Funk

** I originally wrote this a few weeks ago and only decided to post it today.**

A Funk, the funk, in a funk. One of the things that have been surrounding me lately is the word funk. In the MTC I met the wonderful Elder Thomas Funk, who was so devoted to my accent that he invited to "come shoot something" with him after the mission. He taught me how to go places without moving my chair and the proper use of the word 'also'. Also he was always making me laugh with his next great idea. The second funk in my life was Amy. My second trainee in the field. Beautiful, smart, funny, shy, quiet Amy Lynn. How I love this wonderful woman. She taught me quiet dignity. She taught me diligence. She taught me the importance of tears. She walked like a queen and uplifted everyone that crossed her path. Amazing daughter of God she is. Today I am surrounded by a much different funk. I don't know what it is I just don't feel like I am in a good place. I know that this is where I need to be, but I also know this is not where I want to be. I fill like I fell into this funk and it just wont let me go! The harder I fight it the worse it gets. Quicksand of sorts. I want to be happy and I want to be content but I am just not a wait and see kind of girl. I need to be doing. I need to be going and coming. I need to be helping and serving and being productive. Today I feel like I cant do anything right. I want to be kissed good and kissed long by a certain someone. (Hope you caught the reference) But it will not be happening anytime soon. I am just frustrated with the 'wait' answer. I have to learn patience. I have so little. You would think as much as I practice at patience I would have it mastered by now, unfortunately not. Ole Scratches is still trying to get the best of me. I just cant seem to shake it. I need some distraction. I need someone to talk to. I need a good cuddle. I need to be able to talk with my heavenly father freely and teach others willingly. I need the influence of the spirit. I need to forget me and remember someone else. I need to remember the other Funk's that have helped me so much without it ever being intentional. So with no further complaining (I'm sure you've heard enough already) I am out the door to turn this Funk into Fun! Wish me luck!

This picture is Sister Funk and I in Vigan, Illocos Sur, Philippines on our last Preparation Day together.

-AzK-

Mautz Memories

Chloe Davis Mautz and her family live near Salt Lake and they invited Elishann and I to go up to the mountains and enjoy the fourth of July holiday with her husbands family. Her family is so much fun. Andrew her husband is one of the finest men to ever pull on a pair pants. He is extremely crafty and can make and or fix anything that has ever been put in front of him. He is so kind and diligent. He loves Chloe and their kids so much. I know this not just by hearing it said but also from the way he is with them. You can just tell by the way he walks in the door after a long day at work just how much he really loves them. As he is being overrun with babies so happy to have their daddy back with them, amongst all the kisses and stories of the day he laughs and hugs and pats them, all while looking for Chloe. That's the stuff fairy tales are made of and I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to watch them live thier very own version. Chloe is one of those people that just make you stare and wonder how in the world she gets it all done AND stays sane. She takes on a day at the indoor play ground with 4 children like a pro. She is helping out with Tate's soccer team, organizes her schedule to fit all the visitors in AND cooks dinner. Can you imagine? One word. Amazing. Tate is the oldest and quite the leading lady in her own right. Very talented and smart, she knows how to help her mama and is the best hula hooper I've ever seen. Kaleb is the love bird of the family. He gives kisses and hugs freely without even being asked and he makes sure everybody is ok. He is a big boy who just absolutely adores his daddy and cuddles his mama on a reagular basis. Who wouldn't love kids like that? Then we have Eli. Strong build, strong ideas. He usually takes a minute to warm up to people but oh is he the charmer. He tells stories and like to play outside. His favorite thing is to stay up late with mama and snuggle on the couch. Then of course the baby of the family. Miss Tessa Jean Mautz. She is learning to talk, but dont dispair she is the most vocal non verbal child I have ever met. She has beautiful ringlets at the base of her neck and the chubbiest little cheeks. She will tell you no or bad if she thinks the situation permits it. She likes to be included but will not be run over. She can handle her own against every single one of her siblings and even me. She hates to be put to bed but loves her blanket. Together this crew makes up the Mautz family. Crazy at times, calm at others, full of love and understanding. Sounds like my kinda people. From jumping on the trampoline, to gardening, playing in the basement to watching movies, they dont always have everything together, but I can assure you that together they have it all.

-AzK-

Stewart Falls

While out in Utah I made it a goal to get back in touch with some of my friends from the mission. One of those was my former MTC teacher, sister Amanda Hawkes. She was brand new when she was assigned to my district. We were her first district and she was one of 3 teachers for us. She replaced our sweet Brother Bird after he was assigned to a new district. She gathered a few of her friends and we took a hike. Literally. We hiked up to Stewart Falls in the Provo Canyon. It was beautiful. The weather was bright and clear and there was a nice breeze. We came home filthy with dust and sweat but enjoyed our time together. We talked and played games as we walked and it was just a good girls day in the mountains. Amanda actually went to the bottom of the falls and played but I knew that what goes down must come up so me and the load that my feet carry stayed at the top. I enjoyed the scenery but most of all I enjoyed getting to spend time with a woman who shaped how my mission began and who started my learning process. She taught me then and continues to now, even without a nametag on. The name that is written on her heart is evident in the life she leads. Thanks Amanda, for helping me find that name on my own heart. Mahal Kita.

Idaho

I spent the 24th of July weekend in Idaho with Kendall Beckstead a very dear friend. We both had a no plans for Pioneer day so I drove up to Idaho and spent that Friday playing with him and his friends and toured the campus of BYU-I. With Kendall as my willing and able, not to mention oh so talented personal guide, I saw some amazing things on campus. We went to the nurseries full of beautiful green plants and flowers galore. Every color under the sun! The water features were quiet and beautiful and they even have a porch swing hung up that we were able to take a rest in and enjoy the afternoon breeze. My absolute favorite thing is at the very end of campus. Breath taking, majestic, peaceful, and serene are words that come to mind when I think of it. The Idaho Rexburg Temple is sweeter than any cherry on top. The windows have a wheat motive etched in them and the flowers that surround it are so simple and beautiful. I was unprepared to do a session since I didnt think to bring a skirt with me so Kendall and I decided to go at night to enjoy the splendor. The lights that gleam off the sides of the temple hightlight everything beautiful, all the way up to the angel Moroni. Children played on the lawns, an old couple walked hand in hand around the perimeter just talking quietly with one another, and we sat on a bench and enjoyed the spirit that is so abundant there. I learned the importance of common goals and standards and was able to experience the peace of mind that comes knowing that the person sitting next to me was worthy and able to go inside. The greatest blessings any one of us can hope to obtain lay within the walls of the temple, but the journey of actually obtaining them begins before we ever reach the front door.

The Temple as we saw it and Kendall and I on a bench at the back of the temple.

