91st Annual Tipton Children's Home Homecoming

What a FUN day it was celebrating TCH's 91st anniversary and homecoming for all of the alumni of TCH, as well as for our high school!

 Over a year ago, a former TCH resident told of her biscuit-making days. She's either the middle girl or the 4th girl in the picture above.  She told about making biscuits for about 225 people every morning!

 The alumni director began getting out all of the "baking" pictures she could find and I, plus a few others, began helping come up with decorations to go with this year's planned "Biscuit" theme.

 It turned out so cute!!  Everyone loved the baking and biscuit theme, with lots of special things added to make the celebration a success.

 Our resident carpenter made recipe card holder centerpieces to be given away.  We placed the Biscuit recipe into the slit and tied each rolling pin with a biscuit cutter.  There were 50 given away!

 It's fun finding pictures from the past that go along with each year's theme.

 And it was easy to use real kitchen items to go along with the look!

 We chose a red, turquoise/aqua and white theme for the colors.

 Just for fun, we decoupaged some biscuits and put in them little baskets (Hobby Lobby).  The biscuits were air dried for many days, then decoupaged with Modge Podge.

 The chefs hats were a fun addition. These were "disposable" and a kind of fabric.  They were a little strange on top with four holes!  I guess it was for ventilation!  But, I got used to it and used them on the tables, anyway.

 The local antique store let us borrow several things, like this cute table!

 These old scales and mixing bowls were in the cafeteria basement.  And then more borrowed items.

 The scales were originally used in the cafeteria and light up.  Very neat!

 This old stove was a WONDERFUL addition to our decorations, and came about by accident! We just happened to mention getting one from a town nearby and one of the secretary's sisters-in-law had one in town.  And the colors on it were perfect!  See the iron skillet with biscuits on the stove?

 Not the best picture, but I've just decided not to care and be glad I have a memory of times like this.  I used to never be in pictures, but figured that some day - when I'm no longer here - my family will be glad I'm in a few!

 Here's Joe and the "biscuit" maker and the reason we began this theme.  She was telling some funny story about how her husband teased her about her biscuit making when they first were married.  She's got some great stories of the past, for sure!

The celebration ended with biscuits, of course.  Lunch was wonderful! Fried chicken strips, mashed potatoes, green beans, salad, gravy and biscuits.....oh, and cobbler!  Then it was off for exploring the campus.

(Sojourners posing in front of my old pickup. That was where they wanted their annual group picture!  Good! That justifies me having it even more.  Oh, and I had someone want to buy it yesterday. It's not for sale unless you ask our oldest son! Ha ha!)

Thank you to all at TCH who worked to make this year's celebration a huge success. We owe a BIG thanks to the Sojourners who helped us get ready for the day.  And to the alumni, you are why we have this special day.  YOU are always, always welcome.  We want you to come Home any time.

Celebrating 90 Years - Tipton Home Homecoming

For 90 years Tipton Home (a children's home) served children who have been orphaned, obandoned, neglected, and abused.  Over 3,000 children have been at Tipton Home during those 90 years.  This past Saturday, a celebration was help to remember all of those years.

These "Hollywood Hills" type letters were lit up and displayed outside the cafeteria for the weekend. It's a beautiful sight to see, especially at night!

Just as the front of the administration building has four columns, these columns represent that building.  It made a great  focal point for the stage.

"Alumni Stars" was the theme for this years' Homecoming. Wooden clapboards were on each side of the stage to serve as photo backdrops.  Many alumni had their pictures taken in front of them.

 Oscar-themed centerpieces were on the tables on top of red runners.

 

A big red door symbolized the entrance into something very special.  Rope holders were lining the red carpet.

A special celebration required special touches, such as these imprinted napkins.

  The napkins will be kept as a special reminder for many who came to enjoy the special day.

 Clapboards were inserted into little stands to be used for centerpieces, as well.

The organizer of this event is Anita Davis. She and her husband, Charles, have been at Tipton Home for 47 years!  They will be retiring from full time work soon, so they were given a special award for their service.  Anita knows more about Tipton Home than anyone.  I'm not sure anyone loves it more than she does, either.  A special lady - a special couple.  They have been a blessing to others for all of these years.

My husband, Joe, was announced as the new Director for Tipton Home.  He loves Tipton Home, as well, and has spent 35 of his 50 years either living at or working for Tipton Home.  He will do a great job and lead by example.  Please pray for him in this new endeavor.

