A Family Smile

Cousins! What fun it was to have them here for Christmas. It turned out to be a fabulous day.
Now, if next year we can get more of us together. We might have better luck in the summer.
It is painful to have to say, we have not had the whole family together for 20 years. Really!

I don't know how or who could work this out, but I'm praying for it.

Big Yellow Chinese Fish

Why a big, yellow fish?

This was the night of Aussie's Chinese class performance and he did great. No, he wasn't a fish. He spoke Chinese. It seems a little strange to hear a blond boy speaking just like the others.
He does it very well.

Greg is the triplet's dad. He helps with the Chinese classes. He never turns down a chance to dress up and act...not even when it is a big yellow fish.

Gifting Family

I just realized I've practically ruined the page for tomorrow's blog and must get to it before going to sleep. Thank goodness this one is all right. Hope you are pleased with it, Lauren. Love you, girl.

The Best Christmas Gift

It is wonderful to see that someone enjoys the gifts you have chosen. It isn't easy to know what to buy for some people. But I love to get things for my granddaughters because they are appreciative of my tries.

It is harder for me to buy for guys. I just don't think like one evidently. Generally speaking, I have no idea what to purchase for Ron. But this year I think I did well. Hope to get a layout of him playing with that Wii soon.

Christmas isn't complete though until we take the time to contemplate the gift our God gave to us when he sent his son to earth to show us how we should live and to take our sins upon himself so that we can be saved. When this life is done, we can live with him in heaven for eternally.

Granddaughter Lauren

Well I'm beat. But it was all worth it. It is so cool having family here. I'll actually have some Christmas pictures on tomorrow; but I couldn't resist doing this one tonight. I like these colors and this sentiment for Lauren. She is in the tv room 'bowling' with her dad and her grandpa on the Wii 'PaPa' got for Christmas. It gave me the chance to run in here are do this layout for you all tonight.

On the Beach

The triplets were in Florida last week for their paternal grandfather's 70th birthday. They were surprised by the hot 80 degrees, and were unprepared...only had a single short sleeved shirt for each one. But here they are on the beach.

Seeing what they built in the sand, I would think that they really wished they were in Ohio with me, the maternal grandmother and the snow.

Not too many kids build 'snowmen' from sand. I think it is much more common to build 'sand castles' in the snow.

Sorry to say, as cute as it is, it will all wash away It will begone, just like all our stock and retirement funds.

The Perfect Stamp

While at the post office this morning, I was looking over the 'capitalist' wall... you know where they are trying to make up for the loses of the postal service. I saw that we can now actually make our own stamps. After thinking of all the occasions for which I might make such stamps, I had a bright idea...a 'light' bulb' moment! What if thousands (hey why not millions) of people started using Sarah Palin stamps? Would that make a statement? Would that show where our
hearts are? Would the post office become solvent?

Snow Brick

You may have thought this was about Eskimos and igloos, but it's not. It is about Buckeyes with security cameras that take video. It isn't a high quality picture; but it serves it's purpose. And when I'm reviewing the film ( whatever it is called now) or when I just look out the window and wish I had that shot, I can stop the 'tape' and have a 'still' pic. At 9:46 night before last, I glanced at a monitor and saw this picture with the brick pattern in the snow.
I love it. After more of the white stuff fell, the markings were gone and it was just a plain blanket, still pretty, but lacking the artistic appeal of the crisscross pattern.

This was the same day there was a record snow in Washington DC to 'welcome' back our august president who had been to Copenhagen (where these activists had endured another record snow) to sell us down the river, declaring that God is not in control of the weather, but we are and we are going to burn up the earth in no time. He and his socialist cronies plan to fix it by bankrupting our nation and sending even more of our hard earned money to foreign people who don't like us very much and want us to suffer. I'm sure God looked down and laughed as man insisted that the climate is changing and we are doing it. They have had to change their tune; because at first they were saying we are going to burn up the earth because it will warm 1 degree in a 1,000 years or some such rubbish. Those of us old enough to remember reminded all that only 30 years ago in the '70's the same people were holloring that we were going into an ice age. And even then they thought it was man who was causing the problem. Then God must have decided to make them look like the fools they are and started giving us record cold and snow. That showed quite well they didn't have any idea what they were talking about, but they just stated that we were having extremely cold weather because of 'global warming'. Of course that didn't fly, so they changed their mantra to 'climate change'.

No matter how many scientists say these statistics were all wet, these 'wantabe scientists' continue calling anyone who disagrees with their worthless theory names and trying to force them out of their jobs.

