A Touch of Color

We are seeing just a little bit of color on our trees. Still more to come, I hope. But I do wonder if it will get very pretty this year. It's almost November and there's a lot of green out there yet! 

Hubby said he noticed we are able to see more through our trees now....meaning that leaves are falling and my least liked season is on it's way. I barely tolerate winter. (Did you hear that huge sigh??) 

Noah, on the other hand, was terribly dissapointed the other day....to the point of tears....when he woke up and it hadn't snowed! WHAT?? Must have heard talk about it snowing somewhere and thought it was here. It's all in one's perspective, or age! 

This morning he is so ready to go to preschool and the morning is dragging for him. He goes after eating lunch so he's been ready for lunch since 8:30! 

We took this selfie because he was being so sweet...

Then he wanted my phone and took some pictures :))

Messy table and all!! 

Rain is heading our way. It's cold and rain will make being outdoors miserable. Ellen is hoping to attend a football game with her dad tonight.....going to MC home football games was the deal we made with her when we moved out of the Manheim Central school district four years ago. She's only been able to go to 2 this season so not going tonight because of weather will be a huge disappointment. Tomorrow night is our church's annual hayride. Weather does not sound favorable for that either. Bummer! 

God bless your day, God bless your weekend. Stay warm! 

Random

So I was going to try to post more often therefor making my posts shorter and taking less time to write. It was all good until last week. Sigh. So random this will be.....as thoughts and events come to mind to share.

• No, not this year, not even close!

This came up in my FB memories from two years ago.

Things are nowhere that pretty yet this year.

• Sunday, October 14 was youth Sunday at church.....meaning the kids were in charge of the service. How nice. Several of our grandchildren took part. 

There's Grands Zoe and Paityn helping to lead worship.

(not a great pic, cell phone)

And that's all I was able to be part of.

I was on nursery duty so I missed the  scripture readings by Aidan and Paityn.

I heard it was a great service.

• Several weeks ago on a Saturday evening, my 45th high school class reunion was held. Yes, I am that old!! I was part of the planning committee.....it was work, it was so neat working with the two other ladies on the committee, it was amazing seeing it all come together! I only took three very bad pictures with my cell phone. My good camera was there but with all that was going on I didn't remember till it was too late. Ugh. 

We met in a fabulous barn.

had a wonderful catered dinner

and loved every minute of it!

These four classmates blessed us with several songs.

A cappella, of course!

In 1973 at our Mennonite high school no instruments were used, not allowed!

Our classmate, Bob, shared a very touching message.

He said he was nervous....

I thought, me too!

I was the MC, something I certainly don't do very often.

The highlight of the evening was singing four hymns from memory.

Of course, four part harmony 

and no accompanying instruments.

It was amazing!!

Our class knows how to sing.

• Look at this cute little thing....

It's a small Keurig, 

holds water for 3 mugs, brews the hottest coffee....

and how about that amazing color?!!

It resides in our basement living room

and gets lots of use.

• Look what hubby started last week.

All that dark stained wood in our living room

 is getting a fresh coat of paint....

so are the walls.

I'll keep you posted...

got the paint today while it was still 40% off.

Excited!!

New flooring will come later, maybe a winter job?

• Last Friday the kids didn't have school. I took them to see the movie, Christopher Robin, which is now being shown at the discount theater....$3 a ticket. Works for me.

Popcorn, of course!

This kid fell asleep during the movie.

Maybe a good thing since he was asking if it was over before it barely started!

After the movie they were hungry!

To Mc D's we went.

I never go there so I was clueless.

It took forever to order!

Enjoying it!

• Later that night Ellen and I went to her friend Marissa's house for a campfire and smores.  

SO nice!!

Enjoying herself =)

• My little helper....

He's a cutie!

• More flowers received for recovering Christy (who is doing great, by the way).

So pretty but we don't know who sent them. 

This bouquet is from our church.....so cute!!

• Time to wrap this up with one more picture.

I bought this wreath many years ago.

The pic on the left was after I changed the original bow 

and added some fall leaves.

The middle pic was last year when I added some white.

Right pic is this year, another bow change....

green and gold this time. 

I love changing things!

Take care, stay warm! Fall has arrived in PA!

Leaves will get the message soon. 

Girlfriends and a Birthday

Yesterday, Sunday October 14, Ellen and I attended a 21st Birthday party to celebrate her friend Emily. We had such a good time! 

First we ate pizza, salad and fruit.

Elizabeth (and her mom) gave a toast and the girls gave a cheer with their non- alcoholic sangria. 😊 

Next, Emily opened gifts. 

Lots of laughs and celebration! 

The moms were having a lot of fun too!!

Emily was thrilled with all that her friends chose for her. 

After gifts, Cake!! 

Happy Birthday to you, dear Emily! 

They enjoyed the cake and ice cream. But the fun was not done just yet....

