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Friday, December 29, 2006

Happiness and Sadness moments in the family.

Hello everyone!

We were thrilled to see Mom, Brittany and Becky pulling in from North Carolina for a couple of days visit yesterday (Thursday) and was chatting away and waiting for Bucky to arrive from work. Bucky arrived almost at 4:45 pm and the kids couldn't wait to open the gifts they got from us and we all couldn't wait to get gifts from NC family. Everyone got very good gifts!
They will be here till Monday morning!

About 8 pm, doorbell rang.. Bucky said to me, "your Mom and Dad are here" then went and opened the door. He had a expression like surprised look then went outside and shut the door. I was on VP with my Granny so I told her to hold on and let me go and look who's at door. I went and found a police officer at the door with a note telling Bucky that he needed to call a officer in Sevierville.. We were puzzled but knew it meant something's wrong.. So Bucky called the officer via VP and got his Aunt Donna on the phone.. Bucky said "how's everything?" She replied " Not good.. Papaw Carver passed away this morning around 11 am." I choked and started to cry.. So we were to call back today to find out the funeral information, etc..

This morning, Bucky and I woke up and went to Sam's to buy some foods we needed for the party we are hosting on Sunday. When we got back, Bucky went and called to get funeral information.. The family and friends viewing will be held from 5 pm to 7 pm Saturday evening, Funeral services will be held from 7 to 8 pm then Gravesite burial with Miltary services will be held on Sunday at 2 pm.. Bucky and I along our children will be going to the funeral..

We will still have the New Year party at our house but it will be later than we intended because we will be at the gravesite.. So We will still ring in 2007 with both of our families, my parents, my sister and brother in law, Bucky's Mom and our nieces and Vicki and Doug if they are able to come. What a great start of 2007!

I personally feel so bad about Papaw's passing.. He is real nice man but we have not been able to communicate well with him since he's not able to read and write very well, and always had his wives Cora and Jan writing for him. He married Cora but when she passed away and he married Jan some time later.. We have not been around him very much, visiting or keeping in touch with him. Now he's gone.. I feel that we didn't do more than what we have done to keep in touch with him.. Jan and he surprised us when we sent the invitation for them to come to our house dedication, thinking they wouldn't come but they did! Bucky was really happy to have them visiting and we took pictures of them with the great-grandkids.
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I will never forget how he looked at Bucky when we saw him excatly one year ago when we were at cabin in Gatlinburg. He really looked at Bucky with love.. Then we are really relieved that he now is at peace.. He's able to reunite with his wife, Beulah..
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Good night Shirley, Sleep tight..

Love ya!

M-

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Nearing end of 2006, KODA

Hello everyone!

Days are getting close to closing 2006 and opening up a new year, 2007! Have you made your resolutions yet? I am not going to make any resolution because I don't usually follow through but I have something I want to happen in 2007! That's another story below..

I think 2006 has good moments as well as bad moments.. The good things are good health, Bucky graduating and finally got the job he wanted, Kids being happy.. The bad things are Blank our kitten died, having to give up Baby (the boxer), the frustration of not getting job for me yet.. Nonetheless I look forward to start 2007 on good note! :)

I am looking forward to get this started and be able to have this running successfully for our children in Knoxville. I am wanting to talk about KODA/CODA... I am considering and trying to get this started soon in Knoxville, I'm trying to gather up enough CODAs to help me get this up and running hopefully by March 2007..

I have heard all about CODA growing up but not really know how much it really does matter until I have my sons and I realize that they need something like KODA and CODA for their identity.. It is just like hard of hearing not fitting in both worlds.. So I am truly serious about wanting setting this up because I feel that it would serve a great purpose for children to be able to know that there are many people out there that has walked in their paths many times before them.. Some children adapt very well, some don't.. So I think and hope that I will be able to get enough CODAs in Knoxville to work along with me and make this successful..

Any positive ideas or suggestions would be appericated.. Thanks!

Anyway, Happy New Year! Be safe and Don't drink and drive! Have a designate driver if you plan to drink!

See you in 2007! M-

Saturday, December 23, 2006

New family member and Christmas!

Hello Everyone!

I am excited to talk about our new family member.. He came to us today! His name is Booda.. He is 6 months old and obviously you know by now it's a male! :)

Sandy has gotten a Puggle puppy not too long ago and I really LOVED the way she looked and wished we could have one like her.. Sandy found this puppy on zoomommy and told us about it.. Justin was determined to have Booda so I told Sandy that we would go ahead and take him after I talk to Bucky :) So Bucky said after hestiating for a bit about having another puppy in house..

