The Landrum's Visit

My old "roomie" came this week for a visit! It was great to sit and talk and just catch up. She lives in Alabama now, and it's been 5 years since I have seen her. The last time she came to visit she had two children and one on the way. This time she came with her four kids! Yes...I said four; from 9 years to 9 months! She is a wonderful mom and I am just amazed by her patience! WOW! She spent two days at our house. We went to the park until we were too hot, and then we went swimming. Jaime has always been such a faithful friend. I love those friendships! You know the ones that it doesn't matter how long it's been since you've talked, you just pick right back up where you left off! One thing that I have always admired about Jaime is her relationship with the Lord. She is always listening to the voice of God and seeking his wisdom in every situation. I feel like I try to do that in really difficult situations, but Jaime does it in EVERYTHING. She sees His teaching in every step of her life, and she is constantly thinking about how she can better herself. That inspires me! We had a wonderful visit, and I look forward to the next one. I hope it's sooner than 5 years!!!

Lake Burton

A couple of weeks ago, the kids and I packed up and headed for a night at the lake with friends. Ricky had to work, so we just decided to take a little road trip. I love the lake and I wanted my kids to get to experience this. I know what you're thinking and I agree... it's sad that they are 11 and 8 and they have never been to the lake. Better late than never, right? They experienced many "firsts" on this trip. It was our first little over night stay, as a family, without Ricky. Ryte did not want to leave his dad at home alone. Isn't that funny...we were going maybe 30 minutes away for one night, and Ryte just thought Ricky would be so upset without us. I assured Ryte that his dad would probably enjoy a night to himself, and he agreed to go. We stopped by the store and picked up a few things and then we headed for the lake. As soon as we got there, we decided to take a boat ride. This was also a first for my kids! They loved it! I just watched them as they took it all in. Riya made sure she did not overreact.You know she has that image to uphold. She's eleven and nothing is a big deal at eleven, but even though she didn't jump for joy, I could see her smiling through her eyes.Ryte, on the other hand, had the biggest smile across his face the entire ride. He loved the everything from wearing a life jacket to the wind blowing his hair. After the ride, the kids played a quick game of volleyball while the hot dogs were grilling. We ate, laughed, and just enjoyed time with friends. Around midnight, after the kids had gone to bed, we thought it was a great time to pull out Rummikub. We love this game, and if you haven't played it, you're missing out! Well we thought wrong! The kids were in and out of bed! Ryte came down because he had fallen asleep, and fell off the bed. He hit the corner of the nightstand and ended up with a huge knot on his back. After that the flood gates opened up for the rest of the kids. Some were thirsty, some were hungry, some were just not sleepy, and some just did not want to miss out on anything! Our "relaxing" game ended around 1:30am.
The next day we went back out on the lake for some tubing! I have expressed in earlier posts that I am not the adventurous one, so this was a first for me also. We had so much fun! Later we went to "Sliding Rock. For those who don't know, this is a waterfall that is more like a water slide. Ryte slipped and fell down at the wrong place, so that was the only trip down for him. He also can't stand to be cold and the water was VERY cold. However, I think Riya would have stayed there all day! She loved it! I would see her go down and in just a minute, she was up there again getting ready to slide. Before loading up to go back home, Riya and Ryte also tried water skiing for the first time. I was so happy that they have the courage to try new things. I would have never done that, and I'm not sure I would now either. They are so brave! They did pretty good for their first time! This was such a fun trip and we made such great memories! I don't think the kids will forget it! Next time, we have to have Ricky there though. We all missed him. I really did when I was loading and unloading the car!

