Post Sandy

We are fine. We didn't lose power, yeah! The lights flickered several times. I put out candles and lighters just in case. Hubs put buckets of water in two bathrooms that don't have a tub and filled the tub in the one that does. (guess I can now empty them!)

I tried to find something on TV to watch other than storm coverage....that was almost impossible! Was so happy to have NBC stop storm coverage and let The Voice broadcast.

There are less leaves on our trees this morning.  So blessed to be spared of what it could have been.

Prayers continue for those who are dealing with damage from Sandy!

Football and Marching Bands and Sandy

At the beginning of High School football season, we made plans for when I would go see Grandson Andrew play.  It seemed so far away. Time flies and this Friday night came in a flash. Hubs and Ellen went to several games as did Gina. I usually keep the Grands on Friday's so that's why I haven't gone.

The weather was wonderfully warm for the end of October.....I prefer not to freeze while sitting on cold metal bleachers! I enjoyed the game even though they lost. (and I understand so little about the game)

We got to chat with our Football player after the game!

Don't you just love Aidan's pose?

That's our Kim, Andrew's Mom, behind Aidan.

 

My two Grandsons -

Andrew and Aidan

Saturday was a day for getting things done around home. Dale worked at some repairs he had started last Saturday. I cleaned the house and did laundry. He also went to our son's home to clean out their gutters. They had water in their basement last year and are doing everything possible to not have it happen again with this storm. In the evening, I took Ellen to a Marching Band competition at our High School. Ellen loves marching bands! Hubs stayed home to put all our outdoor furniture in the barn. Again, doing what we can to keep us safe.

 

Ellen looks at the booklet we purchased.

She will keep it forever!

Ellen loves looking at the pictures over and over again.

I think she has every band book from every competition we have ever attended!

 

She sees me taking her picture and says.

Wait!

 

She had to turn to her High School Band...

Manheim Central Marching Barons!

 

 

We had a great time!

 

 

We are expecting a big storm today. The schools are closed. The mall is closed, meaning no work for Gina or Christy, no keeping the kids for me today. Hubs did go to work. Are we prepared? I hope so. I do need D batteries for a lantern that Gina bought from Boscov's on Saturday. No store has any, it seems, so I guess we won't be using it. We do have small flashlights. And batteries for them. It's raining, it's getting windy. Temps are chilly. Not too bad so far.

 

I  put our dinner in the crock pot. Turned it on high just in case we would loose power before 6. I'm thinking about making cookies too.

 

Battened down the hatches....here we go! Stay safe, everyone!

Enjoying the Calm

Yes, I am enjoying the calm before the storm.....

....while I pray for the God to calm the storm. Predictions say our area will be hit hard by Sandy. It has only been 13 months since our area endured flooding from another hurricane/tropical storm. This time we are to experience high winds as well.

God have mercy! Can I count on your prayers as this storm moves up the east coast? Pray for those in it's path. Join me, and many others, who are asking for the storm to be calmed.

Blessings to you!

Just Another Day?

Is there such a thing as just another day?  I'm not sure there is. I may do the same monotonous  chores day after day after day. But, it's not just another day!

How do I know? There is always something to make the day special, different or unusual. Yes there is.

For example, yesterday I attended a 31 Party. Never did that before. They have nice things to purchase and I did buy 3 things. One is a gift for Ellen, one may be a gift for Gina but I think she won't wait till Christmas and 1 thing is for me. It was a half price item because I spent $31 or more. How nice!

Today I have more laundry to do. Aidan and Zoe will be spending time with me. I will prepare a meal and wash the dishes (by hand cause I don't own a dishwasher). But, I did something else too.....I took my little Buick to the shop AGAIN! Oh, good grief. The check engine light came on last evening on my way home from the party. The car started running like a put-put tractor... [oh dear oh dear]. How I hope it isn't something serious!

Wonder what is in store for my day tomorrow?? I'm certain it will not be just another day =)

Wishing you a blessed Thursday. May car troubles not be part of your day!

Morning

Oh, what a beautiful Morning.....

 

 

Oh, what a beautiful day.

 

 

 

Wishing you a great one!

We had a busy weekend!

Saturday was a work day at home for us. It was the first Saturday we both had the entire day to get something done around here.... since the middle of August! Dale worked at repairing the balcony which needs painting and I did the cleaning, laundry and dishes!

Saturday evening was time for fun. Our church has been having a fall party/hay ride for years and years. I enjoy the food, the camp fires, the fellowship so much. But, I let the hay ride to others! I sat by the fire and chatted with those who also didn't go on the hay ride. Fun!