So today at 11 am, we went to Turkey Creek and met the people who kept Booda and picked him up. He is so adorable!

So when we brought Booda to Mom and Dad's house while Sandy and I was making 5 batches of fudges (all different flavors) Tori went and brought Puggly over to meet Booda. We realized that they are little bit different in colors but they are so much alike in many ways..

They are Puggles, mixed breed by design of Pug and Beagle breeds. You can look them up on this link and see what information they have on Puggles.. I think they are adorable pets! They are small pets, will not be more than 30 lbs..

Here's more pictures of Booda.. You can see Booda on Justin's right and Puggly is on the left.. She has light blue collar on.. She's 5 months old and Booda is 6 months old..
Booda and Puggly playing with Ryan.. :)

Sandy, Thanks for helping us getting Booda! I think he's going to keep us busy! :) He's so adorable!! Thanks again! :)

Tomorrow is December 24th, We will be going over to Sandy and Robert's house to have dinner around 2 pm and be starting our festivites of opening gifts, and doing something new that we have never done and that's singing some songs!! :)

Everyone,

Please have a SAFE and warm Merry Christmas!

Love from The Carver's Family in Tennessee!!

Tuesday, December 19, 2006

As Christmas getting closer and closer!

Hello Everyone!!

Days are dwindling before it's time for Christmas! Are you ready?!? Done with your Christmas Shopping?? All gifts wrapped up and ready to go? Ready for your holiday feast? WOW So many things to do, not enough time I'm sure!

5 days 14 hour 41 minutes from this moment! Click for updated countdown

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I got this from Handy Hints mailing list I am on and I thought this would be GREAT to share with you, my readers on practical gifts that you can whip up within minutes..

HINT 1

Here is a Great "Last Minute" Christmas gift:

Italian dinner in a colander: Buy a colander from your favorite store, add four or five different-sized packages of pasta and a couple jars of sauces, put it in the colander wrap with colored cellophane and tie with a bow. Looks pretty and is very practicle.

HINT 2

Another Quickie Gift:

Buy a Phone card and an address book: Combine the phone card with an address book and add in the VIP addresses, dates, emergency phone numbers. Pass it around at the family holiday dinner so everyone can add their information. It's a Gift that keeps on giving all year long.....
Holiday Safety Hints:
1. Do not overload electrical circuits. No more than three sets of lights to one extension cord.
2. Check all lights for damaged sockets, plugs or cords. Repair or replace anything that looks defective.
3. Only use UL or FM labeled extension cords.
4. Don't run electrical cords under rugs or carpeting.
5. Turn off all electrical decorations before leavinghome or going to bed.6. Be sure that lights used outside are clearly markedfor outdoor use.
7. Be careful when using ladders outside to decorate home exteriors. Do not place lights in trees near powerlines.
8. Fasten outdoor lights securely to the exterior toprotect the lights from wind damage. Use only insulated staples to hold strings in place, not nails or tacks.
9. Never use electric lights on old metal artificial trees.
10. Keep all light strings out of reach of small children.


Line an empty flower pot with a Christmas Napkin or hand towel to make a very festive silverware caddy, or extra utensil holder.

To SUBSCRIBE: http://www.gophercentral.com/sub/handyhints.htm

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I got this from Heloise Hints

Create a Holiday Potpourri
Forage around outside to find pinecones, Hawthorne berries, and holly. Clean them to remove bugs and debris. Let dry and place into a glass or ceramic bowl. If you have dried flowers, add them too. Put a cinnamon stick or several drops of cinnamon, clove or orange oil in the bowl to create a wonderful aroma
Fun Holiday Napkin Rings
Use clean seasonal cookie cutters (Halloween, Thanksgiving Christmas) as napkin rings for festive dinner parties. Let each guest take home his or her cookie cutter as a party favor.


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BUT the most important thing to remember among this Holiday rush is to celebrate Jesus's birth.. Do something special at your Church or among your family/friends honoring Jesus..

Till Then, M-

Monday, December 18, 2006

Tori's Sport Banquet Dinner

Hello Everyone!

