Sunday, October 31, 2010

Finicky in 1946


This picture was taken of me in 1946. I was a finicky little girl who got away with it because I was an only child. You'll see what I mean when you read the journaling on this layout.

I am enjoying telling about my memories as a child. And at least one of my children is as well.
I would love to find something written by my mother or grandmother that would let me look into their lives to see how they lived and what they thought.

I love history now that I am no longer tested on minutiae and specific dates. It is true that those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it. I've most likely quoted that before in this blog.

Robin, one of my friends today noticed a new bumper sticker: it took a Carter to get a Reagan. I'm counting on repeating that phenomenon of history this Tuesday when we turn out en masse to oust those who have given us more change than we ever wanted. I have hope that things can be reversed and we can get back to being a Christian nation. In God we still trust. They can take it out of our history books and we can put it back.

Let's all concentrate on putting Christ back in our homes and the rest will follow.

Saturday, October 30, 2010

Sun Setting of Probgressive Reign

I'll never get over the beauty of a sunset. Our last house had a perfect view west across the lake. I would often call people from the dinner table to view it. We are not that fortunate now. There are too many houses and trees between our place, which faces southwest, and the setting sun.

Generally wherever we are when I see the sunset, I take pictures...from a moving car if necessary. I took these pictures as the sun set at Mountain Air, but Ron was snapping away with his IPhone as well.

I'm praying the sun is setting on the progressive reign. Don't let anything keep you from voting Tuesday. We need high numbers to solidify that vote and keep down disputes that could drag on and on and end up against the will of the people once again. Pray and vote.

Friday, October 29, 2010

Halloween in Original Costumes

The triplets are quite the thing with their original costumes created by their mother, Chelle.
She learned to sew on her own. My mother was a great seamstress and Chelle must have gotten the gene. Each year the kids tell her what they want to be and she makes it... no patterns. It boggles my mind. I didn't get any of those skills. Well perhaps I'm a little creative, but I certainly could not do that. I do well to hem a skirt when the fabric cooperates.

I imagine those of you who are up on these things can name the characters they represent this year. I figure Mason is a baseball player and that is as far as I've gotten in the identification game.

I'm better at identifying which candidates will do what we ask when they are in office. They are the ones who respect the people and our constitution. It is also a good clue to check by whom are they supported. If George Soros is for them, I would not vote for them. It the Communist party has nothing but good to say about them. Look out. I've noticed also that the LWV has a record of supporting bad candidates. Recently, labor union support is not a good sign. If the NEA is for him/her, run the other way...unless you believe in throwing money at a situation instead of insuring teachers are doing their jobs well.

I taught school for several years, first at a poor school where I had to supply most of my materials. Then I moved to a rich district where we had much more than we needed. For example my principal came in one day and said, 'How would you like to have new desks?"
We had very nice desks that were in like new shape. But the school had so much money. They had to spend it or admit they didn't need it. That was not going to happen. I was the same teacher in both schools even though the pay schedule was not the same and what we had to work with was much different. By the way I taught back when children actually learned to read in the first grade...all of them. Well maybe not all. I had one who did not and he is now in jail.

Well, I've been on a lot of subjects tonight. Hope I haven't lost you behind a tree somewhere. We need you to vote.

Study before Tuesday. Don't just listen to mud slinging. No matter who is running, something they did in their lives was not perfect. People can also make up anything and throw it around as truth. Some stories told are just half truths. For example, one contestant locally is a businessman who has been sued many times. That fact is broadcast by his opponent. The trouble with that is, he has won all of those suits . He was found to not be at fault. Remember anyone can sue anyone else. It is a flaw in our present day court system that needs to be fixed.

I hope you are gathering information. The best place to look when the candidate is an incumbent is his/her record while in office. It is public knowledge.


Thursday, October 28, 2010

Look Out

I realize this layout is nothing exciting. It is a little drab. Ron and I are quite pale; but I'm pretty proud of the pictures I used. My camera has a dial on the front that is so easily moved that often when I take it out of its pocket in my purse, I touch that thing and move it just a tiny bit to the next setting which ruins my pictures. It took me a while to figure out why I was getting black and white pictures with just one color... green. Since I realized what was happening, I have forgotten to check that dial before shooting several times. The results are devastating when I have lost the chance to get a picture that I'll never see again.

These pictures were taken at a look out along the highway in Eastern Tennessee. We took others there as well, some with Ron, me and fall decorations. The colors were fantastic.