Tree + Rope

Troping seems to be one of the many fun ways to spend a summers afternoon for some of BYU's finest. For those of you around home troping is just swinging from a rope that is tied in a tree out into the water with the added attraction of flips and tricks that usually accompany high spirited youth. Growing up where I did I consider myself a water baby. I am never very far from the lake, the beach, one of many rivers or if all else fails I can get my fix from the fish pond in the backyard. So needless to say I was excited when Lexie called with an invitation to go troping. Lexie took Elishann and I with her on one such occasion out to Lake Mona with her cohort from school. I was the photographer and they were both active participants. After many trips with her friends Lexie is the only one of us who actually got good at it. She is so diligent! We enjoyed the sun, the view of the mountains and the time spent together. Water with 2 of my favorite women on a warm summer afternoon. Bliss.

Like your worst nightmare, I'm back!

So I've been home for one week today and just got around to this whole blog thing again. I realized that I had several unpublished posts and that I hadnt updated since my adventures in Utah. Today I published the older saved posts and am now going to attempt to publish new ones with the details of my semester out in Utah and all the wonderful characters that have become a part of my heart as a result. From "the Family" to the "A-Team", temple trips to hiking trips, service to singing, and every adventure in between, I promise to tell it like it really was, or as I really saw it. Hope yall enjoy it as much as I did. It's good to be back but it's great to be home.

The Countdown Continues.....

Last night Aunt Shannon called me and we were talking about Jen getting married and all that has been going on with them lately. As she and I were discussing everything it hit me that I had not actually listed out everything I need to accomplish as my departure time approaches. Departure? Yeah, okay so lets start at the beginning.


Jennifer is my daddy's baby sister (Aunt Shannon's) oldest daughter. She is marrying a handsome returned missionary (Dan, who we all just adore) in the Manti temple tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock. Jen graduated last week from Dixie State with an Associates Degree and Brock, number 2 child in their lineup graduated from High School and went on Senior Trip. Brooke, the baby in thier family had to have some dental work done and was not enjoying the large serving of pain that she actually had to pay for. So needless to point out, my usually very with it, got it together, take on the world and win, Aunt Shannon has been having a CR@zY summer to say the least. Chase, number 3, seems to be in his normal chillax mode which has got to be comforting for Aunt Shannon.....must be in the name. She has lists and plans and notebooks. She has backup plans for weather conditions and unecpected surprise guests, I mean just everything. As for me, not so much.


About 3 months ago I was looking for direction and making those "life altering" decisions that usually come post mission. Just so you know I am totally indecisive and have been my whole life so no, not my favorite thing to do. Of course I pray really hard and when I get the definite "yes" or "no"answer I obey and things work out the way that Heavenly Father knows is best for me. I only struggle when it comes to the other answers like "maybe" or "wait" or the "its up to you". As I was praying and hoping the Lord would send me a lightening bolt "yes" to one path I got a letter from BYU asking me to participate in a summer language course at the Center for Language Studies. I would be studying Tagalog and taking a certification test at the end of the course which is one step on the way to becoming a translator. As I was walking back inside from the mailbox I realized why I had been getting the "maybe" answer that I don't like so much. Both of my goals at the time were good decisions but Heavenly Father wanted me to know that He had more in store for me.



The day that I got the acceptance letter I was thrilled. I came running into the kitchen and did my little "yay I am going on an adventure dance" for my whole family, some joined me in my little romp, some just laughed at me, and some started making plans! I got my apartment lined up and tuition paid for. I discovered that I already own the books I will be using in class and I put everyone in Utah or surrounding areas (5,000 mile radius) on alert that this little girl was headed their way. I am sure that the latter announcement had them running into the underground tornado shelters faster than the movie Twister but they had 4 weeks of preparation time, a personal best for me. I usually give about 20 seconds of "catch your breath and hold on tight" time before I lower the boom. I love the view when you fly by the seat of your pants and I think that my mother would agree that I was raised right! My father on the other hand has been dubbed by my sister (the sefl proclaimed linguist) Mr. Planner, among other things. Don't get me wrong, I like knowing there is a plan and a backup plan and I learned the importance of that on the mission.......but I also like looking at the plan as a loose suggestion. My brain sees a plan and responds, "Looks great, it will work IF nothing else comes along." or "It is a good starting place, lets see what else we can throw in, who else we can involve, or what the detour route would look like." and yes I also so the benefits of this on the mission. When I realized this I started praying more for my companions than ever. Poor things! But what can I say, I like it like that. I need a little craziness, it keeps me sane! And because this is my outlook I have gotten to experience some pretty amazing things, meet and come to love some pretty amazing people and be molded into the person that I am today. So with that being said.....



I am starting to panic!!! I know it is so crazy. I am totally insane. 8 days left until my flight leaves at 7:00 am. which is going to be at the conclusion of the busiest week of my life. So yeah. I think now is the time to call in the planners: notebooks, calendars, and pens at the ready!

Not one but Two!

I had the privilege of spending Saturday night with not one but two of the sweetest little men in the world! Am I a lucky girl or what?! I love Kole and Keaton so much! The elders on the mission were jealous of my fan mail because I got so much from the boys! Miranda and Kaleb went out of town for a quick overnight trip to get some summer shopping done and I got to spend tons of time playing with my fellas. We built tents, worked together on laundry, and of course took a bath fit for most kings! The boys really love water! We watched every single Harry Potter and that was an accomplishment to them! We remembered our prayers and to read our scriptures too! We got up and dressed like missionaries for church. While looking in the mirror in the bathroom Keaton looked at himself approvingly and said, "Yep I'm a a stud." When we walked up to the Elders at church he looked at Elder Merrill and Elder Davis and said, "I'm a stud." He was so convinced that he was just all that. I got a good chuckle out of him! After church Jarah came over and played with us. We had a blast showing her our cool tent and then she helped us tear it down. Heavenly Father really has blessed me with some amazing kids in my life. Of course they wouldn't be so amazing without their wonderful parents to help lead and guide and teach them. I think I will start counting my blessings right here...