We are BEAMING PROUD of Tori's accomplishment in volleyball.. TSD had Fall Sport Banquet honoring football, volleyball players as well as Homecoming Court and cheerleaders earlier tonight.

Tori got Athletic Letter Award with letter T and Volleyball emblem with bar, she also got 2006 Coaches Award and a humor award of Smiling Volleyball because she always smiles in games and practices.

The pictures are below..







Sunday, December 17, 2006

Tennessee Observer

TN School for the Deaf has its publication that they mails out several times a year.. I usually read online version first because it is already there then few days later I get a print.. :)

I wanted to share two of the articles they had in this publication.. Each color has seperate links so click purple to read about Volleyball then click the gray one to read what Tori has wrote.. :)

Emails to share, Birthdays..

Hello Everyone!

Hope your Sunday is warm and peaceful! We are having warm weather here in East Tennessee! We have been on roller coaster weather going into cold and warm weather each week!

Are you all ready for Christmas!? My kids sure are! Justin and Ryan are now on their Christmas break! Tori has to go to school for a week before she can start her vacation..

Bucky is really enjoying his job so much.. It is something he really likes and went to college for so it's perfect job! YAY! I have had two interviews this past week and I'm HOPING to be able to get the job at one of the place because it is something I would like to do and their hours are perfect! Monday - Friday 8 to 5 pm. Mmmm :) It also helps that they have very good benefits! I get paid holiday for my birthday WOW!! :) So I'm praying hard that I am able to get this job.

I decided to go through my email and copied & pasted some information here so you guys can read..

Till Then, M-

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I got this email from Dear Abby while back and decided to post this.. With parties coming up for the holidays, I think this would be good idea.. Yes, I am guilty for not RSVPing to some events I have been invited to.. :( so I am going to make sure that I do better on that from now on so the hosts would have numbers to go on. For those who I have not RSVPED, I'm sorry..

HOSTS LEARN TO STAND FIRM WITH GUESTS WHO IGNORE RSVP

ABBY: I could only sympathize after reading the letter from "Tired in Kentucky" (10/9), the mother of the bride who was having trouble with the RSVPs. At my daughter's wedding we had the same problem. In the end, we had 14 no-shows out of a planned attendance of 79,which at $57 a head for dinner, drinks, champagne toast and appetizers was a lot of money spent for nothing. I was particularly offended because some of their excuses were poor -- for example, they decided at the last minute to do something better. People apparently don't realize that you have to give a number to the caterer at least a week ahead. You then need to pay for that number of guests whether they show up or not. I think I have found the answer, though: My next catered party, I'm going to call a week ahead, and if they don't know if they're coming or not, I'm telling them I'll take that as a no. I have learned that the minute you take something away, they want it. Maybe I can train my guests this way. If not, I'll eliminate them from future guestlists.-- MARY IN EUGENE, ORE.

MARY: That letter touched a nerve with a lot of readers. It appears that a large segment of the population either never learned good manners in the first place, or has chosen to ignore them. Your solution to the problem is a clever one. Read on for some other solutions to the RSVP problem:

ABBY: We attended a wedding where the name of each guest who had responded by the given date was put on a list. After the ceremony, there was a closed reception in an upscale ballroom. The doorman had a final list -- guests had to sign in before entering the room. If youweren't on the list, you didn't attend the reception. The doorman was the person giving out the bad news. You couldn't even see the bride and groom. It was done very politely and respectfully to those who had to be turned away, but it was clear that they weren't allowed to enter because they had failed to respond by the date. I thought it was a nice way to handle the situation. The bride and groom weren't put on the spot and weren't blind-sided by an "overcount" of people showing up to eat. The doorman also added to the formality of the occasion.-- MELINDA IN GEORGIA

ABBY: Here's my solution. It serves me well and always works. I hit upon it when my kids were little, and we never knew whether to expect 10 or 30 for a party. I send out invitations for the occasion with the date -- but not the time. For a wedding, I would give the date and time, but not the location, and add the word "only" on the invitations to those who are not encouraged to bring a guest. I also note, "We'll miss you if you cannot RSVP by ( )." To anyone too busy to call within the two weeks I give them, we extend our sincere and heartfelt regrets if they do call late. This may seem a bit harsh, I know, but it is done with a bit of humor, and no one to date has fussed. They all know they should respond within a given time, and we have wonderful turnouts to all our parties and such. Thanks, Abby. You and I have coffee together every morning, and I have learned so much from you and your readers!-- SHALIMAR IN SANTA ROSA, CALIF.