The busy continued on Sunday. Aidan and Zoe's preschool was taking part in the Sunday service at the church where the school is held. How sweet to see these little ones gathered around the Pastor as he told them a story from the Bible. Aidan positioned himself right in front of the Pastor and he got to hold the sheep puppet which was part of the story. They also sang two songs, the Pastor played his guitar as they sang. Oh how sweet!! The kids really love this Pastor. After the service, the church blessed us with a wonderful meal. It was so good!

After we left there, we went to an open house. We didn't think it was the house for us but decided to check it out. It is not the house for us!

Then home we came. The family soon started gathering here as usual. We ordered pizza. Someone mentioned making s'mores. So Dale made a fire and we had s'mores!

So here it is, Monday evening. This week will be as many are. I'll keep Aidan and Zoe as usual, I'll do the normal chores, I'll make meals.

I can't go till I show you this.....

Brinley Hope is walking!

 

 

And this....

 

My handsome Grand...

Andrew!

Looking good, he's all ready to attend his last

HS Homecoming dance.

His last one???

Seems like yesterday he was starting Kindergarten.

 

 

Wishing you a Blessed evening!

 

 



Blah....the weather and me

Yes the weather has been blah. It rained and stormed last night. It was so dark outside when Ellen went to school this morning. I felt blah too. Everything bothered me. Hate feeling like that!

Now, as I was heading to make another good cup of coffee (hoping it would chase away the blahs)and to get a big bunch of red seedless grapes to snack on, the sun is peeping through the clouds! For me, that's huge.  Sunny days are good, very good! Some people are energized by rainy days. I am not.

___________________________________________________________________________

We attended a special banquet Wednesday evening, the UDS Football/Cheering end of season celebration. As always, the room is so energized with these jubilant and special participants. It's always so fun!

Excited Ellen!

Cheerleaders and their helpers

More cheerleaders.

 

We really enjoyed the food. It was all donated...

Pizza, tacos, beef BBQ, hot dogs, veggies and dip, fresh friut,

Rita's Italian Ice, Antie Anne's soft pretzles, Cinnabons.

 

Ellen gets her award from the helpers,

Sarah and Molly

 

Coach Randy congratulates Jennifer for a job well done.

Jennifer was the UDS coordinator for

Challenger Football and Cheering this year.

 

Another successful season comes to a close. Well done, kids! Thanks to Faulkner Chevrolet and Cargill Chocolate for being major sponsors.

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Two little sweeties came while I was writing this. Aidan is waiting for me to finish because we have a cake to bake. Zoe is in need of a diaper change..oh, boy.

Have a great week-end!

Random

Because it's that kind of day!

• When Christy brings Gina home from work after closing (they both work at the mall, different stores) she sometimes brings goodies from other stores. Christy works in the center of the mall. They have great relationships with other stores....the stores give leftovers or slightly damaged goods to them. Sometimes it's Cinnabon pieces in a neat blue cup (I guess they sell them like that, I don't know cause I avoid that good smelling store!!) and sometimes it's loose tea from Teavana. Oh my goodness, the latest tea is called Superfruit Unity. It.is.so.good.
• I don't care for vehicles riding my bumper. Why would someone think it's ok?? Can't be because I drive like a slow poke cause I don't. And it's not just big burly guys driving loud pickup trucks. It's also soccer moms driving mini vans. What's up with that?
• Zoe uses the potty sometimes. She doesn't usually 'go' but she sits. I sit on the little stool while she sits on the throne and we talk. One day she said "I two. How old you, Nana?" I answered that I'm 58. She wrinkled her brow and asked "fifty-eight"?? I don't think she could even comprehend being that old!!
• I think of things to write on random posts as I go about my day. Now that I'm writing, I'm having a hard time remembering what they were! (maybe it's because I'm 58!!)
• Honey Boo Boo - I only watched this show briefly one time. I felt like a Peeking Tom and changed the channel. Something felt so wrong about that show. The other day I saw the Mom and child on the Today Show. (only saw part of the interview) When asked to the Mom if she thinks people are laughing at them, she said she thinks people are laughing at them but they are laughing too. OK. Still feels wrong. That little girl is way too sassy and she has a huge audience who thinks it's funny. It's a train wreck - just saying.
• I've had enough of this election. My mind is made up and I will vote. I get so many political phone messages and they are irritating me. Also, won't the Christmas toy commercials seem like a blessing this year?
• I was going to make an apple cake with Aidan and Zoe the other day. But Aidan was naughty before getting here and had dessert taken away. We will bake it tomorrow, I hope!
• Ina is making a very good looking salad on her show right now.Will have to look up that recipe. Oh, yum!
• Had a hair cut this morning. Love!
• Stopped at Tuesday Morning after my appointment to 'look'. I bought some napkins for the Women's Christmas Brunch at church. It's that time again! Yes it is.
• I hope to remember to take my camera with me one of these days so I can snap some photos of the beautiful trees I see when I take Gina to work. Such beautiful reds!  
• Girls Night Out tonight - yeah! Can't wait!
• I can change the header pic on my blog but nothing else. Not sure why it will no longer work....been trying for months!