Alumni, you are the stars in our minds.  We hope that you enjoyed your weekend at Tipton and visiting Tipton Home. We hope to see you back next year!

Senior Night and Homecoming 2013

We experienced a first this week.  Actually, we experienced a few firsts and several "lasts".  Fun, extra-curricular activities signifying that the end of high school, for our oldest child, is approaching very quickly!

Tuesday night was our high school basketball teams' "Senior Night" and Homecoming.  Lauren was a part of both celebrations.  I thought I would be sad, but I didn't have time to be sad, really.  Too busy to think about it, I suppose.  And then I wonder if "thinking" about it is sad, but that actually "going through it" isn't as sad??  Maybe at the time you go through it you are caught up in the moment and memories and don't think of being sad.  Not sure about that.  I'm pretty sure I'll be sad during some of these times in the next few months.

It was an exciting night for Lauren and her friends as Homecoming candidates and for each of their families, as well.  Fun memories of their Senior year, and the last "home" game for the season....and forever for some.

The last team prayer on the home court - the new tradition I told you about recently, but one the Seniors have shown as an example for the rest of their teammates and fans.

A celebration of memories for all of the Seniors and their families.  The last time to be cheered on by the home team fans.  The anticipation of playoffs beginning tomorrow.  

Congratulations, Seniors! We're proud of all you have accomplished and look forward to your successes in the future!

Homecoming

It's spirit week at our school, leading up to Homecoming that will be held tonight before the football game.  If I haven't "bragged" already, our football team is ranked #1 in the state of Oklahoma for Class C, which is 8-man football.  So, it's an exciting season.

Homecoming is a time where school alumni comes back "home".  They come to cheer for the team. They come to support the Homecoming candidates.  They come to see friends and family.  Those of us who live hear enjoy greeting those who come.  Everyone is excited and there is a "celebration" feel in the air.

Some day there will be a huge homecoming.  When Jesus comes back, it will be like nothing else we have ever seen or heard.  That Day will come.  That day - that HOMECOMING day - God's children will reach their eternal home in Heaven.  What a great homecoming celebration that will be!!

The apostle Paul writes, "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise . . ." 1 Thessalonians 4:16.  And Jesus Himself says:

Then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. And He will send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together His elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.  Matthew 24:30-31

We don't know when, but we can know it will.  No one can predict His return.  The Bible says so in Matthew 24:36. And because it says so, we must be ready for this day.  We know it's going to happen, but we don't always live like it could happen today.  Sometimes it's as if we want to wait until the last possible moment to do His Will, so that we can go on doing our own will.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. 

Hebrews 10:23-25

So, how should we live waiting for this day?  THE DAY?  HOMECOMING?

2 Peter 3:10-18 (total passage is below.  It's long, but so very worth reading!) tells us how to live as we wait for that day. It also says that God is patient.  He's waiting for some to make the choice to follow Him.  He's waiting for some to turn their lives over to Him, to accept His gift of salvation, to have their sins washed away in baptism and to become one of His children. He wants all of us to be ready for that wonderful Homecoming celebration!  Maybe He is waiting for you.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.
¹¹ Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives ¹² as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. ¹³ But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.
¹⁴ So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him. ¹⁵ Bear in mind that our Lord’s patience means salvation, just as our dear brother Paul also wrote you with the wisdom that God gave him. ¹⁶ He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
¹⁷ Therefore, dear friends, since you already know this, be on your guard so that you may not be carried away by the error of lawless men and fall from your secure position. ¹⁸ But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.

Tipton Home Alumni 2011 - Fun Day

Every Easter weekend, the Tipton Home celebrates Homecoming for all alumni.  This year was the 88th year of existence for Tipton Home and a special theme that included the work that the Southwest church of Christ in Oklahoma City, has provided for the children of Tipton Home for many, many years.  

That "work" is called Fun Day.  The Christian brothers and sisters bring games, toys, food, and lots of fun to the children ever summer.  This year at homecoming, the "Fun Day" people were honored by making the alumni celebration in the theme of "Fun Day". 

Mrs. Davis, Tipton Home employee for decades, did a wonderful job at organizing the event, as always.  There was good food, fun, and fellowship all morning and afternoon.