SHALIMAR: How sweet! So have I.

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I got this via email from Dear Abby and I think it is worthwhile to share with others.. I have experienced this myself.. It is not ideal way to do this but unfortunately Employers does do that..


DELIVERING BAD NEWS IS HARD FOR SOME EMPLOYERS TO HANDLE

ABBY: What has happened to professional courtesy in the workplace? I am a high school teacher, and recently a colleague learned that he was being replaced by another teacher when he read it in the school board minutes! The principal did not even extend the courtesy of telling him in person -- although his room and her office are only yards apart. Abby, that teacher could have been applying for other jobs.

Another example: My daughter works in the television industry and is quite successful. Months ago, she was contacted by a major network asking if she was interested in applying for an opening with them. They interviewed her twice, then flew her cross-country at their expense for a final interview, at which time she was told she would hear from them the following week. That was two months ago. Is it that difficult for a prospective employer to call and say, "We offered the position to someone else," or "We haven't decided yet"

Finally, my son, a college student, was told he would hear in one week when he was to start a new job. That was five weeks ago. Couldn't the employer have been honest up front and told him that perhaps they wouldn't need him right then? My son could have accepted another job and have been earning money

Employers: Prospective employees have lives and obligations. Put yourselves in their shoes. How would you like to put your life on hold while someone dangles a carrot in front of you?Please show some professional courtesy!-- DISAPPOINTED IN NEWPORT,PA.

DISAPPOINTED: Sometimes people have an aversion to giving others bad news, so they say nothing, figuring the message will get out -- eventually. Obviously, the principal wimped out rather than face the teacher and tell him his contract would not be renewed. As for your daughter's experience, "show biz" is notorious for its lack of empathy -- and even honesty -- when it comes to telling someone things aren't working out. I hope she lands a higher-paying job at another network.
Your son's experience this summer could provide a valuable lesson for him. In the future, if someone tells him he'll get word in seven days and it doesn't happen, he should resume his job search on day No. 8. Period.

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I got this via email from Mom.. How many of you remember Kirk Douglas?? He is Dad to Michael Douglas and a famous actor himself too..

Check out his comment

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Got this via email from Vicki, Thanks for sharing.. How true that is.. We need to invite Jesus to his birthday party we have every year when Christmas approaches..

As you well know, we are getting closer to my birthday. Every year there is a celebration in my honor and I think that this year the celebration will be repeated. During this time there are many people shopping for gifts, there are many radio announcements, TV commercials, and in every part of the world everyone is talking that my birthday is getting closer and closer.

It is really very nice to know, that at least once a year, some people think of me. As you know, the celebration of my birthday began many years ago. At first people seemed to understand and be thankful of all that I did for them, but in these times, no one seems to know the reason for the celebration. Family and friends get together and have a lot of fun, but they don't know the meaning of the celebration.

I remember that last year there was a great feast in my honor. The dinner table was full of delicious foods, pastries, fruits, assorted nuts and chocolates. The decorations were exquisite and there were many, many beautifully wrapped gifts. But, do you want to know something? I wasn't invited. I was the guest of honor and they didn't remember to invite me.

The party was for me, but when that great day came, I was left outside, they closed the door in my face......... And I wanted to be with them and share their table. In truth, that didn't surprise me because in the last few years many close their doors to me. Since I was not invited, I decided to enter the party without making any noise. I went in and stood in a corner. There were some who were drunk and telling jokes and laughing at gross things. They were having a great time without me, they supposed.


To top it all, this big fat man all dressed in red wearing a long white beard entered the room yelling Ho-Ho-Ho! He sat on the sofa and all the children ran to him, saying : "Santa Claus, Santa Claus"...as if the party were in his honor !

At 12 midnight all the people began to hug each other. I extended my arms waiting for someone to hug me and--do you know--no one did.

Suddenly they all began to share gifts. They opened them one by one with great expectation. When all had been opened, I looked to see if, maybe, there was one for me. What would you feel if on your birthday everybody shared gifts and you did not get one? I then understood that I was unwanted at that party and quietly left. Every year it gets worse. People only remember to eat and drink, the gifts, the parties and nobody remembers me.

I would like this Christmas that you allow me to enter into your life. I would like that you recognize the fact that almost two thousand years ago I came to this world to give my life for you on the cross to save you from your sins. Today, I only want that you believe this with all you heart.

