Sunday, July 31, 2011

Life a Big Canvas



Danny Kaye said, "Life is a great big canvas and you should throw all the paint on it that you can."  I made this layout  today just to use this quote.  It is an invitation to me to throw some paint around and I feel like it today.  The problem is, it was made in such haste that it literally looks as if I 'threw' the paint.  Once in a while I'm not happy with the way these turn out, but I've worked long enough and just went with it.

Well I'm afraid that is just what the House of Representatives is doing right now. They are  about to pass a bill that is not to the liking of we citizens who elected them to represent US. Evidently they are frustrated beyond their power to resist pressure.  I pray they will stand their ground and not relent to those who are carrying a big hammer of threats.

The 'deal' they are talking about now between the leader of the house, the senate and the president is a total failure.  It will fix nothing!  If it passes, I move we throw  all who vote for this 'deal' out of office  come November next year.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Puzzled?



Caleb is not puzzled.  He know's where he is going.
I'm not puzzled either. I know where this president is heading.  He may speak slickly and say all the right things, but he DOES ALL the WRONG things.  You've heard over and over, "Actions speak louder than words."  TRUE

Obama and his gang are  pulling out all the scare tactics and tricks. I'm praying all our congressmen stand firm. The only thing that can help a nation so far in debt is to quit borrowing, not to borrow more.  Borrowing more will not make us have a better credit rating, but bring it down.  Other countries are not that stupid.  They know how much we owe and they know how much we can pay and keep going.  Why would they want to loan us more than we can pay, unless they plan to collect by taking possession of our businesses, land, etc?

We've had a wonderful evening with a house full of friends and a boat ride in great weather.  Good night.

Friday, July 29, 2011

Truisms





We didn't get many group pictures while Chelle and the triplets were here.  it was just too hot to pose unless water was spraying in your face.  We did manage to get this one though.  Cute bunch...






1. You cannot legislate the poor into prosperity by legislating the wealthy out of prosperity.
2. What one person receives without working for, another person must work for without receiving.
3. The government cannot give to anybody anything that the government does not first take from somebody else.
4. You cannot multiply wealth by dividing it!
5. When half of the people get the idea that they do not have to work because the other half is going to take care of them, and when the other half gets the idea that it does no good to work because somebody else is going to get what they work for, that is the beginning of the end of any nation.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Daddy's Old Toys Part Two








While Caleb was here in May, he enjoyed playing with his daddy's old toys.  We drug out a box of match box cars...and in it was this little wind-up helicopter.  I had found a collection on Scrapgirls by Shalae Tippets called 'Fly High' that worked really well for this.  Generally when I do a layout, I take bits and pieces from several different kits, but everything you see here is from Fly High.


Wish it were as easy to  picture the solution to the horrendous, burdensome debt.  But no one seems to have a kit with all the answers.   Perhaps they are asking the wrong questions.


"The most pressing question in the current debate is not "which budget plan is better?" Rather, it is "By what authority does the central government collect taxes, and on what items is it authorized to spend those combined taxes and accumulated national debt?"
To answer that question, let's review the limitations on taxing and spending our Constitution imposed upon Congress before the courts twisted Rule of Law into the so-called "living constitution," which is subject to the rule of men. Under the latter, Congress has unlawfully assumed the authority not only to collect and spend taxes on any objects it desires (in order to perpetuate re-election), but to regulate everything else. (For the record, the cost of that regulation is estimated at $1.75 trillion annually -- more than twice the total income taxes collected in 2010.)
This unlawful spending and regulation is in abject violation of our elected officials' oaths to "support and defend" our Constitution, and a breach of trust in their contract with the American people, which has created a perilous national security crisis."  Alexander's Essay - July 28, 2011   Patriot Post

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Daddy's Old Toys


While Caleb was here  Papa hauled a big box of John's old toys over from the garage for Caleb.  It was a lot of fun seeing him pull out each plaything, inspect it and try to 'operate' it.  They've been in storage for close to 30 years. But it didn't matter to Caleb that they were old and even dirty.  

