Snake -- act first, ask questions later!!!

More Yard Work

Barron found a guy who came and chipped up the ole cedar tree stump. We took all that new mulch and finally got a few new flower beds in place -- YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the ole chip pile

          

Supposedly a miniature azalea but we wonder if it's not a miniature crepe myrtle??

Althea blooming -- beautiful!!

Tomatoes and more tomatoes!!

Wilkins Reunion 2010

I wanted to post pictures on GeorgeWilkinsFamily blog but having Blogger problems. Pictures are posted on my Facebook page and names are listed for each picture.

Barron showing Wilkins House/Spring Arbor Kids Kottage to Donna, Ronnie and Terry after a car tour of other family homes in the area.

Tiny (Kinard) Latham with school buddy Jim Boyd (former Cullman County School Supt and our neighbor) at the Festhalle Farmer's Market

Mom -- Mama Esther -- Grandma Esther

Known by various names over the years, and I had the great opportunity to learn about all of them yesterday.  I took the video camera with me when I drove to Phenix City for the July 4, 2010 weekend and spent several hours on Monday "interviewing" my Mama!! She did great. We started with (1) first childhood memory, (2) school years/friends/homes/vacations, (3) high school/college, (4) meeting Dad/marriage - 64 years - and (5) was able to get thru 6 kids births too!! Yes, we took a long lunch break in there. And yes, we three who were there (Cathy, Julie, and myself) learned stuff!! But mostly I learned that we Benton sisters (4 of us) are strong women because of our Mom. Dad had an Army career and then Civil Service career that required much of him, and Mom persevered through all of that, raising 6 children, being a stay-home Mom, then a working Mom, and now a retired-from-work Mom, but never from just being our Mom! Not only that, as an only child, she cared for her Mom for over twenty years after my Granddaddy died. Granny didn't drive, didn't know how to handle money, didn't know how to change the thermostat from winter to summer temps - and Mom (and Dad) were always there. This is a special tribute to a very special lady -- my Mom!! Who is even more special to me because she loves my husband, my children, and my grandchildren!!!!!!! And lastly, my Mom is a Christian woman who always taught us Christian values, and has lived those values these 83 years.  Thanks Mom!!!!!

Jonathan and Sons

Jonathan was able to come home from Aghanistan for Auben's high school graduation.  Here are two photos that he has shared of him and the boys!

Jonathan, Auben and Wyatt

Elam, Jonathan and Jon