Rightly Opinionated

To demand or deliver...

2012-02-02T21:46:00.000-06:00

Generally, I do not like to do layouts over because I can't keep up with all the pictures and I really want to make some layouts from pictures taken years ago. But because I have been making my pictures an exact size to fit more easily into My Publisher.com books, layouts that I'd already completed for the next book had to be reworked. This one of Caleb was one I had never really liked. The color combination just didn't go well with the brown background I used; so when I redid it, I changed the background to chocolate chips. I'm happier with it now.

This project has been time consuming, since I had about 60 pages that had to be redone. It was very difficult and time consuming at first, but now I have it down to a science and it goes quickly. Now instead of having a book with 12x12 layouts, my pages are 3324 pixels x 2575 pixels. I didn't like the look of them at first, but I'm adjusting fairly well...and the books are much easier to make online.

Adjusting is not easy, especially for us "old timers", but I vowed when I was younger to keep up with the times. My mother was my example and it was a very attractive quality to me. I will listen to those with differing opinions and weigh them with the facts. Most of the time, I stick with what I've always believed, but not always. Facts are facts.

And one fact I know is that hiking the minimum wage is disastrous, especially in hard times when there are so many out of work. When it becomes too expensive for a small business to hire unskilled labor, they don't. So jobs are lost. When unskilled labor costs more than it is worth to a company, and they have to hire workers, they have to also raise prices for their goods or services so they can pay the bills. The people who lose the most are those with minimum wage jobs. They can't afford to pay higher prices. This is a historical fact. Many do not understand anything except that they want more money and many people think they are worth more than they are. Most people do not work at minimum wages for ever. Those are entry level jobs. If that worker shows he or she will work hard and can be trusted then he/she will work him/herself up the ladder to better and better jobs...with higher wages and benefits.

Instead of demanding, try delivering. It will bring you great rewards in time.

Determination

2012-02-01T21:14:00.000-06:00

It will take a LOT of determination, but I'm going to try really hard to get rid of my extra weight. I don't need to be hauling it around. So I've made goals and will be working towards them.

I've lost the first 10 pounds so that gives me the desire to continue on the way to a healthier life.

Making this public is one of my plans for keeping myself accountable. It should help give me the will power I need to abstain from eating things I shouldn't have and to eat way less of what is good for me.

Angie at Scrapgirls.com has inspired me. It she can do it, I figure I can as well.

I have made realistic goals that should be within my ability to accomplish.

Now, I need to make myself believe that hunger is good.

Gifts and Expectations

2012-01-31T21:29:00.001-06:00

Santa came and left LOTS of presents for Caleb. Being only 10 months old last Christmas, it was not such a big thing for him. But he certainly figured out quickly what it was about this year. It seems the tall red presents caught his eye first. He sure made a beeline for that vacuum cleaner. I wonder if he will ever be that excited about a vacuum cleaner again. It sure did it for him this year. Mama might not need to clean the carpet for months.

While we are here, you should notice the stockings Beth and John knitted. They are pretty special. I sure wish I had been there to watch him open all his gifts and dig into his stocking.

Cleb's birthday is coming up VERY soon and we hope to do some face time with him then. Maybe we'll get to see him open the little things we sent. It is so much fun to see the delight in a little one's eyes. Let's hope that his delight never fades because he is expecting too much.

Life should be about relationships and not about things. Materialism has ruined many people in this fine nation. They have come to expect that they will always get anything they want and even without any effort of their own parts. It is a very sad thing and will mean our demise as a country some day. I'm praying that we come to grips with this issue, repent and turn our lives back to focusing on God instead of things. God help us.

Now that I've finished Christmas, on to January... oh, February! What happened to those 31 days. Time flies when your blogging!

Is It Still Christmas?

2012-01-30T14:24:00.000-06:00

This finishes my Christmas pictures of the triplets. Tomorrow, I hope to finish the pictures I have of Caleb's Christmas. I'd like to put these on during the Christmas season, but I can't make the layouts that quickly and still enjoy the celebration. Besides, I end up with more layouts than there are days in the season.

I'd also like to help put a finish on the ignorance our schools are causing our young people. We send our children to school to learn the truth of history, because it repeats itself. Instead, they are encouraged to be envious of their fellow man. Envy is still a sin...and it is one of the deadly sins mentioned often in the Bible.

In Romans 1:29, envy is equated with murder.

Proverbs14:30 says, "A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones."

Let's not envy, nor teach our kids to; but let's keep Christmas love in our hearts all year.

The Clock Strikes...

2012-01-29T22:19:00.000-06:00

Chelle and Greg let the triplets stay up until midnight for their first New Year celebration ever. That's right, they've probably wanted to their whole lives, but now at the ripe old age of nine, they did it.

Oh!, I just realized I forgot confetti. What is a New Year's Eve without it? Maybe I'm better off omitting it. They might expect it next year...in the house. I'll just leave it off, but wouldn't that just give this layout a big boost?

The clock just keeps ticking away the time left for President Obama to occupy the oval office in Washington...the one where he feels free to rest his feet on the desk...the one given by Queen Victoria to President Rutherford B. Hayes in 1880.

And as the clock ticked and the judge and others waited for the president and his attorney to show up in a GA court for an eligibility case brought against him there, he was far away from the state in campaign mode.

Supposedly, if he is deemed ineligible because he is not a Natural born US citizen,( and the proof is well documented) his name would not be permitted on their ballot in the fall.

The two ended up no shows.

Of course it is just a court of law and they are up against a man who ignores the law.

As far as I know, those in the office of president are not above the law. I think he may be confusing the presidency with a dictatorship.

Crafty One

2012-01-28T22:22:00.000-06:00

There are two ways to use the word crafty. In this case, it means Chelle is skillful, clever.

Then there is the other meaning: marked by subtlety and guile as in < a crafty scheme> like those in Washington we hear about almost daily.

Business, Morality and Conservatives

2012-01-27T22:09:00.000-06:00

Two days of fall in a row. I will be back to winter tomorrow. I'm working on that already. But for now, this is another picture that was made by a professional photographer November 18th that wasn't completed and delivered until January. Sorry about those Christmas presents. That's a poor business practice and most of the pictures were not that good either. My daughter had to give them a boost with Photoshop Elements. It is a cute pose, however and we are glad to finally have the files.

I'm really excited that Chelle is toying with PSE. She's working with actions now, so it may not be long until she is showing up her mother.

I mentioned yesterday that Rush had taken up for Newt. I have now seen the evidence that Newt and Reagan were close. Newt is a Conservative and has been a conservative all along. Mitt Romney is now saying he is...that is what the people are wanting, but he is not. He claims to be, yet his actions show otherwise. He has a long record of voting for Democrats....not conservative ones either. His health care plan in Massachusetts is a liberal example.

Defeating National Health care is as important to this election as are making jobs and improving the economy. We cannot afford to give up that issue, by naming Mitt as our nominee.

We need a spiritual revival in this nation. Morality will improve our chances or turning things around. We have gone the way of Sodom and Gomorrah. If you don't know those cities...God destroyed them because of their wickedness. If you happen to open your eyes, you'll see it all around us.

God is good. He sent us a savior so that we could see how he wants us to live. Read the bible, forget PC and stick to your convictions.

Piles of Autumn Smiles

2012-01-26T22:37:00.000-06:00

Okay, I know I'm behind. It is no longer Fall. But I just got this picture and it cheered me today to see the triplets laying in the beautifully colored leaves with big, big smiles while seeing ugly gray fog out my window.

Somethings just make me smile. And one is when I hear someone pick a fight and strike out. This happened when Mitt Romney claimed that Newt was a strong critic of Ronald Reagan.

Generally I just hear bits and pieces of Rush as I go about my daily business. Now I know why he was talking about Newt on his show yesterday. I heard him say that Newt was a big supporter of Reagan and a consistent conservative.

Today, I read on Newsmax.com that Mike Reagan issued a statement lambasting Mitt and his supporters.

"I am deeply disturbed that supporters of Mitt Romney are claiming that Newt Gingrich is not a true Reaganite and are even claiming that Newt was a strong critic of my father.

"Recently I endorsed Newt Gingrich for president because I believe that Newt is the only Republican candidate who has both consistently backed the conservative policies that my father championed and the only Republican that will continue to implement his vision.

"It surprises me that Mitt Romney and his supporters would raise this issue - when Mitt by his own admission voted for Jimmy Carter and Walter Mondale who opposed my father, and later supported liberal Democrat Paul Tsongas for president.

As governor of Massachusetts, Romney's achievement was the most socialistic healthcare plan in the nation up until that time.

"Say what you want about Newt Gingrich but when he was speaker of the House he surrounded himself with Reagan conservatives and implemented a Ronald Reagan program of low taxes and restrained federal spending.

"Newt's conservative program created a high economic boom and balanced the budget for the first time in more than a generation."

He concluded: "I would take Gingrich's record any day over Mitt Romney's"

May God bless us with the truth and the spirit to understand when we hear it.

Boomin' Fun

2012-01-25T22:16:00.000-06:00

I don't know where they got that big, big drum for Caleb, but he is having BIG fun with it.

Obama pulled the plug on construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline.

Now it is time to pull the plug on him!

I have a countdown calendar that keeps track of the days until he is out of there. Sorry to say, as of midnight tonight, he has 360 days left. Our ship has been leaking so fast, I'm afraid we may not be able to stay afloat that long.

Pray the Lord takes pity on us and saves our land.

Our Stars

2012-01-24T22:49:00.001-06:00

We sure are proud of our little stars. They surely got a good taste of acing while doing 14 performances of The Miracle of 34th Street this Christmas season.

I love these pictures of them in character.

Chelle reminded me of the photo effect, Old Photo today when she sent me the picture of Mason with that filter. She had found a site online that had 40 free photo effects for PSE. (Photoshop Elements)

I thought about getting them, and still may if they work on a MAC. Not that I need more than I have. I rarely use them, although I probably should. It would make a lot of pictures much more interesting.

Interesting. That is the word our son used to describe the president's speech tonight. To me it was as well .When I passed by the TV and heard him talking like a Republican, saying he believed in small government, I looked up, saw his face and about fell on mine. If he wants a small government, he is certainly going about it the wrong way. It is the same way he says he wants more jobs, but fills his time off the golf course killing jobs in the US.

I understand that later though he went into his main rhetoric, which is redistribution of wealth.

Redo

2012-01-23T23:00:00.000-06:00

If this looks vaguely familiar, it is because it is a redo of a layout I made in the spring of last year.
I've been working on a big project today, for which I needed another layout. So I quickly came up with this one. Love to do layouts of the girlfriends. Times with them produce wonderful memories...those moments cover the gamut from spiritual to silly, from serious to outlandish, from tears to laughter.

God has blessed me richly with the friendship of these 'girls'.

Are You in There?

2012-01-22T23:05:00.013-06:00

Ashley loves tigers. So for Christmas she was given a tiger hat...by her Gramma. Don't think she'll be cold in it. She should be as warm as a tiger cub's tummy.

Speaking of warm. I'm a little warm right now... about to boil.

Just read about the EPA threatening the North Dakota Oil Boom. It seems they could stop the boom that has nearly eliminated unemployment in N.D. The state is now producing almost as much oil as Ecuador, which is a member of OPEC. But the EPA is not happy...are they ever happy with progress?

While the state has 18,000 well paying jobs looking for workers, and Obama is looking for jobs on the golf course, the EPA is contemplating banning franking. That ban would shut down the whole business because so many of those wells are using that procedure.

Makes you wonder, doesn't it?

