Baby Palmer's coming out party

Just a little word on Josh and and Leann, Leann had their baby (Palmer Elizabeth Kersey) Tuesday on 12/04/07 @ 10:52 PM. Leann had to have a C-section, and all went well, so it was a little like a coming out party. There were about 17 people at the hopsital, family and friends waiting on Ms Palmer to make her entrance, she did it in grand style. Her daddy did the red carpet thing with her, with lots of cheering fans looking on. Really the hospital has a great facility to deliver, very comfortable with a homey feel to the birthing rooms. after the birth the dads get to carry the babies to the nursery or Stork room, where they are checked out and cleaned up. It sure was different from what I had seen in years past.Josh has posted several pictures and should be posting several more this week on www.babykersey.com take the time to see the newest addition to the family she is sooooo cute, she looks a lot like her mother, and a little like Josh too. She has a little dimples in her chin and little dimples in her cheeks too like Leann, her eyes and mouth favor Josh. Anyway we are just so happy with Palmer she is so calm and such a pretty baby, we are so glad she is here and blessing our lives.

Mizzou 36, Kansas 28

Wow what a thrill to see Mizzou win this game, the BCS said that who ever won this game would be No. 1. Now that is exciting!

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is the perfect holiday, it is named correctly.

It is mostly about sharing your blessings with loved ones, but you could share a little with a stranger. I want to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving, and say that I wish you all were here, each of you would have made this day so much better.

(regressing)I still remember helping my mother with the Thanksgiving dinner, those are happy memories for me, and I hope that today you will have happy memories that you will be able to remember and share for years to come. I still do the cooking at Thanksgiving, it is such a delight to prepare a dinner for your loved ones and watch them enjoy it. Every year brings memories, and blessings.

I love and miss you all

Dad

Antwone Fisher

Wow, I just saw this movie, it was so powerful, full of forgiveness and redemption. I was left thinking what if, about so many things, and realized that the what if's, lead us on a path of of redemption too. God has put so many of the what if's in our walk, rejoice in them.

What if you didn't have the good memories?

My favorite summer vacation, or favorite things to do

I guess my favorite summer vacation was traveling through Missouri, with the kids showing them some of the history of Missouri. Showing them the farm that my parents had, and just going through the Bonne Terre mines. All of that was fun for me, maybe not for the kids. I remember taking them to Elephant Rocks State Park and the Civil War Fort, Fort Davidson at Pilot Knob. I also remember our trip to Branson, I think there was so much to do that we couldn't get it all in. I also remember floating the Black River near Lesterville Mo. that was so much fun, maybe I will do some of that again before I get too old.
I remember taking the kids to Six Flags in St. Louis and Opryland in Nashville, they always had fun doing that. Funny how all of those thoughts just flew into my head, not sure where they came from, just good memories I guess. I'm looking forward to next summer, maybe some of the same will happen again.

Dad

Volner Family Reunion

Hey guys it's that time of the year when the Volners have their reunion. this year it will be in Brinkley Ark. at the Convention Center, 1501 Weatherby Drive. The reunion starts at 10:00 until 4:00 lunch will be at noon, it will be a catfish buffet, $15.00 per family. If anyone wants to know how we fit in to the Volners, my aunt Alma Kersey married Floyd Volner, and their kids are organizers of this reunion. I always hear some good stories when I go, I am planning on attending (Lord willing) I hope others can attend.

Dad

What's up with the Rams?

Okay I officially call for an end to Rams football, I don't know whats going on with this team. They appear to have the talent, but they aren't playing like they have any talent. I guess it has to be the coaching maybe these guys are over their heads or are over rated. Anyway, I am at the point that they are going to mail the season in pretty quick, if they don't get this ship righted.
Now I am pleasantly surprised to see Missouri, and Kentucky as two of the top teams in the country. That probably has never happened before, the combination of the teams being ranked so high.
Missouri plays Nebraska this week, hopefully they can get another W.

In the grand scheme of things the above means nothing, it's just enjoyable to root for a team and have them play well.

Love you all

Dad

Quick post...

Serah here, just thought I'd help break up Dad's streak of posts with one of my own. Actually, this is more of a prayer request than anything. I know it's probably nothing serious, but I wanted to let everyone know that Dad has had his regular cancer tests in the past month or so. While all of the scans appear normal, the blood test which reveals his CEA level was a bit high. (It was actually about double what it should be in a normal person.)