1. Kole

2. Keaton

3. Miranda

4. Kaleb

5. Saturday nights

6.Blanket tents

7. Sunday mornings

9. Long bath times

10. Sweet babies prayers

11. Missionaries influence for good.............

The Big LC

We have so many blessings in our lives. Small town living is among my top favorites. I have been around the world and back and there is still no place like home. I guess everyone feels that way but I am here to tell you we should probably start issuing passports to come down here. I have heard so many stories from the “move ins” or “transplants” about how life here in Liberty County really is different from the surrounding areas.
One of the things that I boast about is our 1 red light, 2 caution light status. I know that most places brag about shopping centers and state of the art technology but not here. I am so proud of our little caution light in Hosford. I really can’t believe that it is still blinking. If I were a betting gal, and I have been known to place a wager or two, I would say that with all the hunters and outdoorsmen that have to pass by it umpteen times a day it wouldn’t have lasted more than a day or two. But it has and in my opinion there is a reason why. When I see that old caution light flashing in the dark night sky after a long day at work in Tallahassee I know that I am close to home and the comfort and peace that being there brings. I know that right there at the old silk petals there will be a “county mounty” or sometimes a trooper parked right outside the yellow glow, just watching the ramblers of the night. There on the other corner, ghost like in color and old plantation like in size is the Hosford School. Complete with the big old oak trees and hard wood floor gym. I can assure you, they don’t make’em like they used too! On the other two corners of course you got the Chevron, the local convience store and the Hoggly Woggly. I think it has a different name now but to me it ain’t changed a bit! It still smells the same anyway. No amount of scrubbing could get the greasy fried chicken smell out of that building and I don’t know a soul who would even try. Short of a fire burning it down I doubt that place will ever be anything than what it has been my whole life…..and that’s all right with me.
Another of my favorite things is the waving. Everywhere you look while driving down the road or standing beside it you see people waving and exchanging friendly greetings. A wave can be a simple “hey y’all” to neighbors or a hearty welcome to the thru traffic out on Highway 20. It can also be a not so nice, “you just run over my dog” message. We have seen and participated in both forms, each with their own benefit. There is no requirement to actually know the person you are waving at. Here everybody is “tater patch kin” as grandpa would say so you may as well wave; they are probably your cousin! When we were in high school we had to drive to Bristol to school. Elijah and I had a truck and would haul anybody who could fit with us. We usually brought the same crew home plus a few extras after all the practices and everything were done. With all the new people moving into town we started seeing how many we could get to wave to all of us packed in that truck. The log trucks blew there train horns and keep going not missing a beat, the pick up trucks were all just as friendly as could be but sometimes we would get a double take or a bug stare as we rolled on pass them 6 or 8 strong. I think they thought we were a little crazy…..and sometimes, I’ll admit, we kinda were.
The way you introduce yourself here in our area is a little different too. You can walk up to someone and say, “Hi I am Azie.” And I can almost guarantee that the answer you will get is, “Hello, I am Jamie Holcomb, from over on Hoecake road, Royce and Trish Holcomb’s bunch over that way. Who are your people?” So we learned quickly to introduce ourselves like this. “Hello sir, I am Azie Spikes, Crystal Musgrove’s daughter, she grew up out in Blue Creek, part of that old Geiger clan, married a boy from over panama city way, and we live in Hosford.” Just kinda helps keep the conversation moving a little bit and at the same time tell you who you can and cannot gossip about! If the person you are talking to is a Blue Creek Geiger then you know already that you can’t talk about the Musgroves, the Geigers, the Spikes, the Holcombs or the Duggars, because that is all their people! It really is a blessing to know who you’re talking to; it can keep you out of a lot of trouble. I guess you would just have to be from around here to really understand that.
Speaking of school, another plus for parents in our community (not necessarily the kids) is that when you go to school and something bad happens, you know in a New York minute. Us younguns could do something wrong and mama would know before we got home and she worked all the way in Tallahassee. On the other hand, when some body needed something or was hurt, they knew just as fast. We knew that no matter what we did we would always have somebody there in a hurry, to help us and take care of us, love us up or tan our hides depending on what exactly went on. I have been on both sides of the issue and I am grateful to know that my people we there when I needed them and when I didn’t. News travels fast here and bad news flies! Everything can be known in about 5 minutes if you know who to call. From who just got life-lighted to Tallahassee, to who the Homecoming Queen is, to what happened out on highway 20, the Grapevine is alive and well in our community. We have all been victim of it on our bad days, grateful for when we needed help and users of it when we accomplished something great.
The scenery around here ain’t too shabby either. Tall pine trees remind us of the heights we can achieve, old moss covered oaks remind us of our strong heritage and the pot holes and dirt help us to remember to slow down or at least enjoy the journey even if you do take it at 90 miles an hour. Rivers boarder us on 2 sides and creeks, branches, and sloughs crisscross the land like tiny little arteries in our hearts. The full moon rising at the back of the deer patch is what my memories are made of, tinted with the golden kiss of the hot summer sun on the bank of the river, and the vibrant colors in the flowers along the walk at grandma’s house. Michelangelo ain’t got nothing on the One who painted the view from my front porch looking in or my back door looking out. Even the poorest here are still so very rich.
A sense of pride, community and family is established in everything we do. Known for high school sports, our love of the outdoors and admired for fundraisers to help the sick and our beautiful scenery, the big LC is the place to be. There truly is no place like home.

Welcome to the Woods Y'all!

Since my young women days we have always tried really hard to let the Elders in our ward know how much we appreciate their service. Especially since I have been home I have tried to be as helpful as possible. Last week Amanda and I made some posters and put them on the wall leading to the missionaries house and then on the door for them to find when they came home. Just our little way of saying welcome. The poem on the door said:

Hello Elder Dame,
You probably think this is lame
But we have to play the game,
Around here things always stay the same.

Fresh meat on the market,
So we made you all our target.
Two tags make a pair
And 3 just make a scare!

We do miss those who are gone,
But will claim you 3 as our own.
Please don’t sing us a song,
The first time was just wrong.

Looking forward to seeing your smiling faces,
And filling all the empty church pew spaces,
Feeling the spirit, even in small traces,
Can help save the worst of cases!

Good luck planting the seed,
Show them the truth through all your good deeds.
And please let us know what you need,
We all want to help y’all succeed!

There will now be 3 missionaries in our ward: Elder Dame, Elder Merrill and Elder Davis. Amanda left them a loaf of her zucchini bread on the hand rail as a nice little late night snack. She told me that since I have been home our rhyming has greatly improved! I think it is fun to do and as a missionary I loved it when the members went out f their way and took time out of their busy lives to make us feel welcome and special. If any of you would like a hand it next time just let me know. The more the merrier! But if you would really like to make their lives easier you can ask some of you friends to hear the gospel. I know that they will be more than glad to share what they know and save a soul in the process. Let's show these boys how its done LC style. Next time you see them on the street, take time to talk, shake hands and love'em up. (Boys only of course) and do what you can to make this work roll forth! Remember pretty is as pretty does and we have some right handsome fellows serving us. Lets be pretty and help them carry the load!

The Coloring Kid!

This is what I found when I walked into the kitchen yesterday after work. Yes he is coloring in a Christmas coloring book, it i s NOT a figment of your imagination! My daddy is just a big kid at heart and that is one of the many reasons why I absolutely love him!

~AzK~

Farewell Fetokai

From Left to Right:

Standing: Daddy, Elder Dame, Elder Fetokai, Elijah

Sitting: Arminda, Me, Kristina holding Jarah

Elder Fetokai got transferred and is now serving in Alabama. He is a great Elder and will be sorely missed. He was the first new Elder to get assigned here when I got home and it was his first area. He was trained by Elder Wilson and then trained Elder Dame all while assigned here. Because I served with so many Polynesians on my mission having him around really helped me adjust to being home again. His performance at the ward social and various Family Home Evenings are great memories! I don't think I will ever forget the day he called me a "FOB" in the hallway at church. We laughed so hard. I thought E. Wilson was going to die! We also gave those 2 the traditional "Welcome to the Big LC" posters his first night in town and it was so much fun! I am so grateful for a loving Heavenly Father who knows me and knows what I need to make my path a little easier to walk, but then also gives me the opportunity to help someone else along the way. Good Luck in your new area Elder!