I want to share something with you. Since many didn't invite me to their parties, I will have my own celebration--a grand party that no one has ever imagined! A spectacular party!! I'm still making the final arrangements.

Today I am sending out many invitations and there is an invitation for you. I want to know if you wish to attend and I will make a reservation for you and write your name with golden letters in my Great Guest Book. Only those on the guest list will be allowed at the party. Those who don't answer the invitation will be left outside.

I'll be waiting for you to attend my party...

See you soon.... I love you !

-Jesus-

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Small stuff to share..

I got this via email and wanted to share.. I do drink Mountain Dew! But I don't think I could drink enough to build me one Christmas tree like this.. This is pretty cool though! :)

Speaking of Christmas, Are you ready!?!?! Only 11 more days to Christmas! Mmmm... We will be celebrating our Christmas in Tennessee, of course.. Will be posting about our Christmas stories.. :)

Was cruising and found this.. I thought the guy who signed in the song other than the lady did wonderful! He is able to sign and actually use his "voice" or moving his lips to the song.. Not many could do this.. Way to go!


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REMINDER REMINDER

Wednesday, December 13th, 2006
Amber Stanton, deaf actress

Jerry Ferris (Former Bachlorette in 2005)
Jerry Ferris' parents are deaf of Rochester, NY
He will play as NYPD cop interpreter for Marlee Martlin , deaf actress


"CSI: NY"
CBS channel
10PM ET/PT
**Please check your location schedule**


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For the Knoxvillians or surrounding residents

New website for deaf people in Knoxville: http://knoxvilledeafnetwork.org/ Deaf Happy Hour - Jan. 5, 5:00 PM. Check above website for specific place.

Knoxville Center for the Deaf sometimes has tickets for the deaf community. Examples: Dollywood Deaf Awareness Day or basketball games at U.T. Check: http://www.kcdtn.org/ Also contact KCD if you want to be on the KCD newsletter mailing list.The next newsletter goes out next month.

The link for TSD basketball games is at the bottom of http://tsdeaf.org/what/what.html Support the Vikings and Lady Vikings!

Tennessee Association of the Deaf http://deaftennessean.org/

Paul Robertson's blog about Deaf Tennesseens: http://www.deaftn.blogspot.com/

Smiling, M-

Knoxville Center of the Deaf

Hello Everyone!

Hope your Saturday was peaceful and tranquil! :)

I attended Knoxville Center of the Deaf membership meeting Saturday night for the first time in a long time.. It was good to see many deafies that I had not seen in a while.. The meeting brought out a good crowd outcome and it lasted from 6 pm till 11 pm! They also served Buddy's BBQ during a break while they tallied up the board member votes.

A lot of issues has been brought up and I hope to see continous improvements at KCD. Good luck to those board members that has been elected Saturday night..

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Speaking of KCD, They have a family that had their house burned down over the weekend.. I hate this happening during the holidays or anytime of the year! BUT I am grateful that the family survived! OH man! If you want to help the family with stuff, to get them restarted with household, clothes and such.. You can go to KCD's website or contact KCD for information..

Some of you I know are aware that the Rodney Miller family suffered a
devastating loss over the weekend when their home burned to the ground. They
and their 3 year old daughter survived and are fine. They lost everything. They are a very fine family; we know them well. All three were here at KCD all morning. We helped them with a number of things and they are coping well. One of the KCD staff is with them this afternoon helping to get records restored (drivers license, etc). They will be back tomorrow again and we will have a number of things ready for them (computer, tty, etc).Lost in the fire were the 3 year olds Christmas gifts. I am writing to let you know that we have set up an account for them here to give them assistance and for certain we will make sure the Christmas presents are replaced. If you would like to make a donation make your check payable to KCD and put Rodney Miller family on the subject line. We can also accept credit card contributions. For a CC gift, call Ann at 579-0832.

Bob Rittenhouse, Ph.D. Executive Director of KCD

3731 Martin Mill Pike

Knoxville, TN 37920

865-579-0832

865-577-0656 (fax)

http://www.kcdtn.org/

brittenhouse@kcdtn.org

Thursday, December 07, 2006

Welcoming December Photos

Christmas Parade in Clinton at 6 pm

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Our Dinner at Applewood!
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Our Day at Dollywood!

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That's all Folks! :)
Till then, M-