Sunday, October 30, 2011

Snow, Sweet Littles, Family


Snow


This was taken before 2 on Saturday. We had much more after that.
The trees were really hanging low but none broke.

No chance of a picnic just now! 

Sweet Littles

This Little Sweetie came to Nana and Pop Pop's.
She is enjoying a cookie!

Another Little Sweetie came for the evening....
this one is enjoying some Ice Cream!

Oh, Zoe, you are just too cute....
runny nose and all!

We watched Toy Story and Lion King!
(Mommy and Daddy were away for a long time!)


Family

This morning we went to church as usual. What a wonderful service! Worship music was so good. The sermon was given by a young artist who comes to our church. His message was geared towards the children but had such truth for all of us. He used a pad connected to a laptop which was connected to the big screen. As he spoke, he drew illustrations which we could see on the big screen. It was wow!

We spent the afternoon with Marcy and Scott and Paityn. Marcy will go to the hospital on Tuesday for a scheduled induction. We needed to discuss care for Paityn. I will keep her towards the end of the week.


Sweet Mommy with two daughters...
Paityn and the little one we will meet this week.

What a week this will be! A new Grandbaby to love is big, real Big! 

Yesterday while at Ollie's, Ellen was having little success in finding a book to buy. I suggested she look for a movie. Her excited little hand landed right on the movie Hairspray! She has been wanting that movie and it was only $2.99! We watched it this evening. We saw this movie in the theater when it came out.....whatever that year was! Ellen and I still love it.....what a fun movie!

What are you dancing to tonight?  hehe

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Really, can it be?

The weatherman said it would be so. It didn't come as soon as expected. That could be a good thing.....guess we will see!


It's snowing quite heavy right now. It's a heavy, wet snow which could be a problem for the trees. The snow is sticking to the leaves which could cause branches to come down. I think the weather people are making a bigger deal about this than it will be. I could be wrong!

Snow in October in our neck of the woods is rare, indeed. I will enjoy it as I do my indoor work. Hubs said he would be delighted (my word!) to take me to Ollie's today. I hope to find some Christmas paper to print invitations to the Christmas Brunch at church. I like Ollie's Good, Cheap stuff! Ellen even wants to go along.

And then, Aidan and Zoe are coming to stay with Nana and Pop Pop while their parents attend a class reunion. Yeah! I am soooo happy to see them again. I missed my sweet littles this week!

Have a great week-end! I'll post more pictures later. It's a lot whiter out there than when I started this post!

Friday, October 28, 2011

Blue Skies

Just had to get outdoors to snap a few pictures.....





This is calling my name.....
Come sit a spell!

Yes, we have blue skies today. I will be sure to post some pictures tomorrow if our local weather man is correct with his forecast. Personally, I hope he is way off this time!!

*Update on the sickness in our house. I'm getting better very slowly. Greta was diagnosed with strep this morning, Ellen is going to the Dr. this afternoon. We'll get through this!

** Update on the sickies! Ellen also has strep. No surprise there!

I am feeling almost as good as new! I have been able to do some laundry, I did some shopping this afternoon, washed all the dishes without breaks, and did some needed straightening. And I ate a normal dinner! It feels so good to feel so good! Praise the great and mighty name of Jesus!

Ellen and Greta are also starting to feel better. This evening we started to hear Ellen giggle at whatever she was watching on TV (Ellen giggles and talks to herself all the time!). And she ran through the family room to the kitchen....now that is the normal Ellen!! Ellen is rarely quiet, rarely just walks, rarely is still.

We will all be healthy enough to give our new baby, to be born, some love. Oh, I can not wait!!

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Not my favorite week, not by a long shot!

I went to bed on Monday night feeling like a sore throat was coming. Sure enough, I had a very sore throat Tuesday morning and a fever too. Ok, I thought, I give this a day then to the curb I will kick it......yea, right!

Day two, I had to cancel with the elderly couple, as I did the day before. I rested/slept on the sofa all day, again. My fever went up and down according to the level of Tylenol in my system. I went from uncontrollable shaking with chills.... to.... throw off the covers, take off the socks hot!! I could not eat. Fish saltine crackers and applesauce was all I could handle. And tea, and that was not going down all that good.

Day 3 (today) my fever was not as high but still there. Christy found someone to keep the kids. I decided to head to the Dr. Sure enough, I have strep throat. I'm now on an antibiotic which I hope helps me to finally kick it!