I wanted to see what I could do with these, so I just tried coloring them with Photoshop. I wouldn't recommend it! What a time waster. But since I did spend a lot of time, I'm putting it on the blog with the warning. I suppose it can be done and done well by an expert, but if you are not, don't shoot in black and white when you want color. Look out for those sensitive dials.

Look out as well for fraud at the polls. Most of it I understand takes place before election day. The progressives are really skilled at this type of thing. It's the long time Detroit and Chicago way to boost the vote for their candidates. But now it is much more wide spread.

So pray that since God, who sees all, intervenes and prevents it from being effective in the upcoming election.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

The Super Rich Democrats

Kim, Ron and I are not the super rich Democrats I refer to later in this blog entry.

We don't get together enough, so when we do, we get pictures, even though Kim is not fond of doing that. If we didn't love her so much I would avoid the pictures as well. It really puts me in a bad light standing next to her. I look at least twice as big as I would standing beside someone the size of Ron.

Both Ron and I have become 'middle aged' victims of gravity...that is , if we will actually live to 134. Perhaps if we should run to the top of the mountain now...

Let's not slow down, keep running, right up until voting day. We must get the people out in large numbers in order to keep a big majority of votes in the right column.

Today I heard something that I had not thought about before. It is the secretaries of state that decide whether or not to accept votes that have been disputed. Now this is the clicker: the rich billionaire and power hungry George Soros poured MILLIONS into elections some time ago in order to get the people he wanted in those state offices. He is at it again. It does not make me comfortable knowing that they are the very ones who decide whether or not to count the soldiers' votes that due to no fault of their own, didn't arrive on time. They are also the ones who will count the votes of illegal aliens, felons, votes from graves and Mickey Mouse's ballot. And these secretaries are being bought by good old naturalized citizen George Soros.

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Fall Decorations


Fall decorations are something I didn't know as a child. Some would carve pumpkins, but we never did. Most people I knew didn't have money to waste like that. Even when we were first married, one still didn't see a lot of decorating. Christmas was the season for that, but gradually as people had discretionary funds they started doing things up big for Fall (Halloween and Thanksgiving) and Easter. I remember some time ago seeing little eggs to put on small trees, like Christmas tree decorations.

In recent years I've seen fall deco everywhere. I'm glad because I like the pretty colors and because since we don't have children at home anymore and no small grandchildren around and no trick or treaters scampering through our neighborhood, I don't decorate. About all I do, if and when, is set out a few gourds and fall candles indoors. I spend my time on other pursuits and save a few bucks. It is hard to justify spending money for things like that when so many of our friends and neighbors are without jobs and starting to hurt.

But when we are out, we take advantage of all the displays for our photo shots.
At the top we were at a local grocery that has a restaurant and the freshest salad bar ever.
The bottom layout was made with a picture taken while we were at the Mountain Air country club in the mountains of NC.

I'm a little sad right now. Our Tuesday morning ladies' class at church just finished it's thirteenth Beth Moore series, Stepping Up, a Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent.
I feel like my best friend is moving away and I won't get to see her for nearly a year. Beth Moore has become a big plus in my life with her vivid expression of the word of God. Thank God for her and all those who work along side her throughout the year. I pray that this next fall she will have a new study for us. In the meantime, I'd like to find a study that I can do on my own, because they keep me focused in the word...and the Lord knows I need that.

Monday, October 25, 2010

Pleasant Thoughts


Every time I look at my grandson, I think of Tom Sawyer. I'm not sure why, but I would guess it is because of a picture I saw long, long ago while I was in grade school. Anyway, it is a pleasant thought. He's a handsome lad...of course you realize, this is his grandmother speaking...not a prejudiced bone in my body.

Another pleasant thought...we are only one week away from election as of midnight tonight. I am so anxious to change Congress from liberal to being more like the 2/3 of the US citizens who call themselves conservatives.

Of course I am thrilled as well at the chance to overhaul our state government which has been anti business and jobs for quite some time now. We must change the tax climate in Ohio which is now the seventh most taxed state in the union. No wonder not many can afford to do business here!

Although I am not in the right district to vote for Frank LaRose, I can tell you that if you are, he is an honorable young man who has served his country well and at 20 was the youngest Sergeant in the 101st Airborne. He is committed to do his best to bring the government back under control and balance our budget. His wife told him she would support his efforts as long as he holds to his principles and doesn't sell out to get reelected.