Christmas Train

2012-01-21T21:30:00.000-06:00

Was there ever a male who didn't like trains? Our Caleb surely was surprised and excited when he saw what Santa ( ('m not sure ) had brought him. It's a nice wooden track with a sturdy train.

I have another train here (I think) that was his dad's when he was a boy. I'll have to find it. Later, Caleb can graduate to it...if it still works well.

Newt Gingerich won the primary in South Carolina today. Interesting turn around. I believe it is the result of the news media smearing him using an ex-wife. He put them solidly in their place. He told them it was despicable because what she said had been proven was untrue. He also said that because the reporters dig up everything and sensationalize it against all who run for office, many good men refrain from serving their country in this way. He also related that everyone there had had pain in their lives . No one was exempt. It seems people relate to that.

Even though I don't remember if he mentioned this...it is a one sided thing. They are jumping all over every Republican, but not doing the same with Democrats. For example, they are acting like Romney is a total jerk for having succeeded in business and making a lot of money. Where were they when John Kerry ran for the president as a Democrat ? He was the very richest ever to run. Forbes.com estimated his worth at $1 billion. That is much, much more than Mitt's $202 million.

As you can tell, I really don't KNOW much tonight, am guessing a lot, but I do know that the Lord is my savior and he can be yours as well if you accept Him and believe what He said is true. Once you truly believe, you will find out about Him and follow Him.

A Sunday Christmas

2012-01-20T22:24:00.000-06:00

I should be finished with Christmas, but I'm not. A lot of pictures are taken at that time, and I hate to miss making memories with them. So here we go with the triplets at church on Christmas morning.

In my opinion, we should skip Sundays for Christmas and just go on to Monday. But I guess we'll just have to put up with it once every seven years.

The first time the triplets had a Sunday celebration was when they were two. I doubt it made any difference to them then. The next time they will be 16. I doubt it will be much of an issue then either. They will probably be anxious to get to church and see their friends to show off and compare gifts. Then when they are 23...well you can relate to all the rest...staying up late to prepare for Santa's trip down the chimney...

Not that it is a trial to have Christmas on Sunday, just a little inconvenient sometimes.

But there are many trials in this life.
James 1:2-3
Consider it pure joy my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

So whenever you are tested with a trial remember to take hold or it and work through it with the help of your father in heaven...and you will grow in strength.

All in Fun

2012-01-19T22:41:00.000-06:00

Christmas was a lot of fun at Aussie's house. This was on Christmas Eve and Aussie had just opened a book from Gramma. The title, How To Be A Genius. Aussie has a great self esteem and thinks he is already a genius, I suppose, because he then made a joking comment to his dad about catching up with him. Of course Greg was quick to respond that he was a punk. It was all in fun and Mom got these pictures to capture the moment.

Well, I saw most of another debate again tonight. I know that most of them would make a superior president and all would be better than what we have now.

I'm praying that we are able to choose the very best from among them before long. I'm anxious to start campaigning against the liberals, rather than hearing our own contestants railing against each other.

I'm not sure whose idea it was to have so many debates. It has helped ...for those of us who really watched...to see what each person believes. It is evident that all want a constitutional government built on freedom, as opposed to the liberals who have taken over the Democratic Party and hope to rule over us.

To restore what we have had in the past, that far surpassed the rest of the world, we need to return to God, for it is He who gave us inalienable rights.

Work Ethic

2012-01-18T22:30:00.003-06:00

For being less than two years old, Caleb has a very good work ethic. We hope it continues to grow along with him. Here he is after insisting that he shovel the driveway. We have a video as well. I hope that when he is really old enough to do the job, he will still want to do it.

I know the layout would be better without the dog, but in years to come, I want Caleb to remember the way his dog kept watch over him. That is a worthwhile memory.

May our God in heaven watch over each one of you.

In the Park

2012-01-17T21:53:00.000-06:00

I never thought of going to the park in the winter, but that might be because I'm a cold natured female and live in northeastern Ohio

But Caleb enjoyed his little adventure. He gets along well with sticks and stones...does not yet suspect that they break bones.

Opinion: Last night's debate was great. I'm really getting to know each of these men and seeing their strengths and weaknesses. Newt certainly hit the mark this time when he stood his own against an accusation that he was racist. He explained why anyone would appreciate a job where he/she could make some money. He said, only elitists think that work is a bad thing. There was a standing ovation.

May God again bless this nation and give us good honest work to do.

Drink, Steal, Swear and Lie

2012-01-16T22:17:00.000-06:00

First and separate from the text below, is my layout of our daughter April and her husband Tim, who go to a lot of trouble to make it home to Ohio for Christmas. We appreciate so much not having to spend that day alone, but having great company. We certainly can not expect everyone to travel and be away from their own home at that special time of year.

This year April brought her new toy, the I Pad Tim gave her. It will make viewing pictures of the grand babies much more enjoyable. I imagine she will learn quickly all she can do with it. It's a wonderful gift.

This was emailed to me today. In my opinion, it is good advice. Drink, Steal, Swear and Lie...

1. Drink from the 'everlasting cup" every day.
2. Steal a moment to help someone that is in worse shape that you are.
3. Swear that you will be a better person today than yesterday.
4. And Last, but not least,when you lie down at night
Thank God you live in America and have freedom.

Thank God that in America we still have free elections. Pray that God helps us keep that privilege. Study the choices and be ready to vote in November. When I say 'study', I mean listen to beth sides. Read your newspapers to see what the left is saying, then check out Fox News. (They report. You decide.) Know what everyone is saying...not just the propaganda that is fed you. And most of all THINK for yourself.

A Family Christmas Photo

2012-01-15T22:35:00.000-06:00

Greg, Chelle, Mason, Ashley and Aussie took some time before the hurried day to take some pictures. I'm glad they did.

Because I"m very tired, it is another night with no inspiration. Yes, I'm keeping up, but one eye is closed and I"m leaning. Don't worry. I'm leaning to the right. Hope you are here tomorrow.

Matching Outfits

2012-01-14T21:44:00.000-06:00

Chelle, the craft happy seamstress, sat up one night and sewed Ashley an outfit to match her doll Julie's.
Well, I made that up. I'm not sure when she made it, but she does have a habit of working into the wee hours.

Could she have gotten that from her mother? You betcha.

In the Kitchen

2012-01-13T21:04:00.001-06:00

Caleb is now joining Mason in a desire to cook. He likes to help with anything and everything in the kitchen. Here he is stirring his mom's homemade pasta sauce. I'm glad he is careful.

We need to be careful as well, not only in the kitchen, but in this big thing called life.
From Jim Chilton's blog: "Don't be fooled by the world's security system. Our greatest asset as we
face numerous foes is the Name of Jesus."

Caught

2012-01-12T21:44:00.000-06:00

This squirrel is taking food from the birds. They have had this feeder to themselves for years. I've always wondered why it wasn't robbed before. The other one is emptied almost as fast as I fill it. I had decided it was just because this one is so close to the house and this window. However as I sat here early in the morning, I glanced up and there he was. Actually this is the fifth picture I took of him before I rapped on the window and he skedaddled. The first pic shows him upside down, perpendicular to the ground below, his tail straight up in the air. It would have been a great picture, had he been on this side of the feeder. Later in the afternoon, there he was again! This time I rapped. I rapped. I rapped again and nothing. He just kept eating. So I ran outside barking like a dog. You should have seen him jump. He left that feeder swinging and throwing seed all over the place. Guess I'll have to get a real dog.

Our cat, Chipper has been known to eat squirrels, but she isn't interested in going out when it is cold. She settles for a mix of dry with a smidgeon of canned food. Guess it isn't so bad.

When all was quiet again, I found out Ron was talking on the phone through my dogspeak. Glad it was just a neighbor on the other end who already knows I'm crazy.

This world is not my home.

In John 14:2 Jesus said,
"My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you?"

John 14:3
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

This world is NOT my home, nor yours. There is a better place waiting.

Radio Flyer Scooter

2012-01-11T21:23:00.000-06:00

Radio Flyer was best know for it's little red wagon. I didn't even know until this year that they make other riding toys...like this red scooter. As big as Caleb's smile is, I think the 'flyer' may be a little large for him yet. Maybe by summer he'll be 'tooling' around on it.

Blessed are the poor in spirit: Read the fifth chapter of Matthew. If you don't have a Bible, you can go to www.biblegateway.com and type in Matthew 5 or any other scripture you would like to read and it will pop up for you. And better yet, there is a sound icon that when clicked reads it to you.

Listen to the Bible

2012-01-10T21:40:00.000-06:00

I'm reaching back to Greenfield Village in September of 2011 for this one. It is a new one I've made in a new size.

I've been busy the last few days, totally remaking pages for a book. I've changed them from 12x12 to 3324x2575 pixels. What a job. If I didn't like My Publisher books so well, I would never go to all that trouble. For some reason the 12x12's pages were cut short in my last book. This new size is supposed to be fool proof. I'll be the fool, if this doesn't work...for spending so much time and anguishing over the project.

I spent the much of my morning reading and thinking about Ezekiel 36 and how it equates with the world as it is today. Scary, but comforting as well.

If you don't have a Bible, you can go to www.biblegateway.com and type in Ezekiel 36 or any other scripture you would like to read and it will pop up for you. And better yet, there is a sound icon that when clicked reads it to you.

Just a Unit

2012-01-09T21:43:00.029-06:00

In less than 1.5 years I'll become just a unit. I'd rather be a cat in the care of a loving 'master'.

When I am a Unit (party speak for useless), I will no longer have to make health decisions, they will be made on my behalf. If at that time, I need emergency care, it will be taken before the board for approval.

I could embark on a plan now to become utterly useful to mankind, but even if I did, I'm sure that being a Republican voter would make me dispensable.

For those of you who remember in the Jimmy Carter days standing in long lines to buy gasoline on even or odd days, you know about rationing. You know when you ran out of gas on the wrong day it was tough luck. You went without. You also know the overwhelming vote that got rid of that administration.

This time it is much more important that gas...it is our lives. Don't get tired yet. Keep alert. Vote for less government. Vote GOP.

This is a good reason to fast and pray.

What's New at the UN?

2012-01-08T22:41:00.000-06:00

While you were decorating a tree, baking cookies , at the mall or shopping Wal -Mart sales, your government has been quietly wrapping up a Christmas gift for you and me...adoption of UN resolution 16/18 developed by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (formerly called Organization of Islamic Conferences), the confederacy of 56 Islamic states.

Resolution 16/18 seeks to limit speech that is viewed as "discriminatory" or which involves the 'defamation of religion", specifically that which can be viewed as "incitement to imminent violence".

Hillary Clinton and Obama are both pushing this international resolution, supposedly a Human Rights issue that will evidently override the free speech clause in or own Constitution.

Now isn't that just wonderful?

Well no it is not. I will tell you what is wonderful...being a grandmother with a blog where I can brag all I want about the kids and show off my pictures. Today, you see Ashley. I love the flowers that are much like the ones on her shirt. And of course, Gramma loves that little smile.
We could use more of those today.

May God bless every step you take tomorrow.

Togetherness

2012-01-07T21:29:00.000-06:00

While we in Pennsylvania for Thanksgiving, April got out a puzzle so that she and I could have some special time together. She is very thoughtful and I suppose was the reason I took the time to do a puzzle this week. Thank you, April. You are so sweet.

