Coffeycupp and Company

Daddy-O Turns 58

2008-10-11T04:49:00.001-07:00

Dave with his caramel birthday cake. When we were first married and living far far away from Mississippi in Lawton, OK at Ft. Sill I attempted to make him a "burn't sugar" caramel cake. His Mom always made him a special caramel cake for his birthday. Well, my attempt was truly pitiful; the icing was more around the sides of the plate than on top of the cake; He laughed at it, and I vowed NEVER EVER to try to make another. Well, here it is, 36 years later and I have NEVER EVER tried it again. David's Mom died last year, so I figured that if he was going to get one, I would have to try again. So, I did. Went on the Internet and found a recipe. It was kind of lumpy; the confectioner's sugar wasn't totally blended into the hot caramelized sugar, but it'll do. He seemed to really enjoy it.

David got a 243 piece tool box from Marrianna-a "Home and Garage tool Box"-mainly because she had pretty much decimated the last set of tools he had on hand...borrowing this and that and the other.

Jared and Lydia gave Dave a Books a Million Card....There is absolutely no better present for somebody, anybody, in this family!

I gave Dave a book by Alan Alda (Things I Overheard While Talking to Myself). Kaite's present included reading material and food! She bought him Mental Floss and some Mac Mags that he hasn't had in a long time as well as WHITE BREAD, REAL BACON (not that turkey stuff) and IBC Root beer in bottles. Wow!

Kemper County Queens

2008-09-21T14:24:00.000-07:00

Michelle Byrd and I have husbands, Jerry and David, who are teachers at Kemper County High School; we went to see them after the Mississippi Association for Gifted Children conference at the Silver Star/Golden Moon establishments in Choctaw, Mississippi.

MERIT Teachers enjoying the evening buffet Thursday night at the conference.

Our newest teacher is Victoria DeOrnellis; we couldn't find a table free and had to eat at the bar.

Becky Kinard and Carol Davidson

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Becky Hayes and Becky Kinard

Happy Birthday Marianna....26?

2008-08-27T14:37:00.001-07:00

Marianna On Her Birthday

Everybody should have SOMETHING to open up on their birthday!

Even if you got your Chop Saw
before your birthday!

Coffey Girls
Showing How Tough They Are

Floor Is Down

2008-08-27T14:21:00.000-07:00

The hardwood flooring is down. Thanks so much to Marianna, Daddy, and Jared. The shoe molding is yet to be done; guess that will happen on Labor Day Weekend. The room seems so much bigger! And Lily's little paws go "click" "click" "click". She does have a little more difficulty getting a grip to jump up onto the couch or recliner; she kind of slides on the nice new floor!

Marianna's Birthday Present
Doesn't every young Southern Lady need a chop saw?

And the Carpet Comes Up....

2008-07-28T11:59:00.001-07:00

It is amazing to see how much dirt is hiding underneath the carpet and padding of 27 + year old carpet! Marianna and Jared have been working to get it up and out....what a job!

The Mad Scientist at Work

2008-07-24T03:41:00.000-07:00

David and I worked together with Heather Rodgers from Winona on a week long camp for gifted students called Summer Discovery. David, who is used to working with high school students teaching physics and chemistry, stepped up to the plate and presented all sorts of science concepts from solutions to electromagnetism, sound and light..... to elementary students!

Meet Officer Pierce

2008-07-24T03:05:00.000-07:00

Jared is now a full fledged police officer with the Mississippi University for Women's Police Department. He is in a newly created position of Residence Hall Police Officer. He will be in charge of patrolling and being available to all the students in the residence halls. He will be a liason between the police department and the Office of Community Living, working to keep the campus safe and secure.
The Lord is giving him the desire of his heart, and for this we are so very thankful. Jared has wanted to be a police officer since he was a little boy, and this desire has only grown and grown as he has grown up into a man. We need men who love the Lord and who are willing to serve and protect. He is one of them.

Trying on His Newly Issued Vest

All the Kids....and the Grand Dog

Lydia trying on Jared's Vest

Summer Discovery

2008-07-14T18:40:00.000-07:00

MENTOS Geyser

David and I did the "Mad Scientist" for kids who had completed either first or second grade last year. Summer Discovery is a week long camp for gifted students; we have two teachers sharing the 8:30-4:30 day; Heather taught the "Cross Country Road Trip". Although it was hot and humid, we had lots of fun.

SummaTime and the Living Is Easy......

2008-06-04T06:01:00.000-07:00

It is June 4 and I am soooo enjoying the summer.

David is taking classes at MUW; Lydia is working at the Marbleworks and Jared at the W; Kaite is in London; Marianna is working at Governor's School.

