Saving Mr Banks

The triplets went to see the movie, Saving Mr Banks.  I had heard it was very good, but when I saw
how much they were enjoying the popcorn, I figured it had been the highlight of the day.  Little did I know how very good the movie was.  I wouldn't have known had I just read the reviews. As in most cases, if the reviews are great, I generally won't like the film. The critics seem to be looking for more worldly themes than I.

I enjoy stories that are based in truth and that turn out well in the end. This one was that. Usually,
I  do not like bouncing back and forth, history and present times. But in this case, it was easy to follow and explained why the female star of the show was like she was.

This should give you an idea of how seldom I watch movies these days, it took me 1/2 way through the movie to figure out that Walt Disney was being played by Tom Hanks. Wow he looked older than I remember him! The last movie I saw of his could have been Forrest Gump...1994.

He must have been through some rough times...as we all have.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”   NIV John 16:33

I tell myself this often these past few years.  Christ was born, lived a life of love for others and gave his life for us, so that we might be saved from sin and death.  Even though we all have problems here that cause us to mature, there will be none in heaven. He, the Savior has overcome the world. It will be destroyed one day and we who are saved will live on forever in the perfect place God has prepared for us.

Miss Molly's

First of all, I must tell you that I love Miss Molly's Tea Room.  Don't get there often because it is off our beaten path, but I generally end up there annually. We girls are infatuated with their strawberry pretzel salad and I try to replicate it a couple times a year. Their chicken salad croissant is scrumptious.

But when Diann suggested we meet there with our husbands, I was leery. I couldn't imagine getting Ron to agree to go to a tea room, especially one so, so, so feminine. I asked Diann what Vince thought of that choice. She told me he loves it, so I timidly asked Ron if he would go. And of course since Vince was going, he said yes. He couldn't pass up that chance to see Vince. It been many months.

Now all four of us love Miss Molly's. Ron found the sampler with strawberry pretzel salad to be to his liking. Although he said he would go for the chicken salad croissant next time.  And he discovered Chai Tea. That was really the trump card. He LOVED it.


Meanwhile , in the real world, we are having more and more people showing up at church for the first time in need of the basics...food and shelter. The government has done a really good job of breaking up companies, taxing them to death and killing jobs any way they can.  People are starting to hurt. They've made invalids out of them by giving unemployment checks so long  that many have just depended on them and lost their desire to work. At the same time, employers who are hiring are looking for people who have kept a foot in the door by taking any job they could get to keep in the work force.

Washington Democrats are trying to nullify the Constitution by any and all tricks they can pull.

I like what Patrick Henry said about  the purpose of the constitution.



The Constitution is not an instrument for the government to restrain the people, it is an instrument for the people to restrain the government -- lest it come to dominate our lives and interests." 
- Patrick Henry

Day After Christmas

T'was the day after Christmas and all through the house, all the creatures were stirring to pack up the car. It was time for April and Tim to get back on the road and finish their holiday rounds. We had gone out to breakfast, quite a treat...when all that I needed was to not eat..  Everything we had ingested the past few days  had all added up to unsightly pounds.

I've been letting things slide and have not gotten photos I should have taken.  So  thankfully,
Ron  jumped at the chance to be the photographer this time. He knows I will photoshop, so he took the picture of April and Tim and had Tim take a picture of us. It worked well enough that we now this layout this evening.

Thanks, Ron.

Back to Washington,: We understand that polls show a whopping majority of citizens think big government is one of our worst problems, which is very true.  However, the disappointing part is, they don't realize it is the Democratic party that is big government...they are the ones who continue to raise taxes and spend our money, while infringing on all our rights. The IRS and NSA are big parts of the left...the Democratic Party

Newborn

I remember giving birth. It seems like a long time ago. But I do remember that few husbands were allowed into the birthing room with their wives. I'm sure my hubby wouldn't have made it. From the look on his face, I believe Ron felt each labor pain intensely. I'm almost sure he would not have been able to make it through the birth.  