I seem to have a few people who read my trivial posts. Once in a while someone will tell me he/ she has been reading. Occasionally (rarely) someone comments on a post, generally speaking, it is my youngest daughter, Chelle. I have actually had a friend tell me she would like to comment, but doesn't know how. I just want to know, Is it that hard? I do have a system in place that allows me to read comments before they are published, only because at one time I got spammed. But I really think it doesn't make it any more difficult.

All this to say. It is encouraging to see that someone cares to check out my ramblings and/ or my layouts.
Otherwise I'm just holding myself to this just because... I don't believe in giving up on a project.
Oh, I like to make the layouts which I publish in my books. And boy do I like to express my opinion!

January Tradition

2012-01-06T14:32:00.000-06:00

During the years I was a stay at home mother of kids in school (at least 20 of them) I worked a jigsaw puzzle every January. It was a good time. All the hoopla of the Christmas season was over, the tree put away, the kids back in school. The house was quiet, there was no yard work to do and it was my chance to relax. I always liked the puzzles with 1,000 pieces. I would dump the box out on either the pool table or the dining room table and go into a world of my own...until the kids came home to help. I would work after they went to bed or while they watched TV.

But in 1998, my youngest went away to college, my mother got very ill and I opted to spend my free time with her. I'm so very glad I did. Although her memory was getting poor, she still knew how to play Scrabble and occasionally would beat me. Every day when I went to visit, she would perk up and dad would quickly leave to catch his breath. He was her caretaker and it had become a hard job. He never complained, but he did relish that break each day. When she was buried late that same year, my mother-in-law was diagnosed with a quick spreading cancer and died within six weeks. Things were never the same for some reason. I never did puzzles even though I would buy them occasionally.

This year, with a closet stuffed with unopened puzzles, I brought one out, since I wasn't feeling well. But I wasn't up to a challenge. I grabbed a 500 piece one that seemed fairly easy with it's large print and bigger pieces. However, it did tease my brain a little. The pieces were not the conventional cut, but very different. One couldn't search for a familiar shape. It would turn out to require two pieces for what seemed like one space. But all in all, it was relaxing. I did it fairly quickly. And so with the snow outside, it was warm and spring like with these flowers in the dining room.

I am trying a new configuration for my layouts...in order to conform better with the pages in MyPublisher books. It should make it easier to submit my books for publication.

Something needs to be easier, so I can spend even more time concerned about the future of our fine country.

It is my opinion that I must end this blog on an upturn, yet we cannot drop our guard. Don't know at present what can be done by us. But I do know God loves his people and will hear their united voice. Please pray for our safety and protection.

Tired of Change

2012-01-05T22:10:00.000-06:00

I told you I'm crazy with a camera. I even take pictures of myself in the mirror at times.

This is me in a scarf my friend Teresa picked up while we were at the Pine Tree Barn and told me I should buy it. Well I did, and I'm glad. I like the way it looks...and it's nice and warm.

Today I made an unanticipated trip to the hospital and snapped a couple of pictures to prove I was there...not that I would have to or anything. They are still in my camera though. I've been busy trying to get a book ready for publication... again. Hopefully this time, all systems will be go and it will actually turn out well like all 19 of the others that came before it.

Why do systems have to change, especially when it is for worse instead of better? Guess there is a lot of that going on now and all of it much more important that making picture books.

By the way, just so you can sleep well tonight, our president is giving our defense technology to Russia. Isn't he nice? He sure knows how to make other countries like us.

While we are playing around in an attempt to find a candidate to run against him, he is dedicated to finishing off our country before we can even have that election. He's working around Congress again... making appointments that would never get past them....and SHOULDN'T.

PRAY!

Panda Bikes

2012-01-04T22:49:00.001-06:00

Here in Ohio, we generally put away our bicycles before winter hits, but it some areas, die hard cyclers ride all year long. Colorado is one of those places...at least around Ft. Collins where Panda makes their terrific bamboo bicycles. They are made of bamboo, are very strong and resilient, and really put a zing in biking. I've noticed a lot of pride in their owners. Many of them delight in having people stop them to take a better look at their rides. Check them out Panda Bicycles. And while you are there, take a look at some of the biking gear, shirts, etc that are available.

Season's First Snow

2012-01-03T20:18:00.000-06:00

It wasn't much, but yesterday, we got our first snow of the season. We've been waiting what seems like a long time for it here at the lakes. Many of our friends just 15 miles north have had several ground coverings this winter. We are thankful to get a new white layer today to keep it clean. Still not much, but, in my opinion, beautiful just the same.

The Perfect Gift

2012-01-02T21:38:00.000-06:00

From the smile on his face one would think this was the perfect gift. And I like to think he will enjoy it immensely. In this world of computer gaming, it is a joy to have a grandson who likes to play Monopoly as well as his digi games. I just wish I could run down there any time I wanted and play a game with him. Of course, he would beat me...but togetherness is big with grandmothers.

A perfect gift for me right now would be the perfect candidate to win in Iowa. But Iowa doesn't really matter as much as one would think. After all, Ronald Reagan didn't win the Iowa Primary.

May God guide your steps in 2012.

365 Project

2012-01-01T22:46:00.001-06:00

There are many people who have accepted the challenge of taking a picture every day. I don't need that challenge because I take pictures all the time. I can't help it. The camera is just too handy now that I can carry one with me every where I go.

My challenge is to post a new digital layout every day of the year. Last year my plan was to do the same. I didn't tell anyone, I just tried. However, I fell short. I only managed to make it on 353 of the days...some days I had more than one, but I still fell short.

This year I am challenging myself to put a layout on this blog every day...365 layouts by the end of the year.

I am enjoying the books I've published the last few years using layouts I've made for the blog. In my opinion, I can do it. But now, with 20 minutes left in the day, I've found that my computer will not bring up my work. You know, I have patience with people. I can make excuses for them, but I really get aggravated with computers. In my book, there is no excuse for their little bugs. It is amazing I still fool with them. But I take blood pressure meds and go right back to my desk.

Hallelujah, I'm married to a geek. I'm using that in a good way. He's a sociable geek. When he awakes in the morning, I'll drag him in here to fix my problem.

So check back tomorrow for today's layout and then tomorrow night for a new one.

Guess I'm becoming a bit of a geek myself. I figured a way around the problem and have added the layout...and before the clock struck 12:00. Hurray!

Are Your Kids Staying Up Tonight?

2011-12-31T13:36:00.000-06:00

I've gotten word that the triplets are. That might make for an active New Year. Hope to have pictures later.

I have never seen the ball drop in NYC...not even on TV...well at least I can't remember ever having seen it. Maybe the kids will be able to fill me in on Sunday. Make that Monday. Surely they'll sleep through church and all afternoon as well. I'm anxious to find out just how it goes.

Maybe Izzy will curl up in a ball in a closet somewhere and have a peaceful New Year's Eve.

Maybe I will as well.

Here's wishing you a Happy New Year in advance. May God show you mercy and give you peace.

American Girl Do

2011-12-30T22:40:00.000-06:00

When Ashley got the American Girl doll Sadie, she found she really wanted Julie. So now, a couple of years later, Julie has come to live with her. I'm hoping that Chelle makes the doll some clothes to match Ashley's soon so that Julie does not get jealous of Sadie who had several outfits like her 'mother'.

Speaking of jealousy. There is so much of it these days. It has been fed by class envy. It once was in America where one started out at a lower paying job and worked himself up to the top or as near the top as he or she could. No on expected to finish school and step into the highest paying positions. But that was in the past. Now many do not get work when they finish school because they expect more than anyone is willing to pay for beginners. Then instead of working hard and showing their worth, they would rather follow mobs of other non satisfied people around the country complaining about their situation and condemning the 'rich' for not giving them what they want.

It's a sad situation, one that has happened over and over in history. When people's lives get so cushy that they become spoiled and expect to be given all they want, the nation fails. It always happens.

Trust in God for in him is peace...the peace that passes all understanding.

Liberty

2011-12-29T22:25:00.000-06:00

"Liberty is the only thing you cannot have unless you are willing to give it to others."- William Allen White

This statement is full of truth. We all need to think about it these days when the world is full of those who, while doing what they please, complain about the slightest things they don't like others to do or say. We were all given minds of our own, good for cooperating in some ways, yet individual.

I got the quote in my inbox this morning along with my daily puzzle from Wordles.com. I love these cryptograms and am hoping (probably beyond reason) that they will help keep my mind sharp as I age and age and age...oh so quickly now.

Izzy, our grand cat, has the liberty to climb in there family's Christmas tree. She didn't wait until it was fully decorated, but tested it out pretty soon after it was raised in the stand. Since this was taken, she has been up there a few times and has actually broken at least one ornament. But it seems, she is loved more than the other baubles that just hang there. So she gets away with this contrary behavior. She is pretty cute in there.

Christmas or Not

2011-12-28T21:55:00.000-06:00

A few cays before Christmas our grand daughter Lauren, her friend Pat and some of his family members went to New York City. I'm guessing Christmas had something to do with it, if not just because that is when they got a break from college. I do have pictures of them with Christmas trees, which I'm sure are called Holiday trees in the city. But here they are in Central Park . Whether the trip was for Christmas, or not, I've mentioned. However, the trip also threatened her Christmas celebration in Ohio because she and he both got the flu while there and had to return home 'spewing'. It took her a couple of days to recuperate and then her mother got sick as well. After two days for her, they were able to head this way, but Lauren made it only as far as West Virginia where her brother lives. We have not seen her since Thanksgiving. But we are thankful we saw her then. April and Tim then drove here separately so that he could go back and do some work while she stayed a couple of days.

As the flu threatened our celebration, Iran is threatening to close the Persian Gulf. I guess they are out to prove we are no longer a country of strength, but one of apology. I pray to God that He will once again protect us from this evil.

Recipe for A Big Time

2011-12-27T22:04:00.000-06:00

Last Friday I said I'd do a page of Jane in the Christmas hat she was given to wear at Phyllis' house. Here she is plus Diann and me. I've included a recipe for A Big Time in Phyllis' kitchen.

I'm anxious to show some pictures of the grandkids and am waiting for pictures since I didn't see even one of them in person. We Skyped and did FaceTime, but I'm not sure how to get still pictures that way.

Tomorrow night I hope to have a layout of Lauren and her friend in the Big Apple where they spent a few days along with his family members the week before Christmas.

Christmas Adam

2011-12-26T22:24:00.000-06:00

Now that Christmas is over, I have time to make layouts. Teresa's daughter told her mother that Friday was Christmas Adam since Saturday was Christmas Eve. Never thought about that before, but I guess she's right...in a way. But we didn't celebrate it at our house.

We celebrated Christmas Eve at Outback Steak House, our favorite. Before retiring for the night and before the rush of Christmas day, we thought to get a picture.

Sympathy Card for Christmas

2011-12-25T22:34:00.000-06:00

A friend gave me this card for Christmas.

On the inside it says," Because Democrats always know what's best for you and your health."

You might say it is a sympathy card.

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T15:06:00.000-06:00

I pray you will find the time this Christmas season to sit down and count your blessings.

It has been a rough year in America. But to those who love the Lord and choose to serve Him, God gives an inner peace.

Hoping you will accept this peace and celebrate this blessed season, giving thanks to our God who sent his only son to be born in a stable, to live and die to cover our sins with forgiveness.

Christmas Party Hats

2011-12-23T22:24:00.000-06:00

This is the most unique hat I've worn in a very long time...maybe in my lifetime. That is one of the pleasures of showing up at one of Phyllis' parties...the best of everything, including attire.
I was impressed by her ability to dress in animal print and Christmas at the very same time. She is quite talented.

You see that Jane does not have a special Holiday hat on in this picture; but tomorrow I hope to show that indeed she did have one...and that it looked quite good on her.