Whoa! I am not working outside the home...I am working, with Lydia and RealSimple, at home. Some people have a personal trainer for getting in shape; I have a personal home/decor organizer for getting my house in shape. Am I blessed, or what?

I should have taken before pictures in the bedroom; I will do before and after pictures of the other rooms as we get to them.

After more years than I can count of benign neglect, this house is going to get organized. We have made some improvements over the years; Marianna pulled up carpet in the dining room and laid down new flooring from the foyer to the utility room. She also painted and decorated our bedroom and painted the bath and the kitchen. Jared and Lydia repainted the guest room.

However, after 3 summers of graduate school and then last summer with Grandma's death and Lydia's wedding, it has been awhile, if ever, since I have concentrated on super cleaning and organizing the house. It might have been since I was nesting....and the last nesting was 18 years ago...Whoa...I have just been treading, barely keeping my head above water, where housekeeping is concerned....

Give me a 20 page research paper any day; I really am not gifted in this area!! I am so thankful that I have a daughter who is, and who is willing to help us.

Off To London

2008-05-29T18:02:00.001-07:00

Marianna fussed at me for not having blogged since March. But, now it is summertime and I am going to turn over a new blogging leaf. So, here goes.

Sister Lydia saying good bye to Kaite.

Kelsey and Kaite waiting outside the bus.

Kelsey, Mom, and Kaite

Kelsey is a friend of Kaite's who stayed with us for a few days. Her parents live in Tacoma, Washington, and there wasn't a lot of time for her to go home between her return from the W Chorale's trip to NYC and the trip to London.

As a part of Kaite's Centennial Scholarship at the W she was given the opportunity to study abroad in London, England, with a group of students who have been a part of the Honor's College for the last two semesters. They know one another fairly well, having lived in Grossnickle Hall together and having attended class together as well.

Poor Purple Suitcase had to ride on a seat on the bus; the back of the bus, where most of the suitcases were riding, was jam packed; no more room for Kaite's bag.

The Honors College group met at the W on May 20 to board the "W" bus, en route to London via Atlanta. They left the W at 9am and arrived at the Atlanta airport in time to catch the 5:25 (eastern time) Delta flight to London, Gatwick. They arrived at 1am our time, 7am London time and still had a 1 and a half hour drive into London from the airport.

Getting on the Bus

The group is housed at two establishments in London, one group is ten minutes away from where class is held at the CAPA center and the other, Kaite's group, is 30 minutes away in Kilburn. Getting to class involves riding the TUBE!

The classes in British Art History and the history of London are taught by W professors Dr. Velek (London) and Dr. Joyce (Art History).

One of the first things they did was get a library card! That fits right in with the Coffey family way of doing things; before Marianna even had her electricity turned on in Tupelo she had visited the library and acquired a library card!

Kaite has been to a real London Pub, The British Museum, and an art exhibit at the Tate. She went to a show last night, Avenue Q, and is leaving tomorrow for Scotland for a weekend trip. The students plan side trips on the three day weekends; they don't have class on Friday!

For more details, visit Kaite's blog.

Lil' Dooey's

2008-03-16T08:02:00.000-07:00

If you looked carefully at the news last Monday, March 10, you would have found that lil' ole Columbus, Mississippi hosted a get together at MUW for Barak Obama. Why, you say? The Mississippi Democratic Primary, which is usually an afterthought for candidates, was taken pretty seriously by Hilary and Barak and was being held on Kaite's 18th birthday, March 11.
We went online after school and found, to our amazement, that our favorite BBQ restaurant, Lil Dooey's, was being featured in The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, and the Denver Post! Evidently, someone had steered Obama to Lil' Dooey's for lunch.

So we decided it would be the perfect occasion for "Take Out"! Marianna had been craving a chicken tenders salad from Lil Dooey's for months; one disadvantage to living in Tupelo...no Lil' Dooeys! She was home nursing a sinus infection and bronchitis for spring break. Her spring break was last week, while ours is NOW...this week! For which we are MOST thankful.

2008-03-10T17:15:00.000-07:00

Winter Birthdays

2008-03-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

It has been awhile since I've posted....2 months! Jared had a birthday in January; he turned 25. Lydia had her special birthday in February....she turned 21 on the 21st.

Lydia and Lily and Kaite having lots of fun!

Christmas with the Coffey's

2007-12-29T14:10:00.000-08:00

We got out of school on Wednesday; Marianna got out on Friday and we went to Tupelo friday night and spent the night at her house. Had dinner at Tellini's in Tupelo. Then, we drove to Jackson, TN, in the morning to Aunt Pat and Uncle Russ's house.