~AzK~

Family Home Evening

Our family as usual, has our own little way of holding family home evening (FHE). We weren't doing so well in our little immediate families at being obedient to this program that the church has organized to help us keep our focus on family, but now, thanks to Aunt Katrina, we are progressing! She came up with the really great idea to have all of our little families meet together once a week for FHE. So far we are doing pretty well. Going on about 3 or 4 years now. When I was on the mission it was one of the things I missed the most about not being at home. I love to spend time with them learning about the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. It really is the only avenue to joy in this life and the life to come.




Y'all know that we are a big bunch. Loud and fun loving. We have had some amazing experiences and we are growing together as a family which is the whole point and purpose. Once a week is quite a lot of family time for a crew like ours and we have covered every gospel topic under the sun. Some would think it would be super boring but not with a family like mine. One of the best lessons was at Aunt Randy's house. We were told that there was a grand prize and we had to answer questions and earn money (monopoly money) to be able to win it. We all of course did our very best at answering gospel related questions and as the pool of people with money left dwindled we would give our little bit of cash to help a player with a better chance. Trey wound up with the most money and then Aunt Randy told us the prize was actually priceless. That we couldn't even buy it with earthly money. She showed us a temple recommend and then taught us that our words and actions were the currency that we would need to obtain something as priceless as it is. That has always stuck with me. Some things you just can't put a price on. Another great lesson was at Aunt Katrina and Monroe's house. He gave us all slips of paper with scripture stories and we had to act it out and have the rest of the family guess. Grandpa was in a group with Miranda and Randy Peddie and all the babies! They got the story of the brother of Jared. All the little kids held up a sign that said, "A Rock" and when touched by grandpa's hand they smiled. It was so cute and we were able to guess the story. The kids of course were adorable. While we do focus on church doctrine at FHE we have also had fun, not so spiritual times. We do the usual birthday cook outs and memorial day celebrations. Aunt Randy put her bar stools up behind her love seat and we had 3 rows of 3, like a tick tack toe board. She had of on 3 bar stools and then 3 of us sat on the love seat and 3 more right in front on the floor. Then she gave us all X's and O's and we played Hollywood Squares. The questions were about our family members like How many had won the Bulldog Athletic Award in High school? How many had ever sang in public or for money? Who were the 2 who caught a tree on fire down at grandaddy Rudd's while playing with fire works? How many in our family are named James? How many returned missionaries and seminary graduates? Just the funny stuff and stories that we hadn't heard being the younger generation. I learned so much! It was a hoot to hear some of the things that Daddy and Monroe and Jamie got into before we all came along and then grandma and grandpa's reaction to the adventures.



Last night was my turn and we went through the bible dictionary and looked up some terms that we hear a lot in our everyday church attendance. Like for example, did you know that Manna literally means "What is it?" When bread was falling from the sky on the children of Israel that is exactly the reaction they had, "What is it?" Wouldn't you have the same one? I know I would! We also looked up Lucifer, Satan before he was cast our of the presence of God. Lucifer actually means bringer of light. How interesting! We learned that Christ was as common a name as John or James are today and that Satan literally means "slanderer". We learned so many interesting facts together through the scriptures. I dressed the little ones up and gave them things to prompt our memories of the stories we know. Kole had a bow and arrow, symbolic of Samuel the Lamanite or Nephi and his broken bow. He was holding stones. Like a modern day David or even the Brother of Jared. Keaton had water and a stick of wood. Reminding us of the Flood with Noah, the Cross, and various different staffs the Lord used to perform miracles. Jarah was decked out in jewels and fine clothing, usually used to symbolize wicked, idolatrous people but reminded us also of Queen Ester, the prosperity of the righteous Nephites, and the wealth that Lehi left in order to follow the will of God.



We often hear the old adage "the family that prays together stays together". I know that no truer words have been uttered by the mouth of man. We learn together, we pray together, we laugh together, we love, we cry, we understand, we partake of the goodness that the gospel has to offer, and we share it all, TOGETHER!



~AzK~

Down Home, Down the Street

Down home, down the street, is not only referencing the Piggly Wiggly. This past weekend and old friend and I went up to Rock Bluff and visited the Torreya State Park. Both Tim and I have been several times but I hadn't been since I got home and we had never been together. He was in town for the weekend so we raided his sisters fridge (thanks mrs. Becky) and camera in hand took off to the park. It was a beautiful afternoon and we enjoyed ourselves in spite of the fact that we both forgot about bugs in the summertime in Florida. Needless to say we were quickly reminded. There were so many mosquitoes that we could have been levitating and not known it! But that is the price you pay for being outdoors. I really didn't mind it at all. The crowning jewel of the park is by far the old time mansion sitting on the hill. The Gregory house has always been special in my family. Before it was moved to Rock Bluff it used to be up in Jackson County and my Grandma Kennedy played underneath it as a small child. It was up on bricks and they could park the horse and buggy underneath it. That is where grandma would always find herself on those hot summer days, complete with dirt it was a younguns dream. The house was eventually floated down the Apalachicola river and set to rest looking out over the banks in the Torreya State Park. The house has made many pleasant memories for my family since it arrival here in Liberty County. Several of our bunch have been married there including Aunt Randy and Uncle Jamie, Aunt Shannon and Uncle Craig, Kirstin and Anthony, and Sloan and her first husband Cliff. Many field trips have been conducted there and even more ghost stories told about the place. They have trails you can hike, a picnic area, a candle light ceremony every year to commemorate the soldiers complete with a reenactment, scheduled tours of the mansion and of course, a beautiful view of the river. Peace speaks from the pines and the moss waves in the wind reminiscent of days gone by. A much simpler time. As you walk up to the house you can almost picture a youngun and dog on the front steps licking a melting ice cream cone in the hot summer sun, or a few teenage boys beating a rut down to the river bank to cast a line. In its preservation, the Gregory house gives us the opportunity to step back in time and pause, enjoying the beauty of yesteryear in great detail. I hope that you can all take a minute and stop by for a visit. Take a glass of pink lemonade and have a seat on those old front steps. Share a story or two and get back to what really matters, down home, down the street.

cR@zY on more than one level!

My birthday on May 8 + Mothers Day on May 9 = One CR@ZY weekend for me! Daddy bought mama a dining room set that she wanted for mothers day so that me and Arminda to get creative and find something she would want. What do you give somebody who buys herself whatever she wants right when she sees it? Well, with little sleep and no brain, for some unknown reason, I agreed to do sister pictures with Arminda (the only sister I have, thank goodness) for mama for Mother's Day gift. It was her idea and the catch was that she is the one that wanted to take them! But I guess if you know my mama it ain't really that surprising! She found a field uptown full of little yellow flowers and decided she just had to have pictures in it. So early Sunday afternoon we went up town next to Mr. Bob's old store and had fun playing in the flowers. Kristina and Jarah also had to be subjects for mama and their pictures turned out cute as well. Here are some of my favorites.