There was a 'gift exchange' that night...one of those...lets get rid of something elephants. Someone actually brought a toilet seat. Now that in itself would not be worthy of posting on a blog, any blog, except that at a party our daughter attended last week the same 'gift' was given. This must be the year of the toilet seat. Has anyone checked the Chinese calendar on that?

In a few days now when the Christmas festivities are over, I'll need to put on another hat...that of a T Partyer. Then it will be on to the business of trying to wake those who have been in a deep sleep lulled by the voice and platitudes of this man: Jimmy Obama

Making My List- Checking It Twice

2011-12-22T22:41:00.000-06:00

Double click on the layout to read...

Baby Magnet

2011-12-21T21:42:00.000-06:00

It's really hard in this family for a grandma...because grandpa is a baby magnet. They all just love him. So if he is around, grandma might as well pick up a camera, 'cause she isn't going to be holding the little one. But I really don't mind. It warms my heart to see him so happy. And it gives me a chance to get some great pictures that will live in our hearts and minds forever.

This is Ron with April's grand baby, Sam on Thanksgiving Day.

Animal Prints

2011-12-20T22:07:00.000-06:00

Today was the first day in weeks that I didn't feel pressed for time. So, I did some leisurely shopping...just looking really. After having lunch with Phyllis and Sali, I kept finding things that reminded me of them. The two things that made me pull out my camera may as well have Phyllis written all over them...for THEY WERE PHYLLIS. First, at TJMAXX I saw these animal print butterflies. Then tonight while Ron and I were at Wayside Furniture searching for just the right chair for him, I had to sit on this Phyllis chair. I know at least 8 girls who will get a 'kick' out this picture.

Came across a book on Amazon that Phyllis and I would both like: You may as well.

365 Ways to Drive a Liberal Crazy by James Delingpole

"Start every day off RIGHT! Try one of our 365 ways to drive a liberal (even more) crazy. Whether you quote from the Constitution (what, that old relic?) or point out the facts about global warming (as in, the planet has been steadily cooling for the past decade)—this is one sure-fire way to get under a lefty’s (thin) skin.

Up and Coming Photographer

2011-12-18T22:24:00.000-06:00

My mother started it. I followed suit, then Chelle and John came up to bat and now Ashley (and the boys) are up and coming photographers. We certainly do not lack photos in our family!

One Good/ One Bad

2011-12-17T21:59:00.000-06:00

Okay, we are not talking about the triplets here. All three are good. And the boys make me laugh. Which one is the funniest? Time will tell. On Tuesday, Aussie is the kid who cracked us up when he
threw off his jacket, put it on the handicap door opener and announced, "This is my new best friend, and he is single too." Where do they come up with these things?

One good/ One bad...

We can now have a bright new year. No longer are we doomed to a dim life of mercury filled lightbulbs. Thanks to Republicans who overthrew the Obama administration law making it mandatory for us to buy foreign lightbulbs that are really inferior to those to which we have become accustomed here in the states. The law was to become affective the first of 2012. Hallelujah. That is the good thing.

The bad thing is, the feds are attacking Sheriff Arpaio of Arizona for enforcing immigration laws in his state. In Arpaio's own words, "Obama has just put a welcome sign on the United States border with Mexico." That is one of the bad things this present administration is doing to U.S. citizens.

In spite of these negatives, we must stay positive. "If God is for us, who can be against us?
NIV Bible: Romans 8:31

Like a Ski Lodge

2011-12-16T22:57:00.000-06:00

The quality of this picture is quite bad, but I really wanted a shot of all us 'girls' in front to this restaurant where we ate on Monday night. It was unfamiliar to me, but I was told they have the blue lights up year round...it's not a Christmas display. The way it is perched up on a hill gives credence to the look of a ski lodge in the Rocky Mountains. Inside, if I didn't know better, I would have thought we were in Colorado. The architecture was of a ski lodge with big heavy rafters and heavy beams. And there was a huge and very cool chandelier of moose racks. There was a large painting of a moose in a frame.

Our dining room was also cold. After we had been there about an hour, a lady asked us how everything was for us. We had been freezing the whole time. Sali had gone to fetch her coat and I had draped a shawl across my lap, but we had not complained too much and were trying to enjoy our friends. Well, it was an easy fix. They had a door open in the kitchen...guess it gets pretty hot back there. With it closed the draft was stopped and we were able to relax the rest of the evening.

The food was superb and I would like to go again some time.

Back to the picture. We didn't all arrive at the same time, so we decided to take a picture after dinner. However at that time, no one was really interested in standing out in the cold to get a shot. So, I took the liberty of putting two pictures together. The later was taken at Jane's ill lit house by her tree. Oh, and her dog Daisy was happy to pose with us. I left it dark since we were supposed to be outside there at the lodge. But there was another complication. If the picture had been lightened enough to make it look good, it would have been grainy. It's just for fun. But I think I'll keep the black and blue picture of blue Canyon. It is very interesting with its reflection on the wet parking lot.

In the Spirit of Christmas

2011-12-15T20:49:00.001-06:00

In the Spirit of Christmas, we girls get together every December to eat (mostly), give gifts and laugh a lot. While our photographer was trying to get pictures some of us cracked up and just couldn't hold their composure. But we did get a good picture of Jane's front porch which she ever so cleverly decorates for the holidays.

In the spirit of Christmas dumped, OWS plans to close west coast ports. Did you ever hear, like I did as a child, "Don't cut off your nose to spite your face"? Evidently that has not occurred to this bunch of radicals. They are trying to get more jobs and thus the economy back on track by causing more loss by businesses. That doesn't make any sense...but then sense is not something that is plentiful to that group.

Bow and Arrow

2011-12-14T21:44:00.002-06:00

When someone works long hours, he needs to get far enough away from that world to actually rest his head. I'm very proud that our son-in-law takes his business seriously and works steadfastly for weeks on end. And I'm also happy he has a hobby that allows him to catch his breath and recoup. He loves to hunt, enough so that he works at it. But it still gives him a break from the norm and allows him to rest his head. He can sit very still in a tree watching for deer for hours.

Check out this bow. It is a strange contraption, much different from how I picture one.

It has been said that the male of the species (Homo sapiens) has a brain with an empty box. This allows them to think about nothing. While the female is constantly thinking about everything else at once. It makes sense that not many woman would want to hunt...not only would they not want to hurt someone's mother, for example, but they wouldn't be able to sit or stand there for long times without thinking. For example if I were out there, I'd have so many thoughts going through my mind that I would forget why I was out there to start with.

Sometimes when I go to the grocery store and am forced to look at the prices, I think that we would be better off if either my husband or I knew how to hunt. The prices are more scary each month.

I pray that God helps us come together to elect a president and congress with our needs in mind instead to the wants of those who would love to permanently destroy our freedom and take us back to the horse and buggy when we would be forced to hunt and fish or starve.

Ronald McDonald House

2011-12-13T22:15:00.000-06:00

It would be very difficult to have a child in the hospital for a long period of time and worse yet to have that child be readmitted over and over. We were able to tour the Ronald McDOnald House in Wilmington, DE a few weeks ago. It is a wonderful, loving service that they provide and worthy of donations.

May the good Lord bless and keep you. Remember to bring the light of Christ to the world this week. Say Merry Christmas. The younger generation is being taught in school to be PC. It won't be long before they will never hear of our Lord and Savior in this great land that was settled so that we could be free to worship him in peace.

Cool, Funny, Unique

2011-12-12T05:05:00.000-06:00

Cool, Funny, Unique...that is Mason. And Gramma loves him lots. These pictures were made on their photo shoot day for the year. He is now in fourth grade . He must have the best smile in his grade.

4th Grade

2011-12-11T21:21:00.000-06:00

The layout here was done with Aussie's 4th grade 'school' pictures that were shot on a farm. Chelle took her camera and took all these photos after the hired photographer had finished his shoot. The surroundings made a wonderful backdrop for photos and we will cherish these memories of the triplet's fourth year in grade school.

Well, I'm off to bed for a good night's sleep. Have a very busy day coming up.

May God protect us each day, all along the way. We need Him every hour.

Red Trike

2011-12-10T22:32:00.000-06:00

This picture couldn't be cuter in my opinion. Caleb was shopping with Mom and Dad and tried out this red trike. He found it a little big, or his legs a bit too short for peddling. Maybe by summer, Caleb.

I am prayerfully reviewing some scripture I reviewed today that could change the whole tone of my blog.
Titus 3:12 "Remind the people to be subject to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready to do whatever is good, to slander no one, to be peaceable and considerate and to show true humility toward all men."

It seems a little difficult to declare that I am rightly opinionated in a humble way. So I respectfully ask you to pray that I can reconcile this within my heart and be able to continue blogging under this title...with all humility...or not.

Holly Tree

2011-12-09T23:00:00.001-06:00

Whether tree or scrub, I love holly. We have a small bush that must not like it's location, since it grows so very slowly. This year, however, it did have a wonderful show of red berries.

When I saw this nice full tree on the Hagley museum property in Delaware, I had to have a picture. No matter what time of year I see it, I think of Christmas.

Although holly was considered sacred by the Druids, it was thought to be a symbol of fertility and eternal life.
Christians adopted the use of holly, but gave it new meaning. Today it is symbolic of Jesus Christ. The red berries remind us of the blood He shed on the cross. Legend has it that the berries were originally white, but they were stained forever with His blood. The sharp and pointed leaves now remind us of the crown of thorns that was placed on our Lord's head.

Since this picture with the holly tree was taken the day after Thanksgiving, I thought it would be a good layout for the blog...it might even make a fairly good Christmas card, which I have yet to design. Guess I'd better either get with it or forego cards for this year. Sigh.

School Memories

2011-12-08T22:31:00.000-06:00

This layout shows off our Ashley. Her pictures were snapped on a farm as part of a day for school pictures at the Academy. I love the colors she chose to wear that day and I used them in the layout. One day we'll all look back at the pictures and wonder where the time went. Memories are kept well in a scrapbook.

Drink the Hot Chocolate...Not the Kool-aid

2011-12-07T22:48:00.000-06:00

This little guy works hard on his skills. He has now learned to drink from an open cup without dripping his hot chocolate down his shirt.

I'd like to do all I can to encourage those growing up here in America, with hope for individual freedom and the opportunity to make the best of themselves.

However, we have those in high positions in the land now telling our children they need to be socialists in order for our country to recover.

Our very own president made a speech in Oklahoma yesterday that could have been given by any number of socialists including mao tse tung, Kruschev, Stalin or Hitler. For one thing, he said that a supply side economy has never worked anywhere in the world. I wonder how one could explain all the many, many decades we were doing quite well before he and his radical comrades either took office or became Czars. The sad thing is, many of the youth today have been so very brainwashed in our public schools which have rejected God and individual freedom. They have been molded into brain numbed followers who march when they hear the piper playing.

If you know any of these kids, keep trying. If we don't get through to them, this country is history and a brand new socialist state will arise and suffocate all business and freedom. We who know history don't want to live in a police state.

Caleb Meets Santa

2011-12-06T21:33:00.000-06:00

This is Caleb's first time to meet Santa. I wish I knew what he was thinking.

I had been really anxious to get these pictures of Caleb. But while waiting for them to appear in my inbox or on Facebook, I ran across the following sign on a friend's Facebook page and grabbed it for the blog.

It fits me well...even though I seldom say anything anyone could question.