David is hanging out.

Marianna, Lynn, and Kaite

Marianna and Kaite

GrandDogs Getting to Know One Another

The Fried Turkey Wasn't Greasy!

Jesus Christ is Timeless

2007-12-20T06:47:00.000-08:00

"To every culture, every age Jesus Christ is timeless.
Though born into a first -century Palestinian culture, he belongs to every culture.
He is not dated.
He speaks to all people in their vernacular.
Christ is our contemporary."

John Stott From Culture and the Bible

HAPPY THANKSGIVING from the Coffey's and the Pierce's

2007-12-05T12:50:00.000-08:00

After Almost 35 Years....I Used My China!

2007-12-05T11:43:00.001-08:00

The Thanksgiving Wreath is made of Real Leaves
A Marianna Creation

Folding In the Eggwhites...Italian Spinach

The Thanksgiving Table with My China; I have six plates...just enough!

The orange bags are Thanksgiving presents from Marianna. She got each one of us an ornament for the Christmas tree. Jared's was a Santa Po Po!

I'm the Mom of Just One Lockheart

2007-10-30T11:01:00.000-07:00

Kaite decided that Lockhearts were not for her this semester; she is in the Ina
Gordy Honors College and is taking more difficult classes as a new Freshman than most freshman take...and she's a seventeen year old freshman, at that.
Although she enjoyed the girls and would have been a great pledge (in Momma's humble opinion), she wanted to ensure that her grades didn't drop and that she would keep her scholarship. She really is looking forward to going to London in June, which is a part of her scholarship package.

October is Almost Over

2007-10-30T10:29:00.000-07:00

October is almost over and I am still wearing my flip flops! Although it is in the low forties in the AM, it is still getting up into the seventies. That makes for a lovely warm autumn day.

I'm the Mom of TWO Lockhearts

2007-09-20T03:09:00.000-07:00

Kaite Pledges Lockheart Social Club at Mississippi University for Women by accepting Leslie Stanton's offer of a RED Lockheart T Shirt

The Entire Group\
Pledges are in Red; Active Members in White
A Little History
In 1938, on the MSCW (Mississippi State College for Women) campus, 20 college sophomores realized a special bond of friendship existed among them. The fun-loving sophomores locked their hearts in freindship and love calling themselves Lockhearts and wore tiny gold lockets as a symbol of their friendship. Red and White were chosen as the club's colors while the red carnation was selected as the club flower.

Lockhearts became a four-year social club on the MUW campus during the school year of 1961-1962. To this day, they continue traditions that have been set by classes before them.

As one of the oldest clubs on the W campus, the Lockheart social club encourages involvement through hallmarks such as community service projects, leadership in campus organizations, and academic achievement.

It's Been Two Weeks Since the Wedding

2007-08-25T04:59:00.000-07:00

When All Is Said and Done.......Rose Petals Tell the Story

On Wednesday Evening before the Wedding Lydia was given a Bridal Dinner for her and the wedding pary at the Burkhalter Riverhouse.....Miss Ellen and Wanda outdid themselves and we had fun, food, fellowship and even swimming!!!

Ally, Meagan, and Kaite

Haley, Rachel Claire and Lydia

Haley, Rachel Claire and Marianna
Meagan, Ally, Haley, Kaite, Rachel Claire, Megan, and the Bride, Lydia

Susan Pierce, the Mother of the Groom came up to Columbus on Wednesday to help with the wedding preparations....

With Maid of Honor, Ally, Getting Manicures at Brickerton on Thursday night and then on to Beans and Cream

With Bridesmaid Megan Cregeen; Getting Beautiful Nails at Brickerton and then Snacks at Beans and Cream

Marianna and Lydia at Brickerton

The Manicures

Before the Wedding...Bride To Be at Brickerton Day Spa

It's the Wedding Day and it's 104

The Bride Tryin' to Stay Cool!!

Cousin Lynn Patrick Box...steamer in one hand and a fan in the other!

The Wedding Cake...created by Bridesmaid Meagan Howton's Mom

Lydia and Her Maids Outside at Puckett House
where they spent the night before the Wedding

The Whole Family
(of course except Jared; he couldn't see her 'til she walked down the aisle....)
Steve Box and Russ Patrick
Cousin Lynn, Aunt Cris, and Aunt Pat
Sisters Marianna and Kaite
Father David, Bride Lydia, and Mother Terry

Lydia with Her Maids

David, Proud Father of the Bride

Terry, Mother of the Bride

Lydia with Sister Marianna

Getting MORE Beautiful on the Day of with Wendy

It's Been a Week Since the Wedding

2007-08-19T09:14:00.001-07:00

Pre-Bridal Portrait

The Departure in a '57 Chevy Convertible

Before

Marianna and Lydia washing her feet.