 I'm glad that Ron knew what was in that garage and thought about bringing in the box.  I was still trying to find a coffee can to make a drum.  Hmmm maybe that was his incentive.  These toys were much quieter.

I always plan ahead things to do and when the time  comes, I'm so busy just loving the kids that all thoughts of toys, games, crafts just vanish from my head.  I think before our next one visits here, I'll send a list of things to his/her mom to remind me while visiting.   

Again, a reminder ... click the picture to enlarge it.


Revisiting these old things bring back wonderful memories for me of John as a little fellow. 

Likewise, revisiting the Bush years with that horrible 5.4 % unemployment that was the worst since the great depression brings back memories... Hmmmm.  What is that rate now? Is it 9.2?  Well over the United States it was at the end of last month.  But if you check state by state, there is a big difference in the states with Democrat governors and those with Republican governors.  Are the Republican states just luckier?  What do you think?

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Happy Face



I am drawn to gleeful faces.  This one has special meaning to me.  She is my grand daughter, Ashley Summer.  Her name makes me happy as well.

One of the best ways to get her to smile this big is to take her out on the boat and 'party'.  She and her Uncle John  had been dancing.  She had also been teasing with her brothers.  Ashley is one of a kind...unique, and we love her.

I'm hoping to smile really big one of these days myself, when Obama realizes his  big spending is truly unpopular and will cost him the election.  Perhaps he will back off a bit.  However, I really don't know whether that will happen.  He truly is not listening to the people, but is so far staying on a dangerous path to bankrupting our country. 

 It was good to hear John Boener's presentation last night after the president spoke. John  is  absolutely right and telling the truth.  Those who are truthful needn't be slick of tongue like  government officials who are trying to cover up their real objectives.


We need to keep in contact with our representatives and encourage them to stand strong in the face of the adversary, big government. 

Monday, July 25, 2011

No Waste of Time


Tonight's blog entry layout is done in a playful spirit because this is Ron's toy and they were having some fun.  Actually, Ron rigged up this chair to transport a friend who would have a hard time walking down to the lake. He likes to go on the boat and we like to take him.  John is just testing out this seat to see if it is really a good idea.  They decided it would work well and so it was a useful endeavor.

Sometimes a lot of time can be wasted on nonproductive things...for example trying to bring the President into a frame of mind that would not be embarrassed about  our successes , for which he has apologized around the world. It is easy to see why he would rather not see us do well financially again.  Every step he takes is to that end.  However, Congress has been charged with the responsibility of balancing the budget with him as an obstacle in the way.

He wants to spend more and more money  which we don't have for his pet projects while hundreds of thousands of people are going without jobs.  He has crippled us.

Finally, when Congress couldn't reach an agreement with the rigid executive branch, Boehner told the president something we all knew but have shoved aside to cater to the president's wishes.  "As I read the Constitution the Congress writes the laws and you get to decide what you want to sign. " And of course, that is the way it was designed to work.  Congress rights the laws, the president enforces them and the Supreme Court  judges according to those laws.


In a quote from Ronald Reagan as he talked about the Democratic Party leadership back at the time he was president, he said "[They] tell us they have done the most that humanly could be done. They say that the United States has had its day in the sun; that our nation has passed its zenith. They expect you to tell your children that the American people no longer have the will to cope with their problems; that the future will be one of sacrifice and few opportunities. My fellow citizens, I utterly reject that view. The American people, the most generous on earth, who created the highest standard of living, are not going to accept the notion that we can only make a better world for others by moving backwards ourselves.... [T]he American people deserve better from those to whom they entrust our nation's highest offices, and we stand united in our resolve to do something about it." --Ronald Reagan

His spirit is coming back. "We are mad and we aren't going to take it anymore."


