Women's weekend at FCWA 2012

What an amazing weekend!  I struggled with getting this all scheduled and planned and organized.  I went from let's skip it, to I do not have time for one more activity, to everyone is depending on me to do this for them.  So, you see what won out, we had a great weekend together........funny how God knew we needed a reason to get together and hug each other, share some time in fellowship and enjoy the great outdoors.  He knew that and he gave Misty and I the perseverence to get it all together.  While our numbers were small this year our fun and our joy was HUGE!  Reiteration of the knowledge that if God is in it He will be glorified, just wait and see.

Can you tell them apart?

So, if you missed it or if you were there and want to relive it, I am summerizing a weekend of fun here in hope that maybe one or two will be curious enough to join us next time.  Last week was a mad dash to get all food, instructors, prizes and manpower in place for the event.  Often more difficult than anyone knows, people will say "I will teach that, or do this or be there" but suddenly no they won't or no they can't.  In comes the survival scramble, the "I work well under pressure" mode.  And as always it all works out.  Friday, get the clubhouse ready and the food prep started, many thanks to Tracy Swann, could not have done it without you.  A few ladies arrived from Alabama Friday afternoon to get a jump on the fun.  I haven't seen them in two years and yet feel like we are the closest of friends, wonderful group of ladies!  Saturday morning.... let the fun begin,except for I wake with the worst headache I have had in quite some time, complete with nausea and vomiting!  GREAT!  So slowly and purposefully I manage to get up, dressed, car loaded and off to the event.  Luckily for me registration was a smooth process and all the first classes were covered.  The ladies began to arrive filled with excitement for the adventures waiting.  We met briefly for a quick greeting and then off to the great outdoors!  There were shotguns, handguns, bows and arrows, kayaks and paddles, dutch ovens and flames, rod and reels, boats and atvs, clay and pottery wheels.  The weather was fantastic for outdoor activites.  The ladies spend two hours in session one brushing up on their skills.  Then with the help of the dutch oven class we had delicious chilli and grilled cheese for lunch.  Now off to session two and three in the most beautiful spring weather!  A couple of the ladies convinced their guides to get a jump on the turkey hunting on Saturday afternoon.  There was also the much anticipated visit from Kym Abernathy, we haven't seen her in FOREVER.  We enjoyed a time of visiting and making beautiful dreamcatchers.  We picked up right where we left off talking and laughing.  Our evening meal was delicious BBQ chicken, thank you to all the guys for cooking for us again.  This was a time for the ladies to all share stories of the things they had learned in the day.  So fun to hear them talking among themselves and laughing at how they shot the target with all the arrows or they shot three different handguns or how many clays they busted, or even how relaxing it is to sit on the porch overlooking the lake.  After dinner, my favorite part of the day.........night hike, a tradition for this event, traipsing through the night with flash lights and black lights.  We look at the night sky and listen to the night creatures and giggle and talk more.  Campfire required, guitar and singing required to end the day. 

Sunday morning up and breakfast cooked for the 6AM arrival of the turkey hunters and guides.  After sending them off a brief spell of coffee in the porch swing for me and Stacey,  good grief the turkeys were gobbling everywhere.  Beautiful spring Sunday morning song.  Later in the morning the late rising campers make the way to the clubhouse for bible study, and let me tell you God was so working in our little group.  I had a plan for a particular devotion from a particular book which was in my car.  When I went to get it to review my notes, I realized the door was locked and my keys were in the atv glove box, and the atv was with the turkey hunters.  Great, now what, well I had a book in my everything bag and decided we could use the first chapter of this book.  I had recently done a Bible study using this book and knew it would suit the bill.  Well, as God often does he proved that this was the devotion we needed for this group.  The group as I said was small but we prayed and shared and discussed things in an amazing way.  We cried together and laughed together, what woman doesn't need that.  I stand amazed at the strength of these women in the things they face and the places they come from.  For a weekend we come together and grow and learn in so many ways.  I thank God for each of them and what they all mean to me. 

rest break

first session handgun, lookout sister!

Now the hunters return, no turkeys just more opportunity to learn.  We wrapped up with one last session of shotgun sports then a lunch together and departure.  I end this by saying I had a great time, recieved a blessing from every lady there and look forward to another opportunity to be in their presence.  Like I said on Sunday evening "If you missed it, you missed alot!" 

