6/14/2008

How Many Are there of You? Use this Link to find out http://howmanyofme.com/search/


HowManyOfMe.com
LogoThere are
2
people with my name
in the U.S.A.

how/'>http://howmanyofme.com">How many have your name?



Here's the Link
http://howmanyofme.com/search/

5/18/2008

FIFTY = FRANKIE :-)

Man, can you believe it? I have a sister who's 50! I am a LOT younger than her. She's a dinosaur! Just kidding... HAPPY BIRTHDAY FRANKIE! In case you don't know, Frankie means a lot to me. She helped raise me. No, it's not her fault I turned out like this. :-) Frankie has always loved me - unconditionally. What a great example she has set. She never turned away from me, even when I did stupid things. She loved me anyway. She always has listened when I whined and griped. And she rejoiced with me when things were good.

If you're not lucky enough to call her sis - you do have someone that loves you unconditionally. God is in control and loves you - no matter what - even when you do stupid things! He always listens to us and He knows the plans he has for us... And He brings goodness into our life. Thank you Lord for blessing me with my sister Frankie & for all your other blessings too!

5/03/2008

BLESSINGS BY THE BOX!

A.K.A. ANGEL FOOD!

I am proud to let you know that our church, GRACE ASSEMBLY OF GOD, is now an official host site for Angel Food Ministries. We strongly believe in adding value to people's lives. One way of doing this is through Angel Food Ministries. Why? Because everyone needs to eat and everyone wants to save money!

Angel Food Ministries is a food based ministry - with a Servant's heart. Angel Food Ministries is a non-profit, non-denominational organization dedicated to providing food relief and contributing to benevolent outreaches in communities throughout the United States. In 1994, Pastors Joe and Linda Wingo found their hearts going out to the families of many of the local families in Monroe, GA, affected by the recent industrial plant closings. On their back porch, the first Angel Food distribution fed 34 families. Over the next years, other churches wanted to be get involved, and Angel Food began feeding hundreds of families across the southeeast. Now, Angel Food feeds over 500,000 families a month in 35 states. Praise the Lord for his faithfulness!

ABOUT THE FOOD Each month's menu is different and consists of fresh, frozen and packaged food. Angel Food is purchased from the nation’s top food suppliers. Providing quality, nutritious food at significant discounts on a regular basis is one practical way to give people a “hand up” during difficult times. The cost for a box of Angel Food is $30 and provides approximately $65 worth of food. There is no purchase limit for boxes of Angel Food. There are no applications or qualifications necessary to purchase. Cash and EBT (food stamps) are accepted as forms of payment.

HOW TO ORDER or DONATE Visit or call GRACE ASSEMBLY OF GOD at 1976 Westland Drive, Cleveland, TN 37311. Phone: 423-472-PRAY (7729). Email: gracesangels@gmail.com. For your convenience, there are other host sites throughout the area. For more info on Angel Food, please visit their web site at http://www.angelfoodministries.com/. For more info on Grace Assembly of God, feel free to contact by mail, phone, email or in person. Our Lead Pastors are Stephen and JoAnn Lewis, Youth Pastors Marvin and Linda Smalley and Associate Pastors are Lowell and Janis Brannen.

For your convenience - I've posted May 2008's menu.

M A Y 2 0 0 8 M E N U

1.5 lb. Bacon Wrapped Beef Filet (4 x 6 oz.)
2.5 lb. Breaded Chicken Breast Filets
1.5 lb. Bone-In Pork Steaks (4 x 6 oz.)
28 oz. Salisbury Steak Dinner Entrée
2.5 lb. Beef and Bean Burritos (10 x 4 oz.)
2 lb. Popcorn Chicken
9.5 oz. Stouffer’s Flat Bread Pizza
16 oz. Cauliflower & Carrot Blend
15 oz. Corn Niblets
16 oz. Green Beans
2 lb. Fresh Onions
29 oz. Pears
32 oz. Borden 2% Reduced Fat Shelf-Stable Milk
9 oz. Breakfast Cereal
8 oz. Corn Muffin Mix
16 oz. Bean Soup Mix
1 Dozen Eggs
1 Dessert Item
ALL THIS FOR THE LOW COST OF JUST……..…..$30.00

***One or More Specials Available Only with the Purchase of a Regular Box Above***
MAY SPECIAL #17 lb. Grill Box $20.00
1.75 lb. Chicken Breast Kebob Kit (makes 6-8 Kebobs)
1.5 lb.Chicken Breast, 4 oz. Vegetables (Onions, Peppers) & Skewers
1.25 lb. Ribeye Steaks (2 x 10 oz.)
2 lb. Thick Cut Pork Chops (4 x 8 oz.)
2 lb. Beef Hamburger Steaks (4 x 8 oz.)