I don't have any doubts that he will be steadfast and do exactly what the people want him to do. He gave us personal 'business' cards with all the information one would ever need to contact him at any time. He said that he didn't know how officials could know what the people want if they don't listen. How true...and these days so many hide away to keep from coming in contact with their constituents.

Be vigilant. Read as much as you can find about the candidates before you vote. Don't just take anyone's word for truth. So many are so very untruthful in their quest for power. Newspapers and the TV news have been one sided for many years. Be cautious of all the lies that are being thrown around by those who are desperate to win and keep their power.
Read and pray, then VOTE.


Sunday, October 24, 2010

He Looks Up to You

I absolutely love this picture of our son and grandson.

"Train up a child in the way that he should go and when he is old he will not turn from it." Proverbs 22:6

Deuteronomy 11:19 (NIV)

"Teach ... your children... when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." One can not do this if he or she doesn't spend time with the child.

The most important part of that training is the example we set. You've heard it stated, "Actions speak louder than words." Children will look up to the father and mother who loves them. They will be watching and imitating you. Do you want them doing what you do or what they see on television? Do you want them saying what you say or saying what they hear in the school or neighborhood?

In my opinion a serious problem we face in our society today is farming out our children to baby sitters and group activities while we over work ourselves. And when they are near us, we allow them to be plugged into computers, telephones, etc that rob them of a relationship with us, their parents.

We need to take our job as parents more seriously than many of us do now. What is important to us? Is it money? Is it keeping up with the Joneses? Is is prestige? Or is it God and his glory?
We need to choose. Contrary to what you may hear, we can't have it all. Something gets slighted and very often it is our children. Think about it. What is important to you? And why?








Saturday, October 23, 2010

Trust in the Lord

The mountain air is great for Kim. Even though she has spent the last 8 years or so in FL, she is adjusting well to North Carolina. For her 50th birthday she ran up what she calls the '"Squigleys". It is a path with one hairpin curve after another up the mountain side. What a girl!

This picture is of her looking over the countryside from the deck of the home where we ate lunch one afternoon. It is a very pleasant and peaceful view, showcasing God's handy work of vibrant color.

I will praise God and glorify His name. He is our loving father...the one who provides for us and the one on whom we must call to protect us from those who would steal our freedom to worship and perhaps our lives. The Bible is replete with situations where the Lord won battles for His people because they trusted Him.

For example,Joshua 39 :17

" But I will rescue you on that day, declares the LORD; you will not be handed over to those you fear. 18 I will save you; you will not fall by the sword but will escape with your life, because you trust in me, declares the LORD.' "

We must trust in Him to deliver us this November 2. Pray and vote. If you are inclined to fast, do that as well.

Friday, October 22, 2010

School Pictures

Chelle opted to not have the kids pictures taken at school (co-op on Fridays) this year because she is always tempted to buy more than she needs. Since she has been taking a photography class, it made sense to take the pictures herself...and here they are.

Chelle does it all. She home schools them, and takes their 'school' pictures as well.

Good job, Chelle, and of course the kids look great...says Gramma.

Thursday, October 21, 2010

Golf Cart With Hind Sight


This golf cart certainly came in handy over the weekend. Kim drove us all around the mountain side. We explored in comfort. I had the back rear facing seat and was able to get clear pictures without shooting through the windshield .

Isn't it true that we can usually see things more clearly in hindsight? Well looking back on the last election, many people are seeing things more realistically and will be voting just the opposite way this November.

I suppose you've heard about the NPR firing Juan Williams. Can't believe I'm taking up for Juan, but we do live in a free country (I think.) On Fox News while talking to Bill O'Reilly, Juan said, " I'm not a bigot. You know the kind of books I've written about the civil rights movement in this country, but when I get on a plane, I've got tell you, if I see people who are in Muslim garb and I think, you know, they're identifying themselves first and foremost as Muslims, I get worried, I get nervous. Now, I remember also that when the Times Square bomber was at court, I think this is just last week, he said the war with Muslims, America's war with, is just beginning, first drop of blood. I don't think there's any way to get away from these facts."

Do you know many people who don't feel exactly that way? Ignoring the facts has gotten us into some messes already, for example at Fort Hood. Yet the NPR fired him.

