Monday, April 30, 2012

Wedding is coming ....fast!

It's a flurry of activity around here.....

Shopping, shopping!
Flower girl dresses to purchase.
Nail appointments to make.
Headpiece for the bride to be bought.
Undergarments.....ugg! Any old thing will not do!
Bed set [wedding gift from the Bride's parents - us] purchased today =)
Alteration appointment soon...hoping all is well with our dresses!
Tux to be ordered for Father of the Bride.

The Bride and Groom (our Greta and her love, Lynn) are working up a storm at their future home. Their home is a rental property that Lynn owns. The renters left the house in disrepair. Great disrepair. They are working so hard. And Greta is also finishing up her semester at school.

Yes, it's a flurry of activity around here!
June 9 is, really, just around the coner!



Saturday, April 28, 2012

Still



I have never posted a video before...because I don't know how.... I really don't. I hope I figured it out correctly.

On Thursday evening, our worship team at church learned this song. I was so moved by the words. Tonight as I listened to it on YouTube, I was so moved again. The desire was strong to share....I just decided to see if I could get it to post.

Many storms have come my way in life. Sometimes I was still and found rest. Sometimes I fought, was frustrated and my soul was anything but peaceful. How true, as the words in this song express, when we allow Him to cover us with his wings, we really can soar above the storm. I know, because I have experienced it.

We are singing it tomorrow in our worship service. Can't wait!

Listen and be blessed!

Still by Ruben Morgan

That was fast....

The power cord for my little red computer just came....just yesterday I got notice that it would be delivered on May 7!

Shoes and Breakfast

How's that for a title??

First the shoes -
Ellen's shoes came today. The black pair will look WONDERFUL with her dress for the prom this Friday. I can't wait for you all to see her when I post pictures....but not till after the prom =)

The silver pair for the wedding.....not sure if we'll keep them. The left foot looks better than her smaller right foot in them, even though they are 2 different sizes. I may return them and keep looking.

Breakfast -
We made our annual trek to Manheim Christian Day School for the fund raiser breakfast this morning. As usual, the omelet was fantastic as was the baked oatmeal and Moravian sugar cake. So good! They serve pancakes and scrambled eggs, hash browns, toast, and fruit too! You can get it all for one price....it's a steal! Kim, Greta and Lynn joined Dale, Ellen, Gina and I. We saw lots of people to chat with. Ellen gets tired of that ;) And, we brought home a wonderful strawberry pie, a chocolate fudge cake and some whoopie pies too. We'll save the pie and cake for later tomorrow when we all go to Marcy and Scott's home.

Guess what I feel like doing now that I've eaten a huge breakfast? Yup, I feel a nap approaching =)

Friday, April 27, 2012

New Shoes

I ordered shoes online this week for the first time. Greta's wedding is June 9. We went shoe shopping several times and found nothing! Desperation calls for desperate measures, I guess. Now, I know a ton of you order online all.the.time. I do some shopping through the web, but shoes? I like to try them before buying.

So, I first ordered a pair for Gina. She had tried some at Boscov's that she liked but needed a wide. I could get them in her size by ordering them. Then I decided to look around for me. I found this cute pair of heels in navy that I could get in a wide width. Took a deep breath and ordered. The next day I decided to see what I could find for Ellen. Found a pair of sandals for her prom and a pair for the wedding at Sears.

Gina's shoes came in the mail yesterday, she likes them! Mine came by UPS late afternoon, I like them! Ellen's should arrive today....holding my breath, hoping they fit!


My Shoes - 

Love them!
The heel doesn't look high
but,
I have not walked in heels like this in forever.
I'll be walking around the house
in these shoes
so
I don't stumble down that long church aisle!

CUTE!!

Gina's shoes -

CUTE!

They have a nice wedge heel...
Gina likes that!
(whatever is on the floor beside the box bugs me
but not enough to take another pic!)