This photo is of a clown that came to Fun Day for many years.  Such a cute picture!

Mrs. Davis displayed numerous photos of Fun Day through the years, had another employee make a picture video, and planned for the Southwest members in attendance to be given a much-deserved award for their service. 

This year I was asked to help Mrs. Davis with some of the decorating.  If you follow "Shine Like Stars", you know that I gladly said, "YES!".  So much fun and such a great work/theme.

More from Fun Days through the years....

 

 ....and more....

 Aren't the centerpieces cute?

 The little hot dogs are dog toys, I think.  So cute!

 Elementary children singing several songs for the alumni.

 Mr. Canan is a former Southwest member who helped with Fun Day years ago, but now serves as a houseparent at Tipton Home, so he has experienced Fun Day from both sides!

 Mr. Smith honoring the Southwest members with a plaque.

 Many alumni came to visit this year.

 My husband's parents were houseparents for 12 years.  This photo is his parents, he and his siblings, and many of their boys/friends.  The big trophy was a traveling trophy won at Fun Day one year!

This photo is my husband and our youngest at a Fun Day several years ago.  It looks like daddy is sharing the snowcone with Tyler!

What a great weekend celebration!  Thank you, alumni, for coming HOME so that we can visit with you and enjoy your company!  Thank you, Southwest, for your many years of service and dedication to the children at Tipton Home!

Tipton Home Homecoming - "Remembering the 1970's"

Every year, on Easter weekend, Tipton Home (as well as Tipton Public Schools) has it's annual Homecoming celebration.  This year's theme was:  Remembering the...1970's.

As Director of Alumni Relations, Anita (Annetta)Davis, does a WONDERFUL job each year planning for the big event.  She works many, many hours preparing for the special occassion.

This year Anita had a helper, Carol H., who painted the yellow bug car to be used for some of the 70's decor.  My two youngest, Jacob and Tyler are posing by the bug. Some of the men helped by cutting out the wooden patterns. Notice the 70's clothing hanging in the background.

This lovely leisure suit was borrowed from my brother-in-law, Dan.  This picture really doesn't show the "true" lime green color!  My husband was surprised that anyone would keep such a thing, but I have a strong suspicion that it's my sister-in-law, Robin, who is the wise keeper of the "oldies" clothing!!  What a great addition to the decor!! (**My sister-in-law just reminded me that suit was made by Dan and my husband's grandmother.  I had forgotten that, but that also makes it a special keepsake.  And another note, his twin brother's suit was kind of a rusty orange color.  He didn't keep his, though!)

The 70's style van was a cardboard party store find.  You probably notice it as the VW van from Disney's Cars movie! Also, you'll see a few Tipton High cheer leading suits hanging.

This photo prop was also painted by Carol.  Such a cute and fun addition.  My two oldest, Lauren and Zachary, are trying it out!

Cute tie-dyed and smiley face printed bandanas served as decor for the table.  Vases filled with paper flowers and green paper shred filled up the space.  The flowers featured black and white copies of photos of many Tipton Home alumni.

Goody bags were passed out to all in attendance.  Tyler was impressed with the kaleidoscope.

Calendars featured a 70's cover and more pictures from the past.

Addresses from alumni are bound and given to all in attendance - trying to get everyone connected so that they can keep in touch with each other.

This year's program in 1970's style.

The Putnam Place Cottage presented Tipton Home with a special gift this year.  It was Chris Oakley's letter jacket, senior picture, and memorial program booklet.  What a special gift!  Thanks, Gray, Teresa, and boys! You may remember my previous posts about Chris' passing in September.  (To read Chris' stories click here for Part 1 and here for Part 2.)

A special guest speaker visited Tipton Home for the first time in 50 years.  Jerry Bowers from Montana talked to the alumni and guests about his life growing up at Tipton Home.  As an elder in the church for over 30 years, he encouraged the children to remain faithful to God, to follow Jesus, and to be active in the church for the rest of their lives.  What an inspiration to all of us!

This pickup from the 1970's reminded me of my own childhood because we had two like this (one light lime green and one yellow).  Clayton Smith, former Tipton Home employee who is now deceased, used this truck for mail, The Messenger (the Tipton Home newsletter), and other things.  Another employee now owns the pickup, but let Anita to borrow it for the banquet.

To find out more about Tipton Home, visit their website at http://www.tiptonhome.com/.