Birthday Bingo! 

Ellen chose peanut butter cups for her prizes....of course. 

We had a wonderful time. Thanks for inviting us to celebrate with you, Emily. You will enjoy being 21! 

Manheim Farmshow 2018

This event has been a highlight of our family for many, many years. We no longer have a Manheim address but we still try to get there a few times the week of the show. This year it was Monday evening with three Grands and Ellen and Wednesday evening with Ellen for the parade. That could be it for this year. 

Monday was the Baby Parade. It's really short but still fun to see. 

The only marching band in this parade is the Manheim Central Middle School band. 

Lots of cute kids!! We loved the Kraft Mc and Cheese (middle left) and it won a prize! 

After the parade it was time to fill our bellies with yummy Farmshow food....

We started with French fries to share and a slice of pizza for Ellen. Then I went for a walking taco for Aidan and a burger for Zoe. Took that to the tent then got my pulled beef without a roll for me. Couldn't get the slice of pizza for Noah because they were out and the wait till they had some again was too long. The crowds of people out that nice evening was crazy!! Dale went for his hamloaf sandwich when I got back. He shared his sandwich with Noah. 

It was so nice to see daughter Greta there with her sweet family. 

We weren't going to see the animals that night but decided to since there weren't many tractors near the food area....something that Noah wanted to see. They don't allow kids to climb on many of them anymore which lessens the fun. 

We saw some cute rabbits then went to the kids area. 

This corn table is so much fun! It's Grandson Carson's favorite thing to do at any country fair or Farmshow! 

More fun!

Lots of little piggies!! 

By this time Zoe was sneezing non stop and we had to go. Poor girl was miserable. Aidan was careful to not touch animals and didn't touch his face which kept him from sneezing. 

We did stand in line for some milkshakes to share before going to the car. Milkshakes at Manheim Farmshow is a must....the forever crazy long lines are testimony to that! 

Last evening was perfect weather for a parade....some might disagree with me because they probably thought it was too hot! It was so warm which is certainly not normal October weather here. 

Of course we had to eat first. Fries again....always! Ellen had a hot dog, I had grilled chicken w/o the roll, Dale had a sausage sandwich. And we got milkshakes :)) I shared about half of mine with hubby....he had one of his own too, of course! 

We sit near the end of the parade so it gets to our spot more than a half hour after it starts. It felt good to sit and relax! 

Told Ellen we need a selfie...she complied :)

Let the parade begin! 

Police cars and fire trucks always start the parade! Ellen does not care for the loud sirens and honking horns :( 

However, she does love the bands! 

And cheerleaders! 

And the WJTL cookie break car! 

This entry was lots of fun.....bubbles!! And that little car zooming all over the street. 

My brother and nephew's business...Witmer Automotive Service! 

This guy carves all though the parade route...so neat! 

It's always a fun time.....would have loved to have more family there but just three of us is ok. Greta and family were at the parade but sat at a different spot. We saw them while getting our food. 

One more picture then I must get on with my day! 

Our adorable Toby ❤️

UDS Love

Our Ellen was born with intellectual challenges.  She functions very well and is independent in most areas for which we are thankful. One thing she always said she wanted to be was a cheerleader. I was puzzled as to how that could ever be.....until we heard about United Disabilities Services Challenger Football and Cheering! That was how many years ago?? Not certain but I think it's 10. She LOVES this. It's the highlight of her year! 

Saturday, October 6, was the awards banquet to honor our kids. Every year I'm trying to hold back tears (of pride, of gratitude, of joy...) and every year I am not successful :) 

There's always a slide show of highlights from the year. Ellen loves seeing pictures of herself on the big screen! 

The room was filled with enthusiastic participants and family! 

(Calvary Church, all the games are played there in the gym) 

Our Ellen with her good friend, Nicole. 

Ellen wears her Eagle's championship shirt to bug Coach Randy,  who's a big Cowboy's fan :)) 

Look at all those gift baskets!! Tickets were purchased in hopes to win one or more of them.....we didn't get any again this year. That's ok, lots of money was raised to support this fabulous program. 

Our girl getting her trophy and certificate. 

She's one happy girl!!

Coaches are recognized for their tremendous contributions.....

Jen, program director, thanks each one. 

This year was the first induction into the UDS Hall of Fame....

Chuckie Magee  ❤️❤️❤️

Chuckie passed away several years ago.....but he is never forgotten. He is so missed by all who knew him. His parents are very involved in this program, his dad is a coach. His mom and dad support this and many organizations for those with challenges and individuals in need. His sister was the first cheering coach. 

This honor for their special son was a complete surprise to them. And many a tear was shed.....proud onlookers included!

Now our girl eagerly awaits August 2019 when she gets to cheer again. Thank you , UDS, for making a way for our girl to live her dream......when there was no way!