This month Beth was able to have family with her there in the birthing room.  What a blessing. 

It wasn't planned, but I called John just as Caleb was born and I heard that first cry. What a joy that was.

I still can't get over how very good Beth looked right after delivery. I think I was afraid to look in a mirror for days after my babies births... either that or I didn't have time.

It's great to see God's plan to fill the earth is continuing even though modern man has made his own rules, limiting births.  

It seems our civilization is getting farther and farther from  God as the days pass.  Proverbs 19:27 says, Cease listening to [My] instruction and you will stray from the words of knowledge."

Perhaps that is our problem, we have ceased to listen. It seems quite possible since we are in a society filled with noisy distractions. It is almost constant input from TVs, radios, iPads, computers, telephones... When does  one find time to 'listen' [read] God's word?  Take it from me, it isn't easy, but it is very important. Try to find a few minutes {at first} each day and get in the habit of  reading the word. If enough of us do it, it could save our world.

Americans won today. Duck Dynasty will continue with  the whole family. We got the message out to A&E and the network caved. It has reversed its decision and is going to be tolerant of Phil Robertson's belief that homosexuality is abhorrent  to God.  While generally speaking liberals want everyone to be tolerant of them,  they are extremely intolerant themselves. I repeat, America won today.

A Year for Snow

Colorado is the place for snow...can't ski without it. And this is a year for snow...so looks like there should be plenty for any little boys who like to play in the white stuff. 

I love the way this picture catches the feeling of snow falling from a white laden tree. It makes me remember doing the same things Caleb is here, many years ago. Haven't done it lately...hmmm. No, don't think I'll try it either. 

These days I will occasionally get a chill while sitting at the computer with my indoor thermometer  right in front of me reading 70.4, as it does right now. I get enough 'fun' in the snow while taking the dog outdoors. I shovel the snow for her. Not that I would have to do that, but I don't like her to come back in the house with a wet tummy.

While I get cold easily, nothing gives me a chill quicker than hearing...in the other room... our president at the microphone.  I would like to believe that he is a truthful person, but it isn't so. 

I get many, many emails every day...part of the reason I spend so much time at this computer. I'm posting one I received today. It is a YouTube video of just one sentence spoken by Dr. Barbara Bellar. It sums up Obamacare. Check it out here  Then, if you have a rebuttal for her, I'd like to see it.

Forgiven...

It's been a fun time here today. With no children around, the dog, is in the limelight. Early today, she ate the fourth bell off the tree...scattering oodles of beads over the floor.  Once the vacuum cleaner is put away, more and more beads appear...like magic.

April and her hubby, Tim, have been here and even though Tim has never liked dogs, he has fallen in love with Maggie. You wouldn't believe hearing him talking to her like someone who absolutely is put into a spell by canines.  Now he is saying he wants one. We'll see. That would be fun to have two Havanese in the family. 

We were able to FaceTime with Caleb today. His favorite gift seemed to be a big Pirate Ship. I don't blame him, I wouldn't mind playing with it myself. 

We even got to see little Oliver and his mommy.

We talked to Mark. Ron talked to our son, Tim. Ron and Kim texted.

We didn't hear from the triplets today. But we did FaceTime them yesterday evening. It was fun to see some of their gifts and the excitement on their faces.

The layout tonight is of Mason and Ashley decorating their tree on December 2.  While I think they do a great job of decorating, Chelle still does her own tree in the living room.  I don't have a picture of that yet this year.

This is a wonderful message that has been on Face Book the last few days. I love the way forgiven takes the foreground. Because of God's love for us, he sent his son to save us from our sins...therefore we can be forgiven. Praise God.

Negotiate With Santa?

Well Caleb looks pretty positive, as if he has negotiated a deal with Santa.

This makes up for the fact that he failed to get his photo taken with Santa last year. This is one of the best ones, but there were lots of them this year. I'll make a separate layout of all the others before publishing time.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from our house to all of you.