MAY SPECIAL #25 lb. Steak Box $20.00
1.5 lb. Bone-In New York Strip Steaks (2 x 12 oz.)
1.5 lb. Bone-In Ribeye Steaks (2 x 12 oz.)
2 lb. Sirloin Strips (4 x 8 oz.)
MAY SPECIAL #312 lb. Chicken Combo Box $20.00
5 lb (avg) Whole Chicken
2 lb. Breaded Chicken Tenders
30 oz. Individually Vacuum Packed Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (6 x 5 oz.)
1 lb. Fully Cooked Breaded Chicken Wings
2 lb. Chicken Breast Nuggets


Angel Food is for EVERYONE! If you WANT to SAVE MONEY & LOVE TO EAT, YOU QUALIFY!

Orders may be placed from 4-26-2008 to
5-18-2008 via Cash or EBT (food stamps).
TO PLACE AN ORDER, Visit or Call
GRACE ASSEMBLY OF GOD
Approved Host Site
1976 Westland Dr, Cleveland, TN
PHONE: 423-472-PRAY (7729)
EMAIL: gracesangels@gmail.com



ORDER INFO:

Orders Due:
Sunday, May 18, 2008 No later than 12:00 Noon
Distribution Day:
Saturday, May 31, 2008
At Grace Assembly of God
Time: 10:30am – 11:00am

~~Orders must be pre-paid by May 18th~~
We Accept Cash & Food Stamps (EBT).
Angel Food Ministries is an equal opportunity provider and employer. Complaints of discrimination should be sent to USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights,Washington, DC 20250-9410


Angel Food Ministries Reserves the Right to Substitute Any of the Above Items Due to Availability, Cost and Quality

4/29/2008

"SOON" & HOUSEHOLD ITEMS

Webster's Definition of Soon - "At once; immediately." "Before long." "Without undue time lapse." "In a prompt manner; speedily." "Before the usual time." "In agreement with one's choice or preference; willingly."

Brannen's Definition of Soon - Hopefully this year! :-) I suppose the "Before the usual time" could also apply!

Okay - okay, I know I said I'd post soon - so, it is this year & it is before the usual time. LOL!

Here's a little thought provoking note that I received and I'd like to share it with you.....

HELPFUL HOUSEHOLD ITEMS
TOOTHPICK - to remind you to pick out the good qualities in others.
Matthew 7:1
RUBBER BAND - to remind you to be flexible. Things might not always go the way you want, but it will work out. Romans 8:28
BAND AID - to remind you to heal hurt feelings, yours or someone else's.
Colossians 3:12- 14
PENCIL - to remind you to list your blessings everyday. Ephesians 1:3
ERASER - To remind you that everyone makes mistakes, and it's okay. Genesis 50:15- 21
CHEWING GUM - to remind you to stick with it, and you can accomplish anything. Philippians 4:13
MINT - to remind you that you are worth a mint. John 3:16- 17
CANDY KISS - to remind you that everyone needs a kiss or a hug everyday. John 4:7
TEA BAG - to remind you to relax daily and go over your list of blessings. 1 Thessalonians 5:18
Hope you have a Blessed and Happy Day!

3/12/2008

FEBRUARY - a Month of LOVE

Okay, okay - I know it's already past February - but ... other than the love that flows on Valentine's Day (thanks for my pretty roses Curtis), I wanted to let you know that CHLOE turned THREE!!!

Can you believe it?! Our baby girl turned 3 on the the 12th of February! Now - that's something to celebrate. Each day with her is such a joy. We're so blessed that God entrusted us to take care of her. She is so much fun! She wanted to learn how to spell her name, so mommy created a song. You sing it to the tune of The B-I-B-L-E... It goes something like this


C-H-L-O-E
Yes, That's the Girl for Me!
I Love Her So Much
And She Loves Me
C-H-L-O-E!

And yes, Chloe sings it all the time. She says "I not know how to write me name, but I can spell it!"

Okay, guess that's enough for now. I'll post again - SOON. Yes, I really mean SOON. :-) Much love to my Favorite People!

2/21/2008

January 2008 - Oh where did it go?