I suppose you realize that the American tax payers are the ones footing the bill for the NPR...which is not really a constitutional function of the federal government. It has leaned toward the liberals for quite some time, but they have gotten away with it; because most Americans have not been people to make a lot of waves. However, a sleeping giant has been awakened and we are just not going to sit back and let the feds run over us any more!

I like Newt Gingerich's suggestion that we yank the NPR funding. We certainly don't need any more terrorist sympathizers on the payroll. Our tax dollars are needed for more important endeavors.


Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Face Book

I made a serious mistake today. I have always figured that it would not be a good idea for me to get on Facebook. But today I was trying to locate a first cousin of mine. None of us know where she is except that she moved to Florida. She gave her brother her phone number, but while he was doing some construction work around his driveway, he dropped his cell phone and the tractor ran over it... and so much for the phone. Since that is the only place he had stored the number, it is gone as well. He can't remember to what area she moved.

Anyway, I remembered she was on Face Book and so I thought, okay...I'll give in to all the invitations I've gotten to join and dive in and find her. Well, she is no longer there...at least not under her full name which is the name she once used. But it was too late. I was already there and the welcomes came flying in and I spent several hours on the wall when I really should have been at work on other things. I knew better, but I can't turn back. I can't resist the temptation to answer whenever anyone comments.

I can not imagine how bad (good) it would be if I were to have my maiden name on there as well.

Oh well. It will just give me another place to post my blog site.

First our little vacation distracted us from the political situation and now this Face book stuff. But we can not afford to be distracted at a time like this.

Did you hear that in Cincinnati, OH high schoolers were bussed out to the poles with just Democratic ballots during school hours and then fed ice cream as payment? Yes, that really did happen. They've already started legal proceedings against that group of 'educators'. Now, if they did it in OH, surely they have or will try to do it elsewhere. Keep your eyes and ears open. We must put a stop to this flagrant coercion. But remember, there is no limit to how low they will go to get votes for these anti US politicians.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Mountain Air, NC

We went to NC to visit our daughter and son in law in their new home on a mountain. The settlement in called Mountain Air and is quite lovely. Besides homes, there is a landing strip and a first class golf course and clubhouse. That is it. One must leave the mountain for anything else.

I hope to have more pictures here tomorrow.

May God bless you and your family with freedom and good health.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Together

I inadvertently overlooked this layout in September. The triplets really enjoyed their photo shooting field trip that day. ..so much so, that they've taken several since. And I've been the 'beneficiary'. Not sure, however, when I'll ever catch up on their little trips, especially at this time of year when I get such a thrill out of shooting autumn scenes myself.

We spent this past weekend doing just that in North Carolina. Haven't yet uploaded my pictures to the computer. We just got back a few hours ago and I've been trying to get ready for tomorrow. Hopefully, Tuesday night we'll have a layout to blog with some of the awesome things we saw the past few days.

Heard while I was away that Michelle Obama is now the favorite Democrat. Wow. How could that be? Is that why she has been showered with all these expensive vacations? If she is their favorite, that surely doesn't say much for the party right now. Sad. It hasn't always been so unfortunate.

Did you know that both Michelle and her husband gave up their law licenses to avoid losing them? Quite a story. You might try googling that to get the details.

May God bless you and your families.

Friday, October 15, 2010

Stars in Her Eyes

I don't know how Chelle got this effect. But I love the stars in Ashley's eyes. In our society we protect our children from the reality of this world. It is good to keep them young and innocent until the time they are mature enough to handle things. But sometimes we overdo it. Children need to know life is not fair. They need to know there is evil in the world and how to steer clear of it. They need basic skills to live in this world. They need to know how to make good decisions.

Isn't Ashley a doll with those stars in her eyes?

Okay, that is my opinion for the day. Now I'm out to see the leaves. Enjoy your weekend. It should be beautiful, at least in this part of the country.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Charming Smiles

Since Chelle got her 'new to her' camera and taken photography lessons, the triplets have been very cooperative with her photo shoots. Here are some examples of their charming smiles. With this layout, I don't mind bragging that I have the most beautiful grand children in all the world. Boy, it's fun being a grandmother. Everyone expects grandmas to be biased toward those angels she adores.

But I have to admit, I've never seen a grandmother who didn't have the most beautiful, smartest, whateverest grandchildren that ever lived.

Oh, but I have more to talk about tonight. Glenn Beck is back on TV after having been gone a few days for tests. He looks good and the best news is, he does not have cancer, MS or lupus. However something is worth testing about, so I'll keep him in my prayers. He is one of the best 'soldiers' we have.