Caleb and Rado

Caleb and Rado are the best of companions.  And of course Rado likes to share vacations, rather than stay with friends. This year was no exception, especially as Caleb grew old enough to be a a true friend.

Christmas is coming and like most little boys, Caleb is looking forward to the big day...while enjoying many activities as the days go by.

Since Christmas is almost here, I finished up my grocery shopping today. I want everything to be fresh...but mostly, I just hadn't had the time before now to do it.  

I want to tell you how very pleasant it was to shop at Marcs, a grocery that is owned by northeast Ohio Jews.  Each person there wished me a Merry Christmas. Now, why is it that some other stores are bending over backwards to avoid using the word Christmas, when this IS a Christian nation. We as Christians do not insist anyone else worship the creator  God. If I were one of the minorities here, I would wish others a Merry Christmas  out of a loving heart. Don't we want to take joy is seeing others happy? As Christians we should.  I suppose if I were on the left, I would have to conform and be upset and nasty when anyone else was happy for a reason I didn't understand. It is sad.

As Christians we need to stand our ground and not cower to the wishes of those who do not serve our Father.

In a book called Jeremiah, which is in our Old Testament, a book written hundreds of years before  the birth of Jesus the Christ, it states in chapter 12, verse 17, "But if any nation doesn't listen, I will completely uproot and destroy it, declares the Lord."

Meanwhile, the Bible tells us to love others as we love ourselves.

Cute Little Pirate

First, I got the smiling picture of Caleb with his face painted like a pirate.  I answered back, "but he is too cute to be a pirate"...then came the rest of the pictures.  I love it. But to me, he's cute no matter what. 

 I think he will be quite happy to see this pirate hat on his head...since he does not have one.

Tonight I was talking to Caleb's Aunt Chelle on the phone. After some discussion about how behind we both are at this Christmas season,  I told her than over the last few years, my brain  has changed from 1/2 left and 1//2 right to completely right. I told her that my scrapbook room, where I now sit is so messy, it looks like it belongs to Ron, her dad.  She laughed and so did he.  I told her it was driving me crazy. But then she told me that I can't be completely right brained...or I wouldn't care.  So I guess there is still some hope. I did throw out  a lot of old mail, catalogues and coupons today. Perhaps I'll find the top of my tables before 2014.

Well it looks like Cracker Barrel found out the tough way what they should have done. Today they announced they were terribly wrong and they screwed up by taking the Duck Dynasty things out of their restaurant shops.  They have returned them to their shelves. 

The management had been trying to appease the 2% of the population that doesn't like freedom of speech (unless it is their own) and they 'offended' 98%. They realized that was not a good move. I'm asking Ron to take me to Cracker Barrel sometime  tomorrow. It's okay, I'm willing to stand in line.

I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Clau

I love to watch the expressions on the faces of pets and children and  to try and guess what they  arthinking. Naturally, Oliver wasn't thinking anything like this  on his eleventh day in this world. However, look at his eyes.  They are definitely alert.  He seems mildly surprised.

It is late, I have company and it has been a busy day. I'm not pleased with this layout and may rework it some day, but it is here because I love the picture of our newest grandchild and think you will as well.

A Father's Love

A father's love is a strong love. A father will do anything for his child.   Knowing how much we love our  children, it comforts us to know that God, the Father, showed his love among us.


1 John 4:9

This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.

At this Christmas season, we celebrate that gift with great Thanksgiving.

Hiking the Grottos

The kids enjoyed their hike through the woods at the Grottos. I especially enjoy these pictures because that is one of my favorite past times...walking through the woods.

It would be nice if I were to use pictures in the right seasons, but if I did, they would probably be from last year. I've slowed so much and have LOTS of good pictures, especially now that Oliver has entered the world.

The news today is pretty close to being all about Duck Dynasty and Phil Robertson...at least on Fox.

