The Halloween Cow

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?

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

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

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

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

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

A Fresh Start

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

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 

Electricity

Looks like Caleb stuck his finger in a socket the way his hair is standing up.   He lives in a dry climate and probably has static electricity up there. I love it. He is such a cute tow head.

While he was enjoying his new backyard with his dog Rado, his mama snapped this darling picture.

Speaking of electricity, how many of you have heard what our president said about the price of electricity? If not, just click on the web address below and hear him : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HlTxGHn4sH4

With this is mind ask yourself why our government gave a company $529 million to make a $97,000 sports car called Fisker Karma in Finland. It seems they can't find a place to build it here...probably can't find workers either since all of ours are already employed. (sic)  Of course the company like other green ones is losing money fast.  Doesn't matter. The American taxpayers love to pay taxes and are thrilled to have empty pockets.

May God help us see what is happening and empower us to overcome the forces that are taking us down a road to ruin.

Family Time

Again, it was a pleasure to be able to visit with Chelle, Greg and the triplets last week.  The Caberet gave us the excuse to make our way out of state to see the performance...as if we needed a reason.

Fix Congress

The very first time I've seen where the triplets go to co-op home schoolers school was on the14th of this month.  It was fun to be there to pick them up when they finished classes.  I was impressed with the friends they had there of all ages.  They all seem to get along very well and love each other...nothing like what I hear about in public schools these days.

It was a special day for the triplets because they got grade cards for the very first time and they are now in fourth grade.  Everyone did well.  But one of the kids was way more into the grades than the other two.  It was obvious that he is motivated to please others and to get good grades.  

I am motivated right now to get this "Congressional Reforrn Act" actually in the works and passed.  Read it and see what you think.

*Congressional Reform Act of 2011*
1. No Tenure / No Pension.  A Congressman collects a salary while in office and
receives no pay when they are out of office.
2.  Congress (past, present & future) participates in Social Security.  All
funds in the Congressional retirement fund move to the Social Security system
immediately. All future funds flow into the Social Security system, and Congress
participates with the American people. It may not be used for any other purpose.
3. Congress can purchase their own retirement plan, just as all Americans do.
4. Congress will no longer vote  themselves a pay raise.  Congressional pay will
rise by the lower of CPI or 3%.
5. Congress loses their current health care system and participates in the same
health care system as the American people.
6. Congress must equally abide by all laws they impose on the American people.
7. All contracts with past and present Congressmen are void effective 1/1/12.
The American people did not make this contract with Congressmen. Congressmen
made all these contracts for themselves. Serving in Congress is an honor, not a
career. The Founding Fathers envisioned citizen legislators, so ours should
serve their term(s), then go home and back to work.
If each person contacts a minimum of twenty people then it will only take three
days for most people (in the U.S.) to receive the message. Maybe it is time.
THIS IS HOW YOU FIX CONGRESS!!!!! 

Best Foot Forward

I'm sure all of you can see flaws in this layout...but the one that jumps out at me is their feet.  They seem to be hanging in mid air.  The picture needs to be grounded.  But it is too late to fix it now. My blog deadline of midnight is coming up soon.  However the cool thing about digital is, I CAN fix it when I have the time.   (I have since fixed the layout.  However, I'm still not happy and may change it again some day.)

This was Aussie sitting in his assigned place as they got ready to go on stage, where he put his best  foot forward and entertained the audience with his monolog first and then raised his voice in song.

Tonight was the Republican debate in Vegas.  They all tried to put their best feet forward as they answered the questions asked. It is very interesting to listen to each answer. If a person is not good 'on his feet' he or she has no business being president.

By the way, I read that  TOTUS, our president's teleprompter was stolen from a white panel truck in VA.  NBC reported at about 12:30 PM today that the truck had been recovered...but no word on TOTUS.

Perfect Boating Day

These pictures were made on the ninth of this month. For being in October, this was a real surprise, being the nicest day we've had on the lake with our life group for as long as I can remember, It was PERFECT.