2011-12-05T22:55:00.001-06:00

I have been to the Sam Davis home in Smyrna, TN with the triplets. But this time they were there to have pictures made for their school year book. I love the way the light played off Ashley's long hair. And Aussie's self assured pose is great. Mason has a natural smile that would warm any heart.

Miracle on 34th Street

2011-12-04T21:57:00.000-06:00

The triplets are appearing in a production of Miracle on 34th Street through Sunday, December 18th.
The boys ' style has been cramped by having to slick back their long hair. But it doesn't seem to have hurt their enthusiasm one bit. It has been a lot of fun for them as well as a good experience.

In case you can not enlarge the layout on your screen enough to read the text. It just gives their names in the play. Aussie is playing Tommy Mara, the DA's son, Mason is Harry Finford and Ashley portrays a kangaroo. She gets the cute costume.

The background is a poster from movieposter.com.

Polar Express

2011-12-03T22:35:00.000-06:00

Sorry I'm rushing, but this is what we did last night. We joined some church friends for a wonderful evening on the Polar Express. It was a great train trip to the North Pole. We really had fun seeing our friend and elf, Robin, doing her thing on the train entertaining adults as well as the little ones who were so very, very excited tone there. They had such wide, bright eyes watching the elves and they got to see Santa as well. I loved it. Hope to share the experience some time in the future.

Our Hope

2011-12-02T21:28:00.000-06:00

Hoping to find a good photo opportunity, I decided to walk with the girls to a creek not far from April's.
It was a very pretty area and I was able to get this good 'sunny' picture of Sammy, Hope, Gracie and April on a bridge overlooking the stream. As we stood there an Amish buggy approached and as it passed us there on the bridge, the driver cracked his whip and took off quickly. I doubt they were afraid of us; but he may have caught a glimpse of'my camera...an Amish no no.

The Amish hope is in Jesus, as is ours. for He said, "I am the gate, whoever enters through me will be saved." John 10:9

Even though we do share that common belief, we certainly do not live our lives similarly.

God knows our hearts and blesses us accordingly.

May God bless you all with a blessed Christmas season.

2011-12-01T21:47:00.001-06:00

We were introduced to Pat on Thanksgiving Day. We are thankful that Lauren chooses good friends.

Current European tax Rates    United Kingdom     Income Tax:   50%
    VAT:   17.5%   TOTAL:   67.5%

France
   Income Tax:   40%
    VAT:   19.6%   TOTAL:   59.6%

Greece
   Income Tax:   40%
    VAT:   25%      TOTAL:   65%

Spain
   Income Tax: 45%
    VAT: 16%      TOTAL:   61%

Portugal
   Income Tax:   42%
    VAT:   20%      TOTAL:   62%

Sweden
   Income Tax:   55%
    VAT:   25%      TOTAL:   80%

Norway
   Income Tax:   54.3%
    VAT:   25%      TOTAL:   79.3%

Netherlands
   Income Tax:   52%
    VAT:   19%      TOTAL:   71%

Denmark
   I! ncome Tax:   58%
    VAT:   25%      TOTAL:   83%

Finland
   Income Tax:   53%
    VAT:   22%      TOTAL:   75%

If you've started to wonder what the real costs of socialism are going to be - once the full program in these United States hits your wallet, take a look at the table. As you digest these mind-boggling figures, keep in mind that in spite of these astronomical tax rates, these countries are still not financing their social welfare programs exclusively from tax revenues! They are deeply mired in public debt of gargantuan proportions. Greece has reached the point where its debt is so huge it is in imminent danger of defaulting. That is the reason the European economic community has intervened to bail them out. If you're following the financial news, you know Spain and Portugal are right behind Greece .

The United States is now heading right down the same path. The VAT tax in the table is the national sales tax that Europeans pay. Stay tuned because that is exactly what you can expect to see the administration proposing after the fall elections. The initial percentage in the United States isn't going to be anywhere near the outrageous numbers you now see in Europe. Guess what. the current outrageous numbers in Europe didn't start out as outrageous either. They started out as minuscule - right around the 1% or 2% where they will start out in the United States. Magically, however, they ran up over the years to where they are now. Expect the same thing here.

It is the very notion that with hard work and perseverance, anybody can get ahead economically here in the USA. Do you think that can ever happen with tax rates between 60% and 80%? Think again. With the government taking that percentage of your money,! your life will be exactly like life in Europe... You will never be able to buy a home. You will never buy a car. You will never send your children to college. Let's not shuffle the battle cry of the socialists under the rug either. It's always the same cry. Equalize income. Spread the wealth to the poor (whoever they are). Level the economic playing field. Accomplish that and everything will be rosy.

It's time to take a really hard look at reality. Greece is a perfect example. Despite the socialism system that has ruled this country for decades, with a 65% tax rate, they are drowning in public debt, would have defaulted without hundreds of billions in bailout money from the EU, and still. . . 20% of their population lives in poverty. What has all that socialism money bought, besides ultimate power for the politicians running the show? Do you think these people are "free"? They're not.

They are slaves to their economic "system."

Whatever Happened?

2011-11-30T23:08:00.000-06:00

Whatever happened? Why are the kids here? What have they been doing? This picture was shot on their official school picture day which is scheduled once a year and for which a professional photographer is hired. However, Chelle always takes advantage of the day to make a lot of interesting shots for her own use. So far, the triplets have cooperated and consequently, we have many great pictures.

And whatever happened to, 'innocent until proven guilty". Isn't that law in this land? If you think a minute, I'll bet you'll come up with a dichotomy between this law and practice.

The treatment of Herman Cain recently is a perfect example of this. He has been accused of things that he quite frankly says are false. All evidence points that way as well.

But a group of crazed, monied people practicing Chicago gangland politics are determined to discredit every Republican in the race, because they can not win a clean race. They have nothing to offer except more of the same.

It would be a sad thing to see this type of behavior condoned, to see it win out and destroy our freedom and this country.

As far as I am concerned, Herman Cain is innocent of all the charges brought against him...unless and until he is proven guilty in a court of law.

Can we stand 4 more years of this type of politics? The destruction of a man's reputation?

Creative Use of Play Dough

2011-11-29T21:14:00.000-06:00

That's my grandson! I love this. Caleb is being creative...thinking outside the box... Interesting piece of art. This is the most unusual use of play dough I've seen. So glad he chose to do it on canvas instead of the wall his mother is painting.

Museums

2011-11-28T22:19:00.000-06:00

My husband loves museums...at least it appears that way. He always wants to see them. This last weekend, after much coaxing, he finally chose where he wanted to go...to the Hagley Museum. We arrived at 4:30 PM and it closed at 4:30 PM. Perhaps it would have been better to make some decisions earlier. Well, anyway, I can look forward to seeing it next time. I bet you can tell that I can hardly wait to see a museum of gun powder. Oh well, no matter what, my camera and I always find something interesting to shoot. And how appropriate is a shot in a gun powder museum? Very!

If we as a nation continue to postpone making decisions, we will end up sooner than later a socialist (Marxist) republic. Some of the first moves are being made toward a 'peace keeping' force within the states. Wake up people, our rights are being usurped. Inform yourselves and call your senators. Then at least you can say you tried.

Be a vocal Christian this holiday season and wish all you see a MERRY CHRISTMAS! May God bless you all.

Ronald McDonald House

2011-11-27T21:29:00.001-06:00

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, we were able to visit the Ronald McDonald House in Wilmington, DE. We were very impressed with the operation. It is wonderful to see so many people donating and volunteering their time for such a worthwhile effort.

While there, we took advantage of the gazebo on the property for a photo shoot. April, Tim, Hope, Jarod and little Sam posed with Ron and me.

To God be the glory!

If one evening you open the blog and don't see a current message, I am apologizing in advance. I started the blog as a fun endeavor, but sometimes with the problems I'm having with my computer and my resultant high blood pressure, some days it is a chore to come up with a layout. So, again...if I miss a day or so this Christmas season, please know that I'll be back as often as I can.

Meanwhile I will be holding on to Proverbs 3:5:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

Thanksgiving Turkey

2011-11-26T20:40:00.000-06:00

Something is wrong with this picture.

I'd like you to meet some fine looking white Amish turkeys. They do not look like the traditional birds we see in picture books. They are quite pretty. And I'm told by my daughter, who lives in the neighborhood, that the little children of the family like to play with them.

Now let me tell you about Thanksgiving Day... One of these big birds ended up on the dining room table of my daughter. It had lost its feathers and really looked like any other turkey one might buy at the store. It was delicious. But I must say, that at least one person there declined to eat that pet turkey.

Now, notice Abram and Sarah Turkey look at that funny looking brown creature dressed in his Pilgrim clothes. I wonder what they are thinking.

I'll tell you what. I really would prefer to eat a turkey from the local grocery than one that grew up down the street from me. Okay, laugh at me if you will. But next year, I'm eating ham. ..and don't show me any cute pigs.

Cutie Pie

2011-11-25T19:31:00.000-06:00

Whom Do We Cheer?

2011-11-22T21:48:00.010-06:00

Caleb had a great time running off some energy...
around and around my kitchen counters. And of
course I didn't mind. I

wasn't cooking. I was watching him like

I'd paid $100 to see a fantastic play. He

is my grandson!

When I was a teenager there was a singer

whom I loved to see and hear...and it was not Elvis.

When I was a teenager there was a singer

that I loved to see and hear. It was not Elvis.

I thought he was disgusting at the

time. I liked to hear him sing Peace in the

Valley, but that was it.

I liked Pat Boone. He went to the same

college as I did only some years before.

One of his friends went to church with

me and a couple of times Pat came to

our state and went to church with us.
The second time he came, he was famous.

Someone saw him enter the building and

when church was over and we opened

the doors, there was a humungous crowd

out there waiting and cheering for him.

They were cheering just about like I

clapped for little Caleb in my kitchen.

Today Pat Boone is still speaking his mind

and I've copied here his thoughts on Obama.

Pat Boone on Obama......Simply
Outstanding

CHRISTIAN NATION!

When you have read what Pat Boone

wrote about Obama (below), you may

want to click on the link to "Snopes",

which brings up a page telling you that

this is an actual letter written by Pat

Boone - and Very well written, I might

add.

THIS IS AN EXCELLENT COMMENTARY,

AND SHOULD BE READ BY EVERY

AMERICAN!

The President Without A Country

By Pat Boone

"We're no longer a Christian nation." - President

Barack Obama, June 2009
" America has been arrogant." -

President BarackObama
"After 9/11, America didn't always

live up to her ideals."- President Barack Obama

"You might say that America is a Muslim nation."

- President Barack Obama, Egypt

2009

Thinking about these and other statements

made by the man who wears the title of president.
I keep wondering what country

he believes he's president of.

In one of my very favorite stories,

EdwardEverett Hale's "The Man without

a Country," a young Army lieutenant

named Philip Nolan stands condemned

for treason during the Revolutionary

War, having come under the influence

of Aaron Burr. When the judge asks

him if he wishes to say anything before

sentence is passed, young Nolan

defiantly exclaims, "Damn the United

States ! I wish I might never hear of

the United States again!"

The stunned silence in the courtroom

is palpable, pulsing. After a long pause,

the judge soberly says to the angry

lieutenant: "You have just pronounced

your own sentence. You will never hear

of the United States again.. I sentence

you to spend the rest of your life at

sea, on one or another of this c

ountry's naval vessels - under strict

orders that no one will ever speak to

you again about the country you have

just cursed."