Day 20 and Counting

2007-07-22T05:56:00.000-07:00

The wedding is less than three weeks away! We've been busy, writing invitations, making bows, growing ferns, buying STUFF, trying on dresses, moving Jared and Lydia's stuff into the apartment, making favors, putting up shower curtains and regular curtains, and doing lots of praying! Momma and Kaite and Marianna need to find some shoes, or we gonna' be walkin' the aisle barefooted!

It is 4AM and I am doing Wedding Lists in My head

2007-07-19T03:24:00.001-07:00

PEW BOWS....WEDDING CAKES....ALTERATIONS....ENGAGEMENT ANNOUNCEMENTS... PEW BOWS.....SHOES... .JEWELRY....GIFTS....INVITATIONS....RESERVATIONS.... COLUMNS...UNITY CANDLE...FERNS...STANDS....PEW BOWS....CAKE TOPPER... MOVING INTO THE APARTMENT.... MOVING INTO A NEW CLASSROOM....STARTING SCHOOL ON THE 3RD....PEW BOWS....TABLE DECORATIONS....FLOWERS....FAVORS...BRIDESMAID GIFTS...TABLECLOTHS.... TABLE TOPPERS.....I REFUSE TO DECORATE CHAIRS....MANICURES....FUNERAL THANK YOU NOTES....PEW BOWS....

and the list goes on....like sugar plums dancing in my head....have I mixed metaphors?

Asparagus on George

2007-07-09T16:24:00.001-07:00

If you look on the Cavie Blog you will find an outstanding recipe for asparagus on the George Forman...I have done this recipe several times....but today I outdid myself.

Above you will find a picture of grilled asparagus....just leave it for about an hour in George and this is what it will look like.

Virginia Bland Dodds Coffey November 15, 1915-June 25, 2007

2007-06-22T04:28:00.000-07:00

This is a painting of Grandma with Lynn

Here are David and Pat and their Mom

This is Grandma and Kaite

Grandma on first moving into Trinity Personal Care

Grandma with Lynn, Steve, and Pat

Friends Minnie and Bette Celebrate Grandma's 90th

Jared had a yen. And kebabs we had.

2007-06-18T20:15:00.000-07:00

The Prep.
steak, chicken, bell peppers, mushrooms, pearl onions, and potatoes.

The Skewing.
funfunfun!!!

The Chefs.
what a face.

The End Product.
DELICIOSO!

Drama at the Farmer's Market

2007-05-20T05:28:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning Lydia and I (Terry) got up early and trucked down to our friendly farmer's market to see what veggies and plants were available.

I have been going to this place for the last 20 years, every summer; it used to be filled with country farmers from all over the area bringing their summer vegetables to sell to the "urban" community. I remember many faces and some names of those fine people; early morning conversations mingled with heat and humidity.

One thing about the market was that you had to be an early bird if there was something you really wanted. When the green beans start coming in....or the butter beans...or the first tomatoes....you had better be there at the crack of dawn, literally, or the goods would be all gone!]

Many a summer morning 5am would find me with a cup of coffee in hand on my way to the market.

Well, Lydia and I remembered a man who always sold plants, healthy and at an excellent price. We decided that Boston ferns would be a great way to decorate for the wedding; if we could buy them now, and nurse them through the summer, by August 11 they ought to be be beautiful.

Maybe we could buy them cheaply now...and cut some costs.

Jared is working the night shift, 6pm to 6am at MUW, so he met us about 6:15 downtown at the market.

To our surprise, there were only a few cars parked underneath the awning! Usually things are in full swing by 6am. We stood outside in the morning chill watching as people began to show up and set up tables and put out their wares.

What was going on? I approached Mr. Lacy, from whom we have bought veggies for years, and asked. He was livid.

"Do you see that police car out there in the parking lot? Do you know why he is here?" "No", I said. "They are gonna' arrest me if I sell anything before 7am!", Mr. Lacy said.

As all the black ladies began to surround us looking and grabbing his new potatoes and collards he motioned me to come closer. I leaned over the table and he whispered in my ear, "You ain't gonna believe this. They won't let us sell 'till 7! I gots all these people here who want to buy from me, and they gotta' wait 20 minutes; do me a favor; call the mayor; tell him this is crazy!"

Old ladies, both black and white, were complaining. "I cain't wait out here; it's too cold. Why cain't you sell me just one little bunch?" Mr. Lacy replies, " I am so sorry, but they don't feed ya' real good down at the county, mam. I don't want to go to jail."