The Obama administration is claiming that the Chamber of Commerce uses foreign funds to influence elections in America.

One of the organization’s blog posts said of the accusations: “This allegation is … false and baseless, not to mention tiresome and desperate.”

Fed up with the progressives attempts to discredit the chamber, Glenn Beck encouraged his radio listeners Thursday morning to "shower the Chamber with 'record-breaking' support." It took only an hour for them to get more in donations than they had ever received in a days time. God bless you Glenn. And God bless all the generous Americans who are no longer cowering at home letting the vociferous among us run us into the ground.

There is a new security threat warning so keep alert. Report anything suspicious and pray for protection.


Wednesday, October 13, 2010

My Favorite Season

If I haven't blogged it before, Fall is my favorite season. It just doesn't last long enough. I could spend every hour of the day out photographing the vibrantly colored leaves.

As you can see in this layout, it is fall in Tennessee now as well. Chelle took this picture of the triplets on a home school field trip they took, not many days ago.

I cherish every day that brings sunshine to the landscape and people's faces. You had better bet I've already taken pictures today and will on through the weekend. The weather forecast right now calls for sun filled days. Hallelujah, Praise God.

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Autumn Leaves

Every autumn in October the Ohio Department of Parks lowers the water level in several of the Portage Lakes to facilitate dock repair. This year it falls on the 18th. We have allowed that date to terminate our boating season over the years. It's not impossible to navigate the water at that time if you are careful, but the date also coincides pretty much with the cool days of fall when it isn't all that much fun to be out on the water and there will most likely be a few days warm enough to winterize the pontoon. We've decided that due to several things on our calendar, that today was our last day out this year. It was absolutely beautiful...light jacket weather, about 65 degrees. It was the kind of day that felt a little warmer than it really was, due to the sunshine...very comfortable.

Now, if we could just feel comfortable with our president and congressmen and women!
We just have to hope and pray that enough people understand the mess we are in come election day and that they are willing to make an effort to go to the polls in large numbers and return our government to the republic it was meant to be, the one spelled out in the Constitution.

God bless America.

Monday, October 11, 2010

My Man For the Race

Bet you thought this would be a picture of Obama, didn't you? LOL No way!

As we race through life, Ron is the man I still choose to accompany. We are in it to the very end. It's a good secure feeling to have in this troubled world.

I'm thinking though that my 'man' for the next presidential race might just be a woman...and it most certainly will not be Hillary (Health Care) Clinton. Give me liberty from federal health care, please.

By now, I suppose you have all heard about the Presidential Seal falling from the podium while Obama was speaking last week.

I hope God has just dethroned him.

Sunday, October 10, 2010

Bird Watching


I glanced up from the computer and something caught my sight just outside the window. You've seen it before. It is the bird feeder that hangs merely 2 feet from the house.
This sparrow was WATCHING ME. Or at least I like to think he was. Actually though, it is a triple pane window which one can not see through from the outside, except at night when a light is on indoors. He was watching himself as in a mirror. Quite remarkable. He must have thought it was another bird, but he spent a lot of time looking, and never making any overtures of friendship.




Saturday, October 9, 2010

Brittanie Is Back

Back on April 13th, I posted a layout of Brittanie and her dad leaving for Florida. He came for a visit and she had decided to go back with him. I don't know if summer was too hot or if she just missed home, but she returned to Ohio to stay. She's been home a while; but this was the first time I'd gotten a chance to take her picture. Now if we can get all the kids and grand kids back to the state, I'll be very happy. Yes, we have places to visit throughout the year. But there are too many places and I'd rather be able to see them more often.

Our oldest is opposed to the cold weather. But for the rest, Ohio does not offer much in the way of jobs any more. The unions have driven so many, many businesses, large and small out of state. No one can afford to pay the workers what they demand with all their perks, etc. It is a shame because we once had a lot of great jobs for those who were not able or willing to go through college. People moved in from other states in droves and boosted Ohio's population.

The loss of those jobs, necessarily meant a loss of management, and highly skilled professionals as well.

It isn't just the big shots who are greedy. It permeates society. It is human nature. We just can not be happy with our condition. We become more and more greedy.