So hard to believe it's Friday already. Where has this week gone? I have cleaning and laundry to do before my sweet Littles come to stay at Nana's house today. They brighten any day. And this cold day needs some brightening! It's 46 and windy out there this morning. We've had one nice day this week, the rest was cold, cloudy, rainy, windy and did I mention COLD?

Have a warm, wonderful Friday! I'll be finding warmth in ways other than the temp outdoors =)

Thursday, April 26, 2012

I did it....

Ordered a new power cord/adapter for my little red computer =)

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

My Favorite Flower

I love flowers. Really love them.
My favorite blesses me each spring.
I wait patiently, sometimes it's a struggle, each year to fill my home with this fragrance.

Ahhh, my lilacs!
Right by my kitchen sink =)

Come on in for a sniff....

Smell them?
Isn't it just the best??

Love, love, love them!

This year, just as last, there are very few
 blooms on my big bushes.

Disappointed, for sure.

But, blessed because
there are enough to bring into the house to enjoy.

Have a blessed day!

Monday, April 23, 2012

Lovely Sunday

It was a rainy day. I'm not usually crazy about rainy days. Yesterday was ok. But it was really cold, as it is today.

Here are some highlights of our Sunday :
  • We ate lunch with Marcy, Scott, Paityn, Brinley (who slept through most of it!) and Lynn.
  • We toured a house with Kim (daughter agent) and Corey and Christy and kids. We may consider buying it. We did like it a lot. But there are some things to consider, the ever present pros and cons in every dwelling.....
  • Some of the kids gathered here in the evening.
  • I made soup -  taco soup and chicken corn noodle. It was a good soup day!
  • We also ate the chocolate cake that I made Saturday evening.
  • Lynn and Greta brought ice cream - yum!
Of course I took pictures.....

Lynn shows how strong he is by keeping Paityn elevated
while pumping her legs like she is riding a bicycle....
Paityn loved it!

Daddy (Scott) and Uncle Lynn
use their napkins to play a game with Paityn....
she loved it!

Brinley gets comfy =)

Aunt Gina has some Brinley time.

Andrew (grandson) helps himself to more food =)

Greta is doing something very important...
researching the web for a replacement
power cord for me!!
No order yet, but we'll get there.
It continues to work just fine, by the way =)

My favorite photo on our lovely Sunday!
We have some wonderful men in our family
who are great Dads, Uncles, and cousins.

Today has been a slow go so far. It's cold but at least it's not snowing here! So far today I washed a bunch of dishes, picked up from yesterday, ordered a pair of shoes for Greta's wedding. I have never ordered shoes on-line before but I need navy, I have wide feet and time is running out! Hope they fit!


Ellen is sick today. Actually, before she went to bed last night she said she felt dizzy and had a headache. I took her temp and sure enough, she had a fever. One thing for sure, if Ellen is home and isn't dancing, doing cheers, talking, giggling....she IS sick!!


May you be warm and well this Monday!




Saturday, April 21, 2012

Update on Power Cord

Update, just in case you're interested =)
  • I have yet to order a new one
  • The taped, beat-up old one is working like a charm, no kidding!

Thursday, April 19, 2012

It [almost] Causes Me to Panic....

What would cause me to feel the rise of unease....so much so that I would be near panic?

I'm almost too embarrassed to tell you.

But confession can is good for the soul =)

My computer cord met a near demise some time ago. It got caught in the reclining sofa foot rest workings, nearly severing it. Oh no. But, Hubby to the rescue. He taped it up and....it worked!

But. Yes there is a but. It no longer always works. This morning as I was reading blogs and FB and email and..... I read the Bible, I do research, I look up real estate listings......
the.power.cord.stopped.working.

It would not charge this little red contraption no matter what I did.

What would I do with out my computer.....how would I communicate with my friends....no one would know what the heck happened to me.

I almost panicked. 

This evening I prayed again. I plugged it in. It didn't work. I felt sad and started to research power cords before the charge I had emptied.

Then, all of a sudden...it started to charge again. No kidding.

I thanked the Lord for hearing my concern.

(But I will continue to look for a replacement!)

