouldn't you love to have this view?

I can't wait to read this article!

Gorgeous picture!  Thank you Laura!  I love you to pieces!

The gift that keeps on giving and I will look forward to receiving it every month!

Let's see... my Thursday was busy:)  I started out piddling around the house and headed out to pick up my contacts!  I took back the AWFULLY UGLY glasses that I bought and were not very useful to me and $100 later, I ordered some that I hope I will be happy with!  You see, I only use them at night after I take my contacts out and first thing in the morning while drinking coffee AND blogging!  Well the ones I had were only good for distance and I really can't see far off or close up.  So, I bit the bullet and ordered bifocals which is what I had before.  They are all expensive, but if you can't see... you gotta have them!

Did some laundry, a little cleaning, a birthday present purchased and wrapped and that was it for my Thursday!  Today, we will be having lunch for my Aunt's birthday and I am really looking forward to seeing those who will be there!

Have a blessed day, my dear friends!  Big Hugs!

I hit the jackpot!

No, not the lottery but a Walmart bargain!  I shop at Walmart while Autumn practices ball and it is nice sometimes to just be browsing, wow... could this be right?  RED, WHITE AND BLUE?  I am planning a welcome home swimming party for Justin and found lots of red, white and blue that I needed!  They were such good bargains! 

Napkins 25cents, plates 25 cents, metal serving tray $1.25, cups 25 cents, cutest travel pillow $2.00, snack server $1.00 (red and blue), cake server $1.00, a Rubbermaid pitcher 75cents. 

Most were things that I would have bought anyway and I got them at a steal!  All were after 4th of July sale items but they sure fit right in with my plan:)  Don't 'cha just love a great bargain?

I stayed in yesterday morning, Autumn didn't have practice.  I got so much done around the house and it was a great morning!  I got out for about an hour to mail Julie's son, Justin's package to Afghanistan:)  I wrote him a note to let him know who I was and sent him a picture of our Justin!  I loved hearing about how our Justin loved his packages.  Just a little taste of home!

Autumn had ballgames last night and it rained buckets full!  We all got wet, even though we were under tents.  YUCK, I don't like to get wet.  I had this new Anti-humidity hairspray... well let's just say, my hair was like cotton candy:)

That's all for me friends!  Prayers needed for one of our blogger sisters!  Her name is Theresa just like me.  Please pray for her!

Big hugs and have a blessed day!

Another full day!

I started out my Tuesday with my oldest Granddaughter!  We drove about 40 minutes to her ball practice!  I really enjoy this time with her, I do most of the chatting in the morning but she catches up on the way home:)  Some days we stop for lunch and some days we don't.  Yesterday, I had a tomato sandwich calling my name and that is what I ate!  It was lip-smacking delicious!  I am trying to drop a few vacation pounds and all of these vegetables is so good for that effort! 

Marc and I took a little ride to my Sister, Barbara's house to share some tomatoes with her.  We enjoyed our visit with her and Jerry!  I guess I am just in a visiting mood!  Anyway, I always get a kick out of stories the older siblings tell!  Yesterday, Barbara told a story about a blackberry picking incident!  This is the way she told it! 

When I was little, the older kids had to pick blackberries.  They had a certain amount they had to pick.  The blackberry patch was full of briars and chiggers, I am sure.  Barbara said that they carried me, spread out a nice white blanket and sat me on it while they all picked away!  Barbara and Marshall, the oldest two, decided to put some pine straw in the bottom of their bucket to make it look fuller.  Well, Mama saw them and needless to say they ended up having to pick way more that they were supposed to pick originally!  I just love listening to these stories:)

We left there and went to Lowe's for gardening fence and I snagged this picture of the bright yellow daisies.

Voted and back home to start dinner!  Even if I cooked it... it was so good!  We had meatloaf, squash, sliced tomatoes and tomato chutney!  OMG, we both agreed that it was so yummy.  No bread, no potatoes, no pasta!

And for dessert, ice cold watermelon!  I use an ice cream scoop to make bigger pieces than the little melon baller do-hickey!

That was my Tuesday!  I hope you did something fun!  Have a blessed Wednesday my friends and here is a big 'ole Ganky HUG!