A blood test for CEA is often used as a tumor marker. Doctors can use CEA results to determine the stage and extent of disease in patients with cancer, and colorectal cancer in particular. It's also used to follow-up with patients after they've been treated, and such is the case with dad. A steadily rising CEA level is occasionally (but not always) the first sign of tumor recurrence. Increased CEA levels can also indicate some non-cancer-related conditions, such as some forms of inflammation, cirrhosis, and peptic ulcer.

So, since the internal body scans and other tests did not indicate that there was any cancer in his body, and there are other conditions that can cause CEA levels to rise, there is probably no need for concern at this time. However, I don't think the best idea is ever to wait until someone has a full-blown illness to begin praying for them.

Although he wouldn't admit it to you, he has been through so much in the past couple of years dealing with this disease, from initially finding out about it down to his last round of chemo. He remained very stoic through it all, but I know it took a toll on him physically and emotionally. Please keep dad in your prayers. The great thing is, you can talk to God just like you'd talk to an old friend, and he will listen.

The letters

I'm Back

I made it back, I was on a small vacation to Texas to see Angela and her children, I had a great time, and only regret that it was so short.
I am hoping that I will get another chance to visit them again next summer, and maybe spend another day or two down there. Angela, please give the boys a hug and a kiss for me.

I love you all.

Dad

Pride comes before the failure or fall

I talked to my friend Darrell, he and his girl friend seem to ready to break up. I'm not sure if he is sad or relieved, recently he shared that he was getting serious, now he seems that it is for the best. Feels a lot like pride talking, I hope he can get past this.

I guess I could share something about pride, it is sometimes cured with a good dose of humility.

Thank God for your health and your relationships, everything else can be replaced.

Facing Your Giants

I just started a new book, "Facing Your Giants" by Max Lucado, I just got started but the first chapter had a lot to say about fears and trust. I have found that sometimes I have run from my Giants, and other times I trusted in GOD to deal with the Giants. We are human and not without fears, to trust in God is natural, that is when we exhaust all that we can do to in facing the giants. The problem is in all things, we need to call on the Lord first, He will pave a path for you to walk, or His Spirit will proceed before you, making the words easier to speak. Calling on God to act for you isn't easy, it is admitting that you are giving power to Him, and that He has control of the circumstances, THIS IS GOOD! It's when we try to handle situations without God or without prayer that gets us into trouble. Next time you are facing giants, weather it be a decision that involves money, or making a decision that may effect your family, call on God to guide you and don't act until he has given you an answer, or He has given you comfort to proceed.

God loves you and so do I

Dad

Just a little scare

I had a little scare this week, I went to the ER, Friday with chest pain. The pain was on the right side of center of my chest, about level with my heart. As it turned out the ER, doctor, believes that I have pulled or torn a muscle between my ribs. If I had tried to think it through I probably wouldn't have gone to the hospital but tried to medicate it at home. Not experiencing anything like that before kind of scared me. So everything is fine, I am taking Naproxen, and I've been resting better with it.

I hope you all are doing good, I haven't seen any postings on here but mine, I will assume that some are logging on, and not posting, that is okay.

Please be careful, it has been hot, don't try to over do it.

Love Dad

Dog Days

The boys of summer are floundering, it is hard to watch or listen to the Cardinal games when they are doing so poorly. Sure injuries have taken their toll on the club, but everyone has injuries. I really don't know what to think, one thing for sure, it will be over in about 2 months and then the dreams for next year will begin. Enough of self loathing about baseball, come on football I think the Rams just may have a chance to make the playoffs, I think the offense and the defense have improved. They do have a tough schedule, but that is good, it will make them tougher and meaner as the weeks count by.
And what about Missouri football, the Tigers are projected to win the Big 12 North, that is good to hear, and if it happens, I will wear the Tennessee boys out.
If anyone has any good news that they would like to share please do. I'm sure that we all would like to join in your celebrations. And if you have any concerns and want to share those, at the least we can pray for a good out come.
Love you all, and I hope all are doing well.

Dad

Just another weekend

I kind of forgot about this blog thing, so I thought I would catch up.

We had a quiet weekend, nothing much going on, except I did something to my new mower, so I guess I will have to have it repaired this week, so I can cut my crab grass. It would be nice to actually have a nice lawn.
Going through the count down to my next vacation, I will be going to Texas to visit my eldest daughter (Angela) and her boys in September. This will be the first time for me to go to Texas when it didn't involve work, but I think I'm up to the challenge.
Angela has three boys, Austin 13, Christian 9, and Brenden 7, I don't know who is going be more surprised me or the boys. I wish more of the family were making the trek, but they have lives too.

