Thanksgiving – Dixie Style

I received the following from my sister. It was written by my actress niece, Leslie. Leslie now resides in California- which to tell you truthfully, we all find a bit unusual and exotic for our never venture far from their roots family. My sister and I often comment on how our mother would find great joy and delight in the fact that her couch now resides in Pasadena. Anyway, with the holidays not too far away, please enjoy-

Thanksgiving – Dixie Style

When I was asked to write a blog about my favorite Thanksgiving memory, I was flooded with so many, I had a hard time choosing what to write about. When I was younger, Thanksgiving was a time to hang out with my family and eat great food. I really didn’t think much about the holiday beyond that. I left my hometown of Birmingham, Alabama five years ago to pursue an acting career in Los Angeles, and Thanksgiving certainly carries a lot more weight for me now than it did then. No matter what, I go home for Thanksgiving every year. Now, instead of it being about hanging out with my family, it is about reconnecting with my family. While I used to enjoy eating great food, I now savor aromas and tastes I can only get when I make that 2,000 mile trek home. So many things I used to take for granted about that time of year in the South I don’t anymore: hearing the crunch of leaves underneath my feet, feeling the bristle of wind whip my hair around, watching those long red sunsets through the crisp air. Those are just the moments by myself. After spending the better part of the year alone in my little Los Angelian apartment, it is great to be surrounded by my family: loud, boisterous, welcoming, loving, and always ready to have a good time. In addition to eating all the great food (I’ll get to that in a minute), we spend the evening playing Balderdash and other competitive games like it’s the Olympics, draw names for who we will buy gifts for at Christmas and catch up on what’s going on in everyone’s life. The food, ah, the food. Like any Southern family, we have enough food to feed a small nation. It all tastes good, and it is all bad for you. My very favorite dish is my aunt’s peanut butter pie. When I tell people this, they say, “Oh yeah, I’ve had peanut butter pie” to which I quickly reply, “Oh no you haven’t!” How do I know this? I HAVEN’T SEEN THEM AT ANY OF MY THANKSGIVINGS! My aunt makes the best peanut butter pie ever. I’ve always associated peanut butter pie with Thanksgiving, and now that I travel cross-country to eat it, she makes two for good measure. It may sound silly, but knowing I will get that peanut butter pie the fourth Thursday of every November brings warmth and security to my life. I may not know how successful my acting career will be, but hey, on Thanksgiving I get peanut butter pie. I may be separated from my family for the vast majority of the year, but end of November, I get peanut butter pie. If nobody appreciates my talents and sacrifices, I STILL get peanut butter pie. I have friends who moved to LA from other parts of the country like myself, and many of them talk about how they can’t go home because of the cost of air fare, time off of work, blah, blah, blah. I simply reply, “Well, I have a date in Alabama with a peanut butter pie.” I can’t remember who it was who said the simple things in life bring us the greatest pleasure, but I couldn’t agree more. As you can see, the pie isn’t difficult to make, but I think it is the love instead of the ingredients that make it so great!

From my Aunt Susan:

Ingredients:

8 ounces Cream Cheese
1 cup Powdered Sugar
1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
16 ounces Cool Whip
1 pre-made graham cracker pie crust

Directions:
In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, powdered sugar, peanut butter, and cool whip until well blended. Pour into the pre-made pie crust. Refrigerate.

For a more peanut butter taste, use 2/3 cup of creamy peanut butter.

Leslie McGuirk
Pasadena, CA

My Poor Baby

No matter how old your children are, they are still your babies. Kim, my oldest (soon to be 28), has been having bad back problems the past week. Her problem seems to have started when she tried to pick up her PaPa, who had fallen. She thought she had pulled a muscle, but at the time she was able to go on. Two weeks later it seems to have caught up with her big time. She has been to the doctor, plus a trip to the emergency room. She is having an MRI this morning, as the doctor seems to think there could be a disc problem as opposed to a pulled muscle. She has been in big time pain (I understand back pain, having had a few spells myself) and Paul has taken off at least 3 days of work to be with her as she can't lift Levi into or out of the bed (not even taking into account having to run behind his busy self all day). Keep my baby in your prayers. Kim is one of the joys of my life and I can't stand to see her hurt. You know, if I could bare her pain, I would. I guess you call that "Motherhood".

