And the winner is....JAKE

Woot! Woot! Last week we received word that Jake had been selected as the state Science teacher of the year. "you have been selected as the Tennessee Science Teachers Association SCIENCE EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR for grades 5-8. Congratulations! " In my mind there is no one that deserves it more. He is a very dedicated educator, sometimes too dedicated that it can be annoying if you are his wife or children but his passion is teaching and he rocks it. He may not be his students favorite teacher but he is the one that is preparing them for life because he does push them and believe in them. He expects a lot from his students but he ensured that the students know that. Students are often underestimated in what they can accomplish and in some ways coddled but that is not the case for Jake. He truly believes that all students can succeed and learn; they just have to be accountable and the expectation set. Here is a portion of his class website from the beginning of the year: "My name is Jake Farrell. This is my 10th year teaching. I am very excited to work for the community that I live in. I will provide your child with the best educational experience I can to prepare them for the future. In general, our class is broken into two parts; gaining knowledge and applying that knowledge. It is more than just labs and assignments, but really having students develop their own projects while learning about the background principles related to that project. Often, mistakes or design flaws provide the best opportunity to learn. We will value the mistakes we make for the learning opportunities they are." He deserves this recognition and I am beyond happy for him...I just hope he doesn't forget that it's a sacrifice for his entire family (wink, wink).

Homemade cards=my fave

Totally love homemade cards....mine from Jake this year was really simple but made my day.

 "Renee, 

     You are the one person I want to be around when I want to alone. Your voice and our often one-sided conversations sooth me. Our backs against each other, our hands embraced, or our brief hugs  are the brief touches I need. At first u thought all these reasons were selfish, and the reason I love you. Instead, I submit them as proof to you that I love you. You have pierced my close heart. You are a part of my being, my existence, my soul. I love you. Love truly, Jake" 

Happy Valentine's Day

Personally, I do not feel that there needs to be a day set aside to show your love for someone but that it should be done on a daily basis, even to strangers. With that said, I am blessed beyond measure to be married to someone that my love grows for daily and to experience a whole new love as a parent. Jake and my children provide a renewed purpose and freshness in my life. Yesterday, we took our children out for valentines (since today is Sunday). Jake took the girls for lunch and to ge their hair cut and styled to their choosing. After seeing Aubree, you could tell she felt beautiful and complimented her new do with a new tiara. Ginny looked beautiful as well. Jake felt the need to show everyone just how beautiful his ladies were. All three of them radiated. The boys and I went to lunch at Olive Garden with Nana, Riley, and Charity. Then we went to pick out candy for each of the kids. Last night, Jake and I chaperoned the youth dance...what a fun way to spend our valentines. (Wink) Serving is good. Following the dance w went for a late dinner to I-hop. We joked about a classy valentines dinner that was. I told him that it was fine, I lost my valentine date thirteen years ago and was replaced with Ginny if he was home and not in a trip with his brothers. He (Jake) is the person I'd rather be with above all others and hope that I provide him with a portion of the happiness he provides me. 

Always in our heart

As many of you know, my Papaw recently passed away. This has been very hard on everybody in many ways. We may have emotional days, a longing for us to just wake up from a bad dream, or just a bad day. This isn't unnatural, in fact it is perfectly normal. I have been thinking about my Papaw lately and realized it is nothing to grieve over. I mean it is perfectly fine to miss him, but should we not  be happy for him? He is in a better, safer place, and isn't that better than him suffering? I know that I would rather him be painless, reunited with my great grandmother, Mamaw, and walking again instead of in pain. I mean sure we are all going to miss him, but he's happy know. He is home with our Heavenly Father. He is smiling, walking, and hugging, most likely. Most importantly he is free. To quote President Henry B. Eyring, " The priesthood power to bind families eternally is one of the greatest gifts of God. Every person who understands the plan of salvation longs for that lasting blessing." President Eyring says that families are together forever. So this isn't a goodbye forever just a see you later. Papaw will always be in our hearts and will always attend the things that we treasure most. I would write forever, but I have to attend to my homework. Just remember that, " Fam'lies can be together forever Through Heavenly Father's plan. I always want to be with my own family, And the Lord has shown me how I can. The Lord has shown me how I can," from the Children's Songbook on page 188. 