A big Thank you to the board at Floyd County Wildlife Association for always supporting this event and being there for us.  Thank you to Grammy and Poppa for hosting the Nutter babies all weekend so momma could run around with the girls.  Thank you Misty Waits for everything, I love working with you!  Thank you Tracy Swann, I am so proud of you!

Sherry and Travles recapping the fun day of shotgun sports.

A lovely Fall wedding

A few months back I was at work and my dear friend was discussing her daughter's forthcoming wedding.   As she explained that she and her daughter did not know where to start or what to do, let alone agree on anything.  I half heartedly said "You need me to plan it for you."  Well, guess what.....I became the wedding planner. 
There was much to do, so we all went right to work, deciding and planning.   We first had to decide where this precious couple would get married.  We looked around and debated a bit then the decision was made.  On to the date and the time and the attire and the food and the music and the photos and the guest list and the decorations.  One by one all things came together.......
On November 4th we went to work readying the church and the fellowship hall for the blessed event.  Friday night there was a quick rehearsal so everyone knew what was expected. 

the farmer takes a wife......

Finally, the big day was here.  Saturday morning ready to go except Shelby wants a new denim skirt.  So after I convert a pair of jeans she no longer wears into a denim skirt with some pizazz, we take off to the church for the finishing touches on the decor.  There is a special surprise in the parking lot waiting to be erected to greet the guest, then off for pictures of the happy couple. 

We spent the afternoon taking fun family photos that will allow the couple to remeber this day always.  We played, we laughed....some cried and we took some awesome photos.  The tractor and the field and the leaves and the beautiful sunshine graced us everyone.  When there was no one else to be photographed we loaded the beautiful bride and all her entourage up and went back to the church.  Soon the guest began to arrive and fill the pews of the little church. 
Well the wedding hour is at hand, this is what we have been planning and waiting for........"Let's do this."  Everyone was lined up and the music was cued.  Chalee's request simple, elegant and country and I think that is exactly what she got.  The ceremony was so sweet,  Chaplain Billy is so eloquent when he speaks. I could listen to him speak God's word for days!  Everything was just perfect.  After the vows and few inside the church photos there was a reception for all the guest.  The food was very good the fellowship was even better and the Bride and Groom were all smiles!
I feel so blessed to have been a part of this event.  I had fun guiding the planning and getting to know this family.  I know that God has a special plan for this couple.  Best Wishes Dale and Chalee Williams!




Camping Trip

I am excessively late in posting about our camping trip.  In mid October we ventured off to Desoto Falls State Park for a fun filled weekend of camping.  The kids were so excited for the big adventure and the weather was absolutely perfect, crisp and cool at night and sunny and warm by day!  We packed all that 4 people could possibly need for a two day outdoor weekend on the back of Daddy's truck and off we went to "Almabama" as soon we could on that Friday afternoon.  We located the campground, then the perfect campsite  (number 13) and began making it ours.  Tents in place and Tanner was tasked with gathering the firestarter wood and Shelby having camp experience coached her Dad in fire building 101.   With the fire going we got dinner started and began to enjoy the fall evening in the mountains.  Dinner is soon followed by s'mores or 2 kids eating alot of marshmellows from the bag while mom is trying to make s'mores.  Honestly the s'mores are for me, the kids are happy with just marshmellows.  Our first night in the tents is for the most part uneventful, everyone is tired and ready for bed and excited about the Color Fest events tomorrow.  Saturday morning I awaken to the cracking of the fire.  Time for campfire breakfast, is there anything better?  We used our cardboard box oven for biscuits, bacon and eggs in the cool mountain air, oh and percolated coffee to wake you up!  Delicious! Well, except the biscuits were well done, peel the black off and then they were perfect!  Dressed and ready for a fun day in Mentone at the Color Fest, the landscape was absolutely beautiful that weekend, color just beginning and the sun enhancing every bit of it.  The festival was filled with so may lovely and creative things.  We walked and looked and ohhhed and ahhed over all these things, took a moment to enjoy the breathtaking view at Brow Park. 