Me and Ms. Binky!

It looks like we are twins, the straight and curly version of each other.

This was one of mama's favorites.

I had had enough of her smack! Just kidding!

Let them eat cake!

The weekend of cake! It all started on Friday. With my birthday on Saturday, my office bought me a red velvet cake from the Cake Shop. It was wonderful and the card was great too! I really do have a good time at work! That evening Miranda had asked me to keep the kids for her and Kaleb to go out and of course I agreed! I love those little ones. I told her I would just come straight after work. Mama dropped me off there and when I walked in, much to my surprise their little family had thrown me a surprise birthday party, complete with posters on the wall, the cake, everything! The kids put on their costumes from their birthday parties (black and red Spiderman) and Loraina put on a power ranger suit too! We had an absolute blast! Rebekah came and ate with us and I was grateful to have her there, sometimes we just really don't spend good quality time with those that mean so much to us! After the party wound down she and I decided to run up to Dothan for one of our friends graduation parties. As we were on the way out of Miranda's mama called and said that I needed to come by Kristina and Elijah's. When I got there we had more cake and burgers. They also surprised me. Binky was just so excited to get even more cake and she sang happy birthday with everyone! Have I mentioned lately that I am one of the luckiest girl ever? Does it get any better than 5 million calories in the space of 3 hours with the people who fill your heart?? I think not! If this is any indication of things, 24 is going to be good year! And if not, I think we have enough cake to get us through! Milk anyone?

From work.....

From Miranda and crew

the kids with the signs

Kristina, me, and Rebekah. Daddy put exactly

24 candles on it! I thought the fire alarm was

going to go off. I got them all in one go!

I love to see the Temple

Well with Kale coming on the 15th of April I kinda thought we had witnessed our last really big blessing for a while. Him serving our Heavenly Father was one of the best blessings a family can get. We watched him grow and change and then come home get in the groove and get back into everything again. But I was kinda missing the spiritual high that comes from anticipating something so wonderful. Then Aunt Boo (Sloan Fowler) told us that she was getting her own endowments out in the Orlando Temple on May 1. I was able to go and I am so grateful for that opportunity. At 5:00 am, bright and early, Aunt Randy pulled into our driveway with the Tahoe and climbed into the far back seat. She wasn't feeling well but we all know that a little issue like that would never keep her from the temple and enjoying the blessings of see Aunt Boo there. She relinquished, astonishingly, the driver seat to me and mama settled in the second seat. We stopped and picked up Aunt Katrina and then Amy. With Aunt Katrina riding shot gun next me we began our adventure. What a lucky girl I am. I got to spend 5 hours in a car, as the driver and thus controller of the radio, with 4 of my favorite women. Cause that's the way we roll. All together always. AWESOME! We even tease a lot about us being together all the time because even when they were having us younguns they would call around when the time came to have the baby and everybody would go together. Just another one of those things that I have come to love as I have been raised by these amazing people I call family.

When we got to the temple we could just feel the excitement in the air. It was like a starving man coming to Christmas dinner. We were all there needing a little 'somethin, somethin" as Aunt Randy would say. Life has been kinda getting the best of us lately. While waiting in the chapel for the session to start we got to talking about our favorite things in the temple and the work that we were so fortunate to be able to do. I was going through for Memaw's (Aunt Margie) grandma which was very special to me. Heather had 3 sisters to do and she gave them to Mama, Aunt Katrina and Aunt Randy to do and that was wonderful too. Just so many neat experiences and we hadn't even really started yet. Mama's dress showed her feet and I was walking on 2 foot of mine so we ran and traded. It was probably one of my favorite things of the day to be in the temple with my mama, her 2 sister, and my grandma. It don't get much better than that. But if it did, it would include Memaw and Aunt Boo. And it did.

We filed into the session and she was there, pretty as you please, just waiting to soak it all in. Memaw was so happy to finally have Sloan in the temple it looked like her feet were floating off the floor. We sat in a row, Cheryl, Sloan, Memaw, Heather, Brittany, Me. In the row behind me was Aunt Katrina, Aunt Randy, Randy Peddie, Grandma. The row behind them found Mama and Amy and several more all seated and ready to go. It was like we were all holding our breath, and then the magic began.

As we finished up the session and all entered in the Celestial room I took a seat in the far back and just watched everybody come in one by one. I laughed, I cried and I prayed, oh how I prayed. The first person to hug me when I got there was grandpa. I don't think I could have chosen someone I love more than that man. Strong, steady, I should just call him Chevy, because he too is like a rock. There we all were, family and friends, gathering up once again. Tears were shared, soft whispering laughter, hugs, kisses, handshakes and handholding. I can't help but think that is what heaven is going to be like. Everybody filled with joy, together, waiting on the rest to make it through. She did so well and for the first time in my life I saw Aunt Boo as Heavenly Father does. A Beautiful, Kind, Loving, Sweet spirit, choice to him and to me. She radiated happiness and joy. Calm and collected. How I love her.

Of course afterwards we had the usual picture session and we loaded up and brought it on to the house. Many goals achieved and many more set. I think the next best day in the temple will be 24 July when Kale will take Whitney to the temple to be sealed forever and become his wife. The blessings of the temple are too many to count. If I just started with the people that Heavenly Father has blessed me to know I probably would be well over a 1000. What can I say, I am one lucky lady.

Me and Aunt Boo. We were both laughing!

Memaw and her children at the temple. 4 out of 6 aint bad!

The Sister Picture!! Gotta love it!

You never know what the other feller's toting....