These people who caused this raucous about Phil's comments are always so easily 'offended'. Well it is hard for me to act so thin skinned, but I'm offended by them. Guess that doesn't count though, because I'm not on the right side. It doesn't matter what they might do to offend us. Why? I don't know. One would think it would be a two way street, but it  isn't.

It is taking much of the attention away form the failings of Obamacare right now, for which I suppose our president is quite grateful.

Which Part of Noel?

Which part of 'Noel' does Maggie not understand? It is the first part... NO! She has been told 'no' many times already when she has approached the Christmas Tree.  But, this is the second time  she
has removed a bell from one of the lower branches and proceeded to tear it asunder.  She is lucky
she didn't choose to destroy one of my angels. They are dear to me. She may get more than a stern look and a harsh, NO!   And it would be more than a lecture on what good dogs do and don't do.

Well it looks like Phil Robertson has been suspended by the A&E Network for his comments on homosexuality during an interview with GQ.

“I myself am a product of the 60s; I centered my life around sex, drugs and rock and roll until I hit rock bottom and accepted Jesus as my Savior,” he said in a statement sent to FOX411. 

“My mission today is to go forth and tell people about why I follow Christ and also what the bible teaches, and part of that teaching is that women and men are meant to be together.

"However, I would never treat anyone with disrespect just because they are different from me. We are all created by the Almighty and like Him, I love all of humanity. We would all be better off if we loved God and loved each other.

“Everything is blurred on what’s right and what’s wrong... Sin becomes fine,” he said. “Start with homosexual behavior and just morph out from there. Bestiality, sleeping around with this woman and that woman and that woman and those men.”

He referred to Corinthians: “Don’t be deceived. Neither the adulterers, the idolaters, the male prostitutes, the homosexual offenders, the greedy, the drunkards, the slanderers, the swindlers—they won’t inherit the kingdom of God. Don’t deceive yourself. It’s not right.”

Phil did not say that people who engage in those behaviors don't have to right to do that, just that the Bible teaches it is wrong. For that he is being punished because those who embrace that lifestyle do not feel he has the right to free speech.

He has not taken away their chance to live as they wish, but they have taken his right to say what he wishes.  It is a double standard.

I pray that the family stands behind him and refuses to continue the show without him and that good of some kind will come from this.

Pirate Ship Park

While we have been very busy with Christmas activities, I haven't been in cinq with my camera. I'm not even thinking about pictures much of the time and am returning home without any records of the events.  So, here I am still working  on the pictures that  have been building in my files. Am I hopelessly behind? I pray that  I'm not, yet every day, I think it is getting worse.

We are still back in late September with Beth and Caleb  at the Pirate ship Park in Vail, CO.

I heard some very good news today.  My favorite president since Reagan, good old George Bush, is surfacing with a new cool following. Young people are falling in love with the real George. For years during his presidency, the press and TV maligned him constantly, calling him stupid,etc. 

All the while he was being slandered, he never got huffy or answered in any way. He just continued to be a great man who loves his fellow man and treats them all well. And like I stated...the young are falling in love with the real man they are coming to know.  His trip with the president to the Mandela funeral gave people a chance to see him in action. He also made a big splash with his letter consoling the player who didn't do his very best in football one day and lost the big game for his team.  

George is a real person, not an individual hiding behind a facade of babble designed to fool the people as often as possible. The left  can no longer blame all the terrible things that are happening in Obama's administration on George.

Go George. You are a godly man and we love you. 

Grandchildren

Grandchildren are just that... GRAND.

The following quote  came with my word puzzle from Wordles.com today:

The idea that no one is perfect is a view most commonly held by people with no grandchildren.  Doug Larson

As a grandmother, I  claim the right to think my own grandchildren are perfect.

Here is Caleb with his best friend, Rado, playing in the snow. Hey, I think Rado is perfect as well.  He is my Granddog.

Just in case you are not ready for the Unaffordable Care that goes into affect January 1, check your bank account. In some areas they are already taking your first payment out of your bank account. Just want to make sure you are not caught by surprise.  Isn't is wonderful? We no longer have to worry about a thing. The President is taking care of us. All we have to do is scrape up the money to pay, pay, pay.