Shelby and Leah Seawright

Back to camp for a bite of lunch, a rest period and a short hike through the woods.  We got some dutch oven beef stew started for dinner after the concert later.  Now off to see Ms Leah Seawright in concert.  The day was just too much for Tanner, he could not stay awake.  Shelby snuggled under a blanket and had herself a rocking good time under the stars.  She even stood in line and got herself and her sleeping brother an autographed picture. 

playing in the campground

After the show we warmed by the fire and enjoyed a yummy bowl of beef stew from the dutch oven.  Well, three of us Tanner was down for the night,  he did ask what we were having but could not stay awake to have any.  It was not long before Johnny and Shelby had the Jiffy Pop over the fire, who remembers Jiffy Pop.  Shelby says that is the best pop corn she has ever had!  Good night!

Ah, Sunday morning on the mountain and Happy Birthday Johnny!  Another campfire breakfast, this time the biscuits are perfect!  Now pack it all up and home for birthday lunch with Grammy and Poppa.

I realized on this trip some of the sweetest things 1.if you sit quietly outside the tent you will hear a lot of giggling.  2.  If you lay quietly in the tent after everyone gets up you can hear amazing conversations between a Daddy and his daughter or a Daddy and his son.   






This was actually taken the week before but the only picture of us together I had to post,
taken at Desoto Falls



This was such a fun family outing and one I hope we remember to take time to do again and again.  Amazing memories happening now!  

Wow, who can believe it is October......  The summer garden is for the most part done with only a sparse tomato vine and a couple of persistent pepper plants.  The fall/ winter garden is healthy with cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli.  The pantry is loaded with (Forest Gump voice) Tomato Sauce, tomato salsa, tomato relish, canned whole tomatoes, tomatoes and okra, tomato and peach salsa, blackberry jelly, fig/strawberry preserves, pear preserves, apple sauce, apple jelly, pickled okra, pickled peppers, green pepper jelly, red pepper jelly, bread and butter pickles, canned pears..........my goodness.  The point is this will greatly reduce the number of trips to the grocery store!   
The chickens are enjoying the cooler weather...less panting and hovering near the shade of the building.....more roaming around purring and clucking.  Shelby now has official business cards and many egg customers.   It is nealy time for the lights to be turned on as the daylight hours grow shorter. 
School is in full swing and all is well on that front both Nutter children are exceeding academically which makes Moma and Daddy PROUD!  Shelby just amazes me with her reading ability.  Tanner is mastering his letters and getting started well with his sight words, and just as I knew he would he has charmed his teacher........so far he has managed to not have a single enounter with the removing of the crayon discipline tool.    Outside of school there is Team Kid on Wednesday evening, new for us but both seem to enjoy their new friends and learning about Jesus.  Dance on Thursday and a varied baseball schedule with 2 games per week.
This past Saturday was Kid's outdoor day at the Floyd County Wildlife club.........fun for everyone.........I just does my heart good to see kid's running outside taking in the fresh air and enjoying good ole fasion fun.  They were fishing and climbing and shooting bb guns and archery and giggling and squealing. SMILE!  This was my third time to coordinate this event and I learn something everytime.  What a blessing it is to serve God by serving others.

First day of school!  Bring on the fun!





see the mischief?  what a charmer......

  


 



baseball ready!





such a sweet girl, graceful and kind

Amazing how God has our path mapped out and sometimes we do not take note of it......recently I had felt God call me to a new congregation for worship and service.....upon acting on that I realized that there were people that I missed from the previous congregation.  I acted on faith and said " I do miss them but I will be obedient".... now to my surprise I register Shelby for dance, have some stuggle with what afternoon we will dance, change classes at least once , get on a waiting list so as to not dance on Wednesday......then when I get her to dance what do you know the one person I "miss the most"  walks in and sends her daughter into the same studio I just sent Shelby into!  See God knew we were going to need our periodic chats!  He always knows what we need and when we need it.  Learning more everyday to faithfully give it all to him!

Where will this journey take us?  For many months now I have had the idea to do a blog.  I do not really know why, I do lots of things and on any given day someone says "You should write that down."   Well, here I go......a place to write it all down.  I often say I am the Jane of all trades but master of none.  I love all old fashion things, gardening, canning, cooking, sewing, crafting, hunting and in addition to that I love to save money so couponing is my thing.  So anything from the Nutter house is fair game here could be recipe, could be good deal on grocery item, could be pictures from the deer stand.  The Lord has richly blessed me with two wonderful children and the opportunity to raise them on good old country living and we try to take advantage of as much of that as we can.   I guarantee it will be fun.