Off the subject but of importance : The Norway terrorist identified himself as Darwinian, not Christian.  BIG difference.




Sunday, July 24, 2011

Granddaughter Leah





Leah spent three years at Faulkner in Florida earning her BA. Now she is in NYC for acting school. I could tell how great she is on stage and you might just attribute my opinion to prejudice. But I'll say it anyway... Leah is super on stage.   This is her professional picture that I've embellished with a cluster frame I found at www.scrapgirls.com

I'LL LEAVE OFF THE POLITICAL COMMENTARY TONIGHT, but I'm praying for an ending to the debt crisis without further damage to our economy.


Good night.  Sweet dreams.

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Read the Book

Before I attach a new layout, I want you to know, I added a layout  to the blog for Tuesday, July 19th.

I'm pretty excited.  It is getting hard to decide which page to blog each night.  The weather has been very good, that is, very good for staying inside  in the air conditioning. And since I'm in a break period between projects, I've made lots of digital pages. Instead of hurrying to get one ready each day, I have a stockpile started. It will be difficult each night to decide what to use.  Hope I don't miss any.

Now for a new layout:

Naturally since Mommy is an avid reader, Caleb likes his books. One of the first things he did was get a book for PaPa to read.  And of course loving Caleb as he does, he reads with great enthusiasm.  It's great fun just watching them. I'm not sure which one likes this exercise  better.

I guess this layout pretty much plays into the entry I made last night about saving your books.  Even though I'm quite glad to have the electronic readers, I still say there is nothing like grasping a book in ones hands and heading to bed for a good read.   Perhaps I feel that way because I am  'old', but if you lose your battery or someone steals your iPad or Kindle with ALL your books, you are in trouble...for the night anyway.  And remember how records, tapes, etc have all fallen into uselessness, the same thing could and probably will happen with iPads.   Then where will you be?  I realize real books take up a lot of space, but I'm keeping mine (especially history)...and I'm hoping others will see the benefit of saving theirs as well.

If you've been keeping up with the news and the budget crunch on TV, you may not realize that the only way Obama will accept a budget deal is for Congress to give him the opportunity to raise taxes (again)..the very thing that stifles job creation.  Makes no sense unless you figure he's doing that on purpose to create higher numbers of unemployed.  It is amazing that it is up to the House right now, when the Senate has not passed a budget the whole time Barak has been president.  Where was the pressure then?

Friday, July 22, 2011

It's a Party


It's a party...a birthday party.  Out of 9 of us girls, four have a birthday in July...Jane and Paulette on the 14th, Kalai on the 15th and Robin on the 30th.  Only three of us were not born in the summer.  No wonder we are the sunshine bunch!

We had to go ahead without two of the ladies who couldn't make it to the Tomato Grill last night.  We still enjoyed our celebration, but we all missed Robin and Kalai. Well now we have an excuse for one more party this month...as if we need one.

I was reading a newspaper this morning  and saw mention of the dwindling space program in our country.  We have all read much about all the progress outside of the space field that we've made because of things they've learned in the quest to explore space.

For some reason I started thinking about all the reading we do.

If in fact we get farther and farther behind in space, what would happen to us as a people if our satellites were knocked out of orbit? Or what if after years of use, they would just fall out of the sky?  What would we do without the internet? How many of us could even survive, let alone flourish?  After all, now we don't have to think much.  Just ask Google if you have a question, any question. How many know the real history of our nation these days?  The ones who do are on the way out we might say. What happened to all the encyclopedias which I combed as a young person in search of knowledge? What happened to yours?

Remember 1984 and similar books?  History was rewritten daily...as it is today online.  However, so far we still have people who remember and we DO HAVE BOOKS; at least so far we do.  Borders  is in the business of closing up shop right now because more people are shopping on line. Once all the book stores die an unhappy death, where will we be without the 'net'?