Train Ride in the Rockies

The baby Beth is carrying here  is now 5 days old. It doesn't seem  possible. For this gramma, it seems like he was born yesterday, but to his mommy and daddy, it has been a longer time measured by sleep depravation.  

It's late, it's been a very busy day and this 'old' lady is tired and ready to go to sleep.  Therefore I'll cut short my comments tonight. 

I was going to write about Dr. Ben Carson's comments on the Affordable Care Act; but at this time, it threatens to disrupt my sleep if I think about it any longer. How tragic it is that we've let this go so far. We have taken the best healthcare system in the world and torn it asunder. As Dr. Carson said, we are  in danger of making  doctors employees of  the state...they would no longer work for you with your ideals in mind. 

Many doctors have already taken early retirement or gone into other professions. Not only has the government  arranged to take away their freedom, but they have put into the law, provisions that are extremely costly to doctors in practice.  

Christmas Season

Christmas Season has a way of piling up activities. It's not like we'd like to skip any of them,  but they keep us extraordinarily busy. And age does something to speed up our days, making it seem like the days are shorter. We have just as much to do, but we work more slowly...I'm guessing that is why I feel somewhat lost. I'm behind at getting things done that really need to be done...blogging for example. Tonight I've opted to just add a few pictures to a page and tell myself it is a layout. Technically it is, but it didn't take much time or imagination.

I can see more of these coming because here it is Christmas and I'm still back at the end of September with my pictures. I want to do winter layouts, but I'm not through with fall.  I want to do Oliver, but there are so many of Caleb's outings I haven't yet covered. I want to do other grandchildren, but  there are just so many pictures that I'm overwhelmed.  Can't think of a more pleasant dilemma.  I want to comment on the political climate, but I'm not keeping up with that as I should.

I can tell myself things will get better after the holidays, but will they? By my calculations, I won't be any younger.

Bonding Brothers

Caleb has anticipated the birth of his little brother Oliver for months. He is so happy to welcome him into his world. What sweet tenderness he shows this little one. These are truly precious moments.

Born 15 days before Christmas, Oliver could very well be laid in a manger in a nativity scene to represent our Lord Jesus' birth this season.

And with Christmas on our minds, I think many of you will enjoy this .flash mob   It certainly warmed my heart to see some Christmas cheer in a public place.

New Baby

I don't have time to make a layout tonight, but I just have to show you our newest  joy, our little grandsons, Caleb and his little brother, Oliver, born this evening.

A Three Year Old and His Dog

These pictures were taken in Vail in September.

 Rado was an 'only child' for some time before Caleb was born. It seemed like  a long time  before he adapted to Caleb. But they have become fast friends.

In a short time now, Rado will need to go through the whole process again. But in the meantime, he will have Caleb to protect him.

We are anxiously waiting the birth of Rado's and Caleb's little brother.

It's Another ORU Christmas

Year after year, ORU celebrates Christmas together, yet none of us are any older. It is a mazing what a good group of friends will do for you. Year after year we meet for dinner, then go to one of our homes for dessert...not just any sweet treat, but it is always something extremely special. It was so very special this time, that I can not reveal it's ingredients here, lest we be shut down by the administration for calorie overload. Yes, I'm sure it would not pass Michelle's checklist.

We exchange small gifts and laugh a lot. It is the one time that we do not feel pressured to solve all the problems of this world. We are joyous in the comfort of our Lord Jesus Christ whose birth is celebrated at this time of year.

It has not been a good year for all our members, but together we have made it and together we  will continue.

We all wish you a very merry Christmas.

We Do Boring Well

Today was  a great day, but earlier this week, we had an overcast, dreary kind of day. Ron has been working himself to a frazzle recently and Monday was no different.   There is no way this could be pretty.  Work day, work clothes, flat tire and a gravel pit. But we did it. It is over. Mission Accomplished.