To the Moon and Back

These two special people are my in laws, Melvin & Joan, or better known as Memaw & Pop. They are another true blessing in my life. This past weekend, Ryte had a ballgame in Simpsonville, SC. Ricky and I had already committed to being at a wedding on Saturday, so we were not going to be able to take him. All it took was one phone call. You see... Memaw and Pop have just as much love for sports as Ricky and Ryte do. There are not many games that they miss. I can assure you that they have put many miles on their car traveling from Gainesville to Habersham County and White County. If my nephews are playing at the same time as Ryte or Riya, they split up and make sure they are at both. That's what they enjoy doing, and the kids love for them to be there to support them. When I talked to Joan and asked her she said she would love to do that. She said, "It will be an adventure for us." Isn't that neat; she looked at it as an adventure not a burden. I was so happy and relieved. I knew that I could send him with one of the other players, but I just felt better knowing that they were going to be with him. Ryte won both games and we met them to pick him up around 9pm. On Sunday, Ricky had to work, so he couldn't go, again.I had arranged to ride with another family on the team, but Saturday night Pop said, "We'll pick you up in the morning at 9:30." I was happy they were going again! They were there bright and early (Pop is ALWAYS early!) We kissed Ricky and Riya goodbye and headed back to SC. Those of you who know Ricky, know that it was killing him to not be able to watch Ryte play. I was instructed to keep him updated through texts. Between texting and Dill pickle flavored sunflower seeds, I had no time to be nervous like I normally am at Ryte's games.
During this ride, I just thought about how good Memaw and Pop are. They have such a love for the Lord, and it spills over into loving each and every one of us. On the ride we listened to a gospel group that Joan's nephews are in. I just watched as Memaw mouthed every word to one of her favorite songs. We stopped to eat, and Pop blessed the food. His prayers are so sweet and heartfelt. He always starts with, "Dear Lord as we bow one more time before you Lord..." I love that! I have always known that they love me, but it was not until a recent family matter, that I really saw how deep their love runs. I truly believe they would drive to the moon and back if we needed them to. Family means everything to them! Many people complain about their in laws, but I know that I am blessed. They have always been supportive not hindering. They have chosen to be laid-back and not pushy. They have encouraged us and not criticized. I am so very thankful for them, and I hope that they know how much we love and appreciate them.The boys ended up coming in second during this tournament, but it was a great trip, and I got to spend quality time with my son and my Memaw and Pop!

I'm Reading in the Rain

This is just a short post to show you one of my most favorite things to do! I love to read, and recently My Dad and Donna bought me a kindle! This has been the best gift!!! I love to read on my porch when it's raining. The furniture you see belonged to my Momon and Papaw. I remember sitting in their laps many nights listening to the crickets and watching lightning bugs flicker and flash through their front yard. Sitting here makes me feel close to them! I miss them so much! By the way...the dog is Ribbon. She is the BEST dog in the world. I'll write about her later.

The "Corn Call"

My grandmother and her siblings have always had a garden. Let me explain. This is not just a small little garden it is a massive garden that produces enough food for my grandmother, her siblings, and their families. For as long as I can remember, summers have been filled with the dreaded "Corn Calls." As a child I hated to have to go and help, but lately I have started looking forward to these calls. This past Sunday afternoon, while eating lunch (which always includes corn) at my Mamaw's, my Dad warned us that the "call" would come on Tuesday night. I like when we have a warning. I can plan and arrange my day around it, but more times than not, there is no warning. These calls normally come on the days that I've decided to be lazy and just lay around the house. Anyway, once you get the call, it's time to load up and head over to Aunt Evelyn's house. This is the meeting place. When I arrive, there is always a truck load of corn that my family is circled around. plenty of chairs, buckets, and brushes. Some people shuck and some silk. You normally do the same job, but sometimes you might get to try something new. Only a few can cut though; you must have to earn this right. I love to watch my Mamaw cut corn though. She makes it look so easy, and I know it's not. This is really a great family time. It's work, but when there is laughter and love lingering in the air, time passes so quickly. The best part of answering the "Corn Call" comes after all the corn is done. One of my Aunts will always come out holding a grocery bag and say, "Rachelle, get you as much as you want!" There is nothing like fresh boiled corn! YUM! Although, I normally huff and puff when I get the "call", I know that this is a blessing in my life. I hope these memories stick with me like the silks stick on the corn.

My RiYa~ Papaya!!!

Oh me...boy how time flies! It seems just like yesterday that I was bringing this little bundle of joy home from the hospital. Now she is growing into a young lady, and I am so very proud of her. Riya keeps us busy with friends, friends, and more friends!She is my little social butterfly that wants to flitter and flutter all over the place. She loves to make new friends and she loves the Lord with all her heart! Riya's laughter is contagious! She loves to draw, dance, play basketball, and just be silly! She is a magnet for little kids...they just flock to her, and she loves to love on them. I am so proud of her, and she has taught me more than I could EVER teach her! I am blessed to have such a wonderful daughter, and I look forward to many more years to come!

Ball, ball, and more ball!