I suggest that you  not be too hasty in getting rid of your books.  Some day (and it may not be long from now) there may not be many around.  And without internet, we would definitely be an ignorant body of people.  And if you are a young person, without a satellite, there would be no facebook or tweeting.  Gasp!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Worms


  The triplets will be 9 next week and although that is a fun age, it is  wonderful to have a little one to dote on again. Just to see Caleb exploring simple things and learning so quickly is pure joy for this Grandmother.

Caleb's dad at that age didn't know the difference between worms and snakes.

You know, maybe I'm having the same trouble.  With all those slimy things crawling around Washington, I'm not sure I can tell them apart even now.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011



While we had their younger cousins here in Ohio for the fourth, Lauren and Leah were in New York City.

This is Lauren leaning against a tree in the city. I had fun with her pic, first changing it to a watercolor, then masking it and placing it on a brick background paper. It's wonderful having girls so beautiful that my work takes a back seat to them.

The New Deal transformed America during the administration of FDR. As president, he created numerous agencies  which each had many rules.  There were so many that it takes two long sheets of paper to list them all. Big Government was the result.  Many of those encroachments on freedom were in later years named unconstitutional by the Supreme Court and were nullified.

Since his time in office, no president has come close to creating so many agencies.  Not until Barak Obama came into the presidency, that is.  In his first year for the Health Care Bill alone, he created so many new agencies that their names fill at least 15  equally long pages.  FDR now has to take a back seat to our newest president.   Obama has already set up 8 times as many agencies!

 Remember that with each agency comes many rules.  They all have to be financed by YOU and me.  They all have their hands in your pockets. And  all are limiting YOUR freedom by restricting you in some way or another.

I'm missing the good old days and George Bush.  How about you?

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Rock the Boat









One thing all the kids like to do is to drive the boat.  Here we have Aussie, Mason and 
Ashley all taking their turns at the wheel.  Of course in a pontoon boat on a relatively smooth lake, there is not much chance of having trouble.  And if by some outside chance a problem occurred, Ron was right there ready to step in to the captain's seat.  But the kids loved it.  I should have asked them why so that I could have journaled their reasons on the page, but I didn't think of it until now. 
Speaking of a rocking boat..  Obama is no longer on calm seas. 
 Finally someone is representing us.  From the office of the House Speaker, John Boehner today...  Boehner released a the following praising the House for passing, "Cut, Cap and Balance" legislation to stop the Washington spending binge and rein in the deficits that are hurting job growth"
House Republicans are the only ones to put forward and pass a real plan that will create a better environment for private-sector job growth by stopping Washington from spending money it doesn’t have and preventing tax hikes on families and small businesses. The White House hasn’t said what it will cut. And Senate Democrats haven’t passed a budget in more than two years. The President should abandon his veto threat, and urge Senate Democrats to quickly pass the ‘Cut, Cap, and Balance’ plan to help get our economy back to creating jobs.”

Monday, July 18, 2011

Double Bubble Fun



 Aussie is good with little children and it showed. Caleb followed his big cousin  around eyeing every move he made, making the bubbling double the fun for everyone...Aussie, Caleb and all of us who were watching them.

It is good to see Boehner standing firm under the pressure from the executive branch. The legislative branch is strong and has an important role to play...and that is not to give in to the president on his every whim., but to respond to the wishes of the people who elected him. The three branches of government seem to be working again after some very bad months of being run over by leftists.  I pray God will be with them and guide them through this time when we as a people ignorantly elected an exceedingly poor president.   May God bless the USA.

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Blowing Bubbles


Last year when the triplets were here, I gave  them bottles of bubble liquid. This year Chelle brought a new kind I'd not yet seen.  They made thicker, colored bubbles which didn't break as quickly. As far as I know, this was Caleb's first experience with these floating balls and he was anxious to catch one. This provided the kids with some fun on a hot day at Gramma's.   (Oh, and I have to add PaPa as well. We can't leave him out.) I had meant to have two layouts done about their fun, but just ran out of time.