Last summer many of the old faces were gone; some had died, some had become too infirm to stand the heat of summer gardening in Mississippi, some had become residents of nursing homes....and the lot was about half full of folks selling their produce. It was going down. The younger generation was not taking the places held by the elder gardeners...I don't think we like to sweat!

It seems that some prominent community members (the late birds) took the farmer's market on as a project...and they decided to make changes to entice more customers and merchants into the Hitchin' Lot.

So, now we have more than just veg and plants for sale; we have wonderful Seattle's Best Coffee, ceramics, birdhouses, and all sorts of crafts...a ploy to interest the younger generation (both buyers and sellers).

The late birds want everybody to have an even chance at the goods, so no one sells 'til 7.

The early bird used to get the worm; but, the late birds have the clout!

April 27, 2007

2007-04-28T04:20:00.001-07:00

What a week we have had! It started last Saturday morning with the news that Grandma's sister, Ruby Aldridge, had passed away. Her son, Jim, called to let us know.

David had been conferring with Marianna all week about a moving prop she needed to create for TCT's production of Beauty and the Beast, so he drove to Tupelo Saturday and worked on an ax that would chop a tree trunk mechanically, all by itself, while the actor sings...

Then, we prepared lessons for our classes on Monday and Sunday we drove to New Albany for Aunt Ruby's visitation; we spent the night with Marianna in Tupelo (in the apartment sooo close to the tracks that you feel trains heading straight for you) and went to the funeral Monday morning.
We got home in the evening on Monday, and then the school week started. It was crazy. Crazy students.... administrators.... teachers.... STRESS with a capital S. Fights, frustration, and futility head the list.

So, I went back and looked at our pictures we took on Easter Sunday....and remembered the Lord. He is in control, no matter how insane the world becomes.

Lydia took this one...and Jared took the one below.

I took this next one.

We have so much to be thankful for. Jared has a job! He starts Monday as a member of the MUW Police Department working as a dispatcher. This will place him on campus with the girls....I feel so much better about having Kaite living there in Grossnickle, the Honors Dorm...or should I say residence hall?.....with him on board!

By the way, Lydia was inducted into The Torch, an academic honor society, this week and she received a scholarship from the English Department for next year. She has decided that secondary education is NOT for her after taking ED 302, and after observing some of the trials and tribulations that her sister, Dad, and Mom have gone through this year; she wants to go all the way and be a college professor.

Kaite has received a Centennial Scholarship from MUW! We praise the Lord, thank Him, and give Him all the glory for all the wonderful blessings in our lives.

We ended up the week with David receiving a call from Trinity Place at the beginning of his 7th period class; Grandma's oxygen level was 82 and she was placed on O2 for a couple of hours; the nurses conferred with her doctor and he said to send her to the ER. So they called an ambulance and took her to the ER.

So, we went straight from school to the ER. By the way, the last time Grandma was admitted to the hospital I had an apt. to have my hair cut; that was 6 weeks ago; I cancelled it and I couldn't get another apt. until the 27th of April. No Kidding... both Marianna and Lydia told me to drop Daddy off at the ER and "GO GET YOUR HAIR CUT!" Lydia and Jared were already waiting at the hospital for the ambulance to get there.

Grandma got a good report; they said she was somewhat dehydrated and that her fluids were hard to regulate effectively with the Congestive Heart Failure; heart enzymes were good, electrolytes were kind of off...and there were some white blood cells in the urine; she was given some IV fluids and a foley catheter to go home with as well as an antibiotic for the continuing Urinary Tract Infection...but we had her back at Trinity by 9pm. That was a real blessing as well.

I thought of another blessing.... Kaite has a job! She is employed at SNOBIZ. For those of you who are not familiar with the institution, these people take ice, shave it, put colored sugar water on it and sell it for money. It really is a lot of heavy labor, lugging big hunks of ice around and man-handling gallon jugs of flavors!

Kaite and Marianna will spend the first three weeks of June involved with the famous Mississippi Governor's School. Kaite will be a participant and Marianna will be teaching a special interest class "Art Extravaganza".