Love,

Aubree Farrell

New, new year

There are times in my life where I realize how great life is and other times I feel that life is hard. I am sure that is normal of everyone but I am trying very hard to count my blessings. This afternoon in the car, I mentioned to Jake that recently it is difficult for me not to become jealous when I hear others spending time with of their grandparents however, I proceeded that jealousy is not the correct approach because I had a wonderful relationship with both my Mamaw and Papaw. So, I have decided that I am having a re-do of the New Year and my winter…my attitude and relationship with Jake will improve. I am beyond measure blessed to have such a caring and gentle husband. Are there things that drive me crazy? Absolutely but that in no way diminishes my love and admiration for him. He helps me becomes better and is who I would choose all over to be by my side and the father of my children. Another resolution is not raise my voice at my four angels. There are times that it seems like I can ask them nicely five times but until I raise my voice at them, they do not listen. I will become more patient with them. Now, my final New Year's resolution is to be more observant of the Sabbath. There has been a great emphasis from church leaders to honor the Sabbath more effectively. Overall, I feel that our family does well at not doing things such as going to stores, eating out, playing rough, swimming, etc (we do not do things on Sundays that we do the others days of the week) but there are things that we should do to be better. I want to improve our time together on Sunday, serve others, connect with extended family members, and find more joy in Sundays. There is a great desire to teach my children by example gospel living and this will be one way to do that. I want my children to know they are sons and daughters of a higher being and the He knows them and loves them. I want them to have a strong gospel foundation so when questions arise and trying times may come, they can find their way and always remember that their parents have a firm knowledge and belief of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Also, I plan to let my family start adding entries when they would like to, so we will print the name of the author at the end of the entries. Renee'

I see miracles from above

It seems as if I had shed a tear many tears each day since 12/31/15 and Papaw has consumed my mind. However, I had two days this week where I was tear free. Last night, we drove to Atlanta to spend the weekend at Sarah and David's because Brennan is getting the priesthood. As we were driving my mind raced with all the events of this last month. As hard as it is and as sad as it can make me, somehow I managed to see the good that had happened too and be reminded of the tender mercies. My mind wondered from the doctor telling us "he is dying" to walking back in the room and being able to talk to him and call my siblings, from seeing him just lie in the hospital bed to him raising his eye brows, squeezing my hand, and trying to speak, from the heartbreak of seeing him to the heart warmth of memories that rushed back. We loved each other big so at this temporary separation, I hurt big. Sandra sent me this pictures this week and it brought joy to my soul. I am certain there will be many more tears shed but I plan to try to laugh and smile many more too. I have a wonderful life and am blessed with many great people in it. 

I have seen the tender miracles from the Lord. 

