Monday, November 28, 2011

Shopping, More Family, Brunch Prep, Sore Throat

Gina and I had a great day shopping on Saturday. As soon as we got to the Mall, we checked at Cost Cutters to see when she could get her hair cut. It was only a 10 min. wait. But the cut took forever! Gina has thick hair. The young girl took her time giving her a great cut, thinned it, blew it dry and styled it. She looked wonderful!

Gina found 2 pairs of jeans, a sweater, a puffy vest and a shirt to go with it. I'd say we had success. She was pleased!

Headed home after a hamburger and fries at Five Guys. We drove through the town square to see the lights on the way home. Love them!

Sunday came too fast and it was time for Gina to return home.  After church we met Joe's Mother and Grandmother at the mall. Transferred her stuff from our car to Vicky's and she was gone. Was sooooo good to have her with us for a few days. She was ready to go home again. She missed Joe and Shiloh, her dog!

We had a house full of people again Sunday afternoon and evening. I warmed leftovers from meals I served on Thursday and Friday. That's a good way to clean out the frig! I was one tired Nana when I went to bed!

This week will be a busy week of preparation. Our Women's Brunch at church is on Saturday. I usually do all the decorating. But this year I asked for help. And I got it! There is still a lot to do. I have such a hard time relaxing till it's over. I actually make lists for these events! Surprise, surprise!

One of the 2010 tables


Ah, a sore throat is listed in my title too. Yes, I have a sore throat. Had one all last week and it seems to like me. It really isn't bad, not at all like when I had strep. It effected my voice last week. The elderly couple I stay with still wanted me to read to them...I said I would if they could stand how I sounded! I was so thankful to be able to sing on Sunday morning. I coughed my way through practice but God paved the way during worship...I coughed not once! Sore throat, please leave!

Well, that's all for tonight. My mind will be focused on the brunch this week. (all while I live my normal busy!) My prayers are going constantly for our speaker and for the women and girls who will attend.... that our hearts will be soft and ready to receive the word He has for us. And, of course, I pray that everyone will have a blast!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Aunt Gina meets Brinley Hope

When Gina comes (she lives in Northern PA) for a visit, she always wants to see family. This time there was a special little girl she wanted to meet. She could not wait to meet Brinley Hope.

Gina was the first one to hold her.
Zoe loves Brinley too!

Zoe really loves her...
getting a closer look!

Aunt Mary Ellen to Brinley's rescue!
Mary Ellen stopped in to see Gina
 and got to see many more of my family too!


Gina wanted to visit Grandma Fahnestock and Aunt Nancy too. I thought I would take her to their house to see them but Nancy said they could come to our house. Nancy and Grandma also wanted to meet Brinley!

Nancy holds the little dolly.
 Great Grandma sees her newest Great-Grandchild.

Sweet Brinley Hope

Zoe gets some Aunt Gina time too.

Aidan loves to hold Brinley too.

Aidan.....
someone was taking pictures
 while I was busy in the kitchen....
what a cute shot!

Making a meal was in the works anyway so adding more to the menu to feed more people was not an issue. Nancy and Grandma, Marcy and Scott and family, Kim and Andrew along with Corey and his kids and Hubs and I and Gina (Ellen spent the evening with a friend) ate Onion BBQ chicken fingers, sour cream mashed potatoes, baked corn (made by Nancy), tossed salad, cranberry salad, pumpkin pie, pumpkin dirt pudding (made by Scott ad Paityn). What a fun family time once again!

No child care for me today. Gina and I are heading to the mall to shop. We will take our time, no stress, no time limit either. When we have enough, we will head home. I have not had a shopping day like that in ages!

Gina heads home tomorrow after church. I love having her for several days =) But she is missing her Honey!

Wishing you a wonderful Saturday!

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!

Small family gathering at home....


We had turkey, stuffing, baked corn, gravy, cranberry salad and pumpkin whip dessert. Oh, I forgot the good Martin's rolls with blackberry jam.

It's wonderful to have Gina with us. Joe has to work tonight and couldn't come.

We are now relaxing and it feels wonderful  =)   Ahhhh, life is good!

Monday, November 21, 2011

Mountain Week-end

We spent the week-end in a mountain cabin. It's really too nice to call a cabin, it's like a nice home!


These pictures were taken last year.
The memory card in my camera was
 mistakenly left at home this year =)

We left Friday evening after Corey came to pick up the kids. First we needed to fill the car up with gas then to Burger King to fill our stomachs and to get coffee.We decided we could get food for Ellen and coffee for us because Burger King sells Seattle's Best coffee and we thought that would be ok. I ordered 2 cups of coffee. As I was waiting for our order, the young man said they only had enough coffee for 1 cup. What?? They don't have more to brew?? I never heard of such a thing. So I got some iced tea....but I really wanted coffee. I took a sip of the one we got and left it up to Hubs whether or not he wanted it. It tasted old. He drank it anyway! I would have given it back. A Starbucks was not on our route so we just headed on our way.