"In Ecclesiastes 3:11, Solomon actually puts his finger on why happiness is so elusive: He says, "God has set eternity in the hearts of men." We're made for something that will last forever, and nothing that doesn't last forever will ever fill the hole in our heart. In fact, we were made for a personal relationship with God, the only One who's big enough to fill that hole because that hole was made for Him." (Bible Gateway.com)

I would say it is that search for something more. We humans try to fill that hole with material things. It can never be filled that way, no matter how much we accumulate.

This condition of materialism infects human kind until they discover there is more to life than self.

When we find God, we see Christ as a living example of how we should live, in service to others, putting them above ourselves. When we relearn that as a nation and we put God first and others second, our nation will return to good times.




Friday, October 8, 2010

I Miss My Dog, Kelsey

I'm pretty desperate tonight. Spent my day in other pursuits and just returned home from seeing The Blue Man Group. I guess I'm just old, but I wouldn't recommend it. For one thing, we sat five rows back from a huge speaker. The sound was ear piercing.

I missed the Glenn Beck show that aired tonight which I am anxious to see. Will watch it later. He was to have 40 people whose lives were changed when they took the 40 days challenge he issued a little over 40 days ago.

I have nothing of consequence to write about tonight, so I've drug out a layout I did in August because it is the only one I found that might be okay. I still agree with the sentiment. I miss my dog. Actually what I miss is having a dog, any dog. I'd like to have a small one now. The big ones, although I love the goldens, are just too much trouble. It is wonderful to have them meet me at the door with adoring eyes and a swinging tail. Now the only thing that recognizes our presence is the auto open trash can...just not the same.

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Class of '61

This doesn't seem possible, but it really is true. Sigh. We will be celebrating our 50th high school reunion next summer. Not that we've had 49 reunions, but we did graduate from Coventry that long ago. I'm not sure how that can be since none of us are a day over 49 ourselves. Of course, I never was the best at math. There must be a mathematic equation in the new math that will explain it.

Cindy called a meeting at her lovely home to discuss finding our classmates and notifying them of the festivities that will be held not far from the school. So if you know anyone who graduated in '61 from Coventry High School (LOL) you might tell them someone is looking for them.

Blackbird Theater

We were very pleased today to learn that our son-in-law's play, "Twilight of the Gods" was
named the Years' Best New Play by the Nashville Scene . Check it out here.

Congratulations Greg and Wes.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Bright Eyes Explore



I doubt that Caleb misses anything. Those bright eyes of his catch all. Even the detail on the 'mushroom' rock. He really got excited when he saw his first bicycle. May God bless our little ones and guard them from an over reaching government.

Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Raggedy Ann

Finally got this layout on here. Please double click it and read. I've fallen asleep three times already while sitting here. I took a Benadryl and evidently it really can make one drowsy. Hope to see you back tomorrow.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Variety Pack



We have a variety of subjects tonight. First is a layout I made some time ago, but didn't know whether or not I wanted it published. After all, my public face looks a little better with a little make up. However, as time goes by, my skin gets more wrinkly, and make up doesn't do a whole lot of good. I'll just have to be happy with whatever God has in store for me, because I will not do anything drastic about those creases. So, I pray God will take mercy and bless me by slowing down the crinkling of my face or by giving me whatever it takes to endure with grace.

In the next layout tonight, I've featured Caleb and his trip to the playground this last weekend.
Boy, he loved the swing and slide, but he seemed to be quite interested in the details. What I'm unable to show on a scrapbook layout is his excited reaction on his first encounter with a bicycle. John was taking a video of him when he saw his first bike pass by. He started frantically waving both his arms as if to say come back here, I want to ride that! His dad, being a loving dad, told him they would have to build him one. So I suppose Caleb will be the first little one to own his very own Panda bamboo bicycle. Couldn't happen to a happier fellow.


This last layout is one I thought I'd blogged some time ago. But looking back, I realized it had missed it's time. So here it is. I am proud to present the photographs taken by my 8 year old granddaughter, Ashley, with her DSi... which actually is a video game machine with a camera.

She has a good eye. Cool job, Ashley! And good modeling by her brother, Mason. He's a cool guy to cooperate with his sister.

What a beautiful sunset. And it is somewhat comforting to see the sun setting on the tight liberal rule of the radical wing of the Democratic Party. I am praying that all who love America will get out and vote in some Conservatives who will loosen some of those reins and downsize our government and set business free to hire workers and get the job done here within our borders. Lets be sure the sun goes down for that group of Congressmen. We'll deal with the president later!