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Fun at the Playground

What a week it has been so far. Our weather has been crazy....86 on Monday, 70 on Tuesday, 60 on Wednesday! It feels rather chilly this morning.

Here are the photos I took at the Manheim playground on Monday. It was really hot. Zoe went to sleep in the car almost as soon as we started driving so she slept through some of the fun. Aidan was very disappointed to find that we were the only ones at the park. He said in such a sad voice, "There aren't any kids here". He found Nana and Aunt Gina to be fun. At least I think he did!

One trip down a slide
because...
they were too stinkin' hot!

Gotta clean the wood chips out of my Crocs!

Nana, can you hear me now?

Yes, Aidan, I can hear you!

He drove the airplane to hot Africa to pick me up =)

I was so amazed at what all he's mastered since last year.
He went up and down with out Nana's help
and Nana was ok with it =)

He had to work at this
but he did it!

I'm very proud of your accomplishment too, Aidan!

Zoe joins in the fun after her little nap.


Aidan wanted to play longer but it was just too hot. We will go again on another day, a nicer day, and maybe there will be kids to play with!


Today will be a day for laundry fun, putting away some stuff from the week-end fun, dirty dishes fun, and so much more!

May a fun Wednesday be in yours too!


Monday, April 16, 2012

Retreat and Playground

First, the Retreat....
We had a wonderful time! I drove Shirley's van again. Five of us traveled together. Three more ladies made their way north to Halifax too. We were stuck in traffic for quite awhile on the way up but we got there by 5:30...we left at 3 and should have taken us no longer than 1 1/2 hours. Not to worry, we had fun even in a traffic jam!

We ate, we played games, we did a craft, we laughed - good belly laughs! - we had inspirational times, we worshiped, we had fun!

It was a much smaller group this year but that was ok. Too many of the ladies had too much going on in their lives and couldn't make it work.

Enjoy some pictures.....

Gathering around the big kitchen table....
where we spent a lot of time! 

Melissa and Sue already share a laugh!

Dominoes!!

Sherry works on her candle holder...
Modge Podge, Epsom salt and food coloring
made a plain glass holder very pretty.

Gina and Sue try their hand at Lawn Golf

Look at that!
Gina got all three of hers on for 7 pts.
(I think that's correct)

Beautiful day,
Beautiful property!

Baked French Toast, anyone?
They requested this again this year...
3rd time I've made it for them!

Table setting for Sunday lunch

Melissa, Shirley and Sue relax on the big porch.
I sat on that swing with my coffee early Sunday morning.
So peaceful!

All too soon it was time to pack up.
Whew, that's a full load!

We want to go to Creek Haven again next year. I told the owners that the peace which surrounds their home is so much more than the beautiful farm setting. It's a God peace. It really is.


So, I was going to also tell you about our day today. We had fun at the playground even though it was very hot! I'll save the photos for another day. It's taken me too long to post today!

Have a wonderful week!

 

Thursday, April 12, 2012

I really don't know what I'm doing....I just do it!

I really don't know much about the 'how' in decorating, flower arranging, retreat planning, writing devotionals and Sunday morning messages for Women's retreats.....I just do it!

Last evening I attempted this....

I will look for something different to put around the cup
 holding the flowers in the orange arrangement.
I took 2 more photos which I think are better but...
the computer doesn't think it's necessary to down load 2 more....grrrr.
What does a computer know anyway!


The Saturday devotional is written. I'm working on Sunday morning message. Really, I don't know how to do it, I just do it! And, I pray the women attending will be blessed and challenged.....oh, I pray a lot!

I have more little gifts to get ready too. I use the Internet to come up with ideas. What in the world would I do without that?!!

I would like to work on more decorating ideas involving our theme but time is short. Won't get to it, I don't believe.