Elder Humor

I have been accused of causing some of you to cry lately, so I thought I would try to make you laugh (myself included). Enjoy the senior humor- I am certain there will be more to come!

GROW OLD ALONG WITH ME: Two elderly ladies had been friends for many decades. Over the years they had shared all kinds of activities and adventures. Lately, their activities had been limited to meeting a few times a week to play cards. One day they were playing cards when one looked at the other and said, 'Now don't get mad at me.....I know we've been friends for a long time.....but I just can't think of your name! I've thought and thought, but I can't remember it. Please tell me what your name is." Her friend glared at her. For at least three minutes she just stared and glared at her. Finally she said, "How soon do you need to know?"

HYMNS FOR THE OVER 50 CROWD
1. Precious Lord, Take My Hand, and Help Me Up
2. It is Well with My Soul, But My Knees Hurt
3. Nobody Knows the Trouble I Have Seeing
4. Just a Slower Walk with Thee
5. Count your Many Birthdays, Name Them One by One
6. Go Tell It on the Mountain, But Speak Up
7. Give Me the Old Timers' Religion
8. Blessed Insurance
9. Guide Me O Thou Great Jehovah, I've Forgotten Where I Parked

There's No Place Like Home

It has been an emotional week at the Courington home. Our beloved father, father-in-law, and PaPa has been in the hospital. He fell last Thursday (nothing broken), and thankfully the hospital admitted him because he could not stand on his own, and probably because they sensed that PaPa could not go home with the situation as it was. Around the clock sitters are no longer enough to counter the ravages of Alzheimers. What a sad disease. Growing old, gracefully, does not happen to everyone. I know several individuals that were so intelligent, who have been reduced to the lowest levels by this disease.
Sadly, PaPa must now be moved to a nursing home. We think that we have located a home (Cherry Hill) that seems to be an excellent facility. It is close to us, and such a nice place. Of course as Dorothy said in the Wizard of Oz, "There's no place like home". PaPa no longer knows where home is- when he is at home, he wants to go home. Home is somewhere in his mind that we can't get him to anymore. Home is where his Mother and Daddy were. I have always known that PaPa loved his parents, but since he has been so bad mentally, I have stated several times that he must have loved his parents tremendously. He was so sad at the times we told him they were dead, until we started saying, "They are alright". My dear mother stated that if you had to be in a nursing home, it was better if you were not mentally coherent. So, for that, I guess we are thankful. So, keep us all in your prayers as we are all in for a period of adjustment. Life never stays the same, changes come and go, and we must adapt.

A Step Back in Time

Yesterday I went with Addi to soccer practice. I actually was going to have to take her, but in the end Kim ended up getting to go (long story), so I just tagged along. None of my kids ever played soccer, but they all played softball/baseball, and the boys played football. During the softball/baseball years, which certainly spanned over a decade, we spent many hours on the bleachers. We used to joke about putting up a mailbox at the complex. Addi is playing soccer at the same complex. The soccer fields are where the old practice fields used to be. As I was sitting there, I could not help but to think back- where has time gone? My little softball player is now the mommy handing out team snacks (boy I handed out a lot of those!). I think cheering Addi on is going to make me feel young again- not that I feel old. Kim's MaMa and PaPa Courington used to love to come to her games; now, sadly, PaPa can't remember those days, or even yesterday. You know, we all need to "savor the moment" because we have no clue what the next second, minute, hour, or day will bring. So, for those of you who have life, breath, and soundness of mind- thank God for the day and enjoy it!

My New Abode

Only those who have had the honor of visiting the "old" Wilkerson Middle School, can truly appreciate the above photo of "my" new media center. There is also a computer lab on the other side of the room. I can't wait!