Sunday, October 3, 2010

The Artist in Me

If you double click, you will see the artistic effect that I applied to this photograph taken on my way to church.

God certainly made us a beautiful world in which to live. Even though in many places we have messed with it, His handiwork is evident. But there is even a more wonderful place waiting for those who find Him, embrace Him and obey Him. Since He is a loving God, full of grace, He pardons us for our sins and gives us his Holy Spirit to live within us and guide us day by day. What a comfort to know we are His!

I was reminded of a song we sang many years ago that went like this: "This world is not my home. I've just a passing through. My treasure is laid up somewhere beyond the blue. The angels beckon me from heavens open door and I can't feel at home in this world anymore. "
The older I get, the more this song rings true to me. I'm not saying I don't enjoy my relationships with family and friends because I truly do...but there is something even better waiting on the other side. What a glorious feeling to know that I am His and I'm in His care.
God is love. His door is always open. Make the choice to serve Him.

Well, I am a little disappointed. The look of brushstrokes that I applied to this picture is missing on line. It must not have as many pixels as it does on my computer, where it appears to have been painted.



Saturday, October 2, 2010

Don't Let the Little Child Inside You Fade Away



The first layout of three today shows the group of us who went to Amish country yesterday. We first visited the Smucker's factory store. These people were friends of our friends, Linda and Al. We really enjoyed the trip and their company.

This picture was taken at our second stop: P. Graham Dunn, where they make wonderfully designed Christian pieces ...everything from small laser carved signs to carved benches. They also have lovely prints. All have Bible verses or Biblical thoughts carved or hand screened on them. ) It was a good thing I wasn't buying anything, because I would have never been able to make up my mind as to which one I would take home. I have a small one at home that reads, 'Be still and know that I am God.' We all need to do that more often.

The last stop, before Ron and I had to leave their sides and head home (while they attended a festival) was to an Amish farmhouse, where an older husband and his wife opened their kitchen to us and served us a good old fashioned Amish meal, prepared personally by them without the modern conveniences that are so common today. They seated the 12 of us at a long, long table and began to serve us lots and lots of food. There was chicken, ham, salad, mashed potatoes and gravy, noodles, bread and jams, and grape and banana cream pies for dessert.

In addition to having a fine and plentiful meal we enjoyed talking to them about their lifestyle. For one thing, I learned that they do not all do things the same way. Individual sects have a little different practices, but all are wonderful good servants of each other and the Lord, Jesus Christ.

I spent a lot of time on the second layout today. I had the idea of John wanting to play with his son Caleb. We age, we grow up, but we still have a need to play deep inside. Children can bring out the little kid in us all. I worked quite a while trying to develop that idea. It finally came together and I'm pleased.

The last layout is of me at 2. I haven't put one of these on for some time, because I had a twinge of guilt come over me for being so self centered. Why would anyone ever want to see more than one or two of me as a child??? But I keep being drawn back to it. I have so many pictures and I enjoy the memories that come to me as I work on them. I also have learned to look at them closer and some are bringing up questions that I can not answer. I wished I had done this before everyone had passed on who knew.

The day was a good day with good people. And that reminds me of something I read a couple days ago. Many Muslims are converting to Christianity around the world and the number one reason they give for doing so is the loving lifestyle of the Christians among them.

Let's remember that and endeavor to live the life Jesus demonstrated for us while he was here on earth. It is attractive and we will be blessed.


Friday, October 1, 2010

Proud, Proud Gramma


You know I'm a proud gramma. It's been hard for me all these years to abstain from carrying loads of pictures and sharing them any time someone mentions grandchildren. But I have. One of the reasons is I've never carried a purse big enough to tote all the thousands of photos I had. I could never decide which ones to take with me. But now, I have no qualms about hammering you with the objects of my joy. I figure you are on your own time. If you choose to look, super and if you don't, it won't hurt my feelings at all and you won't have to feel guilty for not groveling over them. However, they are the cutest things that ever lived ... and I thought their parents were prize winners as well.

The top layout is of Ashley, our youngest granddaughter. Her mom Chelle took the picture of her.
The bottom one is Caleb, our youngest grandson. His father is John. A friend took this picture of him at daycare. How nice it is to see him developing so wonderfully.

They both have those gorgeous eyes that came from Ron, their grandfather.

I will save the layout I made this afternoon for tomorrow. I'll just tell you that the picture was made down in Amish country this morning.