And so is the candidate I like better than all the rest. He  can do everything and do it well. Today he reached the pinnacle in my eyes.  He is a minister and can SING.  I'm ready to vote right now.

A View of Fall

From the great room, we can see fall in the back yard. Since this was taken on October 7th, there isn't much color.  But one can see in center stage...a burning bush.  We have three and love their color. Our trees are mostly oak and not so delightful.  Now, on October 16th, one would expect more color than there is.  I'm not sure why, perhaps the many cold nights, but we don't have as much color as usual.  As a matter of fact, many, many leaves have come down already.  They  turned a dull brownish hue before falling. Last fall was so very splendid that the colors are still vivid in my memory.

  God saw to it that every location has it's own beauty.  Just like people,  they are not all alike.

May your fall be wonderful wherever you are and may the love of God dwell richly in your heart.

Celebrate Talent

We've just returned from Nashville where we were privileged to see The Lullaby of Broadway  A golden age cabaret.  The triplets had practiced well and performed beautifully. I love the way they learned these old songs and knew every word of all 14 of the songs, even the ones in which they didn't sing.

Some of the songs they sang were: Ashley, 'Paper Moon'.  The two boys, "Wink and a Smile'.   My favorite was when the three of them worked as a trio  on 'Together Wherever We Go', which was so appropriate for triplets. It was choreographed expertly and they carried it out very well.

While celebrating talent and desire to work hard, I'm failing to appreciate the recent actions of several officials (Who are these people?) in the Obama Administration who have announced their plan to suspend the deportation orders of 300,000 illegal aliens, that have already been issued by a U.S. court of law.

The Singing Triplets

The triplets ready for 'dress rehearsal', sat in Adirondak chairs outside the theater on Thursday.  It went extremely well with lots of applause and some very verbal praise for their voices and presentation.  They were really into it and we were very proud of Mason, Ashley and Aussie.  Evidently that talent was passed from great grandfather Darwin, who died in 1978 way before they were born. It was passed to their grandfather, Ron who passed it  to their mother Chelle and now to each of them.

Experimenting

This is our little experimenter.  He's found a sticky situation here.  

I know this is several days in a row of Caleb.  I hope to have something with the triplets tomorrow.

In the meantime, did you know a new poll by NBC shows Cain has now surpassed Romney  in  GOP  favor?  And a majority in the party agree with Perry that social security is a ponze scheme. Of course, I don't see how anyone can question that.  It has shown itself one. That fact can no longer be hidden.

Another Busy Day

It's been a very busy day for us.  I knew in advance it would be, so, I made preparations so that I could publish this blog easily with the little time I could spare.  Well there won't be much of a blog tonight because I messed it up quite badly.  Some how I lost the layout.

I can tell you that I have now seen the picture that proves Caleb made a strike the first day he bowled. He will be two in February.  His first frame he got 8 and 2, then I believe it was 7 and 3 and then a strike.  I don't know where it went from there, but I'm impressed.  I know when little ones learned years ago they used bumpers in the gutters.  But he had none.  I hope that is a sign of good eye hand coordination or something.
At least his eyes know what his hands are doing,which is more than we can say for Eric Holder.

Pay Attention?

My attention right now is on this little fellow who will be 2 in February.  This is his first time to go bowling with mommy and daddy.  He die fairly well with his yellow ball, but naturally, the young boy wanted to use his father's red ball.  So that is what he did.  And I was told, he made a strike with it.  And although he did applaud himself,  it will be some years before he realizes just what a big deal that was. While it is tempting, I must not keep my attention on my grandchildren exclusively: The solar thing just got a bit more interesting.....REALLY!                    The Tonopah Solar company in Harry Reid's Nevada is getting a $737 million loan                     from Obama's DOE. The project will produce a 110 megawatt power system and employ 45 permanent workers. That's costing us just $16 million per job.  One of the investment partners in this endeavor is Pacific Corporate Group (PCG). The PCG executive director is Ron Pelosi who is the brother to Nancy's husband. Very interesting indeed.                      But just divert your attention from this type of thing and concentrate on                      how good our economy is now...with the phenomenal increase in jobs                      we are experiencing!  Oh, and of course Obama says  your cost of living                      is down as well.  Have we ever had it this good before???