Less than a half hour later the 'low coolant' light came on in the car. That never happened before. We pulled over at the next exit. Hubs couldn't see a leak so we headed towards a town in hopes of finding a store that sells water. We finally came to a Giant grocery store. I went in to find a gallon of water. The store was huge! I went almost to the one end, didn't find water, went to the other end, didn't find water. So I went back to the other end again. I had been about 2 aisles short of where it was the first trek! Wouldn't you know.

Hubs filled whatever he needed to put the water in and we were on our way again. The light never came on so I guess he knew what he was doing! We arrived at the cabin just before 9p. Everyone else had been there for hours....we are the late arrivers, always!

What a fun time we had. Last year I had a bad cold and wasn't feeling well at all. My games of Domino's were terrible too. Now this year, I felt much better and my game was too! (I won't brag...probably was just luck) I had my Kindle with me too. I read and read. I didn't sleep much. I never do when away from home.

We ate too much. Laughed a lot too. Ellen was with us and she had a wonderful time. She went on many walks. The weather was beautiful.

After a time of sharing and prayer on Sunday and a lunch of leftovers and pizza, it was time to pack it all up, clean the cabin and head for home again.

Home Sweet Home....dirty laundry, stuff to put away! Oh well, I will plug away at it till it's all clean and put back where it belongs.

Counting down the days till Thanksgiving and Gina will be coming home for a few days!!! 

Just in case my week does not allow for blogging.....

I wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Christmas is coming!!

I know, we haven't had Thanksgiving yet. I do love Thanksgiving!


Happy Thanksgiving!
Yum!


 But, today I went Christmas shopping =)

I didn't intend to. This shopping trip was to find items for the Women's Christmas Brunch at church which is coming up fast. I feel good about what all I could knock off my 'list'.

I shopped at Dollar Tree, TJ Maxx, Micheal's and K Mart in Lebanon. Oh the gorgeous stuff at TJ Maxx! It was soooo hard to just pick a few things. It was there that I found some gifts for my family. Oh, was I ever in the mood for Christmas!

Merry Christmas!
(just shut your eyes if you don't want to see this yet...hehe!)

Monday, November 14, 2011

Week-End Past

What a busy one again!

Friday Evening -

Ellen had an Aaron's Acres activity at Park City. I took her to meet her Buddy, Megan, the same gal as last year, then I went to Arby's for a sandwich, to TJ Maxx and Joanne's, then back to the Food Court to wait for Ellen again. I should have done some real shopping but I was just too tired to do any. Was hoping to find some Christmas gifts at TJ Maxx but found nothing! Ellen had a great time with her group eating and doing a scavenger hunt. From there I took her to the High School football game where she met her Dad. The boys played hard but lost it in triple overtime. No more games for this year....a sad thing for Ellen!

Saturday -

Saturday evening provided dinner and a show for Hubs and me. Dale's boss took us and another employee and his girlfriend to Hershey Farms for dinner. It was a first time for any of us to have eaten  there. They have a nice buffet or menu dining. The food is PA. Dutch.....everything one has ever eaten at Grandma's house, if you live in Lancaster Co. PA. We all had more than enough to eat! From there we drove next door to the massive, elegant Sight and Sound Millennium Theater. Wow, what a place! We saw the Christmas show....the story of Jesus coming to earth, born as a baby to Mary and Joseph in a stable. There were live donkeys, horses and camels in the show. It was wonderful! What a nice way to once again bring into focus the REAL reason for the season!

Sunday -

I had the privilege of singing with the worship team at church. We had a different service on Sunday. After worship many people went forward to be prayed for. Ministry was happening as others went forward to pray and lay hands on those who needed prayer. Sunday church is not always singing, taking the offering and hearing a sermon! I love my church!

Then it was home to prepare a meal for the kids and grands who were hungry and needed fed! Baby Brinley was coming to Nana and Pop Pop's for the first time. I sent out an email on Saturday inviting the kids to come and to let them know that Brinley would be here....AND that I was going to be the first one to hold her! We have a lot of family that want her so I thought I had better state my case ;)

Dale grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. I made a salad, Christy cut up veggies, Greta and Lynn brought cookies and soda, Marcy and Scott brought yummy salsa and chips from Chili's. I also made a pan of Pumpkin Dump cake....yummy!

Later in the afternoon my step Mother Mary and my sister Mary Ellen came to see Brinley. Everyone seems to be more than crazy over this tiny little girl!

The Smith's
Paityn, Marcy (my daughter), Brinley and Scott

Nana loves Brinley Hope!

Have a wonderful Monday and a productive week!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

November is OK

I seem to be more ok with November than I was with October or even September. Strange, indeed.

Guess where I was already this morning? Sitting in the dentist chair! I would rather do just about anything other than that. All is good. I had a tooth fixed that's up front and it does look so much better. But....why does it have to cost so much???

It was a foggy mess out there when I went but was looking better on my way home. Now it's a gray and drizzly day and will be getting colder. I'm thankful for the pretty days we had this week!

I rewarded myself with a cup of this -
Pumpkin Spice, yummy!

As I said, it's a gray day. But the leaves are still pretty -
Too bad it's not a nice day to swing!