A little info on what this is:
The Mississippi Governor’s School (MGS) was created and developed by Mississippi University for Women (MUW), one of the South’s most outstanding liberal arts colleges, to give qualified students from all over the state a unique learning
experience. Located on MUW’s campus, in the historic city of Columbus, the three-week MGS program takes place during the month of June. MGS boasts faculty from Mississippi universities and colleges as well as faculty and distinguished speakers from all over the nation. All are dedicated to making the MGS experience a memorable and beneficial
one.
A major part of the MGS experience is the coursework. Classes are offered in a wide variety of interest fields from the humanities, science and mathematics, to the fine and performing arts. These are no ordinary classes. Where else would you find major courses like “Physics for Poets” or “DNA, Cloning, and Bioethics?” Interest
area classes are also taught, ranging from Judo and Culinary Arts to Television Production and Theater.
An equally important aspect of MGS is a series of seminars which deal with major global issues and creative and practical experiences. Interesting teachers, classroom discussions, hands-on learning, speakers, debates, and workshops all bring a new light to learning.
All Work and No Play?
Not at all! MGS gives every participant opportunities to be involved in team-building games. Participants compete as teams in a number of fun, recreational
activities. Improvisational comedy, dinner theater, and a talent show provide opportunities for MGS Scholars to showcase their unique talents. MGS is an opportunity to try new things and to meet and work with other participants from all over the state who share similar interests.
Requirements
In order to attend MGS, you must be a rising high school junior or senior (in 10th or 11th grade at the time of application) residing in the state of Mississippi.
Participants are nominated by their high schools after meeting one of the following qualifications:
• A composite score of 125 or above on either
the Leiter International Performance Scale ,
the Raven’s Standard Progressive Matrices, the
Stanford-Binet, or the Weschler Intelligence
Scale; or
• A composite score of 25 or above on the ACT
(sophomores only may substitute PLAN
scores); or
• A selection index of 175 or above on the PSAT;
or
• A score of 1100 or above on the SAT

Of course, that's just for the participants; the teachers don't have to meet those stringent intellectual requirements!

Treble Song Honor Choir

2007-04-15T05:36:00.000-07:00

Marianna and Jared and I (Terry) traveled through some terrific thunderstorms yesterday to Jackson, MS to hear Kaite perform in Treble Song All State Honor Choir. Lydia couldn't go since she had a prior commitment to Lockhearts (her social club) for an overnight retreat and David was working on the girls' taxes.

Kaite and eight other girls from the Columbus Girlchoir auditioned and were accepted for the choir; they were sent music in January which they were to learn in preparation for this weekend's rehearsals and performance. The girls went to Jackson on Thursday afternoon and performed Saturday afternoon.

The guest conductor was Rollo Dilworth, an Associate Professor of Music and Director of Choral Activities at North Park University School of Music in Chicago, Ill. Three of the six songs the girls sang were written by him, Jonah, The Dream Keeper, and How Can I Keep From Singing?

It was awesome!

President's Day

2007-02-19T07:34:00.000-08:00

Thanks so much Washington, Lincoln, Jefferson, et al; Teachers need this day of rest so very much in February!

Change of Date.....Lydia and Jared will be getting married on August 11, 2007
We went to Taylorsville, Jared's home town, on Saturday for a wedding shower. The ladies of Taylorsville Baptist Church blessed the bride and groom tremendously. Here are a few pics.

You are cordially invited...

2007-01-27T13:31:00.000-08:00

Bride, Bride's maid, Mother of the Bride write, stick, and lick...

Groom, Bride, Honorary Bride's maid fold and stuff...

Future In-Laws and Groom finding the addresses.

Washington Wedding

2006-12-27T15:16:00.000-08:00

We are starting out on the road, Lydia, Kaite, and Marianna, Jared and Momma

The Coffey Clan and the Cavanaugh Clan

What a Day....

2006-12-08T15:03:00.001-08:00

December 8....Lydia's Day to have all four wisdom teeth removed....why do they call them wisdom teeth? We took valium, which took effect in ten minutes! That was an hour before surgery; it took 3 sticks to get the iv in....not fun....but the doctor said all went well.....praise the Lord! We have been icing; 20 minutes on and 10 minutes off since 10:30am....have to do that for 12 hours....lortab and ibuprofin are great meds!

Give Me, Lord, a Grateful Heart

2006-11-24T06:42:00.000-08:00

Marianna and I were in Louisville, Kentucky, last November 19 for the most beautiful and elegant wedding ever...Emily Cavanaugh and Scott O'Neal were joined together in Holy Matrimony. What a blessing to be able to have been there...I cannot believe it has been a year!

Jared and I made a deal...I would eat a small serving of sweet potatoes if he would try Italian Spinach! He is not a vegetable lover, and, of all the foods on planet Earth, sweet potatoes and pumpkin are the two things I can say I do not like!

Marianna and Kaite on Thanksgiving Day

2006-11-22T15:59:00.000-08:00

We did Thanksgiving today so that Lydia and Jared could go to Taylorsville tomorrow.