My oh my! I didn't post anything in January! Well, I can tell you the month started off with a new year 2008! And, the very next day, Lydia turned 23. And then, Phil had a birthday and Tabby turned 39! And, Aunt Donice & Marcus had birthdays. I did manage to tell my daughter happy birthday - but I was late for everyone else! Maybe it's because I had a house full.... Maybe it's because I failed to reorder the calendar refill & didn't have it in my face.... maybe there are lots of excuses. But, nevertheless, January has come and gone!

One thing about January is that it was never quiet. We had 10 people (my step-son, Terry & his family) living in our house beginning on January 5th - with 1 bathroom! 3 of those 10 people were under the age of 3. They managed to get into lotion, mashed potatoes, nail polish, toilet paper, Pine Sol, etc., etc., etc. It was a challenge to get ready for school, work & day care every morning too. But, on the nice side, a "Merry Maid" cleaned a lot & cooked supper for me many of the days. As of February 1st, they moved into their own place. I miss my "Merry Maid" but the thing I miss the most is being greeted at the door by my grandchildren saying "NANA! Yeah!" - They really had a way of making me feel like they were glad I was home.

Amazingly, all the adults worked really good together. How did we do it? By the grace of God!
Guess I'm done updating January - hopefully I can update February soon. :-) Luv to you all!

12/03/2007

TWAS THE NIGHT....

The Night Jesus Came

'Twas the night Jesus came And all through the house,
Not a person was praying, Not one in the house..
The Bible was left On the shelf without care,
For no one thought Jesus would come there..

The children were dressing To crawl into bed,
Not once ever kneeling Or bowing their head..
And Mom in the rocking chair With babe on her lap,
Was watching the Late Show As I took a nap..

When out of the east There rose such a clatter,
I sprang to my feet To see what was the matter..
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters And lifted the sash..

When what to my wondering Eyes should appear,
But Angels proclaiming That Jesus was here..
The light of His face Made me cover my head...
Was Jesus returning Just like He'd said..

And though I possessed Worldly wisdom and wealth,
I cried when I saw Him In spite of myself..
In the Book of Life Which he held in his hand,
Was written the name Of every saved man..

He spoke not a word As he searched for my name,
When He said "it's not here" My head hung in shame..
The people whose names Had been written with love,
He gathered to take To his Father above..

With those who were ready He rose without sound,
While all of the others Were left standing around...
I fell to my knees But it was too late,
I'd waited too long And thus sealed my fate ...
I stood and I cried As they rose out of sight,
Oh, if only I'd known That this was the night....

In the words of this poem The meaning is clear
The coming of Jesus Is now drawing near...
There's only one life And when comes the last call,
We'll find out that the Bible Was true after all...

11/05/2007

I'm Thankful for.....

I'm thankful for a gracious, forgiving, loving, merciful God!
I'm thankful for my family - ALL of you!
I'm thankful for my friends - yes, ALL of you!
I'm thankful I get to be the favorite one. LOL!
I'm thankful for oranges, filet mignon, birds, bees, honey, trees, 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th chances, Angel Food,
cookies, ice cream, peanut butter fudge, contacts, crayons, wet wipes, Spray-n-Wash, music,......
You get the point - I could go on & on & on! Let us not forget to count our blessings.
Love & prayers to you & yours during this holiday season!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

11/03/2007

What's Happening in November?

Ahhhh, NOVEMBER- my FAVORITE month of the year. I just love this month! It's the month when leaves have (or are beginning to) turned beautiful colors. It's when the Brannen family usually celebrates "Christmas" - yes, we begin opening presents this month! And, we don't have to be stressed about buying that last present for Christmas time either. It's a time of year when most folks say (or at least think about) what they're thankful for. Many other times of the year we (as people) forget to say what we're thankful for. It's the beginning of that "magical" holiday season. It's when cookies are baked and turkeys are cooked. And, Aunt Bo's fudge is usually made! Mmmmm! See what I'm talking about!?! I can't think of one thing about November that isn't grand!