What is that I hear?
Somewhere in that field of corn......

Ah, there it is!
The corn will do a disappearing act.
Ellen will be able to see her bus coming down the hill
before it gets to our driveway!
Meaning, she can stand indoors longer =)

Have a great day, my friends!

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Special Days

Saturday -
Corey and Christy continue to work to get their home ready to list. Dale and I are helping where we can. On Saturday, Christy had to work. I offered to keep the children so Corey could work at home....uninterrupted. Dale was helping him. Aidan was not happy to see me when I came to his house. Why? Because he was planning to go outside with his Dad to clean up some leaves and to jump in them. He was happy to hear that I wasn't in a hurry and he could certainly go outside and have some fun!

Chasing after the leaves
as his Daddy was blowing them into a pile!

This is the BEST part of Autumn!

Pop Pop gave them a ride with muscle power
because the battery was dead!

This is lots of fun, Pop Pop!

Aidan also took time to ride his bike on the deck.


It was soon time to go and let the men get to work. The great outdoors caused some sleepy eyes and both kids were asleep before we reached my house! Later Aidan helped me make a chocolate cake.

Sunday -
After church we had a family reunion to attend. My Mother's family gathers at a local school the first Sunday of November. It's always special to be with her family - my remaining aunt (who was not able to attend this time) and uncles and their children. It was a smaller crowd this year but just as enjoyable!

After that, this Nana had to go see her newest baby! What a sweet little Peanut! I got to change her diaper....could not get over how little she is! She was wide awake when we got there. I didn't have my camera but took pictures with my cell. Not the best quality.

She was wearing the outfit I bought her.
Newborn size is kinda big
but she will grow into it =)


Nana had to share her with Pop Pop!


Monday -
Aidan and Zoe were my company this day. We stopped at the grocery store on the way from their house to ours. Aidan convinced me of some extra purchases =)

On this day, 29 years ago, my dear Mother went to Heaven. It might be a long time ago and lots of life has happened for me in that time, but I still remember her and miss her. She was a wonderful woman who loved the Lord, loved my Dad and loved all her kids. We knew that without a doubt.

Tuesday -
Today there are two special people with birthdays!

Joe Reed, who is engaged to our daughter Gina. Happy Birthday to you, Joe! We will not be able to celebrate with him today since he lives too far away. We have not seen Gina and Joe since our vacation in August......seems like a long time ago! Joe, we are so happy to have you as a part of our family! Have a great time celebrating you today!


Gina and Joe

It's also my sister Jean's birthday! Happy birthday, Sis! She won't mind me telling her age....60! We celebrate 60! My Mother and my oldest sister passed away at age 59. So, 60 is reason to celebrate. Have a wonderful day celebrating, Jeanie!


Jean (in the coral blouse) with her Hubby
and some of her PA family

Wednesday (tomorrow) -
My Mother-in-Law will be 91! Happy Birthday to you!

Great Grandma enjoys her little ones!

Wishing you all a special day too!


Friday, November 4, 2011

Zoe and Adain at the Mall

On Thursday, I met Zoe and Aidan and their Mommy at the mall. Before that, I did some shopping, visited Brinley Hope and got a haircut. Christy was scheduled to work and I was going to just get the kids and take them to my house but....Aidan wanted to go into the mall. (plans had changed for me. I wasn't to go get Paityn after all) I asked if they had a stroller. No, but Aidan said they have "two ones and one ones" inside the mall. He suggested getting a "two one".  So we did!

We went to the bank, Bath and Body Works, Hallmark. Then Aidan said he was HUNGRY! What do you think we decided on?

Ice Cream, of course!

Yum, Yum!

I just love Zoe's expressive face........








We had a great time and it was soon time to go. We parked our cool ride and picked up the $1 in quarters we got back. Our walk to Nana's car was slow.....we were all tired! Zoe was asleep before we got out of the parking lot!

Another memory day to hold in my heart =)

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Meet Brinley Hope Smith







We all are in love with this little bundle!

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

She's Here!!

Brinley Hope Smith

arrived around 4:15 this morning!

We will meet her later today - can't wait!!

5lbs. 12 oz......born at 3:26 a.m.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Trick or Treat

Aidan and Zoe stayed with me yesterday. It was decided to skip the outdoor Trick or Treat because of the chilly weather. I dressed Zoe in her costume, Aidan would put his on later, and headed to the mall where Christy was finishing up her shift and Corey was on his way there from work. Marcy, Scott and Paityn were heading there as well. Enjoy the photos......

Lady Bug Zoe !

Adain the scary Dinosaur,
he said he would protect Zoe from the monsters =)

Chad gives out some candy at Modern Eyes.

Minnie Mouse Paityn
poses so Nana can get a picture of her!
(love the sparkly shoes!!)

Let the fun begin!


I didn't stay for the fun. After a purchase at Sephora, I headed home to clean up the dinner dishes. Then it was a prop up your feet night till bedtime! Nana was tired!

This afternoon Marcy goes to the hospital. I will be sure to post when we have some news! Can't wait to meet our next granddaughter!

Have a great Tuesday!