We all have bad days mixed in with some good. That is life. If you think some people's lives are all glory, you just haven't walked their path. Yes, of course some people's lives seem much easier than others and some people's lives are exceptionally horrid.  But no one escapes suffering on this earth.

We have done a 'good job' of sheltering a generation or more of 'kids' who have grown up expecting others to do for them.  They expect to grow up, buy a new car or two, a big new house, dress like fashionistas, etc without going through all it really takes to get to that place.

Now our country is falling apart because they have demanded more than they've earned and we are trying to give it to them and to anyone who can sneak his or her way across our borders.

We were taught at a very young age that money does not grow on trees, but many now believe it does...in Washington DC.

Everyone, listen up...everyone needs  to do his or her best to pull their own selves through life. Don't expect me or anyone else to be able to do it for you.  Sound harsh?  Only to those who have not learned the hard way.  Those of us who've lived it, understand.

You Can't Hide

Maggie discovered she likes to eat snow. The first thing she wants to do now when she goes outdoors, is to run directly to a pile of snow and eat it. We do give her enough water, but it isn't as much fun, I suppose.  Since the snow was perfect for packing, I 'iced' a large cupcake in a planter in the courtyard.  If she could hide from me, I feel sure that she would want to hide behind something and stay out there all winter. The cold doesn't seem to bother her one bit.  Of course it can get much colder than it has so far this winter.

I say she could probably hide, since the government has not yet given her a cell phone.  There is method in that madness to make sure everyone has a phone, I suppose.  The NSA is using them to find whomever they wish and know whom they are calling...Of course they say they are only following Americans when they are out of the country. But then you and I know that policy can change from minute to minute. We don't need laws anymore...anything can and has been done by executive order.

I don't run with the kind of people who need to hide, but who knows when the  government might become a major enemy to the people and things might change.

Bat Man and Cross Fit

This Cross Fit motto, Stronger than Yesterday, lends itself to the Bat Man theme for Halloween. There were lots of Bat Men and Robins. Superman was represented as well as other Super Heroes.  The first picture shows Lauren as Bat Man with her friend Brit as Robin when they ran the 5K. Then later Lauren became Robin.

I appreciate all the work that goes into this type of extreme fitness. I just pray that no one overdoes it and injures him or herself for life. 

Speaking of being injured for life. Looks like our healthcare system, the best in the world, is quickly being strapped down by a website that just won't work. It appears they should have hired some Americans, like the ones who work for Amazon, (or any number of American companies) to work on the website for Obamacare.  It would have been MUCH cheaper and the money would have stayed in the states. 

What do you expect from politicians who have never ever held jobs in the real world.  But then, ignorance is no excuse anywhere else.  

Love Others As Yourself

This outing on November 18th is most likely Caleb's last trip to the zoo without a little brother.  

It shouldn't be long now until he will be the big brother. At the present time, he has a good attitude and everything should be all right. When the time comes, I pray he will take on the responsibility well.

If he does we'll be doubly proud because many grow to adulthood still thinking they are the center of the universe and that everything is due them. It makes for a sorry world when each man or woman is more conscious of what is good for self than of the interests of others. God was very clear with us in his commandments when we were told that loving others as ourselves  is second only to loving God with all our hearts.

As for the news today...My comment is, "Mr. President, you can keep your  Obamacare  PERIOD."

We've Come a Long Way

Today, Ron and I got an email from our friend Lenore that impressed both of us. Ron liked it so much he played it on the television. Just seconds after he started it, Maggie ran into the room and right up to the TV. She sat there first tilting her head one way and then the other way. She was immersed in that music. Maggie has good taste. It was beautiful.  Andre Rieu conducted I Will Follow Him from Sister Act. 

Seeing her there reminded Ron of the RCA dog and the gramophone...hence this layout.

It's much more pleasant than anything in the news these days.  Perhaps we could just stick our heads in the proverbial sand and pretend everything is all right. I would do that, but my brain tells me better. That is just exactly what our liberal leaders (pushers) want us to do. That is what good people have done in the past, and their countries were decimated by those who wanted power over the people.