Have a great day. Random days are good days too!

Whoo-Hoo!

Dr. Corey worked hard on my ailing computer. It's back to working just fine again.....Whoo-Hoo!!

I guess it wasn't as bad as it could have been....I didn't lose anything. But Corey worked long and hard to find and recover files. Oh my.

Pinterest, how I love it. But, I was on that site when my computer went haywire. Makes me a little leery to click back to an original website to get details for a recipe or craft I'm interested in. Of course, I'm not certain if that was the entry point of the problem or not.....

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We are having a beautiful week. The sunrise today was just gorgeous. I was going to snap a pic after Ellen got on the bus but....I sat down to read the newspaper and forgot all about my plan! Sometimes I have such a short attention span....such flittin' from one thing to the next =)

*************************************************************************************

I have pictures of the Grands from the Farm Show last week. I love family, I love watching them have a great time!

Aidan was being silly.

He pulled his hat down over his eyes when he saw me with the camera...

Aidan, you look very scary!!

His cousin, Gavin, watches.

 

Paityn and Zoe have a conversation.

I think it went like this...

"Do you want to go see the animals?

I want to see the cows and bunnies and pigs.

Let's see if Pop Pop will take us, ok?"

Sweet Littles!

 

Look at Nana, Brinley!

Meanwhile, Ellen digs into the fries.

YUM!!

After filling our bellies, we head to the fun part -

the animals and the kids play area.........

Aidan and Paityn take a turn with the scooper thingies.

Scott gives Paityn some tips on how it's done.

They loved this!

 

Zoe found the corn table with the tractors and wagons

to be her choice for fun!

 

Where's Ellen?

 

There she is.

 

 

Her face says it all.....

Ellen loves these bunnies!

 

 

Sweet Brinley watches the fun.

I  know what she is thinking...

Next year I will be up and moving and.....

It was a good week. We enjoyed the fun and the food. BUT, this week it's a lot of salads, no bread, no fried anything for me!

Wishing you a fabulous Wednesday!

Sleep......

......is a beautiful thing. When it's lacking, everything seems difficult. 

Last evening when the family was here, I decided to have a cup of coffee. It was rather late but drinking decaf would be just fine. It was so good.

I was so tired when I went to bed. But I could not sleep.

This morning I checked the Keurig where the empty pod was.

Yup, I had regular coffee, not decaf.

I need a nap! So do Aidan and Zoe. I need to convince them of it. I really, really do!

(using the desk top computer cause Ellen is at school and it's available)

Posting from phone....

....is not for me. I like my Iphone and am thrilled with all it can do.  (all that I know to do, ha ha!)

But, until I get my computer fixed, I will not be posting or commenting very much.

It's just does not work for me.

Reading blogs works. That I will do.


Blessings to you!

Aidan and Zoe

Aidan and Zoe love milkshakes. And music.

I had to shorten the video but got enough of her moves, I hope!

I hope you can see the foot action on Aidan's video.....so cute!

Now, for a bit of explaining - 

As we were leaving the Farm Show last evening

the marching band was practicing on the football field.

Ellen had to stop and listen....

Zoe and Aidan got into the music while finishing their shakes =)

Tonight is the parade. Yeah! We are having lots of of cloudy skies today with a peek of sun from time to time. As long as it doesn't rain, I'll be ready for a good time.

Hope you are enjoying your day!

oops.....

Something is ailing my little computer. I'll have Corey look at it. I'm sure he will know what to do. In the meantime, I'll clean, wash dishes, and check for updates with my phone or the desk top computer =)


I'll include a few older photos of the Grands ......

My Dad with Aidan

Paityn Lily

 Aidan

Paityn swinging with Aunt Kimmy

at Great Grandma's house. 

That's Andrew behind Paityn!

Zoe Rose

That's it for today. Aidan and Zoe are here....It's been a week since they came to stay with me! 

Oh how I missed them.

Enjoy your day!