Recently it has been shown that they cannot prove one iota of their dismal assumption... through exposing emails that were hacked inside their 'scientific' community. But of course that doesn't stop those who are intent in shutting down our country to capitalism. They just protest louder. If they only knew how ignorant they really appear to those who have not yet been brainwashed.

More of Same

I think the pictures say it all. Some of our gifts were received with laughter, and the winner Chinese oddity caused outright shock...no awe.

Chelle commented yesterday that some of these would make good earrings. Maybe we should think about buying doubles next time. I'm almost sure we would be glad to send them all her way for her jewelry collection. Of course with some of the earrings I've seen lately. We could probably just search out tacky earrings. We wouldn't need to use tree ornaments. Anyone out there have stories or pictures of strange earrings?

Grown Women?

How can grown women get such a kick out of tacky? If you don't know, you should try it; unless of course, if it comes naturally to you. It might not be very much fun then. You might even be trying to avoid it...and not having any luck. We love you anyway. God made you and you are beautiful in His sight. And if God loves you, you don't need to worry about anything so trivial as tackiness.

All that said, we have a lot of fun choosing these'gifts' and sharing them with the others. Often someone will speak up with , "Hey, I don't think that is tacky." "It is really cute." Or,"I would put it on my tree." We really don't want to hear that.

Tonight we are featuring the 'less than perfect' presents received by Jill, Jane, Teresa and Paulette. In case you don't remember, double click on the picture and it will enlarge for you to see the details better. In case you wonder, I've saved the worst ones for tomorrow's layout.

Please take the opportunity tomorrow to meet with God's people in the church of your choice. You still have that option. Take advantage of it. In many areas of the world, you would not be allowed that privilege.

Battle of the Cameras

It was our Tacky Christmas party and Sali and I had a camera battle. First of all, let me tell you how happy I am that Sali got this new red camera. Phyllis has a good one she got last Christmas. But did she bring it? NO! I need help in this department because there is always so much happening all at once and I can't be close enough to get every shot. We really need multiple cameras to catch everything happening, or to even come close to getting most. Sali was doing her job well and got some terrific photos that night. Each of us caught the other in the act of snapping. She definitely won that one, capturing my flash at just the right time.

Sali is the winner...and this is her prize...appearing here at the right blog spot.

Christmas Ballet

Here is Ashley and her little friend, pretty enough to be ornaments on the tree.

Good Fortune

Being members of ORU(Opinions 'R Us), we have the good fortune of having the best friends anyone could ever have...each other. We were eating at a Chinese Restaurant. Guess I'm getting lazy with my photography, because of the eight of us there, I got pictures of only 3. But I can still tell the story.

At the end of our meal when the fortune cookies were delivered to our table, first Paulette announced that she had the perfect one. It said,"Getting together with old friends brings new adventures." But I mine was best. "All the answers you need are right there in front of you"...and there sat 7 of my friends, the wisest women in the world...as we see it. All containers of vast knowledge. Just ask us!

Of course the other 6 cookies missed the mark. But as usual when it comes to fortune cookies, we choose to remember the few that are just right.

Good Fortune

Becoming Less Colorful

Having 6 children has always been good at holidays because there were always some who could be here. But I have to admit I'm jealous of those who have their children living nearby, or at least close enough to see them at Christmas.

I AM thankful that April and her family will be here Christmas day, but I will miss everyone else. It has been about 20 years since we have had the whole family together. That just isn't right.

We have even toned down our decorations this year. There is only one tree and it is the smaller one. The outside looks like we went south for the winter... no twinkling stars, no reindeer, no candles in the windows, no wreath. No wonder I'm sad.

And on top of it all, we have elected a president who has banned Christmas from the White House. How far we've fallen in the last 11 months!

I don't want to leave on this sad note. I will kneel and pray and God will bring me a better attitude tomorrow.

Tacky Diceman

I promised this on Friday. It certainly is not something to be excited about. This is my tacky ornament for the gift exchange last week. It is the type of thing that one must apologize to the clerk for buying...like I have to let them know that my taste is not THIS bad. Bad maybe, but NOT THIS BAD. If you can't tell, it is a diceman. He has a top hat that is on a spring above his head. Not sure what he's holding in his hand. Of course none of this makes sense to me. Guess you have to be a big gambler to get it. Can't quite see it on my angel tree, or on the other one. It is decorated for children in pretty primary colors and sweet ornaments with animals and such. On what kind of tree would one put this? And WHO would buy it. I know. I know. I did. But there were others. It was not the only little diceman there. I wonder if the rest of them got homes. Perhaps we should send out a diceman rescue squad to round up all the pitiful little things and take them to a shelter somewhere out of the cold...then maybe they need cold. What do I know?