Cowboys and Other Politicians

There is more than one way to be a cowboy...

We have a good choice this coming election.  There are two cowboys from Texas, a career politician from Massachusetts, a truly conservative woman from Minnesota, and both Newt Gingerich and Herman Cain are Georgians. Newt, a brilliant man who knows his way around Washington and Herman Cain, an accomplished business man who has proven he can head up any endeavor and make it do well.

Mr. Cain has accused the anti-Wall Street protesters of being jealous of other people's money and turning themselves into victims.

"Part of it is jealousy. I stand by that," Cain said on the CBS program "Face the Nation" Sunday. "And here's why I don't have a lot of patience for that: My parents, they never played the victim card. My parents never said that we hope the rich people lose something so that we can get something.

"No. My dad's idea was I want to work hard enough so that I can buy a Cadillac, not take somebody else's," said Cain, a former chairman and chief executive officer of Godfather's Pizza and a former deputy chairman and chairman of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Mo.


Read more on Newsmax.com: Cain’s Campaign Soars as Republicans Search for Right Candidate

Our Church Retreat

If a person is a Christian, he is a Christian 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Therefore he is a Christian when he goes to church.  

The founding fathers were all about freedom of religion...not freedom from religion.   

When I go to church, I do not have to keep it a secret that I'm a Christian.  I never have to keep it a secret because I'm free to be a Christian and so far there is no punishment for being one.  

Therefore I have no qualms about mixing my Christianity and my church in this blog.  And, I have an important message tonight:.

If the word Solyndra doesn't mean anything  to you, then you shouldn't vote.  At least you need to find out what it is before you vote again.

Family Retreat

 

Generally our church family has a retreat at a nearby camp.  But this year we held it at our FFLC (Falls Family Life Center). This is the first year we've attended and I was quite surprised. It was more than I had anticipated.  We had a great time.  The talent show was particularly entertaining.  

I haven't yet had time to do a layout since we were there most of the day, but plan to have it done by tomorrow night.   God bless you all.

Cain is Not Playing Around

Caleb spent some time at the playground. He was serious as he climbed to the top of the slide, but gleeful on the way down.

Everything  reminds me of politics right now.  We have a serious campaign going on and I am gleeful when I hear some of the great candidates who are wanting to be the nominee on the Republican tticket.

I just listened to a video of Herman Cain  as he was interviewed by the avowed socialist Lawrence O'Donnell on MSNBC.     Cain did not let him get away with anything.  He exposed his twisting tricks one by one.  Not only has Mr. Cain succeeded at everything he has ever tried, he is quick.

I have always admired black people who work hard, persevere and do well.  They are working against the current sometimes.  Many on the left feel like blacks can not do anything without special help. It just isn't so.  They have brains just like anyone else!  And Herman Cain is an excellent example of that!

He has risen to the top of the list of candidates.  He can win.  And he should win.    The man has a plan...a very good plan.

9-9-9

If you've been awake the last few weeks you probably have heard 9-9-9.  Perhaps you even know what it is.  I do and I'm very impressed.  I'm impressed with the plan and I'm impressed with the man.
Some polls now show him ahead of Romney.  That is good to hear. Herman Cain has been a success at everything he has done.  We need him at the helm.  Learn about him.  Pray for him. But most of all pray for this nation.

The layout is from our trip to Greenfield Village in Michigan.  It shows a portion of Main Street and a quote by Sinclair Lewis:  "Main Street is the climax of civilization."

I love the picture of Barb and Ron walking up to the intersection of Main Street where they will soon pass Miller School.  My Miller blood appreciates that.  I really enjoy prominent shadows and the fence cast a lovely one that day.