Papaw's Eulogy

This may have been the most difficult thing I have done but he deserves a tribute from those so dear to him. Delivering it was very hard but I wanted to for my Papaw.... William Edward Litton May 2, 1931 – January 15, 2016 INTRO – It is a great honor to be able to deliver a few words about our "Papaw", William Edward Litton. I had the opportunity to spend the last 38 years with him and learn invaluable lessons and create happy memories. My heart is full as I have listened to many share stories and tender moments of this beloved man over the last two weeks. How do I do justice to this noble man who touched so many? I can’t. But what I can do is give you a glimpse into a beautiful life. When I first started trying to plan out this eulogy for our Papaw, it really seemed impossible. He fought for our country, raised two children, helped raise three other young men, and was a warrior for God. Our Papaw was one of our heroes, so providing a glimpse into his life in a few words seemed like a lost effort. Papaw (William) was born in 1931, the year the Star Spangled Banner became the national anthem. Papaw was the only boy of 10 children, a bright little face in a troubled world. But his was a happy home with loving parents and siblings. Word on the street is that he may have been his parents' favorite child, being the only son, but I will keep that source to myself. Papaw “grew up during and after the Great Depression. Most people had clothing and food. His recollection is of hurrying home after school, grabbing a rifle and hitting the Forked Deer river bottom to hunt or fish. Papaw loved his parents and learned many things from them, including the value of music and raising his voice in song. Some of his fondest memories of his parents were of hearing his mother sing and daddy playing his harmonica. Papaw bloomed into a handsome young man, with a radiant smile and a quick wit. Papaw had an unsurpassed love for his country and served courageously in the Vietnam War as a member of the United States Air Force. After retiring from the air force, he continued to serve our great nation and worked United States Post office. The first love of his life was a lady named Virginia Pauline Jones. They were married in 1962 and lived a very full life until June 1994. Together they traveled the country and various parts of the world with his military career, leaving that area a better place because they were there. About a year after the loss of Mamaw, Papaw married Bertha Lucille Rodgers in 1995 and they embarked on their journey in this life together. Papaw loved his children, Diane and Ed, and the ones inherited with marriage. His children were his world. Papaw, a Hero to them, leaves behind large shoes to fill. It was his imperfections that made him perfect to us. Papaw may have left this world for a better place at Jesus's feet, but his words of wisdom, and all that he taught us will never leave. Let me revise my statement from a few minutes ago that "His children were his world", that is until grandchildren came, which he then became known as "Papaw" to all in 1977. He wanted to teach his grandchildren the value of work. He had them mowing the lawn before they could see over the mower. Standing out there with them the whole time watching to ensure safety and that a treat could be earned when they job was finished. After the mowing was complete, it was often rewarded with a trip to the little county store in Beech Bluff, where two treats could be chosen and enjoyed. Courteous to all, he was known by name as were his grandchildren- he ensured that. Papaw took an interest, or at least made his grandchildren think it was an interest, in things that were important to them. Although he professed to be a great hunter and would go squirrel hunting with the boys, gaining the nickname as "The Great White Hunter"; he actually just sat by the trees to feed the squirrels and be with his grandsons. Papaw gave the best advice; he told his granddaughters that they "could love a rich man just as easily as they could a poor man". Papaw showed by example pure love and how to make others feel loved. Even as adults, he was very involved in the lives of grandchildren and their families. He would often have small containers of quarters that he would give with a hug to the great-grandchildren. Papaw would proudly tell anyone that would listen about his grandchildren and their accomplishments. In the words of one of his grandsons: "Tell Papaw that he's the best grandpa we could've wished for." One thing I remember vividly about Papaw was his ability to try to share the gospel with conviction. Papaw joined Beech Bluff Pentecostal Church in October 1992. His words were precise and insightful. And he lived what he preached. I heard him testify of many gospel principles over the years such as loving others, exercising faith, or being diligent and faithful in all your days. I also saw him live those principles as he struggled to cope with the physical and emotional anguish of diabetes and other health issues that arose. Papaw spent most early mornings in prayer meeting at church with other members of his congregation. As the possibility loomed of him not being around for his family, he did his best to make sure everyone was taken care of. It was not unlike Papaw to show up at your door, usually waking you up, with sausage and biscuits at 7:30 or even earlier some days to share breakfast with you. His last days were selflessly spent trying to comfort those he cared for by conveying his love and letting his loved ones know that he knew they loved him too. His final days were a reflection of the life we enjoyed with him. He made us laugh as he told the nurse he was George Washington or that he was on the moon. His gentle eyes brightened our days. He squeezed our hands to warm our hearts. He called us by name, knowing those are just the words we needed to hear. At parting, we look forward to our next reunion. In the Christian hymn " Each life that touches ours for good" there is a line that states: “Thou sendest blessings from above Thru words and deeds of those who love”(293) This is how I think of Papaw – his words and deeds radiated the light of the gospel and love. And now, instead of being an angel to us here, he will have to touch our hearts from Heaven. Papaw did not fear his exit from mortality, when asked his thoughts on death, he stated: "The old must die so the young can also travel this road of life.” “I would prefer to part expecting to meet my people in Heaven. No Goodbyes." Papaw, this is not a good bye but simply a till we meet again. We love you.