I called off my morning hours with the elderly couple for Friday. And Christy will, once again, find someone to keep the kids. I hate not fulfilling my duties!!! Oh how much I hate it! When I was working, I rarely got sick enough to call off. Like maybe 5 times in 15 years. So you see, this does not sit well with me.

Ellen also has a sore throat and fever as does Greta. Do you think a few more trips to the Dr. are in our future? So far Hubs is ok. I won't let him near me....I've been getting kisses on the top of my head!

About the only thing I worked on this week is the newsletter for the Women's group at church. I worked on it on Tuesday morning till I realized that I'm really sick and hit the sofa for the rest of the day! It's not finished and my thoughts for the 'To Encourage You' part are not flowing. I may have to think of something different for that section. And today I washed some dishes, rested, washed more dishes, rested.

Doc said it would be 48 hours till I'm not contagious. Shoot, I'm hoping to feel an improvement by tomorrow morning =)

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Is this what the Flu feels like?

I never get sick....not really sick. I've had a sore throat and a cold from time to time but usually get over them fairly quickly.

Oh my, this is not good! I have a fever (I never rarely get fevers....had 2 in my adult life that I can remember).

My throat is very sore, I hurt when I move, my stomach feels upset.....

so I'm covered with blankets, am trying to drink water and trying to sleep. I want this gone!!

This, too, shall pass =)

Monday, October 24, 2011

Sometimes....

Sometimes -
It seems hard to find joy
It's difficult to put a finger on why
It's also hard to be completely honest as to why

It's not that I'm unhappy, just a feeling of being unsettled

Maybe it's because -
Cold weather makes me feel sad
I dread winter (I hate to admit that...it feels so shallow)
I'm still adjusting to mostly one income
I don't like to stretch a dollar..... all the time (there are better bargain hunters out there than me. I wish I were better at it.  feels like it takes too much energy at times!!)
I'm tired (wonder if changing to a new pair of contacts would help....but it would be my last pair and I'd have to order more. really, I think that way!)
Moving feels overwhelming (geeze, and I'm just beginning the process!!)
Christmas is coming (which means doing less giving than I would like, again. I love to shop and give)

OK, ENOUGH OF THAT! I have so much to be thankful for!

I have a granddaughter who will be born in about a week. Oh. My. Goodness. I cannot wait to meet her!
I'm blessed with a wonderful Hubby and family.
I love my kids and they love me
I serve a Great Big God - he knows my beginning all the way to the end....He Is In Control!
I have a wonderful church family.
We have a wonderful pastor who is not timid about teaching what God lays on his heart for us to hear. That is a good thing!
I have a big bunch of siblings who love each other and love the Lord too
I have food on the shelves, in the frig and in the freezer - not all the food I would like but more than many in this world.
I have a comfortable home - again, not everything is new or really, really nice. But we never get wet in a rain storm and it's warmer inside than out.
Heck, I even have enough clothes and shoes to wear. Not a lot but enough.
I have a car and it's paid for
AND.....
Greta is baking cookies =) Pumpkin Chocolate Chip cookies!!!!


This is a different post than I usually do. I prefer to write about happy, joyful, endearing times that involve family. Today I'm feeling blah, so I thought I would be honest and say it!

But......

The sun will come out tomorrow, bet my bottom dollar! (hehe)

Friday, October 21, 2011

An Evening of Cheers

Last evening we attended the end of the season Banquet to honor the UDS Challenger Football League and the Cheerleaders. We ate Pizza Hut pizza, bread sticks, salad and dessert bread sticks. Yummy! Many businesses sponsored tables or donated money to cover the cost. We are all very grateful for the community support which gives our special kids a chance to do what kids like to do.....play the great game of football or to cheer.
This opportunity to cheer is a dream come true for Ellen.



Ellen and her two friends
with a UDS Service dog.
The service dogs are one of the UDS programs.
Someone brought them to the games. Everyone loved them!

A room full of excited kids, parents and some Grandparents.
After the football players got their awards,
it was the cheerleader's turn!

Ellen with some of the volunteer cheerleaders from Donegal HS.
Deb, the leader is at the podium.
What a great group. These girls came on Saturday mornings to help our special daughters.... after a late night of cheering at the High School football games. Deb was there every Saturday, even the Saturday that didn't suit any of her team, and, she was sick!

One happy Cheerleader!


