Fall Weekend:

Writer's Block:

I never thought about "life in general" affecting my not feeling like blogging lately. From the definition of writer's block stress/frustration, etc. affects a professional writer's ability to write. So I guess it can also affect "an unprofessional" blogger also.

Most writers will have trouble with writer's block at some point in their lives. The possible reasons for writer's block are myriad: fear, anxiety, a life change, the end of a project, the beginning of a project . . . almost anything, it seems, can cause that debilitating feeling of fear and frustration.

Hopefully, I get back in the swing of writing soon.

But as in my blog title, I am Grateful For The Life I've Been Given.

Great-Great Nephew:

Josh and Jay:
Cody, Josh and Jay:
We took a trip to Illinois over the weekend and took a side trip on the way home to visit my niece, Tammy and her family.
Tammy is the first born grandchild in our family. I remember being so happy in 5th grade to be an aunt!! Her son Josh is also the first born great grandchild and now he has blessed our family with the first great-great in the family.
This is the first time we got to see Jay and the resemblance to Josh when he was little is so remarkable!! Loved getting to meet the little guy.
Uncle Cody is pretty proud of him too.

I'm so grateful for the additional blessings we continue to receive in our family.

Sad Day:

A friend from high school passed away from cancer. Denise's funeral was relective of her life. Friends and relatives spoke of her playful demeanor and always having a smile on her face. Denise's laughter and kindness to others will always be remembered.

I am grateful to have known Denise and her family.

Wordless Wednesday:

Old Iron Works Day:

Family Suppers:

This guy,

and this guy

provided supper Saturday and Sunday night last weekend.
We've all been so busy this fall with activities and the guys with preparation for "molasses makin" at Mom and Dad's earlier and Old Iron Works Days this coming weekend, it's been hard to get together.
Saturday evening, the guys all gathered at Chad's house after stripping and cutting cane all day. Todd barbecued hamburgers and hot dogs.
Sunday evening they fried fish, potaoes and some side dishes. It was nice being to treated to the meals and visiting with nephews and friends helping.

I am SO grateful for the food and ESPECIALLY the cleanup I didn't have to do.......

Betsy:

Betsy and her new calf:
Cow number 2, named Betsy had her calf last Tuesday. I almost missed getting a picture of the calf as I was sitting in the truck trying to find my phone that was ringing......Ugh, can't ever find the darn thing!! Look up and she's walking off towards the woods already. This calf is named Bentley. Before you get confused with two Bentley's, the calf born to Gertrude was a heifer instead of a steer. Whoops!! Had to rename him, I mean her. She is now Gerty.
Betsy and Bentley's departure:



Well, what can I say, we now have another addition to the Elrod Cow Family Tree.
And that my friend, I am grateful for. (and so is the bank.......)

Nonnie's Girl:

Ashlyne Paige is 15 years old today!!! As she reminds us, in one year she will be driving!! Ugh! And now she is at the age to get her permit. I remember taking her dad to get his driver's license!! Repeat already?!
We have watched Ashlyne quite a bit through the years, starting when she was only three weeks old. The first baby in the family for quite some time and boy did we spoil her. All of us!! Before she was a year old she started calling me Nonnie.
Melted my heart. And I've been Nonnie for a long time to several of the nieces and nephews.
Of course when Ashlyne was around a year old we would swing on the porch swing quite a bit. I would sing HER favorite song to her. I love my Nonnie, oh yes I do, I love my Nonnie, ya hoo!!! I think I'll have to sing that to her tonight!! I'm sure she'll love it...................

I'm grateful for the joy Ashylne has brought into my life.

Great Nephews:

I need to make a correction to the number of great nephews I have. There are eleven on the Feeler side of the family and two on the Elrod side. Guess I need to learn how to count.
How could I not have counted these two adorable little guys:
Trevor Hayden Elrod:
Xander Jackson Elrod:
Dwayne's nephews and my nieces and nephews all get along and think they're cousins. I think it's great how we are one blended family.

I'm grateful for all of my family.

Newest Addition to the Family:

Kristin and Kaleb:

Kaleb Russell Lollis Feeler:

Proud big brother, Kaden Michael:

I am grateful for the birth of another great nephew today. This makes number 11.
My niece, Kristin Feeler gave birth to Kabel Russell at 11:37 a.m. He weighed 8 lb. and was 20 inches long. My brother, Russell now has four grandsons.
I can't wait to go see the little guy. Great nieces and nephews are indeed GREAT.