Spoken like a true upstanding American. It was grandpa's little way of helping me remember to be nice to others because we never know what the other persons carrying, what problems they have or what hard times they have been through in this life. Sometimes I get a little a caught up in the world, my world, and lose sight of the things that are really important. Yesterday I came flying down our road at usual speed and our neighbor and her two kids were outside of their fence and she was mad clear through because I was going so fast. On my way back out she flagged me down and attempted to rail me for going so fast. I was surprised at the calm that over came me as I listened to her small little rant. I say small because she ain't got nothing on the family I came from, what can I say, they taught me well! She went into how her babies were gonna get ran over and it would ruin my life....on and on. Instead of reminding her that she didn't own the road and that I could go as fast as I wanted to down it, I just let her rant. Then I was reminded in my head of that saying grandpa always uses and just told her calmly that if she would keep her babies in her fenced in yard, I would slow down and maybe together we could keep her babies safe. Why I said that I don't know. I was filled with an inner peace and slowly reminded that she too was a daughter of my Heavenly Father and that I needed to treat her that way. That is not my nature by the way. Some would testify that I would argue with a stop sign, and it's probably true! The look on her face was one of dismay which turned to wonder and then gratitude. You could tell she was ready for a good argument and I surprised her I guess. This is not the first time she has flagged down someone in my family, she got Arminda a few weeks ago. But I was glad that she jumped off her high horse just about as fast as she had jumped up on it. It has been said that we should speak softly and carry a big stick. I think we should tread lightly and know how to holler when the need arises, but not until then. Some people just don't understand anything but plain language. Yesterday I was in a funk to say the least. Spent most of the morning throwing myself a nice little pity party and then a dear friend of mine said, "A diamond in the rough is still a diamond." She was talking about someone else of course but I was able to see the wisdom in that. We are all diamonds in the rough, but diamonds none the less. If we could slow down long enough to see the road the other fellows been traveling we may just decide that we don't need to put him in his place, cause he's already standing in one that we don't want to be in. The same is true when we are the ones being told where to go and how to get there. People don't always act they way they should and we need to know that we don't either. In a Madea movie her sister tells her, "Madea, God gone get them one day and God can get them better than you can." That is so true. As long as we are doing what we are supposed to be and turning the other cheek, then Heavenly Father will take care of those that don't treat us kindly. Our job is to be the light. To become the influence that He would have us be. I know that I ain't perfect but I do cherish those moments when I feel like I did good. I can look back on yesterday with that peace that can't come from anywhere but within. It felt like being on mission again. I was, even if just for a moment, what my Heavenly Father wanted me to be. Small triumph I know, but a triumph it was. She didn't know that I had had a rough day or that I was stressed out over some stuff I have going on right. So instead of letting it get all blown out of proportion it turned into a roadside agreement. Big sticks are good when you are dealing with mangy dogs, but a kind word and a comprise can accomplish so much more with our fellow men. Some would say that I've quit preaching and done gone to medellin, guess its true. I was taught that pretty is as pretty does, and I hope we take those opportunities everyday to be beautiful, the way our Heavenly Father made us, no matter how ugly the other person is.

~AzK~

True Love

Growing up the way I did, I started noticing the differences in my life compared to those of my friends. I would hear my friends say, "Daddy got so mad because mama spent his money." I never heard that growing up. Or, "daddy won't go because mama won't let him." The thing that scared me the most was when one of the girls in my school class said, "Well if daddy won't let me, I will just tell mama and do it when I go over to her house this weekend." My parents have always lived in the same house-together. With their children-together, and you could bet the farm that if you told one, the other would find out. As a kid I hated that! I wanted to be able to get an answer from one parent and it be final. That didn't happen till I was a senior in high school. The usual answer is, "It is okay with me but you need to ask your daddy." Which was like the kiss of death for anything! But I did get to do a lot of the things I wanted growing up. We didn't take 3 week long vacations to Europe, but if we got a 3 day weekend we always went tent camping. Some of my favorite memories growing up are from times we were just sitting around a campfire talking to each other and eating biscuits out of my cardboard oven that amazed daddy. We didn't drive new cars but we had good ones. The car I got when I was 16 was mama's hand me down. I still drive it, 310,100 miles later. She even has a name, we call her Bonnie and that is how we refer to her all the time. Even grandpa will tell me to take care of Bonnie. We went fishing off the banks of the river, we got to see the monster truck show when it came to Tallahassee, and we attended church together every Sunday. We have a tradition of decorating the Christmas tree together and us kids slept in the same bed on Christmas Eve night. We were just always together, loving, laughing, fighting, playing, and even eating. We still eat dinner around the table together. That is how dedicated my parents were. I am so blessed with good parents who were united in decision making and everything else. My parents have a joint checking account. They both do house work, yard work and take care of the kids. They both came to softball games, band concerts, beta club induction, football banquets, cheerleader tryouts, graduations, and any and everything in between. My sister is 17 years old, junior in high school and Wednesday daddy went to her softball practice after work, watched them the whole time, picked her up and took her to church, which at most is 200 yards away. She is perfectly capable of crossing a field to get to the church but daddy was there. There have been many times in my life that my parents were there and I didn't even realize how blessed I really was. But the thing I probably love the most is the small things that they do for each other. Not the dozen roses that cost you an arm and a leg, but the everyday little sweet things. On Elijah's birthday Daddy left Mama a pack of her favorite PEEPS on the steering wheel of her car. His little way of telling her how grateful he was for the sacrifice she made 25 years earlier in having my brother, which was not an easy task and only got harder as we grew older. He washes the dishes when he is home and cooks more than mama most of the time. But mama has had her fair share of shining moments too. What other woman would buy her husband a boat for Father's Day, or ANOTHER gun to add to the arsenal he already has? Which he loved but the cordial cherries around Christmas really stole his heart. She always does his computer work for him and makes sure he knows how much money is in their account. She kisses him hello and good bye every time they part company. She loves for him to be in the woods as much if not more than he does, not because she wants him gone but because she wants him to be happy and she knows that is one of the places he finds joy. She has hemmed every single pair of pants the man owns, and never once did she complain when he was Bishop about him having to go early or stay late or go in the middle of the night to sick peoples homes. She just prayed for him to be safe and sent him out the door. For my parents it's not about fancy clothes or jewelry, houses, cars, or keeping up with the Jones. It is about all the small things. The little tiny things that are hard to see on a day to day basis. Flowers for no reason, a text to let her know that he was thinking about her, new dining room chairs without being asked, supper on the table, all the things that go unmentioned but noticed. That is how I want it one day. The poor man that marries me! He has some pretty big shoes to fill. They are the best example. They are not perfect but the love they share almost is, as well as their children! *wink*wink* Because of their example those are things that I want when I finally settle down and get married. A dozen roses that someone else arranges and delivers is nice but a hand full of ditch flowers waiting in a mason jar on the counter when I get home says, "not only do I love you but I am willing to do something to show you that." A "good morning" text is better than any Shakespeare and letting me have the first drive in your truck wins my heart. Saying yes ma'am to my mama and working on stuff with daddy means more to me than any Olympic gold metal. Loving my kids and treating them like I was treated growing up will pretty much make me yours for eternity! To quote the Lady Antebellum song American Honey, "She grew up on a side of the road/ Where the church bells ring and strong love grows /She grew up good/She grew up slow/Like American honey. Having parents like mine is the richest of all blessings, and how sweet it is, like our Tupelo Honey!