Our girls blessed their volunteers with flowers.

Ellen and Deb

Ellen and Molly

Trying to get them all together for a group picture!


Football players, coaches and volunteer helpers.

There they are...
our special girls and their helpers
Another successful season comes to a close.

Special, special, special!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Whoo - Hoo!

I'm a winner!

My bloggy friend Glenda at gg-notesonthejourney.blogspot.com is participating in 31 days of Christmas wonder. She has committed to post everyday for the 31 days of October. She is imparting her wisdom, tips, encouragement and gifts! Today I found my name as one who won The Wonder of it all card by artist Kate Brand. I am thrilled to pieces! Thank-you, Glenda. I will treasure it!

[If I knew how to put an image of the card on my blog, I would....]

Have a great day! I am doing a bit of cleaning and some laundry, washed the dishes and will soon prepare dinner. Sounds like a super fun and exciting day, does it not! (hehe)

Monday, October 17, 2011

Andrew the Football Player

Andrew is our 16 yr. old grandson. I am so proud of him. He's playing varsity football this year. His team has been struggling for a win. That is until......

Now, before I go on, I need to explain something. I really don't care for football. I don't understand what a 1st down is or what a team has to do to get one or what positions are what. But when your Grandson is playing, one needs to put aside all that nonsense and go see the boy play.

Friday night his team played a neighboring school. We had this date on our calendar * go see Andrew play at Warwick HS* since the beginning of the season. It turned out to be a rainy day. I don't like football and I couldn't think of anything worse that sitting on a hard, cold stadium bleacher in a driving cold rain. But we were committed to go and I was determined to go with joy!

Just before it was time to leave, it started to pour again!! Fortunately, it must have been an isolated situation.The football field did not share the downpour =)

We watched Andrew play. We watched his team score. We clapped and cheered. Zoe charmed everyone around her....had to throw that in =) Lynn yelled his lungs out! Some stumpted on the metal bleachers, which made an aweful racket, to motivate the team. I guess that's the purpose!

And they won!!!!

This was one happy young man

Andrew with his happy Aunt Ellen



I asked his Mom (my daughter Kim) if his Nana (me) should attend more often!! Andrew also thought that could be a very good thing =)

Thursday, October 13, 2011

Rainy Days and Thursday's

It is Thursday.
It is cloudy, drizzling and rainy. A very gray day.
It isn't making me feel down. Not today.
Why? Because we have just experienced a row of wonderfully warm and sunny days.
And, I have these two to keep me laughing!

Aidan is without his shirt because
 he got the sleeves wet while washing his hands.
He thinks he looks like Super Man!!
Zoe is without her pants because her diaper got too wet
 and soaked them!
They were washed and are drying =)

It's been another good day!

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Mmmmm........and a Silly Boy

Mmmmmm
Peanut butter cracker snack =)

I'm enjoying it so much!
(I know I have some PB on my face, so what!)

The last bite, already??

Finger lickin' good.....
and lip lickin' good too =)

Nana, take my picture too!

Someone loves to be silly for the camera =)

 
What fun these two are! They will keep me company two more days this week. A very good thing!

Friday, October 7, 2011

A week of people, farm show, friends, singing....

As I said earlier this week, our Farm Show is going on this week. I've been there everyday and I've eaten food there everyday! Monday evening I took Aidan, Zoe and Paityn to the Baby Parade. I forgot my camera (a repeated event this week) but I did have my phone.

Those faces just melt my heart!

Waiting, waiting.....

My heart melts some more =)

Cousins having fun!

I took Paityn home after filling her belly with food....so much food that she said it hurt!! While eating, she suddenly said, I miss my Mommy! I know her Mommy was ready to see her too. It was a great day!

Tuesday and Wednesday I stayed with the older couple. I read to them, help them to find music to listen too, TV programs they want to watch, reminisce, look at pictures and do some baking. On Wednesday we made a pan of brownies with some sour cream and choc. chips in them. We each had one while they were still warm! YUM!!