Days You Never Forget

Today is the anniversary of one of those days you will never forget. I started to think about other days that I would never forget and this is my short list:
1. The day I became a Christian
2. My wedding day
3. The days my children were born
4. The birthdates of Addi, Levi, and Hannah
5. My children's wedding dates
6. The days that my parents died
Also, I have to include these dates:
1. The day that President Kennedy was assassinated (who alive at that point in time does not remember where they were or how they found out that the President had been killed?)
2. September 11, 2001 (another date ingrained in the minds of those old enough to know and understand)
What dates are forever ingrained in your memory?

How Popular is Your Surname?

Nobody in the whole United States can spell the name "COURINGTON" unless they are familiar with it. Could it be because out of 50,000 of the most common surnames in the US, that COURINGTON is like number 47,000 and something. Check this link out and you will find out where your name ranks.
http://www.pbs.org/pov/pov2001/thesweetestsound/popularityindex.html

I've Been Tagged

Well, Rachel tagged me to list 8 weird things about myself- I have read everyone else's list and they were so informative. I don't know if I can be that entertaining- well, here goes.
Weird thing # 1-
Hey, why do you guys think that I am weird?????
After 5 minutes of starring at this computer, I am at a loss.
1. I have a fungus under my big toe. It is yellow and ugly.
2. I don't like yard work.
3. I have taken a liking to hitting golf balls in my old age.
4. I had a virus once that caused my liver to malfunction. It was scary.
5. I have never had a permanent in my hair (or anywhere else that I know of).
6. I have never had a manicure or a pedicure (who would want to touch my yellow toe?)
7. I can't take Pepto-Bismal. It makes me throw up. I really can't hardly stand any liquid medicine.
8. I use to have a hard time saying the word "aluminum"- I can do it now.
HOW BORING I AM!!!!!

The Circle of Life

Well, yesterday marked the "official" end of Summer. We cooked hamburgers and hotdogs and had the family come visit. I always enjoy family time, and feel so sorry for people that do not have family. Our family, although small to many, is growing. Sometimes it is hard for me to think that there is a group of 11 people that are together today because of a marriage that took place almost 30 years ago. Then when you add in the nieces and nephews and wives and husbands, the number starts to add up. It is amazing how quiet our house is when it is just the two of us there. While we are enjoying this new period in our relationship, I would not trade the chaos, loudness, laughter, and energy of the family for permanent quiet for anything in this world.

Another Victim Falls Prey to Blogger

Well, David has joined the blogging world (http://fromcalmtochaos.blogspot.com/.) He stated that he would probably only have an entry a month- so that should be a real exciting blog to follow. Anyway, I am certain that what he does write will be quality material. He has been on a real writing rampage the past few days. For those unaware of his current mission, I will attach his recent article. I will say our e-mail has been busy with all the responses he has received.
Here 'tis
There has been a tremendous amount of positive publicity surrounding the Hoover High football program. They are to be commended for striving for excellence, and instilling the discipline and other qualities for success that are lacking in many youth programs. The policy manual for the Hoover Schools sets a high standard. It states, "The total school program focuses on developing each student as a competent, self-disciplined and self-directed learner of good character. Thus, emphasis is placed on teaching responsibility for one's behavior, modeling the behaviors desired of students, and identifying and resolving inappropriate behaviors.… It is essential that all persons (students, school personnel, and parents) accept responsibility for their actions." This is commendable. But there is a glaring breakdown in the teaching of self- discipline and proper behavior when one considers the profanity that is used in the football program, not only by the students, but by school officials. The mayor of Hoover recently commented on this by saying that this was "football- not the Boy Scouts." What does he think high school students should be taught regarding profanity? With this type of leadership, one can hardly expect excellence. Civility toward one another is breaking down in our country, and the use of profanity is playing a large part. The policy manual for the Hoover schools correctly recognizes that profanity is out of place. In the transportation rules it says, "2. Students will not use profanity, offensive, or disrespectful language or gestures." Could someone tell me why it is wrong on the bus, but fine on the football field? Regarding student discipline under the heading of "Serious Misconduct" we find "24. using vulgar, obscene, or profane language, or use of racial slurs or epithets, in verbal or written form or in pictures," Of course profanity is not permitted in the classroom. Why is it more permissible on the practice field? And another item states, "28. assault of a student, teacher, or other school personnel(verbal or physical)" Some of what is being condoned as the discipline of football players is nothing more than verbal assault, but it is "ok" because it is tradition. Another interesting part of the policy manual states under the heading, "Inappropriate Discipline", "At any point in the discipline process, actions which are designed to control behavior through the use of humiliation, degradation, or verbal abuse of students shall not be tolerated. Any form of corporal punishment, including punitive physical contact, is prohibited." Why is this prohibited? Because you don't teach young people how to do right by doing wrong. I have worked with teens in several capacities- since I was a teen. I have reared sons, as well as a daughter, taught teens in Sunday school, worked with them at camp, took them on all sorts of trips, and yes, even coached them in baseball and softball. This is certain- they learn best by the example that we set and they are at their worst when they are told, "Do as I say, and not as I do." All it would take to correct this inconsistency at Hoover or any other school is for a few good parents, city, or school officials to speak up.