Is it a fact or just my imagination, that time is passing more quickly that it did 10 years ago? I get up in the morning and do a few things and before I know it the clock says midnight.  What happens to all the hours?

Saturday, July 16, 2011

Today's Little Moments



It is true, the little things sometimes stick with us, both the bad and the pleasant. I remember the apple tree in our backyard. I remember my mother's sewing machine. I remember standing on the small porch which came off the second story when I was about two.  Once we moved to Portage Lakes, I remember looking out the window and seeing the tower in the city of Akron. The scene is still there when I close my eyes and  'look' out the window in my mind.  It is a tower that for years has been hidden  from that house by mature trees both on that property and on many throughout the five or so miles to town.

As I took these pictures, I wondered whether Caleb would remember looking at the lake from Gramma's window.  Only time will tell.

The little innocent ones who have not yet learned to do evil, deserve a country where they can grow up in the love of their families and God.  We must turn from that which is wicked and follow our Savior Jesus Christ, in order to save this nation from those who would destroy it and us.

"Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you."   James 1:21

Friday, July 15, 2011

Ohio Vacation, Day 1


When Greg couldn't get away from work, Ashley was so disappointed that she cried herself to sleep. Chelle decided the bring the triplets up by herself. The trip took them 10 hours; but they made it just fine.

 They arrived on Saturday night, so I'm counting Sunday as day 1 of their vacation here. Naturally on that morning we all woke up early and dressed for church. We go to the same place  Chelle attended as a child, so it was a great homecoming for her.

 After church, she got these great pictures while I was in the kitchen.  I'm am so thankful that she has passed me up as a photographer and supplies me with lots of material for layouts.  I never go long without 'seeing' the triplets, even though they live too far away.

We are so used to the freedom to travel that we take it for granted. but in some countries, it is not that easy. The communists keep a good eye on all their people and keep track of where they are. Sometimes it is not easy for them  to just pick up and go at a moments notice. Pray we don't slip into a malaise and let those who want power over our every move succeed.  It is already too expensive for some to travel, so please pray that we can get the costs down and continue to keep fuel under a cap.  

I'm falling asleep early due to a new medication for high blood pressure, so I'm sighing off. Check back tomorrow.

Thursday, July 14, 2011

The Faces of Ashley


Ashley shows her various expressions to the camera.  I hope she never becomes too self conscious and serious about herself to just be natural and have fun like this. But that day could come.  We will see and love her no matter what.

 Since her dad writes and produces plays, I imagine the time will come when she has a part  in one...and I'll bet she'll do well.  We'll see about that one as well.  Only time will answer all the questions we have now.

Only time will tell if we are able to rescue this country from the grips of a liberal body set on taking us down a few notches so that we'll no longer be a superior nation, but one equal with Europe or even worse, like the third world.   Our founding fathers knew that type of thing could happen and planned a government with a balance of powers to prevent it. We must get back to the Constitution and its principles.

 And even more important, those of us who believe in God need to  turn back to Him, rely on Him, and trust in Him to bring us out of this subjection.  Remember, in this country it is the people who are to be making the decisions through our representatives... not egotistical freedom grabbing despots.

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Seventeen Months Old


Caleb  can keep up a marathon type pace. Not a toddler, but a  runner. He's not helter skelter, but seems to be concentrating on getting the job done, whatever it might be. He finishes one task and is on to another.  No breaks, no questions.  It's like he instinctively knows the next step.  There's no need for a guide when Caleb is there.  Just follow him...if you can keep up with a 17 month old.

The Akron zoo seemed to intrigue him.  There were so many new things to see and do and he didn't want to miss anything.

God forbid anyone ever try to dumb down this fellow. He is already thinking for himself. We must not let him  be hampered by stuffing him into a one size fits all classroom, where the smartest and brightest must slow down so that the slowest is accommodated.  We must not allow him to be placed in a school where substance has been replaced by feelings and all are encouraged to conform rather than to excel.