I was very interested in the Wright Brothers Cycle Shop...Perhaps because our son has his own bamboo bicycle shop in Colorado which intrigues me.  

I love these pictures of Caleb and his musical drum, but am not happy with the layout.  However, I didn't get anything done on the computer today and will just have to go with this one. I think I can see what needs to be changed, but I'm up against time, so this will just have to do.

We are now enjoying pictures Alana sent us yesterday of him bowling. Can't wait to have time to work with those.  Meanwhile  wouldn't you know that Ron is capturing everyone and making them look at bowling.  I try to explain to him that not everyone thinks Caleb is the smartest, sweetest, cutest, most handsome, most lovable little one in the whole world right now.  But he is a Grandfather. He's convinced.

The left may not allow God in our schools, but He can still be in our hearts... and that is where we must keep him.  We don't want to leave Him at home.

Children need to hear their parents pray that God will be with them and guide them and protect them while they are in school or anywhere else. Our kids live in a scary world and need to feel the security of an almighty God on their side.

Movies

I was combing my files and found these that I'd not scrapbooked, so out they came today onto Photoshop Elements for a layout.  April,Lauren and Tim... enjoying some family time in North Carolina this past July. 


These girls are pretty enough  to be in movies. Oh, I forget, that is no longer a prerequisite.  But some of us still appreciate good looks.   And better than that is good looks and brains as well... a winning combination.   




 We've pretty much quit going to movies. Nothing worth my time and money. But this promises to be entertaining, yet wholesome. Can't wait to see it. Movie: Courageous  

And here is a movie I'd really like to see someone make...The Life of Herman Cain.  A new Rasmussen Reports poll showed Cain trailing President Barack Obama by just five percentage points in a head-to-head poll. The only GOP candidate to perform better was Romney, who trailed Obama by two percentage points.

Cain’s campaign suddenly has caught fire, with pundits crediting his 9-9-9 plan, which would cut corporate and income taxes to 9 percent while instituting a similar rate for a new national sales tax.


Read more on Newsmax.com: Cain Continues Surge, 9-9-9 Tax Plan Lifts Him to 'Contender'

Never be Idle

"Determine never to be idle. No person will have occasion to complain of the want of time, who never loses any. It is wonderful how much may be done, if we are always doing." --Thomas Jefferson, letter to Martha Jefferson, 1787

Well I certainly live by this  rule.  Never idle.  Drive myself crazy. Today, I've been trying to adapt to Mac Lion and some changes to Facebook.  

Am having trouble with the Mac freezing. I still believe it is a flaw in my Mac.  the most simple things just crash it.  Hubby was hoping that the new operating  system would  solve the problems, but it seems they are just worse.  Of course I've said for years that computers tend to misbehave when I'm in this chair.  Ron can walk into the room and they straighten up quickly.  However this Mac isn't quite as cooperative with him.

Firestone Family Home

I'm too tired to type. Isn't that crazy.  And it is only 11:00 PM.  To prevent myself from falling asleep at the computer and toppling to the floor, I
m actually going to bed early.  To see a little about the layout, double click it.

Greenfield Village

It will be a few days until I have finished my layouts about our trip to Michigan.    But I have some new pictures of Caleb and will just have to intersperse him in with the village pictures.  

Being a grandmother is such joy.  It brightens the world when it looks like all our hopes and dreams could be over...I'm speaking of our earthly dreams.  No matter what befalls us here, we still have a glorious home waiting in heaven for us.   

We have become so spoiled by capitalism.  But it looks like a lot of young people who don't know their history or how economics work are willing to vote for people who will take from those who work hard and give to those who would rather play games. (After they keep a very large portion of it for  their own entertainment.)  It is sad. Punishing those who provide jobs does nothing but guarantee there will not be enough jobs for people who need to take care of their families.

Sleep well and know that God will provide for those he loves.  Then get out and vote for conservatives.