Icy Mirror Close Up

Icy Mirror

Ron called this scene to my attention yesterday. It is my view from here; yet I could have missed it with my eyes stuck to the computer screen. The sky was overcast, but it is still very pretty and I think worthy of a blog entry.

The text reads: High winds over the last few days have brought down lots of small branches and twigs. They litter the yard. But beyond the grounds lies a marvelous sight, the lake freshly frozen and smooth as glass. It mirrors the houses on the other side. Breathtaking!

We've found a wonderful home for the dragon from yesterday's blog. Aussie will love it. Perhaps he will give it a name.

Chinese Ornament

If you are of the 'Eastern' persuasion, you most likely will think this is a very nice ornament. You may even be able to tell me the story behind it. But sorry, to me it is downright ugly. That is just the way it is. I've tried to see it in a different light, but it still comes up looking the same, spooky. Let's put it this way, if I saw it coming up my sidewalk, I would run into the house, lock the doors and barricade them. Why would I want to hang something like this on a Christmas tree? I wouldn't. I guess that is why at our tacky Christmas Ornament exchange Friday night, Phyllis brought this as her offering. Why did I have to get it? I had the first choice. It was in a pretty box. That is why. Now that I have it, I would very much like to give it to someone who would appreciate it much more than I... actually anyone who will take it. Perhaps my loving grandson would do this for his grandmother. Stay tuned to see if he is willing to put it on his tree, and gracious enough to even thank me for it.

Correction: This tacky ornament story is getting tackier. I was mistaken. The ornament was given to me by Jane, who very tackily regifted it to me. It had been given to her two years ago by Phyllis. So we can technically blame Phyllis...and Jane for the ugly red dragon.

ORU Christmas

The Christmas season has managed to slip up on several of us at ORU while others have been busy for days, or even weeks toting boxes up from the basement or other nooks and crannies and decorating in fine style. One of the husbands, recently retired, finally realized how much time and labor that goes into this display...especially at Jane's house, but in others as well. Right Sali?

There are just so many days to transition from Thanksgiving to the joyful celebration of Christmas. And think of all the shopping that must be done. And don't forget the baking. Is Jeff aware of that now as well ?

Many hubbies know the look of a bank statement in January, but do they know the hard work that goes into depleting those funds!

Some of us travel during the holidays and don't get excited about arranging angels and such. Some don't bake for various reasons. Some just wake up one day and it is Christmas...or so it seems. But we all love getting together for a party any time and especially amid all the hoop-la of the Holy Day season.

Last night was the big event of the year...our Tacky ornament Christmas exchange. Don't think anyone could top the things we bring for that. I have to say the bauble I received was the very worst. I will try to put a picture of it on the blog tomorrow. It is really, really bad... Maybe the fact that it is Chinese has something to do with it. I'm sure it is a very nice ornament there, but it certainly looks terrible on a Christmas tree.

Looking Forward

Looking forward to being with all these girls tonight. All will be there except for Kalai. She can't make it in from Texas. Sorry girl, the show must go on... But we will really miss you!

It is the night of our tacky Christmas ornament giving. Can't believe I had a hard time finding an appropriate offering this year. Generally there are lots from which to pick. I hit several stores before yelling for advice from the best place to find it, ORU. I had three leads in a matter of a couple of hours. I found mine at the first one of them. It is tacky, but it could be a lot more so. I'll put a picture on the blog later, but can't spoil the surprise for tonight. I'm anxious to see what the others have found.

After years of doing this, are we growing up, getting more serious, concerned about using our money wisely? I'm not sure, but we've already mentioned that perhaps next year, we will buy nice ornaments and donate them to a good cause or maybe give them to a new bride. I vote for the donation. I'm not sure a bride would like that idea very well. We have such varied tastes that the tree could end up looking tacky, because of the lack or coordination in color, style...

For all the colors in our personalities, we get along just great with everyone of us willing to tell anyone else what to do and when. Please tell me we don't have the same personality flaw as does our president who wants to force all to do his will.

Thanksgiving

We were happy to see our 'grandson', Jerod and his wife Hope this Thanksgiving. We were also able to visit with her family from California.