If you have a child or a grandchild, know your schools! It's a matter of life or death of  our country. If our children can't keep up with others around the world, it will be the death blow to our nation.  We would never recover.

If you get a chance, please view this:  Grinding Down America

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Bravo!


Caleb deserves a big Bravo.  He is so serious about his music.

Serious Bravos are in order for  Sgt. 1st Class Leroy Arthur Petry who was awarded the nation's highest military honor today  for his bravery in protecting his comrades in the firefight that cost him his right hand. 

Monday, July 11, 2011

Reunion Season


It seems to be reunion season.  We just had our 50th. Now our son Tim and daughter April are having their reunion.  They graduated from Green High in 1981, thirty years ago. It was much more simple this year, no need to dress up. Tim traveled in from Bradenton, Florida and April came from Oxford, Pennsylvania with her husband...also Tim.   
The only picture I got of our Tim was this one with his telephone, but I"m sure there were lots of pictures taken during the event, although I'll probably not see them.  
While we were into vacations and entertaining and our conservative servants in Congress were concentrating on the debt ceiling, U.S. officials (whoever they may be and whatever authority they have) and their counterparts in Mexico signed an agreement Wednesday allowing each country's trucks on the other's highways over the many objections to this part of the Nafta 'agreement' of 1994.   Oh, of course, this was agreed upon in March (against the better judgement of many for 17 years) by Barack Hussein Obama and Felipe Calderon who both want open borders, perhaps not a spoken wish but evident from their actions.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Surfin' Duds for Surfin' Dudes


We are all very tired tonight and an airplane will be at the airport shortly after 6:00 AM to take John, Beth and Caleb back to Colorado. 

May God bless them and get then safely home tomorrow.

Saturday, July 9, 2011

We MIss Them Already


This picture was taken about 8:00 AM in the backyard swing.  The boys are wearing the shirts their Aunt Beth and Uncle John brought  them from Colorado. Ashley wore hers yesterday.

Chelle and the triplets left shortly after posing for the picture and we miss them already.  The house is very quiet. I actually fell asleep on the sofa about 1:30.  But then April and her husband Tim arrived and kept us company for a while.  They are in town, along with our Tim for their high school reunion.

As a happy side, April trimmed and highlighted my hair for me and I managed to stay awake through it.

It is  early and all is still. I'll probably fall asleep right here at the computer long before my usual bed time, but I must stay up until I know the kids are safe at home. They've had a bad trip home so far... ran into Kentucky Derby traffic  and was in the state for an extra 3 hours.  To top that off, when they stopped at McDonald's for kid's meals, instead of getting the regular hamburger and fries, they were very upset to find their fries had been limited to a very few and apple dippers were substituted.  They can thank Michelle Obama for that, but they're not in a gracious mood.  It's a good thing for the Democrats that they can't vote yet because liberals surely lost points with that impingement of fry eating freedom. It's not something they'll quickly forget.


Friday, July 8, 2011

We the People




We the people of Portage Lakes plan and fund our own fireworks. Since they are privately funded, cost is an issue...unlike if the government were doing it with our money for which they have no regard. 

Traditionally they  are  on July 3 at the lakes. I'm not sure of all the reasons, but I do know they get a reduced rate since it is not  on the holiday, so the demand is not that heavy on that date.  

I did very well to keep the number of my pictures to 94 when there were 30 minutes of continuous fireworks. It is the fewest I've taken. It may have been because I couldn't catch a breath between launches. I downloaded many wonderful, colorful photos, but for some reason I was drawn to this one with four different launches that fit  together beautifully, even though they were not colorful.

I was thrilled to have patriotism back in the music this year, even if there wasn't as much as I'd like.  The song that began the fireworks show was 'America' sung by a full  voiced black woman.  It was absolutely beautiful.  Last year's celebration was marred by it's 'me' generation music, so I was thankful for the few selections chosen for their connection to Independence Day.    