As you can see by my November calendar, there's lots to do and celebrate!..... If you've got a November birthday, or anniversary - please let me know. I didn't intentionally leave it off. :-)

Nov 2nd - Johnny Pollard turned 21! Joan Bush had a birthday!
Nov 3rd - Jack Breese has a birthday!
November 4th - Cantra Cobb turns 21!
November 5th - Scott Retzleff has a birthday! Jonathan & Katie Slater celebrate their 1st wedding anniversary!
November 7th - Judy & Ray Retzleff celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary!
November 8th - Wayne Adams has a birthday!
November 9th - Florence McLane has a birthday!
November 10th - Cole Tatum has a birthday! "Men's Cowboy Day" at 4pm at Grace Assembly - if you're a man, you're invited!
November 11th - November 14th - Carl Harris in REVIVAL at Grace Assembly of God - YOU are invited!
November 14th - Hank, Me & Julian Bandiaky celebrate birthdays!
November 16th - Jonathan Slater has a birthday!
November 17th - Jeremy Keith, Randy Carr & Ray Retzleff celebrate birthdays!
November 20th - Uncle Lowell Brannen has a birthday!
November 21st - Amie Crockett turns 26!
November 22nd - THANKSGIVING! - My FAVORITE DAY!
November 24th - Sydney Crockett turns 9!
November 25th - Lamar Crockett turns 60!

11/01/2007

I Am A Christian!

Christians
by Maya Angelou


"A woman's heart should be so hidden in Christ
that a man should have to seek Him first to find her."

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not shouting "I'm clean livin'"
I'm whispering "I was lost, Now I'm found and forgiven."

When I say... "I am a Christian" I don't speak of this with pride.
I'm confessing that I stumble and need Christ to be my guide.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not trying to be strong.
I'm professing that I'm weak and need His strength to carry on.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not bragging of success.
I'm admitting I have failed and need God to clean my mess.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not claiming to be perfect,
My flaws are far too visible but, God believes I am worth it.

When I say... "I am a Christian" I still feel the sting of pain..
I have my share of heartaches, so I call upon His name.
When I say... "I am a Christian" I'm not holier than thou,
I'm just a simple sinner Who received God's good grace, somehow!

10/22/2007

A New Crockett Added to the Clan!

Well I can't believe it - and you probably can't either - but TODAY, Monday, October 22nd, 2007, Amie Michelle Garrett became Amie Crockett! She married Curtis' son, Terry Wayne Crockett! Now I officially have a daughter-in-law!

Even better than this news - they Both re-dedicated their lives to God! Please keep them both in your prayers - they will need strength and guidance. Please pray for peace and happiness in their home. With that, I'll share a poem that one of my cousins gave to me and Curtis when when got married.......

Marriage Takes Three
Marriage takes three to be complete;
It's not enough for two to meet. They must be
united in love by love's Creator, God above.
Then their love will be firm and strong;
Able to last when things go wrong,
Because they've felt God's love and know
He's always there, He'll never go.
And they have both loved Him in kind
With all the heart and soul and mind;
And in that love they've found the way
To love each other every day.
A marriage that follows God's plan
Takes more than a woman and a man.
It needs a oneness that can be
Only from Christ - Marriage Takes Three

10/15/2007

Philosophy

You may have already seen/read these - but they're too good not to make them public. Thanks to one of my favorite cousins for sending this to me.......

GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED:
1) No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.
2) When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.
3) If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.
4) Never ask your 3-year old brother to hold a tomato.
5) You can't trust dogs to watch your food.
6) Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.
7) Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time.
8) You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
9) Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.
10) The best place to be when you're sad is Grandpa's lap.

GREAT TRUTHS ABOUT GROWING OLD
1) Growing up is mandatory; growing old is optional.
2) Forget the health food. I need all the preservatives I can get.
3) When you fall down, you wonder what else you can do while you're down there.
4) You're getting old when you get the same sensation from a rocking chair that you once got from a roller coaster.
5) It's frustrating when you know all the answers but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.
6) Time may be a great healer, but it's a lousy beautician.
7) Wisdom comes with age, but sometimes age comes alone.

THE FOUR STAGES OF LIFE:
1) You believe in Santa Claus.
2) You don't believe in Santa Claus.
3) You are Santa Claus.
4) You look like Santa Claus.

SUCCESS:At age 4 success is . . not peeing in your pants.
At age 12 success is having friends.
At age 16 success is . . . having a drivers license.
At age 35 success is . ..having money.
At age 50 success is . . .having money.
At age 70 success is . . . having a drivers license.
At age 75 success is ... having friends.
At age 80 success is.. . not peeing in your pants.

Always remember to forget the troubles that pass your way; BUT NEVER forget the blessings that come each day.Have a wonderful day with many *smiles* Take the time to live!!!Life is too short!

10/13/2007

Adventure - It Runs In The Family

Just ask Lydia.....