Bread Update

Just wanted to let everyone know that the bread aroma was a false alarm. I got to the lunchroom and they had ham sandwiches and peaches. Apparently the sandwiches in the warmer were giving off the bread smell. I guess I saved a few hundred calories there!
Lesson learned- things are not always what they smell like.

I Think I Smell Bread!

For those of you who are in the school setting on a daily basis, you know that about the only good smell is when the lunchroom is baking rolls. I think I smell them now. Of course, being on a diet limits your intake of bread, so the battle rages- do I go get a roll? David reached his 50 pound mark on yesterday- way to go, hon, and I am at the 47 pound mark. This week has certainly helped my diet as my appetite has been numbed by my emotions. I am not an emotional eater, that I know- I am a happy eater. David started in October of '05 and I did not start until January 3rd of this year. The past couple of months we have been really diligent. David is wearing the treadmill out, and I, on the other hand, have not done what I should. I have started taking the long route to the office- which involves about 50 steps (I counted today so that is no exaggeration). I use to look for the shortest route. I know this sounds corny, but I have been a healthy "fat" person. I have low blood pressure (90/55), my cholesterol is about 106 (go figure), and I have had no problems with many of the other health issues surrounding obesity (I hate that word- I really hate "morbidly obese" as it makes you sound not only fat, but awful!) aside from having my gallbladder removed (which was at a time when I had actually lost weight). Our incentive to loose has been fueled by the grandchildren- David wants to take them to Disney World and ride all the rides (watch out, Addi). The 47 pound loss has made me feel better- but then again that roll would make me feel better, too, at least temporarily. I wish those ovens vented to the outside, as smell is such a drug. Luckily, if I do decide to have a roll I will only get 1 as the lunchroom is very stingy. So, I might splurge and have a small roll with my Lean Cuisine! What do you guys think about that????

Hannah Elizabeth Courington

Hannah Elizabeth Courington made her entry into the world on Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at 10:27 p.m. She is just as beautiful as Addi and Levi. Katie did wonderfully, as well as Josh who I think helped do a lot of the pushing, as he developed quite a headache. They were a good team. I hope Hannah is blessed with health, happiness, and hope. I can't imagine life without my grandchildren. They are all so precious and we are so fortunate that they are healthy, happy, and blessed with Chrisitan parents. I pray to God that he will let me live to do my part in making their memories of life special. Thank you, Lord for blessing us with Hannah.

Miss Hannah, Come on Down!

Well, the whole family is in official "wait" mode. Although Hannah is not due until the 24th, we have all determined it is time for her to join the clan. I know Katie and Josh are ready for her to get here. I well remember the anticipation of a new baby- although we had to wait many weeks past my due dates. I sympathize with elephants- I think they carry a baby for something like years!
When she does get here- she will be one loved little girl. It is so sad that not all children are born into families where they are loved.
Hannah Courington- COME ON DOWN!