Josh is in Romania, and may be back this coming weekend, I think he was to be gone for 10 days, he is a good boy and loves to go on mission trips, like the one he is on.

Serah, Steve and Eli, seem to be doing okay, Steve got a new job, and school is quickly approaching for Eli. I hope he enjoys it as much this year as he did last year. Serah, has been to the doctor about her blood pressure, and the meds that she is taking seems to controling it. Yea!

Angela is finishing up at school and will be done in September, I think around the 14th. I know she is looking forward to finishing and pursuing her career.

I haven't heard from John since Fathers day, I assume he is doing okay, John is pretty resourceful and doesn't seem to have many fears.

Sheila, is doing okay, she gets worn down during the week so a quiet weekend is right up her street.

Later.

Dad

Good news bad news

It has been a good week for the most part.
I have received results from my CT Scan, it was clear, and my blood work-up, I should know some time between Monday and Wednesday. I expect good news on all test.
Anyway, that is about the good news, now the bad.
My poor old van died on me this week, so I had to get another car, ouch!
I bought another Ford, is there any other kind?
Really I did buy another Ford, but as it turned out, it was a new car, and I don't buy new cars, but it was a deal I couldn't refuse.
and if that wasn't enough. Thursday night our air conditioning went out at home, after I got it fixed I was $600.00 closer to being broke.
I was just glad I married a woman that had money, uhmm, I mean good credit.
I hope all is going well with everyone else, update me and everyone else on the blog as to what you're doing.

Love you all

Dad

Heaven

I picked up a book yesterday, Heaven, by Randy Alcorn.
It is a must read for everybody in my opinion, it tackles the choices of going to Heaven of going to hell.

This paragraph, stands out.

God loves us enough to tell us the truth-there are two eternal destinations, not one, and we must choose the right path if we are to go to Heaven.
All roads do not lead to Heaven. Only one does: Jesus Christ.
He said, "no one comes to the Father except through me" (John 14:6)
All other roads lead to Hell.
The high stakes involved in the choice between Heaven and Hell will cause us to appreciate Heaven in deeper ways, never taking it for granted, and always praising God for His grace that delivers us from what we deserve and grants us forever what we don't.

Right now we can make the choice of where we want to spend eternity.

I love you all, please make the right choice, if you have a hard time with this, call me and we can talk. I wouldn't be a good father if I wasn't concerned about you all, I want you there with me.

Dad

Name that tune

Okay, I guess I'll start this game off.
Object is for the person posting to give a line of lyrics, and for the rest to try and figure it out.
The first person to comment with the correct answer, gets to host a BBQ in your back yard for the rest of us. Isn't that great?

"Who cares what games we choose"

okay, there's the clue, who has the answer?

Mr. Clean, rides again.

Well, life goes on, here it is another weekend and guess what, it's time to clean the house and garage. Sheila and I have clean the closets this weekend, guess what, it was a pain free event.
I worked on the extra bedroom and Sheila work on the closet in the Master room. We were able to stay out of each others way this time.
We did manage to take in a movie, we saw Mr. Brooks, with Kevin Costner. This was a movie that had lots of twist in it, it was one that keeps you guessing as to what will happen next, I give it, 10 toes up. Don't ask what that means, it sounded silly, so there it is, it's a silly review.
Back to the cleaning, we were able to take a bunch to the Goodwill so that helped us and them, the garage is getting into shape again. I can't wait until it's over, guess what Sheila said that I could cut down a tree, sounds like a job for Demo man, or Destructo man, maybe I could be Ground zero man. I hope she knows the can of worms that she has opened up.
Gotta go, my saw is calling me.

Fathers Day?