TBQ

2006-11-12T03:05:00.000-08:00

A Challenge...yes, a challenge. I pretty much looked for the answer in my book of Acts while trying to remember exactly what the question was...? However, Kaite was number 2 individually for the evening, competing in several matches; her team came out on top.

Here's a little info on what TBQ is all about. I think the best thing for Kaite has been the opportunity to go on end of the season missions...first to Mexico, then to New York City, and last year to Los Angeles. Our group does a variety of fundraisers, including delivering telephone books for an independent phone book publisher. This helps to keep the cost down for the participants. After school is out the group goes on a mission expedition. These trips and the mission work the students and chaperones have done has made a lasting impression on Kaite and has helped to cement her faith.

This is a better explanation of what TBQ is all about. Notice that the Southern Baptists and Methodists also participate...and win! Assemblies of God Bible Quiz is the largest Bible Bowl/Quiz ministry in terms of participants.
Teen Bible Quiz games feature two teams of three quizzers each, plus up to three substitutes. Games are comprised of 20 questions, with point values of 10, 20, or 30 points depending on the difficulty. Quizzers who buzz in first (using hand-operated buzzers) and answer correctly within 30 seconds are awarded the point value; an incorrect response results in a deduction of half the point value.
A quizzer who interrupts the quizmaster (moderator - the question reader) must first complete the essence of the question and then give the answer; a quizzer who fails to do both correctly is not only penalized with a deduction of half the point value, but allows the opposing team a shot at the same question.
Individual quizzers with five correct answers in a game "quiz out" and receive a 20-point bonus, but must sit out the remainder of the game; this rule was created with the intent to prevent one individual from dominating the match. This also encourages team play by giving more questions to quizzers who aren't as knowledgeable of Scripture or as experienced at quizzing. Similarly, a quizzer with three incorrect answers is also disqualified, but without further point penalty; the purpose of this rule is to discourage quizzers from "buzzing in" and simply guessing, and also to speed up play.

Monthly matches begin in October. District-level playoffs in March, with top teams moving on to one of eight regional playoffs, and the top five teams from those advance to the National Finals, held in July.
Teams study a specific portion of the New Testament each season (Romans and James in 2005-2006). Questions at the National Finals level can be extremely difficult, such as requiring a seven-verse passage to be quoted perfectly within 30 seconds, or the recollection of a list of twenty or more names or places.
The 2006 "Final 40," as it is nicknamed, was held July 2-7 in Lexington, Kentucky, and won by Church at Briargate from Colorado Springs, Colorado. The victory was the third for the church since the turn of the century. The 2007 tournament will be held July 8-13 at the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, Arizona.

Junior Bible Quiz uses a similar format for children in grades one through six, with some differences: 1) a box of 576 questions and answers covering the entire Bible is used as the subject material; 2) four quizzers and up to four substitutes comprise a team; 3) six correct answers are needed for a "quiz out" and a 10-point bonus (this was also the rule in Teen Bible Quiz until the start of the 2005-2006 season).

Though this competition is sponsored by the Assemblies of God, teams from churches outside that fellowship may compete, with certain restrictions. At the Teen Quiz level, such teams may advance through the regional level of playoff competition, but not to the National Finals.
In Junior Quiz, advancement through to National Finals is not restricted; JBQ teams from any church may compete. In 2006, a church from outside the Assemblies won the Junior National Championship for the first time in the competition's history; previously, a Southern Baptist and a Methodist church had each finished in second place.

Between Teen and Junior Quiz, more than 3,000 teams compete in Assemblies of God Bible Quiz each year.

It's Saturday Night and I am Going to do TBQ

2006-11-11T14:43:00.000-08:00

Kaite has been a member of Teen Bible Quiz at Evangel Church for the past 3 years; the youth study, in depth, a book of the Bible and then compete in Bible Quizes with other TBQ'ers. The first year she studied John, last year it was Romans and James, and this year it is Acts. When the students compete they memorize large parts, if not all of the book. The first year Kaite was on the competition team, however as she got deeper into high school she elected to be on the Bible Study team. This team only competes in "at home" competitions and focuses on studying for meaning rather than for Bible Quiz competition.

At the In House matches this year the parents are asked to quiz; we can use the book, however I am kind of intimidated. Give me the old sword drill Bible and I can still cut a rug, however I dunno how I will do tonight on this.

It's November...Wow

2006-11-02T15:57:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe I haven't blogged since the start of October. Ah, well, life intervenes and disrupts contemplation.

As I sit here cooking dinner and listening to Numbers behind me on the TV I am contemplating our Thanksgiving holiday. Usually, I look forward to it, even more than Christmas, since we need the break so badly. The longest period of time with no let up in teaching is from Labor Day until Thanksgiving.