It was a perfect day. All the ladies contributed to the food, which was simply delicious. April really shined. She cooked two turkeys as well as other dishes and had the house decorated to perfection. She is a great hostess. We are very proud of her.

Spring is Calling Me

Are these pictures as wonderful as I'm seeing them right now, or is it the contrast with the snow I see falling outside my window? In any case, I am being called to spring in Pennsylvania to walk the grounds bursting in colorful flowers.

I can dream, but I must get busy now counting the blessings that are mine this winter.

Christmasy Refrigerator

One of the first things I do in the mornings is check the Scrapgirl's newsletter. This morning Ro had written a piece entitled 18 WAYS TO GET MORE OUT OF LIFE. It was so true that I had to make a copy to put on the refrigerator so that I could check it daily to make sure I'm heeding her advice. (Of course, I've put it in plain sight so that it won't be missed by others as well.) The decorator/scrapbooker I am had to fancy it up a bit using digital scrapbooking materials: COL_Nativity_Papeeer_Spec_Cream and BMU_HolidayLights_Emb_FrameCluster1 from Scrapgirls.

Comparing ABs?

I don't know much that Ron is more thankful for than his IPhone. And Lauren depends on hers a lot as well. Guess the rest of us will have to continue living in the dark ages...at least for the present.

Winter Rose

We all know the sayings "A rose by any other name..." and 'The last rose of summer". These roses are not summer roses. They bloomed much later. I will give them the name they deserve, winter roses. They are truly a hardy species...Knockout Roses. They have to be tough here. As you can probably tell, we are not truly gardeners. Not only do the plants look spindley, but there are still leaves laying on the ground around them. There will be all winter. Neither my husband nor I have what it takes to really work on the yard. Oh yes, Hubby mows the lawn and rakes (tractors) up loads of leaves. But there are always more. And they are not a priority in his mind. Since I'm not doing the work, I'll try not to gripe too much.

And besides, the economy and freedom grabbers hold my attention too tightly to concern myself with small things like leaves.

My motto will have to be ...focus on the beauty, but don't let the wolves jump in and steal it all away.

Kaleidoscope Merry Christmas

This is my first digital kaleidoscope. I did it from scratch. What a job. I'm sure there is a much quicker way. But I was anxious to see if I could do it. It is good to have challenges at any age. It stretches the mind...and in my case, my patience. Here's to an early Merry Christmas. I hope you have the chance to say this many times this season.

More Flowers

I could make a lot of layouts with all the pictures I took at Longwood Gardens. It is a beautiful place...and of course I have beautiful people to include. April and Tim are very special to us.

I choose to call this a Christmas Tree. And if anyone wishes me a Happy Holiday this year, I plan to reply, 'And a Happy Holy Day to you as well.' Then what PC term will they come up with?

Granddaughter

It was nice to get to visit with April, Tim, Jarod, Hope, and my granddaughter Lauren. We got to meet her boyfriend Aron for the first time as well. All holidays should be this good.

Our Christian Nation

Our daughter, April, sets a fine table. We had 11 present and had to set up a second table, but she kept it beautiful. Her house lends itself so well for large groups. The sitting room opens to the foyer and so does the dining room. You can see Ron with his laptop across the kitchen and in the sun room.


Our nation just celebrated Thanksgiving, a holiday dedicated to thanking our living God for everything we have, including our very lives.

I can't help wonder if God still considers us a Christian nation, considering the fact that we've taken Him out of our classrooms and replaced Him with hedonism ... self gratification. Some of our newest laws are an abomination to Him. Even so, I choose to believe I live in a CHRISTIAN nation...at least that was the way it was founded and if we ever get back to our founding documents, we will be much more pleasing to our God who allowed us to come to this land where we could live in freedom to worship as we wish.

I say we urge God to take back this nation for His people. The government may be able to tie our hands, but our God is all powerful!

Longwood Gardens

While in Pennsylvania to visit our daughter and son-in-law and grand daughter, we drove over to Kennett Square to see the Longwood Gardens. Decorated for Christmas with all the flowers of the season, it was a lovely sight. The place is so beautiful that I've decided I must visit several times during the next year while April and Tim are still located close by.

The gardens were first established by the DuPont family and are phenomenal. It was a cold day and we were not really prepared to do any outdoor tours, so we saw mainly those indoors. Still, it was a magnificent visit and I look forward to my next trek to PA.

I took 106 pictures, so it is likely you'll see more later.