Defining Moments

I think we sometimes have defining moments in our lives. I had one of those on Sunday night. Now what I mean by "defining moments" are those seconds, or minutes, that make us realize how important someone is to us. Let me explain. Levi, being the non-stop ball of energy that most 18 month old little boys are, was in the foyer playing with some of the older kids at church. Most of the adults were in the fellowship hall celebrating a birthday, eating and talking. Toward the end of the evening Jasmine came into the fellowship hall carrying Levi. She said, "He fell". Well nobody got too upset because he wasn't crying and there was no blood. As Kim took him into her arms she immediately turned and looked at me and said- "Mom!" in that tone that I knew there was something that she thought I could fix (that has been one of my biggest faults- I have tried to always fix things for the kids). Well not only was Levi not crying or bleeding, he did not seem to be breathing. You know how kids get hurt and cry and hold their breath for a long time- well this was like that only he was obviously almost out of it. For a brief moment we thought he was starting to have a seizure and then he finally began to cry. Well the cry lasted about 20 seconds and then he laid his head over on Kim and tried to go to sleep (something he never does.) Anyway, we would not let him go to sleep and Amy the nurse seemed to think he had got the wind knocked out of his sails so we pacified him by taking him outside where he proceeded to run around and act normal- quite the scare. This was my "defining moment" with Levi. Now don't think that for 18 months that I have not loved him, but this was the moment that I knew how much Levi really means to me. My "defining moment" with Addi came much sooner- at her birth. Because of the traumatic circumstances surrounding her arrival, and because of the uncertainty of what to expect, when I saw her alive and healthy, I knew just what she meant to me. I am certain that I will probably have a "defining moment" with Hannah, as well. I know I had one with all of my own kids- Kim, when she received a concussion at the age of 2, and Josh when he almost choked to death on Goldfish crackers, and Daniel when he and Josh took their "infamous" drive in PaPa's car up the guide wire of the power pole. Hannah, just let your defining moment be when you say "Granna" for the first time- that will be exciting enough for this grandmother.

Where Oh Where Has My Summer Gone?

It has dawned on me that Summer vacation is about to be over for those of us in the field of education. Who said that teachers get a 3 month vacation- you can wipe out August because most of us return to work the first part of the second week. I have had a Summer of workshops, conferences, and Building Leadership Team meetings. There have been few days when I did not have something to do or somewhere to go. I scheduled my doctor, dentist, and eye appointments for Summer so that cut into the time even more. I am thankful for my job and I do realize that I have more "off" time than many so for that I am thankful.
I monitored my friend's comprehensive exam today. I am glad it was her and not me when I saw the questions. I thought they were hard. I think she did okay although we started off shaky when we realized that the University of West Alabama had sent me a copy of the exam for Counselors and not Library Media students. After some panic I managed to reach the Dean of the School of Education and he immediately sent the right questions. Life is funny because I met this girl when her daughter and Kim started Kindergarten. We lost touch some years later although she worked for the same system. We "reconnected" last year and I actually supervised her Library Internship for the University of West Alabama. Sometimes I think life does go in a circle and it pays to be kind to people- you never know when they will show up in your life, again!

Don't you love the title?

The nature of man is to follow the crowd- so here I am. I don't have time for this nonsense, and I am certainly, without a doubt, not a gifted writer, but, not wanting to be considered as out-dated- I have joined the blogging world. Choosing my title was the only easy part of this decision. Thankfully the names Hannah and Granna are lyrical and have a bit of a rhyme- I think that added to my title, don't you? Now what will I write about- probably not much except Addi, Levi, and Hannah. How can one love grandchildren so much? I always thought grandparents were somewhat obnoxious- until 3 and 1/2 years ago. So I guess this will be an obnoxious grandparent's blog.