This week has had some challenges. Yesterday was one. but we made it through! We've had sickness in our family...the upset stomach kind. Not me, THANK GOD!!! Greta got sick Monday night. Christy got sick Tuesday morning, Corey felt terrible on Tuesday but never went beyond that (same for Greta's Lynn and our Kim). To top it off, Corey and Christy got a call for 2 showings of their house yesterday. Christy was still not feeling wonderful, Corey did go to work, Dale and I had a funeral to attend late morning (Dale's Uncle Floyd Myer had passed), so I wasn't available to help till the afternoon....plus I was counting on that time for prep work for the weekend retreat. Oh well, that's just how this week was coming down! Gina and I headed over to help Christy around 2:30. the first showing was at 4:45. We worked fast! Came home, made dinner for all of us then Greta, Gina and I headed out with our dresses for the wedding to be altered.

My cousin does alterations and we are delighted with her skill and her reasonable pricing! After that, we came home. Corey, Christy and the kids were still here. Aidan was doing his watercolor painting I put in his Easter basket.... He loved that $1 item from Dollar Tree =)

Today will be another busy one. And tomorrow. And the week-end.

 I'll breath more slowly next week!



Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Beatrice and Grenville

Yes, I met Beatrice and Grenville! What a neat couple. We met at Panera Bread near the Target on Rt. 30. Last evening Bea realized that I wouldn't have a clue what they look like because they never post pictures of themselves. That could be an issue!  But, I bet it wouldn't have taken long for us to find each other.... not to worry, she sent me a wonderful photo of them with their granddaughter.

We found each other right away. They already had their coffee so I ordered my favorite chai tea latte and a yogurt and fruit cup, yum! From there it was like visiting with old friends. I kid you not. That's how it is with bloggers....we feel like we have known each other forever because we read all about the important things happening in our lives!

We chatted about our grandchildren (of course!), our kids, our jobs, or as in each of our cases - our former jobs. I heard about their town, their volunteer work, downsizing and preparing for their big move.....oh, it was just delightful. Oh, and they told me the story about how they met......another delightful story!

If you ever have an opportunity to meet a fellow blogger, do it! Thank-you, Bea, for taking the initiative for our face to face today =) It really was delightful!

Monday, April 9, 2012

A Very Blessed Day, Indeed

Busy Saturday. Really, it was more Fun than Busy.....take a look:

My Pilate's machine was the perfect spot for this job!
I was working on making bows for these bags....
Easter bags filled with goodies for the big kids....


Easter bags filled with goodies for the little kids!

Sunday morning was filled with celebration at church. We sang praise songs, including the hymn Lift your Glad Voices, and heard several praise offerings from the previous week - even from our sweet Aidan who stood up on a chair at the front of the church, faced the audience while holding the microphone right to his mouth and shared a thankful message for the family gathering to come and an egg hunt! How sweet is that! Love that boy. Our pastor gave us a challenging  message and we ended the service with the song Alive, forever, Amen.

The family dinner was delicious. The kids had a wonderful egg hunt while the adults conversed or slept! I'm sorry to say that I didn't take any pictures. Sometimes I want to just enjoy and not be snapping pictures. I will share this one of Paityn that Scott took -

Paityn loves Easter Day!
As you can see, it was a nice but very windy day.


This week fill be filled with preparation for the Women's retreat this coming week-end. We also have a funeral to attend for an uncle. And, I'm looking forward to meeting 'Beatrice' from the very clever and interesting blog, The Frog and PenguINN! She will be the first blogger I have met other than my sister Jean. I will be sure to take pictures (with the approval of my friend, of course) and let you in on our face to face.

Wishing you a great week! (April 15 approaches....have you filed yet?!!)

Sunday, April 8, 2012

Happy Easter!

Our Easter day has clear blue skies.....a bit chilly this morning but it's to be in the high 60's later. Looking forward to our day celebrating with our church family and the Fahnestock family. There will be praises sung, good food eaten, egg hunts, laughter......and lots more. I made some yummy Oreo Cupcakes to take to the dinner....I know they are yummy because I ate one =)

A Blessed Easter to all! May we never forget the sacrifice paid for us so we can have fellowship with our Lord Jesus forever!