Farm Show Food

This is the week my family has enjoyed for many years....for as long as they have been alive! We have taken them to the Manheim Farm Show as babies, as toddlers, as young children, as pre-teens, as teenagers, as.....I'm sure you get the picture! We even went the year Gina and Greta were only about 2 weeks old!

At the farm show we see lots of family and friends. Love that! But the big draw? The food, of course! So much yummy food. My favorite is a NY style sub sandwich. I get one on Tuesday night and again later in the week. (want to know why Tuesday? I have found that if I get one the first day, they aren't as good. Till the second day, they have made enough to have it down pat!) We also love the french fries. They are cut fresh, fried right away and delivered hot. Yum! Another biggie is the milkshakes. The line is always very long but no one seems to care. They are that good! I also love the chicken breast salad, baked sweet potatoes, and walking tacos. The steak sandwiches are awesome as is the grilled chicken breast sandwich (Greta's favorite). Good soup too. Ellen has a slice of pizza every night. Funnel cakes are good....I will share one (I only get one!) with someone, cannot eat a whole one by myself!

You will find us at the Farm Show every evening for dinner this week. My kitchen is closed, as it has been during this week for more years than I can remember. Love it!

manheimfarmshow.org

Have a happy week!

Random Wednesday

Random Wednesday...because it seems to fit the day =)

• I have a bunch of groceries to put away. Christy took Gina and me along to a discount grocery called B B's. Love their prices!
• Just love, love, love,hearing Zoe say "I like you...I uv you Nana". Makes my heart go pitter-patter =)
• Women's ministry meeting tonight at church. Shirley (a friend from church) and I have been reading together the book we are studying. She came over this morning. We only have a few more chapters to read. We are doing a Beth Moore book study called, So Long Insecurity. I am really blessed by Beth Moore's ministry. What a gifted speaker and writer!
• Aidan learned....Stop, Drop, and Roll in pre-school this week. They had some fire fighters come to speak to them. He loved it!!
• Zoe thinks my snacks are better than the ones at her house.....they may be the same stuff  but they taste better at Nana's. She's so cute!
• I got my car back!!!! Been driving it all around town since Friday and it's working fine =) Did that car ever give the shop a few headaches!
• Many years we only see a fireworks show at July 4th. This year we saw about 5 shows, the latest on Saturday night in Manheim. Our town is celebrating a birthday (250, I think) and they put off a wonderful show! It was awesome!
• Yesterday would have been my Mother's birthday. I'm not certain how old she would have been. I could look it up but it would only be a number (I'm guessing 89). What's really important is to remember the remarkable woman she was. She was taken too soon, in my opinion. She was only 59. How I thank God for my Mom!
• Ellen only has 2 more Saturday morning's to cheer. How can that be???
• It rained buckets yesterday. Today it's damp, muggy and yuck. The sun tried to show it's face but didn't quite make it.
• Our local Farm Show is next week!!! We go every evening to eat. I will try to eat things that are good for me. Sure I will ;-)
• Aidan is allergic, very allergic, to dust! Not any food, but, dust!! This will surely be a challenge.
• At least we now know. As we look for a new house, we will know what needs to be put in place to minimize the triggers.
• Ellen is watching a movie this afternoon. Mostly because we took the computer away from her for 2 days. It will have some rough moments but was necessary. Right now she is giggling at Princess Diaries 2.
• I've been blessed by some blog posts recently concerning special needs kids. Being the Mom of Ellen is special but not without some heart tugs and, I confess, worry. It's hard to put my daughter out there where people may not understand her. I'm trying not to pull the Mother strings too tightly so she can fly as she's ready. Oh, Lord!

That's enough rambling for today. Have a great Wednesday!

Remembering a wonderful man

Today my family is remembering a wonderful man, our Dad. Three years ago he left his hurting body and went to be with Jesus. I know that is where he is! He loved the Lord with his whole heart. He spent time studying the Bible. One of my best childhood memories is hearing Daddy get up very early in the morning, going downstairs to make coffee, hearing him go back upstairs to his study and shut the door. We all knew he had his Bible in front of him. He would read, worship and pray.

I miss him!

My Mom and Dad laugh at some old photos.

This makes me smile!

Dad loved his Grandchildren!

Here he is taking a nap with Jeremy,

my sister Jean's son.

Dad with Matthew,

son of my sister Rose.

 

 

Dad with his Dad, my Grandpa Witmer...

and his (our) sweet Mary.

 

 

 

His funeral service brochure cover.......

 

(pardon the top left scuff mark on the photo making his face look funny)

Our Dad was a wonderful man.

 I and all who had contact with him call ourselves

 

BLESSED!