And so it was. Philip Nolan was taken

away and spent the next 40 years at

sea, never hearing anything but an

occasional slip of the tongue about

America.. The last few pages of

the story, recounting Nolan's dying

hours in his small stateroom - now

turned into a shrine to the country

he foreswore - never fail to bring

me to tears. And I find my own

love for this dream, this miracle

called America , refreshed and

renewed. I know how blessed and

unique we are.
But reading and hearing the audacious,

shocking statements of the man who

was recently elected our president

- a young black man living the

impossible dream of millions of young

Americans, past and present, black

and white - I want to ask him,

"Just what country do you think

you're president of?"

You surely can't be referring to

the United States of America ,

can you? America is emphatically

a Christian nation, and has been

from its inception! Seventy percent

of her citizens identify themselves

as Christian. The Declaration of

Independence and our Constitution

were framed, written and ratified

by Christians. It's because this

was, and is, a nation built on and

guided by Judeo-Christian biblical

principles that you, sir, have had

the inestimable privilege of being

elected her president.

You studied law at Harvard, didn't

you, sir? You taught constitutional

law in Chicago ? Did you not ever

read the statement of John Jay,

the first Chief Justice of the

Supreme Court and an author of

the landmark "Federalist Papers":

" Providence has given to our people

the choice of their rulers - and it

is the duty, as well as the privilege

and interest of our Christian nation

- to select and prefer Christians

for their rulers"?

In your studies, you surely must have

read the decision of the Supreme

Court in 1892: "Our lives and our

institutions must necessarily be

based upon and embody the teachings

of the Redeemer of mankind. It is

impossible that it should be

otherwise; and in this sense and to

this extent our civilization and our

institutions are emphatically Christian."

Did your professors have you skip

over all the high-court decisions

right up till the mid 1900's that

echoed and reinforced these views

and intentions? Did you pick up the

history of American jurisprudence

only in 1947, when for the first

time a phrase coined by Thomas

Jefferson about a "wall of separation

between church and state" was used

to deny some specific religious

expression -contrary to Jefferson's

intent with that statement?
Or, wait a minute: were your ideas

about America 's Christianity formed

during the 20 years you were a

member of the TrinityUnitedChurch

of Christ under your pastor, Jeremiah

Wright? Is that where you got the i

dea that " America is no longer a

Christian nation"? Is this where you,

even as you came to call yourself

a Christian, formed the belief that

" America has been arrogant"?

Even if that's the understandable

explanation of your damning of

your country and accusing the whole

nation (not just a few military

officials trying their best to keep

more Americans from being murdered

by jihadists) of "not always living

up to her ideals," how did you come

up with the ridiculous, alarming

notion that we might be"considered

a Muslim nation"?
Is it because there are some 2

million or more Muslims living here,

trying to be good Americans? Out

of a current population of over 300

million, 70 percent of whom are

Christians? Does that make us, by

any rational definition, a "Muslim nation"?

Why are we not, then, a "Chinese

nation"? A "Korean nation"? Even a

"Vietnamese nation"? There are even

more of these distinct groups in

America than Muslims. And if the

distinction you're trying to make is

a religious one, why is America not

"a Jewish nation"? There's actually

a case to be made for the latter,

because our Constitution - and the

success of our Revolution and founding

- owe a deep debt to our Jewish brothers.

Have you stopped to think what an

actual Muslim America would be like?

Have you ever really spent much time

in Iran ? Even in Egypt ? You, having

been instructed in Islam as a kid at

a Muslim school in Indonesia and

saying you still love the call to evening

prayers, can surely picture our nation

founded on the Quran, not the Judeo-

Christian Bible, and living under

Shariah law. Can't you? You do

recall Muhammad's directives

[Surah 9:5,73] to "break the cross"

and "kill the infidel"?
It seems increasingly and painfully

obvious that you are more influenced

by your upbringing and questionable

education than most suspected. If you

consider yourself the president of a

people who are "no longer Christian,"

who have

"failed to live up to our ideals," who

"have

been arrogant," and might even be

"considered Muslim" - you are president

of a country most Americans don't

recognize.

Could it be you are a president without

a country?

All who love their Christian Beliefs and

their Country, Forward to all in your

address book.

http://www.snopes.com/politics/soapbox/patboone.asp

Early Thanksgivings

2011-11-21T22:27:00.000-06:00

We need to remember to give thanks at all times for the marvelous gifts our Lord has given us. On Thanksgiving , which was set apart by George Washington as a religious national holiday of thanks to God, we are blest with a special time to think of what is good in our lives. We generally have much more to be thankful for today than the early settlers did, and yet sometimes we lack the faith they had.

Thanksgiving is a good time to slow down and count your blessings. Give thanks this week for everything that is a blessing, big or small.

As I look at these pictures I appreciate so many things...my husband, my family...including this little grandson who lights up our life. I am thankful for the piano, a roof over our heads with adequate heat, for wood floors that are easier to clean than old carpet, for this old lamp that caught my eye years ago in a new shop I was visiting with friends, for whom I am thankful. Try counting. You may perk up a bit.

Sometimes our friend Jim Chilton says things so well, that I must post his piece here for you. And today I am doing just that:

A Thanksgiving Message From A Dollar Bill (21^st November 2011)

A favorite passage of our ancestors was Psalm 95: “Come, let us sing for joy to Yahweh; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song. For Yahweh is the great God, the great King above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth, and the mountain peaks belong to him. The sea is his, for he made it, and his hands formed the dry land. Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before Yahweh our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care” (1-7).

Early Thanksgivings in America were celebrated in spite of many hardships and loss. They had joy in their hearts brought on by a deep and abiding peace in the Lord. Today, Thanksgiving is our only cultural “religious” holiday. George Washington, as president, made this proclamation on 3^rd October 1789: “Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly implore his protection and favor.” He would refer to God as “the great Lord and Ruler of Nations.”

We’ve been told that money talks, and this week we will prove it. In Jesus’ day, He was asked to comment on a Roman coin. Maybe if He were here today, He would ask for a buck and say, “You seem to worship this so much; why don’t you listen to it.”

Take a buck out and look on the back. Above the pyramid are the words, Annuit Coeptus. In 1782 Congress appointed William Barton, a design artist, to propose a national seal. He did, and he included these Latin words, which means, “God has favored our undertakings.” He certainly has!

Psalm 90:17 asserts, “May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us.” Solomon added, “for whoever find me finds life and receives favor from Yahweh” (Proverbs 8:35).

Who gave us our liberty and prosperity? Technology, education, resources, luck? No. “God has favored our undertakings.” Many other peoples lived on this soil before the pilgrims, but something special happened when people came with a kingdom agenda, and our national seal reminds us.

Jim Chilton

thejameschilton@gmail.com

Comfort

2011-11-20T22:51:00.000-06:00

For Caleb a comfort is his very special blankie his mom made for him and a finger in his mouth.

It sometimes takes much more to comfort adults, whose world is so complicated and filled with sinful influences. But we can take comfort in the fact that like Caleb's mommy loves him, our God and Father loves us very much and wants the best for each of us.

Psalm 23
A psalm of David.

¹ The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing.
² He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters,
³ he refreshes my soul.
He guides me along the right paths
   for his name’s sake.
⁴ Even though I walk
   through the darkest valley,^[a]
I will fear no evil,
   for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
   they comfort me.

⁵ You prepare a table before me
   in the presence of my enemies.
You anoint my head with oil;
   my cup overflows.
⁶ Surely your goodness and love will follow me
   all the days of my life,
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD
   forever.

2 Corinthians 1:3
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,

Sleep tight in the comfort of our LORD.

2011-11-19T22:23:00.000-06:00

Caleb is a real worker. Sometimes as hard as he tries, it doesn't seem to me that he gets very far. But he in good nature continues to practice whatever it is. That reminds me of an email titled PUSH that I received today. It has gone around and around the web and is always a good read:

A man was sleeping one night in his cabin when suddenly his room filled with light, and God appeared.

The Lord told the man he had work for him to do, and showed him a large rock in front of his cabin.

The Lord explained that the man was to push against the rock with
all his might...

So, this the man did, day after day. For many years he toiled from
sunup to sundown, his shoulders set squarely against the cold,
massive surface of the unmoving rock, pushing with all his might!

Each night the man returned to his cabin sore and worn out, feeling
that his whole day had been spent in vain.

Since the man was showing discouragement, the Adversary (Satan) decided to enter the picture by placing thoughts into the man's weary mind. (He will do it every time!)

"You have been pushing against that rock for a long time and it hasn't moved." Thus, he gave the man the impression that the task was impossible and that he was a failure.

These thoughts discouraged and disheartened the man.

Satan said, "Why kill yourself over this? Just put in your time, giving just the minimum effort, and that will be good enough."

That's what the weary man planned to do, but decided to make it a
matter of prayer and to take his troubled thoughts to the Lord.

"Lord," he said, "I have labored long and hard in Your Service, putting all my strength to do that which you have asked.

Yet, after all this time, I have not even budged that rock by half a
millimeter. What is wrong? Why am I failing?"

The Lord responded compassionately, "My friend, when I asked you to serve Me and you accepted, I told you that your task was to push against the rock with all of your strength, which you have done.

Never once did I mention to you that I expected you to move it.
Your task was to push.

And now you come to Me with your strength spent, thinking that you have failed. But, is that really so? Look at yourself.

Your arms are strong and muscled, your back shiny and brown;
your hands are callused from constant pressure, your legs have become massive and hard. Through opposition you have grown much, and your abilities now surpass that which you used to have. True, you haven't moved the rock.

But your calling was to be obedient and to push and to exercise your faith and trust in My wisdom.

That you have done. Now I, my friend, will move the rock.."

At times, when we hear a word from God, we tend to use our own
intellect to decipher what He wants, when actually what God wants
is just simple obedience and faith in Him.

By all means, exercise the faith that moves mountains, but know that it is still God Who moves the mountains.

When everything seems to go wrong.................................Just P.U.S.H.

When the job gets you down...............................................Just P.U.S.H.

When people don't do as you think they should.................Just P.U.S.H.

When your money is "gone" and the bills are due..............Just P.U.S.H.

When people just don't understand you..............................Just P.U.S.H.

P = Pray
U = Until
S = Something
H = Happens

Some of us are feeling these days that no matter what we do, we just keep getting more behind. PUSH and God will do the rest.

Here Is Your Wish

2011-11-18T22:01:00.000-06:00

This layout was done to please my daughter, Chelle. She took her triplets on a photo shoot yesterday. They co-operated and she took some marvelous pictures. However, she wanted them to pose with this scarecrow and they thought it was just too creepy. They didn't want to be near it.

No problem for Gramma. She could make it happen. Hope you are happy, Chelle. And kiddos, hope you are glad your mom is happy while you didn't have to be anywhere near old Mr. Ugly Face.

I'm glad to have helped out here, while I'm not sure what I'll be able to do day to day...I think my computer is about to die. At least that is the way it seems...my hard drive is failing. There could be a time when I don't get to publish my layout of the day.

With all the trouble in the world already, we might as pile this on as well...a rebellious computer. It just doesn't want to work.. . It would rather set on my desk and look pretty. Maybe we should pitch a tent in the park for it.

I Love You Lord and Am Thankful for So Much

2011-11-17T14:22:00.000-06:00

Caleb is a lucky boy. His mom and grandmother are great cooks. (The excludes me, Gramma.) When I was emailed this picture, I just figured it was baked just for him in Carol's kitchen, but even she buys some things ready to eat. Anyway, he was at her house eating chocolate croissants. What a treat. It certainly looks as if he was enjoying them.

Caleb is an active and healthy boy! He eats well, so we don't worry about him having a few yummies. When he was here on Tuesday, his favorite part of lunch was Grandma Shearer's potato chips. He gobbled them.