Saturday, April 7, 2012

New Eye Glasses

It's Saturday and there is lots to do. About the only thing I don't need to do is laundry! There's some food to make, dishes to wash, cleaning to do, Easter baskets to pack.......enough to keep me out of trouble =)

Yesterday Gina had her eyes checked and ordered a new pair of cute eye glasses. Dale picked up his new glasses and I was pleased to learn that one of my pairs was ready for pick up too! I am very near sighted which means my lenses are thick even if I get the thinnest possible. That is, till this pair......I am so impressed! They did an awesome job. I love the frame, it was a good choice for my heavy prescription too. Thanks Christy and the rest of the family for helping me choose them. I will gladly wear them for more than morning or evening when not wearing contact lenses.

Aidan and Zoe were here too yesterday. Aidan is feeling better. Zoe has a very runny nose and Aidan was coughing some too.

Our weather has been chilly during the day and COLD at night. We've been in the 30's at night.....brrrrrr!

It's time for another cup of coffee then I must get on with my day. I'm looking forward to a wonderful church service tomorrow morning and time spent with the Fahnestock family at Nancy and Grandma's house.

 Easter 2011 -


Happy Easter!
 (Happy Spring too......it's the season of sneezes, I'm sneezing and sneezing and sneezing!!!)

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Cleaning Today

Not an exciting day...but I'm happy to have some time to clean. I'm working in our bedroom then to the bathroom then...well, I'm not sure if I'll get farther than that!

I have some windows open. I hear tractors going by. The state road crew is at work nearby too. Lots of 'beep beep beep' as they move their trucks.

Later we will attempt to find Ellen some new sneakers. She is so hard on he shoes!

Gina heads our way again tomorrow! Looking forward to having her home again for a few days. Would love to have Joe come too but he has to work. We will be ordering new glasses for her, getting alterations done for her dress for Greta's wedding, looking for shoes for the wedding......will be a fun time!

Looking forward to a family dinner on Sunday. Dale's family is getting together at his Mother and sister Nancy's home. Our children always looked forward to the Fahnestock gatherings there and now our Grands do too! Aidan was jumping up and down with excitement the other day when we talked about it.

Aidan went to the hospital last night. He has been so healthy for the last several weeks which we were so thankful for. He was coughing a little bit on Monday but other than that he seemed fine. I guess he was having a lot of trouble breathing last night and they took him to the ER. I've not heard how he is  this morning. Please keep him in you payers!

Enough of a break....I've some cleaning to do!

Happy Wednesday!

*Update on Aidan. He wasn't admitted. But he now has an Asthma diagnosis. His attack last night was pretty bad. And it scared him a lot. Christy took him to the Dr. again this morning. He also has an ear infection! Praying for my little man!


Monday, April 2, 2012

A surprise for Vonnie

Saturday evening we were invited to a surprise birthday party for Vonnie Smith. Vonnie is the mother of our son-in-law, Scott. Her birthday isn't until later in April. Having it early helped the surprise factor plus their daughter-in -law, Jess, is expecting a baby in 10 days. Planning the party before her day seemed smart!

Was Vonnie surprised? YOU BET!! Her guests arrived at John J. Jeffries, a favorite restaurant of Vonnies, at 6. We visited as we waited for the guest of honor to arrive. She thought they were eating with just Marcy and Scott to celebrate their birthday's. She was soooo wrong!

The meal was fantastic. The salmon was the best I ever ate. And the potatoes were out of this world good!

The Birthday Girl and her
daughter-in-law, Jess.
Jess is my hair stylist!


Paityn passes the time by playing with her Daddy's phone

Marcy, Scott and Paityn
(Pop Pop was walking with Brinley)

Paityn wanted to see the pictures!

Beautiful touch of spring on the tables

Paityn having fun with her Poppy, Scott's dad.

Lighting the candles...
Scott's brother Josh, hubby of Jess.
Not sure who is helping him.

Vonnie asks Paityn to help her blow them out!

Vonnie with her Mother (L), everyone calls her Nanny,
and her Aunt (R), Nanny's sister.

It was a fabulous party! We had a wonderful time. Happy Birthday, Vonnie!