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Little Dude


Leaving well enough alone tonight.  I had this layout made, but don't have the energy to write.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Play Ball


Caleb has quite a pitch for 17 months.

Watch out for what is pitched our way.  Remember Hope and Change.  They sounded good.  We can kill our Republic with promises of things that sound good in clever words, but rob us of our freedom.  Beware small steps covered by warming words.

In Founder's Quote Daily, "There are more instances of the abridgment of the freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments of those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations." --James Madison, speech at the Virginia Ratifying Convention, 1788

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Homo sapiens




Today we all went to the zoo.  The first animals I photographed were the Homo sapiens.  There were many different groups, but this type seemed  to prefer cooler weather and plenty of water.  

Called  'man' for  short, this creature has developed a system of government  called a Republic, which governs itself without loss of freedom.  However it seems to be regressing to a lesser  state where people are not as alert  and are on the brink of disaster. They need to revisit their Constitution and the men who penned it nearly 300 years ago. 

One of those bright men was Alexander Hamilton, who spoke to the New York Ratifying Convention in 1788.

"This balance between the National and State governments ought to be dwelt on with peculiar attention, as it is of the utmost importance. It forms a double security to the people. If one encroaches on their rights they will find a powerful protection in the other. Indeed, they will both be prevented from overpassing their constitutional limits by a certain rivalship, which will ever subsist between them." 

Monday, July 4, 2011

New Family Photographer

It is so good to see the younger generation helping by taking over some of the duties, like cooking, cleaning and photography. Both Chelle and Beth were an asset today with their artistic photo skills.  With three of us snapping,we didn't miss much of the family fun.  Chelle actually staged and shot this family photo in the backyard.  I'll be using shots of both the girls in the days to come.  I'll give credit when I do... so happy to welcome them on board.

Pictured here are Gramma (Lou Ann), Grampa (Ron), Chelle, John and Alana (Beth) in back, Aussie, Mason, Ashley  and Caleb in front.

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Fireworks

We  just saw the best fireworks I've ever seen! It was 30 minutes of continuous grand finale!  There wasn't enough time between them to oohh and ahh.   Hope to have pictures here soon.  But my bed is the primary thing on my mind right now.  Hope you have a very happy fourth.


Saturday, July 2, 2011

Natural Charmer




Caleb is a natural charmer.  When he sees a camera, he is all smiles.  It is wonderful to have 
'people skills'.  They can get you a long way.  I pray that he will continue to develop into one who will also love people and be sacrificial in his service.  We need not raise more 'charmers' who  can get elected to office, yet  care nothing about serving anyone but their own interests.  There are enough of them in Washington right now. 


I am thankful this season that there is a new wind blowing throughout our country and people are being elected to office who actually care about us and their duty to abide by the Constitution. 


Now I know why the libs want to do away with the Constitution or at least strangle it:


"It would reduce the whole instrument to a single phrase, that of instituting a Congress with power to do whatever would be for the good of the United States; and as they would be the sole judges of the good or evil, it would be also a power to do whatever evil they please. Certainly no such universal power was meant to be given them. [The Constitution] was intended to lace them up straightly within the enumerated powers and those without which, as means, these powers could not be carried into effect." --Thomas Jefferson, Opinion on a National Bank, 1791


Prepare to celebrate our independence Day.  We'll be celebrating for two days here. May God save our country!

Friday, July 1, 2011

My Joy Today


Sorry this isn't a layout, but it will be as soon as I get a chance.  Now, I'm just enjoying the presence of family that lives far away.  It is pure joy to have them here.

Wouldn't this smile warm up any heart?  Click on it and see how beautiful this chap is.

When all the family has returned to their own states, I will return to mine...the state of agitation with how  things are going in Washington.  Right now, my heart is with family.