Without God's influence, the power hungry are nonstoppable.  We must please Him and pray for deliverance.

Black Friday

Am I misled or isn't it generally the woman of the house who is the shopper? In Hartville today we noticed many men who had found chairs and were 'resting' while their wives spent their money.  

On the other hand Ron, my husband, was the one on a 'hunting expedition'...He had searched the web for Carhartt work clothes for cold weather.  It was a 'shoot and bag it' trip.  He quickly spied the clothing department, found his size and tried them on over his jeans in the aisle. Okay, they were not his size...and neither was the next pair. But the third was just right. If you've ever been to Filene's Basement in Boston, you have the idea how that works. Then all of a sudden, there seemed to be an abundance of store employees in the area. I'm not sure they were used to such behavior and may have suspected he would walk out in those stiff things.

I had gone along willingly, tempted by dinner at the Hartville Kitchen next door to the hardware store.  It turned out, I only needed to help him hold his purchases. I really didn't mind too much and was able to snap a few photos for this layout.

Tonight I fell asleep watching what Ron thought was the best Superman movie ever. Don't think I've ever stayed awake for Superman. When I woke up, I decided to sit there for the news, which was quite a mistake.  Was this really happening or did I die and go to hell? What has happened to this world?  It was wild and crazy. They showed and talked about everything nutty...Miley Cyrus and her disgusting tongue, a mushroom festival in Colorado where there were many noticeably high on those mushrooms and Mary Jane, and then the new 'fun' craze of knocking out strangers with a surprise punch.  They even showed the painful thing misnamed Affordable Care.

It was a far cry from yesterday's Thanksgiving.

Farm Work Balanced with Fun

Farm School has been a great learning opportunity for Caleb.  He learns much as he would if he actually lived 'on the land'. I believe  that on this one day, he not only rode a pig, but he milked a goat, worked repairing something and then walked a balance beam in the barn.

Today is Thanksgiving and  I am most thankful that our God in heaven has promised those who serve him a much better life in the hereafter. As good as it can be here at  times, it will be much better then...and we will not suffer any illness, hurt feelings, or pain.  There will be no results of sin.

Next, I am thankful for the parents who raised me and my husband who  keeps me strong, my children who have made my life full and my grand children, who have me rejoicing daily.  Thank you, God for my blessings. And I pray that you will intervene in this mess we've made of our country, so that we can continue to live free from an overpowering state.

Leah and Leah

Our granddaughter, Leah, on your right plans to teach theater arts. It is my opinion that she is a fine actress herself. On the day this picture was made, she and her friend, also Leah, showed up at the scene of a friend's video shoot.  It was a coincidence that they were dressed in similar style. It made for a great shoot, especially with that rusted door on the abandoned warehouse.  I hope I haven't overly embellished this page. I must admit that I got carried away with so many spectacular choices in my digital scrapbooking stash.

Les Mis

Lles Miserable has a wonderful message. We have  a friend, whose name is Robin, who has seen it 'a million times'. That is a slight exaggeration. But she loves it so much. I have enjoyed it the few times I've seen it as well. However, I would have really liked to have seen it this fall in Nashville, since our granddaughter, Ashley, and her dad, Greg, were both it is. I know there was lots of work that went into it over several months. It just doesn't seem right that a grandmother should have to miss something like that. 

I am glad they are interested in theater and are able to get roles and play the parts well. I am happy they are healthy. But most of all, I am thankful  that they and beloved children of the living God.

Our Founding Fathers

I'm posting one last fall layout for this year. These pictures were taken October 25, just 3 days before the very colorful picture of the same area that you saw on Monday, October 28th. What an amazing difference. And  tonight, after another nice fall day, we have snow. 

We had planned a trip to the eastern side of Pennsylvania for Thanksgiving, but have changed our minds due to a storm passing up the coast. Actually, I suppose the weather is bad over much of the country. It was snowing in Nashville today.  Good bye autumn. Hello winter.