Ryte keeps us busy going to and from ballfields. I knew from the first few years that he had a love for ball.He would never sit to watch cartoons on the television. The only way I could get him to even look at the T.V. was to turn it to ESPN. Still today, he is constantly tossing,throwing, kicking, or bouncing a ball.Inside the house or outside. It makes no difference to him. I say over and over, "Ryte, stop throwing that in the house! Quit kicking that against the wall! Can you not just sit there without a ball in your hand?" It's not uncommon to be watching a show and see a ball go back an forth in front of the television screen. Many times Ricky will be sitting in the recliner and Ryte will run toward the stairs, and look back for his dad to throw him a pass. I could go on and on, but you probably get the picture.
I have tried so many times to buy him matchbox cars, Legos, Lincoln logs, you name it. I cannot get him to play with anything but a ball! Well I take that back; he will play any "sports related" Playstation game. I'm happy though. He works really hard at whatever sport he is playing.His favorite verse is Joshua1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go." When he's struggling on the field, I yell out, "one nine Ryte" and he knows to remember to be strong and God is with him. It's amazing what can happen on a ballfield. I am watching him learn so many life skills that it took me years to learn. Many of those skills, I still have to work on today.You see... I have NEVER played any sport(you wouldn't want to even see me try.) I was always afraid to try something new if I didn't think I could do it perfect. I was also always afraid to make new friends and step out of my comfort zone. I believe that held me back from experiencing life a little. I want my kids to try new things and never be afraid of making mistakes. I want them to make friends easily and know how to work together for a common goal.I am so blessed to get to watch Ryte learn all these skills at an early age. Although I get tired of ALWAYS having to be somewhere, and I fuss about the constant ball throwing, I'm happy that I am able to witness how he is growing through this.

Our Mamaw- Best Grandmother In The World

My sister and I recently wrote an essay to our local paper to nominate our grandmother for mother of the year! We were so excited to find out that they decided to name her Mother of the year! She was surprised and excited! Here's what we wrote:

Our Mamaw- Best Grandmother In The World
By: Marisa S. Whittington and Rachelle S. Woodruff

Thirty- seven years ago our grandmother, Eloise Shirley, was overwhelmed with joy when her 1st granddaughter came into this world. Three years later she was blessed with another grandbaby girl. She had raised her two boys, and now she was “tickled pink” to have the opportunity to spoil two girls. After the death of our mom, she rose to the occasion and stepped in to assist in raising us. We were both under the age of four and our grandmother, who we call Mamaw, was quickly put in the position of being the most influential female figure in our lives. She was now more of a parental figure and shared in the everyday chores of teaching, disciplining, and instilling values in us that we will carry the rest of our lives.
Our Mamaw is a strong woman of faith. She loves the Lord and it has been her desire to make sure that we grow up with a good foundation in Christ. God was first priority in her life. She has led us not only with words and guidance, but by example. She set aside time for God each morning and night. She has shown God’s love through the years by her daily acts of kindness. She visits local nursing homes and makes gifts for the elderly. She has a servant’s heart and nothing brings her more joy than doing for others.
She has also given us the best example of being a hard worker and always striving to do our best. Her strength continues to amaze us. She will be eighty years old in August and she has not slowed down yet. When she is not working at our cousin’s store, you will probably find her working in her yard or garden.
Our mom went to Heaven, but God left us with the most amazing angel here on Earth. Mamaw is the most humble woman. We know she would never expect recognition for the sacrifices she has made for us. We would like for her to receive this special award, so she will know and never doubt how much those two little girls…now grown women, love and cherish her role in their lives.

Hot Air Balloons & Helen

Well it's been forever...again! I won't give up though. Maybe now that summer is here, I can really focus on my blog.Remember, I am NOT a writer!

This is not in my comfort zone at all, but I thought it would be something that my family may be able to look back on later. Ok...here we go again!


This past weekend we decided to load up and meet some of my very favorite people in Helen. Kendra had this great idea that we should all meet in Helen to watch the hot air balloons take off. It ended up being a wonderful night. We went and watched the balloon teams set up and take off. Then we walked down the street to eat. This is another blessing in my life...true friends. These girls have been there for me through it all and everyday I thank God for them. They are truly amazing women who are blessed with wonderful families!

The Redd Family-
Randy, Kendra, Carter, & Phoebe


The Mitchell Family-
Jeff, Amanda, Molly, & Jacob


The VanOrman Family-
Curt, Connie, Aiden, & Everett

Let it SNOW!!!

Alright...well it's been awhile. I had great intentions, but it seems like one thing after another has happened to keep me away from the blog. Let's try this again! Never give up, right?

I LOVE the SNOW!!! We have just had a wonderful weekend spending time with the family and playing in the snow. Riya and Ryte had a blast! Friday afternoon when the snow started falling, Ryte left to go spend the night with his friend. Riya and I waited until the grass was no longer visible, and then we bundled up and headed outside. The snow was perfect! I love the crunch of the snow as you walk through it. Running, sliding (or not), sledding, snowball fights, snow angels, and snow icecream...what more could you ask for? On Friday night Riya and I went out and just laid in the snow. We just let the snow fall on our faces while we just talked and
laughed. She is so amazing, and I am loving being able to watch who she is becoming.

On Saturday, we went to pick Ryte up at his friends house, then we headed over to my Mamaw & Papa's house for a little family fun. I love to watch my kids play with Marisa's kids. It brings back so manywonderful childhood memories.
We are all so blessed!