Ladies' Bible Class this morning was dedicated to our favorite things. Some ladies brought sweet treats.
One made spiced cider. Some of us had favorite songs . Others had verses that were exceedingly comforting for them. One read a poem.

Even though I could have probably talked about my grand children, I didn't want to suggest that mine were better than those of the other older ladies. So, I shared a song that I break into singing quite often at home. It is the praise song, I Love You Lord. I sing it in full voice when I'm alone...only in the company of our God and Father. I know that He loves me his child. And I believe to Him, my voice is as beautiful as Carrie Underwood. (I'm sure that will make you laugh if you've heard me sing.)

I love you, Lord
And I lift my voice
To worship You
Oh, my soul rejoice!
Take joy my King
In what You hear
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound in Your ear

Been There, Done That, Worn Out

2011-11-16T21:11:00.000-06:00

What a blessing it was to have Beth and Caleb here yesterday. You know that grandchildren are the reward for having raised children. The little fellow was so full of energy and kept us entertained for hours. I could tell he was getting sleepy near the end, but he held out until he got in his car seat, cuddled in with his new toys, and started back to Columbus where he has been visiting his Mom's side of the family. Beth said he was out in no time and made her drive rather peaceful. Now all we can think about is how very cute and talented he is and when we are going to see him again.

The first part of the title, "Been There, Done That" has been a very popular saying in the past decade or two. Adding, "Worn Out" just followed when I saw this picture.

Our nation has been there, done that before...twice before, once with FDR and then with Carter. And it wore us out both times. But no matter how tired it makes us feel, we have to keep up the good 'fight'. We surely have learned from history and know that we can't give in to this type of practice. We can not build business by choking it with government regulations and taxes. We can not be independent of foreign oil, if we will not allow companies to drill here, drill now. We can not be independent with wind power, sun power, or anything else that doesn't and can't produce enough to run even one city in this nation.

With God's help we can rebuild this nation before it is too late. We need to do it for Caleb and all the other children who should not have to become slaves to government.

Fall Splendor

2011-11-15T22:09:00.000-06:00

Last Friday some of us ORU girls made a little road trip down to the Pine Tree Barn. Even though the sun was not shining brightly, it was not a dreary day. And we caught the end of some very lovely fall color.

As usual we enjoyed a scrumptious lunch and dessert. We also had a lot of fun browsing through all the rooms in the 'barn' admiring apparel, furniture, gift items, jewelry and Christmas decorations. I tend to be conservative with my wallet these days, but I broke down and bought a couple of items. One was a scarf that Teresa, acting as my personal shopper, picked out for me and the other a string of Christmas lighted stars, which will look splendid on my angel tree. Is it really about time to drag those trees up from the basement again???

It was wonderful to have a volunteer snap this picture for us, permitting me the pleasure of simply doing a
layout without any photoshopping of the shot. I wish she knew how much time she saved me and how much I appreciated her help.

God bless those who are thoughtful and anticipate the needs of others instead of continually wanting others to do everything for them. If you are not generally one who will step up and volunteer help, consider doing that now and then. Not only will you be appreciated, but you will feel satisfaction in your soul.

More Leaves

2011-11-14T18:22:00.000-06:00

Continuing with the leaves on the trampoline...Mason does his share of jumping. I love these shots of him in mid-air. And of course the group shot at the end with the leaf fight is fun.

Lots of Leaves November 13, 2011

2011-11-14T08:12:00.001-06:00

This is my blog entry for November 13. My computer didn't cooperate and froze; so I had to publish it this morning. I'll have another later today for the 14th.

Ashley had gone out to play on the trampoline, but she ran in quickly yelling, "Mom, get your camera."
The trampoline had been covered by leaves during the night. This made jumping in the leaves much more fun than usual. Of course, Chelle did have her camera and caught some really good shots of the kids. This page shows Ashley enjoying this unexpected gift of fall in her own backyard.

Tomorrow night I hope to post a companion page for this one.

Tonight we had what we call a Harvest Dinner at church. It is an annual affair and draws many from church and friends of the church as well as neighbors. Ron cooked a 22 pound turkey and I made LOTS of real cranberry sauce. Since I wanted a fresh turkey before the week of Easter, we paid dearly for it. Some had bought their frozen turkeys for 69 cents a pound and we paid over $2 a pound. For a bargain hunter, I really got a bad deal. I also bought three bags of fresh cranberries. Whenever I go to the grocery store these days, I wonder how people are coping if they still have high house payments, etc. We must do something to pull ourselves together and STOP THE OUTRAGEOUS FEDERAL SPENDING that will collapse our economy.

I don't think you check in to be left in a bad mood, so consider the Lord and His goodness. Rely on Him to give you peace, for He is a good God, full of love and forgiveness.

99% VS the 1%

2011-11-12T22:33:00.000-06:00

Aussie was in a Chinese Art class. Everyone had different characters to draw.

He was given the word, six. We are happy he has enjoyed Chinese for several years now and hope that continues.

Aussie is very much interested in his work. We hope he continues to find satisfaction in his endeavors.

There are many these days who are not satisfied.

Some who call themselves the 99% are actually placing blame on Wall Street for our economic woes. While I agree that bankers, etc. are not lily white...Wall Street as a whole is not the real reason for all the trouble we have been facing these last 2 1/2 years. I contend our president and his liberal pals in the Democratic party are the ones to blame.

What to do about it?

Well, it is definitely not what we see in the Occupy Wall Street (unruly) crowd. If you know people who are mixed up in this movement, I pray you will be able to speak kindly to them and explain that what they are doing is causing upheaval and will not, can not , achieve what they desire. Some are listening and turning away.

One of the most disturbing things about the Occupiers: their rallying cry, a song by Joseph Arthur called "We Stand as One." That sounds nice enough, but the lyrics are pretty frightening.

Here are a few of the lyrics that are pretty disconcerting for me, as I am part of the supposed

1 % he is referencing.

Our canvas is freedom
Your blood is our paint [...]
Like a pig you consumed
And like a pig you will roast [...]
And what you won’t share
Will be ripped from your hands
Your body destroyed
The way fire lands
Burning your homes
The privilege you snake
The payback beyond
Anything you could take
Naked you’ll be
And full of regret
And the way they were treated
You’ll long to forget

While the peace movement in the 60's was based on love and peace, this new bunch are motivated by the leaders to be violent.

The song writer has said that he supports non-violence and a 'peaceful resolution", but his lyrics send a different message.

Incognito

2011-11-11T21:49:00.000-06:00

Caleb is hiding behind a pair of glasses. But Gramma can't be fooled. She would know him anywhere.

Caleb, I know people say glasses help them read, but I'm not sure they would help you. Better just concentrate on talking right now. The reading will come soon enough. But you sure do look cute in those big glasses!

Do It Yourself Training

2011-11-10T23:12:00.000-06:00

Home Depot has a good thing going. They are training young people to 'do it yourself'. They learn the satisfaction of using tools and products to make something useful. Ashley and Mason made Christmas frames.

Pretending

2011-11-09T21:59:00.000-06:00

I had not realized what a big deal it could be for a nine year old to sit in the front seat of the family car. When I was a young girl, my mother and I would go to the store and I rode in the front. When my children were young, they did not have to ride in a car seat after about age 2....and that car seat could be in the front. It's been many years since then and a lot has changed. There are more and more regulations that were designed to protect us from ourselves. Frankly, if some of these things were not the law, I would not practice them. I would especially leave the babies up in the front beside me rather than in the back where I couldn't comfort them with my touch. As a law abiding person though, I do. obey..reluctantly maybe, but I still do.

All that to tell you about today's layout. Ashley at age 9 is still small enough that she must sit in a kid's seat in the back. But while she and her mother were waiting for the boys, they went to a drive in and Little Miss got to sit in the front with Mom once they were there. She had just seen a layout the day before in which I had put a new background behind her brothers. She had been very impressed and evidently was thinking about that when she said to her mother something to the effect that she wished she could make it daylight so she could tease her dad about her riding in the front seat. Well, Ashley, I've not only made it daylight, but you might tell him you were flying in the car. What do you think?

If I didn't have a wonderful family and a marvelous church family right now, I believe I'd be in utter despair over the election here in Ohio yesterday. It is so discouraging to see how brain washed the voters are about the public unions. If they only knew that the way they voted will most likely bring about the very thing they were trying to prevent. It's very sad. I hope that by the next time a similar issue comes up, they will better understand cause and effect.

Book Deadlines and Belligerant Computers.

2011-11-08T19:33:00.003-06:00

2011-11-07T21:52:00.002-06:00

The triplets have been going to a tutorial, called Priest Lake Academy this year instead of the Co op they attended in years past. The tutorial is also on Fridays and is very similar except that the teachers are paid, whereas in the co op, the parents took their turns teaching. It worked well because some were better with Math, others, history etc.

This layout depicts a Cookout held for the kids of Priest Lake Academy. The triplets look pretty happy. It seems they enjoyed being with their friends as well as swinging, climbing and roasting marshmallows.

I came across a quote that is quite meaningful to me these days. "The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing." Edmund Burke.

Very true! Tomorrow is voting day here in Ohio. Please do not sit by and wait for the voting to be over. We all have a duty to read up on the issues and to vote tomorrow.

Issue 2 is very important. Don't let the unions scare you. The consequences they describe for passing the bill are what will happen if it doesn't pass. These unions work for the people. Yet, they don't want us, the taxpayers to have any say in their work contracts. While all of us are losing jobs and many are stepping down to lower paying jobs, they want to continue telling us what we will pay them. It is only fair that they take cuts if the rest of us are. Where will we get the money if they demand more? Out of our already over taxed pockets...or those of our children.

Another issue of utmost importance is Issue 3 in Ohio . It has to do with the health care bill that the federal government has been pushing down our throats. If it does come into effect, our economy will take another big dive. Not only does it take away our freedoms in medical care, but it is packed full of other laws that have absolutely nothing to do with health care. One of those is a federal tax on all home sales. It will punish those who retire and then must sell their homes to have enough money to take care of themselves in their old age. If a person is able to pass the house on to his children, they will have to pay the tax. Vote yes on Issue 3 to preserve the freedom of Ohioans to choose their health care and health care coverage. Plus, vote yes to avoid all the laws that have sneaked into the national healthcare bill.

Don't sit this one out. Get out there and dance.

Daylight Savings Time

2011-11-06T21:52:00.000-06:00

We were blessed to have April visiting this weekend. Ron had been working feverishly in the yard a couple of hours before she arrived. While down by the lake, he decided he'd like our picture taken there by the burning bush. We managed to make that happen and here it is. Actually it was prettier earlier this fall, but it is still quite colorful.

I was happy to use my new Photoshop Elements 10 to write on the curve of the circle in this layout. Writing on a curve is a feature not found on previous versions and one I've wanted for a long time.

After the busyness the last couple of days, we managed to get all the clocks moved backward an hour last night. It is so nice to wake up after getting a full night's sleep. The only way I can do that on Sunday is to turn the clocks back. Just can't make myself go to bed early enough to jump up at 7 AM. Even on the "Lord's Day", 7AM is an ungodly hour... in by opinion. Daylight Savings Time works for me. I appreciate that extra hour, even if it is just on one Sunday morning a year.

Speaking of my opinion: we watched the 'debate' on C Span last night between Herman Cain and Newt Gingerich. If you get a chance to watch a rerun of it, you will profit by seeing it. It is pleasant to see those two work so well together and put forth ideas that will certainly help our country overcome it's present difficulties.