I know that Fathers day is to honor dads, for what they mean to their kids, and families. I guess, I'll step up and take it like a man, (just trying to put some humor in it) but really it is so much more than just a day to honor dads isn't it. I think it is an honor just to be a dad, the challenge is showing your sons and daughters what it is like to love their mothers in a respectful way, and being responsible for the the needs and protection of the family.
Anyone can be a father, but it is the love and respect, that you display that the kids will remember, certain values go along with that, honestly, integrity, and compassion are among them.
Without honesty, how will the kids know how to treat others in life, will they say my dad loved me but wasn't honest, hopefully not. Be honest with your kids, your wife, and yourself, believe me all will know if your not.
Have Integrity, my dad always said if you borrow something make sure you return it in the same condition that you received it in. I witnessed a time that he borrowed a planter from a neighbor, while he was using it a piece broke, and it cost a lot of money to fix it. He could have taken it back to the neighbor and try to make out like all is well and hope the neighbor didn't notice, not my dad. He fixed it like it was his, when he was finished, he cleaned the planter up and took it back to the neighbor and didn't tell the neighbor that it broke, but he repaired better than when he received it, he thanked the neighbor for the use of the planter. Nothing else was said, but I knew the value of the lesson that I witnessed.
Compassion, is an emotion that is a sense of shared suffering, most often combined with a desire to alleviate or reduce the suffering of another. As I look at it my grandfather was a compassionate man, my grandmother had an affair, my mother was a result of it. My grandfather treated her as one of his own, maybe better, but he never made a difference in the children to where they would notice. Anyway his commitment to family has been an inspiration to me, it isn't always about the obvious it's the subtitle things in life that will make a difference. You don't have to wear a sign or yell it, just live it and others will notice.

By the way, Happy fathers day to the dads that make a difference, and the expectant fathers that will do the same.

How did We Change?

Sometimes I think about how times were different when I was young. As a young boy in St. Louis I can remember how we use to pass the time doing trivial stuff. It was a given that we rode our bikes everywhere. we played in the alleyway mostly some sort of ball game, cork ball, hotbox, dodge ball, and handball, and of course basketball, that is if someone had a goal to shoot at. It was the life, your best friends were always there, the topic was about usually about baseball, or what we were going to do when school was out. Innocence was at a premium then, where did it go?
I just remember the friendships that were forged, and the bonds that were tied at that time.
Sundays were different too, everyone that I knew went to church, it didn't matter what church you belonged. Perfect attendance wasn't special, it was expected. Dinner was always as a family unit, sometimes with other members of family, aunts and uncles, or grandparents, but always family. I think, in my reflections, that was the good ole days, none of the clutter of life, that came later.
Oh to be that boy again.

Family Visit

This week, Sheila's brother Larry and his wife Jeannine, came to visit from Boston. They are always so much fun to have around, even if they are Yankees. To round everything out we had the Boston Lathums, the Nashville Kerseys, the Paducah Kerseys, the Nashville Roberts, and Mama Max. We enjoyed sitting around and catching up on all the happenings from all around. Wish everyone else could have been here.

Roy

Sunday

Just got home from church, we had a great time, we had a good, young teacher today. His explaination of the name of God, was the best that I have ever heard. For those of you that might have interest in hearing it, I'll put the web site on this post. The lesson probably won't be on the site until tomorrow. Hope your Sunday was as good as ours! http://www.thepeopleschurch.org/templates/cuspc_memberhome/details.asp?id=21662&PID=265720

Gracie

It's Saturday, Sheila and I went to see the movie, "Gracie". It was an emotional movie about a girl trying to make a boys soccer team. As it turns out, it was a real life story about Elizabeth Shue's family, she and her brother Andrew both stared in it. I won't give away the story. I think it might be a little suggestive for kids because it had a couple of scenes of almost sex acts.

Have a good Saturday

Moral of the Story is

I am so glad I learned this.

A minister decided that a visual demonstration
would add emphasis to his Sunday sermon.
Four worms were placed into four separate jars.
The first worm was put
into a container of alcohol.
The second worm was put
into a container of cigarette smoke.
The third worm was put into
a container of chocolate syrup.
The fourth worm was put into
a container of good clean soil.
At the conclusion of the sermon,
the Minister reported the following results:


The first worm in alcohol -
Dead.

The second worm in cigarette smoke -
Dead .

Third worm in chocolate syrup -

Dead .

Fourth worm in good clean soil -
Alive.

So the Minister asked the congregation -
What can you learn from this demonstration?




Maxine was sitting in the back,
quickly raised her hand and said,
"As long as you drink,
smoke and eat chocolate,
you won't have worms!"

Friday's

Okay, This is it!

It's Friday, just gotta get through today, and I'm officially in the weekend.
It has a different meaning than it did 30 plus years ago, then if I could just get to the weekend, I could go hunting, fishing, or just hang with friends. Today, I can paint, mow the lawn, or hang with family. So whats the difference? I like today bestest!

I liked my friends, but I love my family.

Enjoy

PS. Josh your a good boy, I don't care what your mom says.

Baby Kersey

I would just like to remind everyone that it's only 26 more days until we find out the gender of little baby Kersey. And in case anyone has forgotten, I'M SO EXCITED!!!!! That is all. xo, Serah.