~AzK~

The Hen Party

If you know anything about me, you know how attached I am to family. We are a large family and we are a close knit bunch as you have probably noticed in some of my other posts. One of my favorite things about my family is the relationship we have as women. Yeah, so we are all related but more than that we are all friends. Last night we had the usual "hen party" over at Aunt Randy's house. We all showed up around eight o'clock and she was still slinging honey with her crew. Most people would have come back or found something else to do, but we are not most people. We told her would see her inside and were happy to welcome her home when they finally called it quits for the day. Mehgan was cutting hair, Hattie and Jarah were our entertainment (poor Kristina was the supervisor and needless to say those two don't really take to the "no" word.) along with some new fascination Hali has found on the internet. Aunt Katrina, the ever sounding positive voice, mama with camera in hand, even if it wasn't her camera or her granddaughter, Miranda and her demon chocolate chip and icing cookie goodness, and a wonderfully splendid lack of the male species. Now that's what I call a party! Elijah and Kale were floating in and out but that was okay, they are usually pretty well behaved, or at least smart enough to know when they are out numbered! Aunt Katrina got some highlights done along with Miranda and Hali. All of us got the needed trim and talk! The TV was not the main attraction and neither were the day to day issues of laundry, cooking, cleaning and everything that goes into the home, kids, and family. We all sat around and talked about everything from politics to photography, cakes to "grease monkey's" (the baked hamburgers and french fries). We hashed out good colors for fall and bad people no matter what the season. Men, mainly for me since I am the only single one, and babies, because we seem to be over run with them. Now we don't know everything but you would never hear one of us admit it. We have strong, still, firm beliefs and we stick to them. When life gets tough we lace that deadly combination with hope, love, and peace that only the gospel and good family can bring. Uncle Jamie knows that if there is a wedding coming up or a bridal shower to be held that he won't be getting much sleep, now he goes to bed but he don't expect too much cause he has been around long enough to know! The dress code for these spectacular hen parties is a thing to behold. Hali showed up in mixed matched scrubs (the one girl who has never been a nurse!) Aunt Randy of course had the moo-moo on and Mama and Aunt Katrina were just pure jealous of that! I was wearing a pair of sweats from the mission and a t-shirt from Sonny's. Kale graced us with a streak through the house, towel only, because we were washing out hair color in the bathtub and he needed get a shower. The only one available was Aunt Randy's, he had to walk right down through the middle of the kitchen where we had all gathered up, so we had to do a few cat calls and throw a few dollar bills just to bring out that oh so cute blush that endears him to us all. Hattie and Jarah were the cutest ones there until they decided to help Aunt Miranda wash the color out of her hair and got soaking wet playing in the water. But hey, there are few things cuter than a baby running around crazy in just a diaper! I will have to say Miranda was rather stylish in her attire but she had just come from church with the young women! But what I love the most is that no one even cared! We didn't even notice. I guess when you have been through the stuff we have been through you don't take notice so much of the feathers of the bird, only the heart inside. Even though grandma wasn't there we would always refer to her and she was on the phone with us most of the time! When she wasn't we would add in a "well grandma would say...." and her love and guidance was still felt. We hate to see Mehgan go at the end of this week, we just love having her down and getting kisses from the Hattie baby but you can rest assured that there will be many more meetings of the hen's as we look after the crew, invited or not. The thing about my family is that whether you like it or not they will tell you how they feel about things, you can still do what you want but you will know where they stand. Most of time I count myself lucky to stand where they stand, walk where they have walked and love like they have taught me by example. Most days we run around like chickens with our heads cut off, especially during the honey flow, but ever now and again we get to gather our little chicks in under our wings and protect, encourage, and uplift them, teach them that they really can fly if they want to. If they don't listen, then a little pecking has been known to happen! But the best part is at the end of the day, we let our feathers down, roost in our favorite chairs in the kitchen and cluck about the things that are important to us, our favorite subject of all. FAMILY. Bitties, chicks and Roosters included!

~AzK~

Mad Skills...or just plain mad?

One of two things, I have some mad skills on this blog thing or I am just plain mad! I used to make so much fun of my daddy. When I was young daddy would tell me to give him my calculator so he could get up with mama. I knew what he was talking about but I still had to tease him just a bit. When Elijah went on his mission daddy learned the painstaking (we were the ones in pain) task of emailing. He emailed every week. When I was in the field he wrote me a paragraph a week. I loved them so much because I knew they had been typed one finger at a time. So needless to say I fancy myself quite computer savvy. Then I decided to start my very own blog. Somehow with all of my years in school this "setting up my blog" adventure has really stumped me. It took me two and half days to get the background how I wanted it and then came the posting. I looked forever for the button to upload pictures, which is as plain as day now that I know where it is. But I will have to say that my biggest accomplishment thus far is that I have somehow managed to become my own follower. Yep, with all my genius, I am actually following myself! How in the world does that happen? And the best part is I cant figure out how to take myself off! I am so used to knowing how to help daddy learn and do on the computer that my pride really suffered a hit. But these things happen. Although I haven't noticed anyone being their own follower, I have decided that it could always be worse. If by chance you see me sit down beside myself just know I am good like that!

~AzK~

It's all about the genes and we ain't talking denim honey!

Today at lunch mama said that she felt her heart attack coming on which got quite the response out of Chantel, who looked at mama and said, "What are you talking about?" and mama promptly replied, "Its all in the genes." Chantel had a confused look on her face and I said, in an effort to clear things up a bit "It's all about the genes honey and we ain't talking denim." After we had a good chuckle about that mama went on to tell her how medical problems were hereditary which lead to gene pools and we had our usual gripe about there being very few blond hair, blue eyed, good looking boys left and some comments were made about me being adopted but she said I looked too much like our bunch for that to be true. This whole conversation left me thinking about the things we say everyday that makes our language uniquely ours. Our family says some of the craziest stuff. And if truth be told, (which rarely is around here, we live with a bunch of avid fishers and hunters!) everybody has their own language. I walked into work after lunch and my co-worker Jonn was walking down the hall with a sour look on his face. I asked him what was wrong and he said, "Well I was just tired, but now I tired and full as a tick." I must have heard that a million times growing up. And there are so many more, for example from Uncle Jamie "That girl is crazy as a run over dog" or "You better be careful he's as crazy as a sprayed roach." The list could go for miles! "She's was moviing like a cat on a hot tin roof," or "He is as happy as a dead pig in the sunshine." Being southerners I think we have all heard these and many more throughout our lives. But in true Musgrove fashion those little quips of culture we use everyday weren't enough. Thus, Arminda and Aunt Katrina have started their very own language. The story is told of those two walking around the garden center at Wal-Mart trying to help Kaleb pick out plants for the new place they just finished building. So of course they are looking and picking up, reading info about the different plants and searching for just the right one. Well one unfortunate plant was left in the aisle where unsuspecting Aunt Katrina was trying to walk. She had a run in with the plant and she won! The poor plant wound up getting stepped on an kicked at the same time. This just appalled Arminda and she told Aunt Katrina that she was just a "plantabusanationer". Yes, she did! She just made up a word she thought was appropriate and every single one of us knew exactly what she was talking about! Daddy mixes up the letters of words intentionally. A good example of that would be, "That shickled the tit out of me!" or "that was fang dunny". My all time favorite that we said as kids was, "I am gonna slottybam you!" We've taken our fair share from the movies, like Medea's "Hellur", and her "call the po-po ho". And then there is the whole "Don't be so ugly" phrase that gets used on us heathens all the time. It is probably my favorite. The ugly in that sentence has nothing to do with physical beauty. We are a right good lookin' bunch if I do say so myself, but we aren't always pretty. It means be nice and kind, pretty in word and deed as well as appearance. Sometimes the most gorgeous girl you've ever seen is just plain ugly! And as grandpa would say, "I know she can't help it but she could stay home." To which grandma adds, "Bless her little heart." Some of us are just "bass ackwards" but wouldn't know hateful if it run over us, although it has tried! Sometimes we let it win and thus the "don't be ugly" makes its second appearance. My favorite language that my crew uses has no words. I have been told as much with a hug from my daddy as he could have ever put into words. A look from mama with her pursed lips has stopped be faster in my tracks than any jake brake on a semi. That pat on the shoulder from Aunt Katrina, that she learned from Granddaddy James, can heal those unreachable pains. Seeing Aunt Randy coming flying sideways "up in here amongst us" when you are alone and facing trouble makes you step a little higher and dare somebody to try you. Kinda makes me wanna holler "charge" without her ever even speaking a word. Grandpa's whistle means he's home and so are you. Uncle Jamie's laugh says that there is a little goodness left in the world. Uncle Monroe can raise those eyebrows and ask 100 questions without so much as a whisper. Randall's wink lets me know that my secrets are in the safest place. A shake of Grandma Kennedy's head and we all knew we were in trouble. Arminda's rolling her eyes tells all AGAIN for the 100th time that she ain't impressed. Trey throwing them hands up means he's done all he can. Daddy pulling his pants up with his wrist means somebody is gonna get a good talking to and the pitter patter of small feet on the more than 6 little ones that we have running around sounds like love to me. Hali's hands holding yours says that you got a friend in her. Mehgan's hands in my hair says that the miles don't matter and that time makes everything better. The whistle you hear in the woods when you are lost is one of the most welcoming things is the world. We all have our own ways, culture, and language. As grandpa would say, "nod your head, you know what I'm talk about"!