She just got back from a road trip full of adventure. She and four of her friends went to ........ Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California, Oregon, Idaho, Colorado, Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky & back to Tennessee. I guess living in Cleveland, Tennessee for most of her life - an only making one trip to Africa wasn't enough - she had to see more of the world!

I'm glad she had the opportunity, but I'm glad she's back! If you're family - I'm sure she'll be glad to give you the details at Thanksgiving!

That's all I have time to talk about for now. I'll try to do better at posting more often. Luv to you - my favorite family member!

10/05/2007

VACATION - WHAT AN ADVENTURE!

I'm a little late telling you about my vacation - but I am the mother of a 2 year old and a 22 year old - so maybe I sort of have an excuse!

The last week of August, beginning of September, my hubby, my 2 year old and I were fortunate enough to go to Florida and stay at the Crockett resort. Never heard of it? Well, it's my brother & sister-in-law's house. And it FEELS like you're staying at a resort! Every single day was filled with excitement & first time experiences for Chloe.


The first night (Saturday) we arrived to a house full of family and friends to greet us. On Sunday, our brother & sis-in-law and Curtis' nephews & their families took the day off to go to the beach with us. This was Chloe's first trip to the beach/ocean - so we were very excited. She squealed with delight and talked about how blue the ocean was. At first she was a little afraid of the waves, but more so of the sand moving beneath her feet. Once she learned how to keep her balance, there was no more fear! She LOVED it! We did have a little too much adventure on this day - Curtis' nephew's wife, Cate was on her surf board & ended up cutting her nose with the board. It was the first time I'd actually seen an ambulance/rescue squad on the beach. She's doing great now - but is very lucky.


On Monday, our sis-in-law was off from work. We picked up our great-nephew, Wyatt (he's 4) from "school" and went to lunch. We also did a bit of shopping. I was proud - I didn't spend any money on this shopping trip and was taking Chloe to the car to change a poopy diaper. Well, let's just say, I ended up with brown stuff on my shirt. It stunk so bad that I had to go back into the store and buy a new shirt. The one I did have on was a "crappy" shirt anyway. :-)


Tuesday was our wedding anniversary. So, we took Chloe and went to the beach. We ate at Breaker's restaraunt and watched the ocean. Then we took our "beach baby" to the beach. With her little hot pink sunglasses & bikini - she was "Ms Hollywood". This day we drove down the beach & opened the van door for her. She really thought this was something big! She had fun again in the water and sand. We had fun too!


Wednesday, we went to SeaWorld. Our brother & sis-in-law both took off of work and brought our great-niece Adelle (she just turned 2 at the end of September). First, we went to "Breakfast with Elmo & Friends". Chloe literally shouted with Glee and hugged, kissed, held and danced with Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert, Ernie, Zoe and Big Bird. It was worth getting up early to be there and was worth the money you paid in addition to your SeaWorld admission fee. I'm not sure if you've even been to SeaWorld, but it has changed a LOT since I was a little girl!


Thursday we went back to the beach and went shopping. We also swam at the Crockett resort. Very nice inground pool. By this day - Chloe was jumping off the diving board! (This is a BIG deal - we started off the summer in a little kiddie "boat" float. Now, she's jumping in on her own - with the help of floaties). Thursday night we were treated to "Fish Bones" restaraunt. I think it was the most expensive restaraunt I've ever eaten at. And the seafood - OH MY! What a treat!


On Friday, "Uncle Mar share his boat" - We went out on the boat with our bro & sis in law. This was Chloe's first boat ride. Also, Curtis' nephew, Brian took the day off from work and we took his boat too. Our dog, Rosco, even went on this trip. We went to "Disappearing Island" (as the tide goes in/out - the island appears/disappears. While we were there, Brian had to battle a small shark with his fishing pole. He promptly quit fishing & got back in the boat!


On Saturday we were having so much fun that we stayed an extra day. All the family and some friends gathered at Brian & Carrie's house for a football party. Fun was had by all.


Sunday we traveled to Georgia and visited with some more of Curtis' family and some friends. We stayed at his friend Chris & Kim's house - which is next door to his cousin Tammy's house. It was nice to visit with them.


Monday we traveled home - just in time to was a few loads of clothes before returning to work on Tuesday.


As you can see - there were a LOT of "firsts" for Chloe. That's what made it all so much fun! Again, we owe a special Thanks to "Aunt Glo & Uncle Mar" for letting us stay at the Crockett resort!

P.S. YES we got pictures! Maybe one of these days, I'll be able to add them to my posts.