On that note, what number in line am I for receiving said news once you guys know?

Am I near the top?

Hee hee...sorry, I'll try to be patient...ish.

I Love Tuesdays

I returned to work today, I might have been a little off my game but by the time the day was over I was back to speed. The good thing about Tuesdays is I have some drive time maybe a little more than an hour that I can just reflect, before my first customer.
Today was special, I was able to reflect upon my time that I had on my vacation, and how relaxing it was. I thought about all of the work that I was able to finish work around the house.
I was able to laugh at some of the things that happened last week and over the weekend, knowing that even though I had some time to my self I was trying to share as much as I could with others, on the phone or on the net. Anyway, I just enjoyed the things about life and the funny things that go on with it. But most of all I enjoyed the quiet time, that I have just driving and talking to the Lord, when we have our time I get so calm, and feel sooooooo good. I think I had a Happy Tuesday. How was yours?

Yesterday Is History

A friend from work sent this to me today, she puts a unique flavor on it

Yesterday is History
Tomorrow is a Mystery
Today is a Gift
That is why it's called the "Present"

Make the most of your Day

Just something to think about.

Love you all

Quote from John Wayne, on Courage

Courage, is being scared to death, and saddling up anyway.

Has anyone ever heard of blended families?

As most of you know, I work on Genealogy, from time to time, I've uncovered some interesting stories about blended families in the Kersey ancestry. This particular storey is about my Grandfather John Anderson Kersey, he was born in 1861, and in 1890 he was married, he and his wife had two daughters, sometime between 1893 and 1900 his wife died, John was left with two daughters to raise. Fortunately John lived close to his Dad and and stepmother (another blended family) they helped John raise his daughters, Some time in 1901, John Married his second wife, my grandmother, Martha Rowena Griffin, she just happened to be the first cousin, of John's first wife. They were blessed with three children, my dad and two more sisters, (now that is blending). Just to make this a little shorter, the (blended) Kersey family that you all are connected to one way or another, was very close. It reminds me of how difficult it was to live in these past times, you had to rely on family, with that being said, think about how easy it is for us to touch one another. Encourage your brothers and sisters, nieces and nephews, and pray for them when they need it, you will be blessed just for raising them up to the Father.

What ya doin this weekend

Hey Guys,

Just checking in to see what each of you are planning for the holiday weekend.
Does anyone have any great BBQ recipes?
Any special activities going on in your area, that you want to share with the others here.

Austin has joined the group, he is Angela's oldest son, and of course my oldest grandson, I can't believe he is 13, For those that didn't know. Austin broke his ankle about 5-6 weeks ago, all prayers would be appreciated in his healing process.

Sound off if you have any ideas that you would want to share to keep this going.

hello

hello grandpa how have you been this is austin

hello grandpa how have u been this is austin

It's a good week in TV land

It has been such a great week in TV land, Dancing with the Stars was won by Apolo Ohno. Jordin Sparks won American Idol, way to go Jordin, and Lost had their season finale I didn't think it would ever end. Those things were okay, but the greatness is John Wayne's 100 year anniversary, so we have 100 hours of John Wayne on TV, now that is truly awesome just think vacation, and 100 hours of John Wayne, I'M IN HEAVEN. It beats soap operas, or as Serah use to say (soap poppers) any day.

Happy Birthday

Today is Serah's birthday, she is an old lady of 27 years. Serah, is the youngest of my babies, she has a warm heart, that enables her to care for others. Happy Birthday Sweetie.

Dad

This is my Baby Sister, The one who contacted you for me..

Here Is Rodney, Austin And Christian at moms on Christmas eve this last year

Brenden and Christian (After Brenden's Graduation)

Hello Dad, Don't know if i did this right. But wanted to send you a picture of Christian (in the white shirt) and Brenden.. Today was Brendens Kindergarden grad..Hope all is wellyour way.. Talkto you soon.

Queen of Commentary

Dad,

How come there's no option for me to comment on your post? Is this going to be your personal blog (If so, sorry for making this post!) or is it for the entire Kersey clan? Lastly, thank you for babysitting Lenox Saturday night - and enjoy your vacation!

Serah

Vacation

It's a great day, 5/19/07, just starting my vacation, no worries, no timetables. I think I will take in some movies this week, or work on genealogy, maybe travel to some local counties in state that my ancestor's once lived in. All in all just lay back and take it all in.

Yes this is the life, gotta go now the trash needs to be taken out, and the dog needs grooming.

Catch ya later