~AzK~

Who needs the Legend of Wooley's Swamp when you got the Bradwell fence?

We don't need no Charlie Daniels band and their legend of Wooley's swamp cause we've got the old Bradwell fence and a swamp of our own. Just an old beat up road side fence on the Bradwell Unit, right outside Blue Creek on the Tallahassee side. It has been falling down all of my life and half of my mama's! It has been every color from John Deere green to Midnight Blue. Zebra striped, red white and blue, the superman logo has even had a few days of glory, come to think of it, anything you can imagine and some things you can't, have been painted onto that rickety old fence. But paint goes away, it gets covered up and loses it shine. The other things this old fence represents to me and mine will not be tarnished by the tides of time or eroded by the wind and rain. The Hope, Pride, Love, Character, Endurance, Peace, Comfort, Tradition, Kindness, Unity, Bonds, Memories, Laughs, Cries, and Excitement that goes into this fence are not subject to worldly woes. My family started this tradition of painting a "welcome home" message to our returning missionaries when my daddy, Tracy Spikes, returned home from his mission in Scotland in 1981. Ever since that time this has become a thing of legend usually only seen on the movie screen or heard in an old country song. We usually paint "welcome home" and the person's name, something unique to them, and then sign our names in spray paint all around it. The Geiger boys also got a bit of the glory way back in the day, as they too have come home from honorably served missions. In more recent years with our resident artist, Aunt Katrina, we have been able to get a little more creative, Randall's had the John Deere logo on it, Kaleb's the Superman sign and Ellis was written where there should have been an "S", Elijah's had the Browning Buck Head symbol in his Garnet and Gold Alma Mater colors, and I being the only female to make the fence so far had lime green on the sides, with a huge Zebra print back ground, and welcome home Azie written in bright red, just my style! Last night we began the ending of one more coming home, me, and started all over in our well wishes for one more of the Lord's soldiers to hang up his coat, take off that name tag and begin again, a new, changed, even better than before, son of God. As we painted that Dark Hunter green over the Zebra stripes a peaceful feeling surrounded my heart and I was filled with joy. My sweet love, Elder Kale Holcomb, is coming home from his mission tomorrow. We are doing his fence camouflage with "Welcome Home" in Blaze Orange. The crew came out in force, even Trey, Mr. Lovely himself, came and did more than his share of painting. With all the little ones around we got to thinking who the next one would be, and it kinda broke my heart as we realized that it would be Kole. He is only 5! But that means that Kale's legacy will get to live along time on that fence, as a beacon of all things wonderful. Let's hope the thing will stay up that long! Daddy had to repair it to make it stand up for my sign. And you can bet your last dollar that if need be we will just build our very own for Kole man! We ain't above it! We have has so many good experiences wrapped up in the painting of the signs. When Elijah come home, Kole was just a little thing and he warmed our cheeks while we worked in the middle of December. Without fail we get the cars honking on the way by and well wishers stopping in to ask for official return dates of the ones coming home. We even got the State Trooper yesterday asking us what we were up to, which I found hilarious considering it was Kale's sign we were painting! 4 Little ones helped paint yesterday and it was a blast. They all had on their sunglasses and slung paint like the pros! All over us and each other but that is all part of it. We wouldn't have it any other way! Tonight we finish this master piece and will lay our brushes down for a few more years but that will be about all we put down. The hope that old rotten fence breeds is untouchable. Forever it will be in our hearts as we send them all around the world to serve our Father in Heaven. We've been from California to Hawaii, Canada to Equador, Scotland to the Philippines and about 10 places in between. And every single time we came home with honor. That folks, is not only a legend, it is the stuff hearts are made of. It's what we do. It's why we are so proud to be the family that we are.....it don't get much better than that. We love hard and we play hard. We fight for what's ours and what's right. We take the good with the bad, the happy with the sad because we are a family and that's the way we roll. I guess you could say that old beat up tin is worth millions to us. It is our small way of saying, "Come on home, you did good and we will be here waiting on you no matter when you come home, or where you've been". Contrary to popular belief we ain't even no where near close to being perfect. We got our own share of sins as does any bunch as big as mine. But I know who's got my back when the chips are down. I don't even turn around to look. Call it what you want, it is just a old beat up sign but to me it's more welcoming than the Vegas lights to a show girl. It's home. And that really is all that matters. So thank you CDB for the legend of Wooley's swamp but I got a legend that would curl your hair right here in my own backyard. Tomorrow another man comes home where a boy left, another leader comes home where a lost soul once wondered, another hero joins the ranks who did well, and will do right till the very end. Welcome home Elder Holcomb, I am so proud of you, and if you don't believe me, just go look at the fence. Nuf said!

~AzK~

This is the newest one to add to the collection! Welcome home Kale!

Here you can see a few of the names on the side of my sign. I hadn't even made it to the house yet in this picture but nothing says home to me like neon green, zebra print, and black blue creek mud.

One more of the print! Aunt Katrina really out did herself this time!