However, I think I will be doing more nursing than cooking. Wanda, my friend, is having hip replacement surgery on Monday in Jackson; on Tuesday Dave is having a colonoscopy in West Point and on Wednesday Lydia is having all four wisdom teeth removed.

I'm still thankful to have my family around me.

See the Goodness of the Lord in the Land of the Living

2006-10-08T05:29:00.000-07:00

Leaves of love
Are softly, softly falling
Falling from the tree'
The tree that Jesus died upon
That you and I go free...

Trust in the Lord with all your heart
Lean not on your own understanding
In all your ways acknowledge Him
And He will direct your paths

Teach me Your way, O Lord
Lead me in a straight path

I am still confident of this
I will see the goodness of the Lord
in the land of the living
Wait for the Lord Be entwined with the Lord
be strong and take heart
Wait for the Lord

It's Saturday Night

2006-09-30T17:40:00.000-07:00

The Mississippi Association for Gifted Children conference was excellent; I came back excited and full of new ideas for teaching my students; it is the best thing I do for myself as a teacher all year. Wish I could go to the national conference; it is in Charlotte this year.

bown chicka bown bown

2006-09-25T18:53:00.000-07:00

Pinch-hitting this cool Tuesday evening for Mom is Kaite. And that's all the sports metaphors that I can squeeze out. I've decided that the odds of my meeting a famous person in an awkward situation are high... most likely a stuck elevator or closing him/her in on a plane. You know, him/her having the window seat, me being in the middle. Yeah. It's likely.

I depart now. To soften the blow, I leave you with a nice quote. If you've never heard it before, shame.

I know a lot of people without brains who do an awful lot of talking. - The Wizard of Oz

2006-09-24T08:52:00.000-07:00

The Many Faces of New Orleans

2006-09-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

New Orleans

2006-09-24T05:26:00.000-07:00

Katrina did not wipe out cafe au lait and beignes!

Marianna took a class last spring entitled "Tennessee Williams' Women". As a part of that class, she traveled down to New Orleans for the Tennessee Williams Festival. These pictures show the New Orleans that she saw.

Another Mag Photo

2006-09-23T06:35:00.000-07:00

Mag Chain

2006-09-20T03:21:00.000-07:00

Marianna at the W's Mag Chain ceremony...a graduating senior at last! There is a W tradition known as the Mag Chain...Mag for Magnolia; here's an explanation:
Mag Chain, one of the university's most treasured traditions, has taken place in some form since 1890. In the early years, it was made of daisies and other flowers, but it was decided in 1905 that the state flower was the most appropriate choice.
Constructed by the sophomores, the magnolia chain is carried by the seniors singing the "Magnolia Chain Song" from the steps of Poindexter Hall to Shattuck Lawn where the ceremony is held. The procession is led by the senior class president who carries a bouquet of daisies in honor of the graduates who began the ceremony years ago.
After the magnolia chain is laid on the ground, the seniors sing the alma mater and other special songs, pass down their offices to the rising senior officers and present the class gift to the university. This year also will include the announcement of Faculty Member of the Year.
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the seniors form a circle around the magnolia chain, lock arms and sing the "Friendship Circle" song. After the song is completed, the seniors make a mad dash for a magnolia blossom, which symbolizes the purity of achievement. The green leaves represent the growing experiences of the graduates over the past four years.
Tradition holds that graduates who are able to walk away with a magnolia blossom will find good fortune and romance!

Traditionally, Mag chain was done at graduation; however, somebody decided to do it during the homecoming festivities in April, so there were no real magnolias blooming out for the chain...so they used real magnolia leaves and silk blooms....which is kinda nice; one lady was sharing on an alumni listserve...somebody who graduated in the '50's! and she still had her magnolia blossom...brown and dried up...but she still had it!

Mississippi

2006-09-17T13:01:00.000-07:00

The Family

2006-09-17T08:02:00.001-07:00

Some pictures of the family. Marianna, Terry, Kaite, Lydia, and Dave. This was last fall at the Lockheart get together. We had a ball, eating crawfish and visiting with everybody's family.

Daughter Number Two

2006-09-15T02:32:00.000-07:00

This is Lydia at her Birthday Party; 19 years old.

2006-09-14T16:34:00.000-07:00

Lydia's 19th birthday at Profitt's Porch.

Here's Kaite!

2006-09-14T03:21:00.000-07:00

It's Thursday and I'm Creating a Family Blog

2006-09-14T03:11:00.000-07:00

This is Thursday September 14, 2006, and all of us Coffey's are gonna have a family blog. David, Terry, Marianna, Kaite, and Lydia.