Tuesday I was tired so we just went to the Farm Show to eat and come home. I had my favorite sub (or hoagie, as some know it!). I just love them! Wednesday was the parade. I parked at a church and took the Farm Show shuttle bus to the fair. That was an awesome service. It was a lovely evening and everyone in our town and the surrounding towns must have been there! Oh my, the crowds! I decided on a baked potato with cheese and bacon that night. I was really hungry so I also bought a ham and cheese sandwich to eat while watching the parade. Where was my camera.....air head left it at home =(

Yesterday, Ellen and I had a quick lunch at the show (Ellen had off from school). I got a walking taco...everything is put in a bag of Doritos. Was so good! Then it was to York for an appointment for Ellen. Dale and Ellen headed to the show again that evening. I had plans to eat with some friends that I worked with. 7 of us and did we have a wonderful time! (where was my camera??) We decided we need to do this every month or every other month. Sounds good to me!

Today I made breakfast for the couple I help. Then it was to the retirement community to sing at a funeral. Was so good to see some more of my former co-workers again. Bev, the receptionist always has pictures of her grandson on her computer to show off! What a cutie! Diane played the piano for me today. I hadn't seen her since I left. And I also saw Rosemary, the Assisted Living Administrator. She was on a medical leave when I left and I haven't seen her since. Pure joy!! She told me she prays for me everyday....now, is that just the sweetest ever! She says she talks of me all the time....my goodness. She enjoyed the in-services I taught and the classes I taught on the subject of dementia.

I sang, How Great thou Art. The words just spoke to me so powerfully today. And, being at a funeral for a man who had a wife, daughter, stepdaughter, grandchildren who are grieving brought back some tender memories of my Dad. It was 2 years on Oct. 1 that Dad went to be with Jesus.

So now I am waiting the arrival of 2 sweet faces who need their Nana this afternoon. I will never tire of this job, if I can even call it that.  

Off to the Farm Show for more food this evening. There is also a home Football game tonight. I'll let Dale and Ellen enjoy that..... I can came back home and pick up my Kindle. I'm reading 'The Help'. What a good book. Laying it down is way too hard!

Perfect weather, fabulous people, good times, good book, tasty food (no cooking. I repeat, NO cooking!!). Would you call it a good week? You bet, this was one that is going into the memory bank with smiles all over it!


Wednesday, October 5, 2011

Photos from Ocean City, NJ


Taking a break!
L-R....
Tammy (friend of RaeAnn), Sister Harnish (who is almost 89 yrs. young! Goes to RaeAnn's church), RaeAnn (also known as Mom Strenger. She organized the trip), Katie (daughter of RaeAnn), Amber (Christy's friend and a friend of the Strenger's) with Zoe (my cutie-pie granddaughter), Christy (my wonderful DIL).


Zoe slept while we shopped =)

Ice Cream for Zoe
Frozen coffee for Christy and me.
Mine was a pumpkin spice and was soooooo good!!


Wedding pictures on the boardwalk!

Had to take this one for Greta....
purple is her color!
These girls went on the beach for some pictures....
walking on the sand in those heels was challenging
and interesting to watch!

Love this view!
Clouds started rolling in by late afternoon.
Sunday was cloudy, some drizzles and cool.

This was taken Friday morning at home.
When Ellen and I went outside to wait for her bus,
I saw the beautiful sky and ran back into the house for the camera.
I love a beautiful sky =)


Today I stay with the sweet couple. We will make a pan of brownies this afternoon. This evening is the Farm Show Parade. No rain in the forecast today....yeah! It's to be 70 during the day and back to mid 40's tonight. Perfect weather! 

I just got a phone call from a resident at the Retirement Community where I worked for 15 years. Her husband passed away and she wants me to sing at his funeral on Friday. She asked me to sing 'How Great Thou Art'. I am honored to accept the request.

Have a beautiful day, my friends!

Monday, October 3, 2011

Back from the Beach

It was a wonderful little vacation!


Weather was beautiful on Saturday. Did some shopping, Lots of clearance items =)

I'll post more pictures later...there are 2 sweet Littles that are in need of some Nana time! There is a possibility another Little will also be in need of some Nana time. Yes, I must go get Aidan and Zoe then pick up Paityn, if she is staying with me today.

Our little town is having the annual Farm Show this week. Yeah!! That means french fries, milk shakes, subs, apple dumplings, steak sandwiches, whoopie pies, chicken corn soup, baked potatoes, grilled chicken sandwiches, pizza, sausage sandwiches.....the food is wonderful! My kitchen is closed this week. We eat dinner at the Farm Show.  Supporting the food stands is good, all the way around =) They are all non profit organizations raising money to support their causes. Many are local church youth groups. 

The baby parade is tonight and I will take the Littles and Ellen to see that.

Will be a fun day for me. I wish you the same!