God bless America.

Sammy's One

2011-11-05T22:42:00.001-05:00

Sammy recently had his first birthday. Nothing cuter than seeing a one year old dig into a cake.
It has become a tradition to let one do that on his or her first birthday. Sammy is no exception. I think he likes it.

His dad, Jerod and his mom, Hope are pretty proud of him and so are all the rest of us in the family.

It's wonderful to watch these little ones, beloved of God, grow. Each has a personality all his own.

God loved the little children so very much that His word tells us if we do not become as little children, we will not enter into heaven.

Think about that. Why do you think that is? How can that be done? Think about it. Pray about it. Read your Bibles and meditate. He will help you become part of His blessed family.

Feeling Snowed Under?

2011-11-04T21:23:00.000-05:00

Snow came early this year in Colorado. It snowed on the mountain tops of the Rockies on September 6th. The first big snow of the season hit Ft. Collins on October 26. Then only one week later on Wednesday, November the 2nd, it snowed hard again. Very unusual, but welcomed by a little one who was quite happy to play in the white stuff. Here is Caleb and his dad that first morning with a heavy fresh coat on the backyard. Colorful leaves peeked their bright hues through the snow.

When you've been snowed over and can see no light ahead, rise up, listen to the master's voice. Strike out wearing your armor of faith and follow after than which the Lord commands of you. We are free in Christ.

First Snow

2011-11-03T22:54:00.000-05:00

These are the very first pictures we have of our little grandson enjoying snow. I love that cap. It is so colorful and warm. It looks as though it is reversible as well.

One thing I hear about Colorado that I dearly love is the fact that when it stops snowing, the sun comes out. The sky is blue. It feels warmer. And the snow melts. You get the best of both worlds. It is beautiful white snow, but you don't have a lot of need to shovel it. I might be wrong, but let me live in ignorance if I am, because that sounds fantastic to me. I love that white stuff, but suffer from the overcast skies and terribly cold weather here in Ohio. Don't get me wrong, I prefer snow to no snow and hot weather.

I suffer enough thinking about what is happening to our nation, some of it right out in the open where we can track it every day and more beneath the surface where it doesn't come to light until it is uncovered by learned people such as those at the Heritage Foundation.

Under the Constitution though, we do have the power to change it. Just pray that God holds back the enemy enough that the country's economy is not completely destroyed beyond repair and that we don't lose all freedom before the election in 2012.

Meet CatLink and Ash Ketchum

2011-11-02T21:39:00.001-05:00

Last night you got to see Ashley's Halloween costume. She went for a very pretty real life look. Tonight we have the rest of the triplets...the boys all dressed for Trick or Treating. They may be triplets, but they certainly do not think alike. They are individuals! Both boys were more influenced by computer games. While Aussie had to make up his own character, one in which he combined a cat with the character Link from the game Zelda to make CatLink. He wore the outfit that his mother painstakingly made for him according to his direction last year. But Mason was content to dress like Ash Ketchum who is a Pokemon catcher. All three had a fun packed Halloween.

Who is This Really?

2011-11-01T22:51:00.000-05:00

I wasn't ready for this. When I got the picture, I recognized my daughter's china, but who is this girl in her house? Yes, it is Halloween, but who would this be in her house? She looked a little bit familiar, but I couldn't place her. Where have I seen her?... OH on TV. Isn't this Selena Gomez? No, it couldn't be. She isn't that short. Why, that is our grand daughter, Ashley! No No No. She is just 9, she is not ready for this. It is really scary, scarier to a grandmother than ghosts. We hate to see our children grow up too fast. We want to keep them little. She's beautiful...but I don't want to look. OH GRAMMA! It is just for one day. Happy Halloween.

This is a scary season in our lives...seeing all that our nation was being destroyed by every 'stroke of the liberal pen'.

This week 28 GOP Representatives have joined a call for Holder's resignation, and they should! As Attorney General, he is responsible for 'stonewalling' on Fast and Furious. If you are not familiar with the gun running activity, check it out here:

http://www.newsmax.com/Headline/holder-GOP-resignation-scandal/2011/11/01/id/416445?s=al&promo_code=D62B-1

Keep God close. Only He can give us peace.

The Halloween Cow

2011-10-31T22:58:00.001-05:00

Caleb has just recently been saying, 'moo'. He also said the three little pigs go la, la, la. I don't know the name of the book and I won't tell him pigs don't say la. It is just too cute to hear him quote that book.

My favorite picture here is of him in his cow costume, sitting on the curb eating something from his stash. I think his first Halloween has made a good impression.

I thought of making a frame around his close up of bright orange, but it overpowered his sweet, sunny face, so I've used the softer hues.

Traditional Halloween colors are orange and black. Out of the blackest of holes crawled some this weekend who are out to smear Herman Cain. I would be the first to denounce him if I thought for a moment that there was any reality to the gestures he was supposed to have made. It is reported that they embarrassed and made the two ladies angry, but that the gestures were not overtly sexual. Okay, that being said...what is the issue?

As Republicans we look for a clean background. We search for a man or woman who has a good reputation.

In this world of over active lawyers, anyone can be accused of wrong doing at any time. But when those claims are found baseless, the person is still innocent, not guilty.

We are not talking an Edwards or a Clinton here.

What Does He Like?

2011-10-30T22:08:00.000-05:00

On Friday night I posted a layout of what I liked in Greenfield Village. I liked the whole package, but I was especially attracted to the simple pottery. But my husband, Ron, while enjoying the day, was consciously seeking out places to eat. He would find them and linger nearby until the rest of us would catch up with him. He talked us into lunch that way. But it didn't seem too lunch after eating that he decided it was time for an icy treat and he took us on a speedy walk to a place he had spotted earlier that day...to a frozen custard shop. And since I had him to take pictures of me throughout the day by signs, he wanted his by this sign. You see one of the prominent thoughts in Ron's head is filling his tummy and he loves frozen custard. But I have to admit it. I often like to eat as well, especially when it comes to treats. I do love frozen custard. As a matter of fact, Ron and I are both addicted to the DQ (Dairy Queen) Heath Blizzards. We have been known to skip dinner to go to DQ.

Sammy

2011-10-29T19:01:00.000-05:00

This is Sammy with the great big eyes and chubby checks. He is so adorable and since these pictures were taken, he has turned one year old. So I'll have to get busy and make a birthday layout for him as well.

The other big eyed charmer is his Aunt Lauren. She is also quite adorable! And she's our very sweet granddaughter.

Painted on the wall above my computer is this: 'The greatest girt I ever received came from God...my family.' I'm saddened when I hear of families that are divided, when their members are not happy with each other for some reason or other. I am praying that we get our country back into shape to where we can once more realize what is important in life...out relationships.

I Like

2011-10-28T22:56:00.000-05:00

While we were at Greenfield Village, we had the chance to watch as pottery was being made. I love to see things of beauty evolve from mud. These two pieces caught my eye as I scanned one table. Their symmetry was music to my eyes. I don't know how others are, but I can feel the rhythm in the plate and the bottle. They are simply beautiful.

Often we try to steer toward the complicated. Why is that? Do we fall for the elite notion that the common citizen is just too ignorant to understand what needs to be done and how to do it?

Lets just step back and see what has happened to us over the past fifty years or more. We have added law after law and tax after tax and things have just gotten worse. The original Constitution was a great document that worked very well, until we started trying to differentiate between Americans. When Martin Luther was able to bring everyone to even ground, what did we do? We started dividing people over everything. There are now old and young, different skin colors, rich and poor, workers and management (as if they don't 'work'), Christians and non Christians, male and female (and we've added more here), lean and fat, smokers and non-smokers. It goes on and on. We've divided America. But we are to be united...like the states. We are all the same...citizens. Those who are not citizens do not share the same privileges. But all who are and live by the same laws, should pay the same percentage of taxes, etc. We are all in this together and we need to respect one another. All jobs are important. All people have the right to live in freedom from oppressive laws.

I like the simple message of Herman Cain. It is based on facts, not complicated theories.

God's Earth

2011-10-26T15:33:00.000-05:00

Caleb was exploring further the lake area near his home. Like any boy, he is attracted to trees, dirt, etc.

I wanted some pretty word art, but couldn't find any. As I was playing around with words, trying to get across the idea that to a boy, nothing could be better than good old dirt, this came to me. "No man has built a better playground than God's earth." So now, I suppose I am responsible for this...if anyone likes it enough to repeat it.

Back in Time

2011-10-25T22:57:00.001-05:00

While we are only going back a month to our trip to Michigan, the Ford Museum took us back a hundred years. Back to a time we didn't really know. But some things and stories have been preserved for us so that we can get an idea of what life was like then. I have to admit I didn't enjoy studying history while I was in school, but now I realize the importance of knowing what has gone before us. I know that history repeats itself...mostly because people forget and make the same mistakes over and over again...and get the same consequences.

Of course right now, we are falling into some of the same traps that have been laid before in affluent societies. All Americans had been 'rich' compared to the rest of the world, but greed and jealousy is changing all that. We are constantly hearing the Robin Hood mantra...steal from the 'rich' and give to the poor. What we really need are the 'rich' who can produce jobs for the 'poor' so that they can earn themselves a comfortable living. One of the needs of man is to feel worthwhile...to know they are needed. It is very sad when some are reduced to begging from others in order to provide the bare necessities. We all need to celebrate life, knowing that all people are worthy of respect when they work at producing products or services. It doesn't matter what that is. Everyone has different abilities and all are important. In capitalism, it is possible to work extremely hard, long hours if one wants to go that route to 'get ahead'. The rest of us, who do not desire that type of life fully dedicated to work, are able to make a good living and enjoy other endeavors as well.

At present we are fighting a battle against socialists and radical Islam. It is a very rough time, unlike the years Ron and I grew up after World War II.

Could we have prevented much of this if we had known our history? Perhaps, but many have a tried to warn us. Are we listening? Back in March of this year Rush Limbaugh predicted that Egypt would fall into the hands of Islamists who would initiate Sharia Law. But our leaders either refused to listen, or knew and helped it happen. Now we are seeing country after country fall into Sharia. God help us.

Hiking the Rockies

2011-10-24T21:53:00.001-05:00

A Fresh Start

2011-10-23T22:54:00.000-05:00

Our Lord God told us in Lamentations 3:22-24:

New International Version (NIV)

²² Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed,
   for his compassions never fail.
²³ They are new every morning;
   great is your faithfulness.
²⁴ I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion;
   therefore I will wait for him.”

It is such a comfort to know that the Lord in compassionate.

It is good to know that we are always in his heart. It inspires us to get up each day, knowing that the past mistakes are gone. We are forgiven and we have a fresh start. Sure we don't get rid of the consequences here on earth, but we still have a home in heaven waiting for us. Each day we can begin anew to show him we trust him. We can obey one day at a time.

My layout today tells of our church Ladies' Class and it's Fresh Start. And of my own 'fresh start' with a new diet and exercise program.

Pray for me if you will. I am weak and am really tempted by foods I don't need. I also sit way more than is healthy.

Christ a Conservative

2011-10-22T22:02:00.000-05:00

I don't know if Caleb will grow up a Conservative, but I do expect he will think for himself. He seems pretty independent and thoughtful already.

I pray for a better world in the years to come for our grandchildren. Over in over in history, times alternated between good and bad. When God's people left his way en masse, He punished them with hard times until they came to their senses and went back to Him.

^{Matthew 5:8}(NIV) Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.

Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD...
Jeremiah 17:7 (King James Version)

Was Christ a Conservative? Christ a Conservative