As we prepare for Thanksgiving, let us examine the first part of a favorite Psalm of those who founded this country...Psalm 95 

“Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; 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 the Lord 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” 

May we praise our God, thanking him for all he has done for us and this nation. May we ask his help as we return to his way.

Is Neatness Innate?

Is neatness inborn, or trained?  Neatness has been a part of my life since I was in grade school. I did not get it from my mother, and my father was only moderately neat.

The first it made a mark on me was about third grade when my teacher said she could tell how neat our fathers and mothers were by the way we kept our desks. Well, I didn't want anyone to know that my mom was not neat, so that is when I started keeping everything in perfect order in and on my desk. That followed me home and I became organized there as well. I liked it and  continued until it actually became a problem after I was married and had four children and was teaching school. I worked so hard keeping things going well, that I overtired myself and started passing out in the classroom. I didn't go to a shrink, but my family doctor explained to me that I needed to let things slide a little. I had to have time for sleep. He made me stay home from school a week and I was not to do anything but rest and take a long walk every day. Extreme neatness was a hard habit to break, but I did it somewhat.

Now, in my 'old age', I've gotten a little slovenly...or at least disorganized in places...my desk for example sports a variety of piles, some of which should definitely by trashed ASAP. It's just easier to shove them aside than to check each piece...

Okay, so now that I've told that secret...Tonight I got an email that equates me and the first lady. We both have longer ring fingers than index fingers. I had never heard of such a thing, but they showed studies that indicate women like me are not that feminine. They had a worse description, that I dare not even state...Cause it can't be true.  

I like better one study which stated that  women with longer ring that index fingers are more successful in life.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/women-with-longer-ring-finger-than-their-index-more-successful-in-life/1080610/

Sweet Kitty

Lauren met this kitty at her brother, Jerod's, new house. He has a neighbor who has so many cats that they may as well be strays. This little one came over to Lauren and she fell in love with it. If she didn't have a cat already, and if that cat, Boo, would accept another cat in the house, I can see Lauren trying to adopt this new baby.

As a dog person, I cannot for the life of me understand why anyone would want a house full of cats. Do they really think they are doing the animals a favor by keeping them in a place where they can't get the best care? Well, I do realize that many of them would have no home at all. And I do suppose that a crowded, even dirty home, might be better for a cat than living outdoors in the cold world with predators.  Okay, so I do get it. But that said, I would not be one to take in cat after cat. I learned my lesson with the first one. I know that no matter how much I do, I will not get her love and affection. She will never consider herself my cat. She will always think of me as a meal ticket living in her home.

See, that is why I'm a dog person all the way. But still, I can see why Lauren likes this little ball of fur. And I love to see that smile on her face.

Art Expression

Caleb is expressing himself through a paintbrush. The class was asked to paint a place they liked.
Caleb chose the mountains. Considering he lives in Colorado, it is very understandable. Of course, I live far away from the Rockies, but I am also drawn to mountains...always have been. Our family never went to the ocean for vacations, but always headed toward the mountains when we had a vacation and were not going to visit relatives

My father had sold Bibles during the summer months to pay his college tuition. His territory was in the mountains or North Carolina and West Virginia. He fell in love with them and so did  I as a youth.

Psalm 19:1

The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.

Mountains call out to me... and I listen.  Caleb may be getting that same call.

P is for Pig

Caleb likes to ride pigs. Don't think I had ever thought of riding a pig before; so this was a pleasant surprise for me. It is great that Ft Collins has a 'City' Farm so the kids can learn about that rural life.  It prevents the kind of ignorance I have heard even from adults about their food sources, etc.

The class has given Caleb many joyful hours with the animals and learning about chores that are needed to keep a farm going. 

Education is more than books and slide rules. Oh, I need not use that antique instrument to make a point today. Many would have no clue what I mean.   Just put down your calculators and computers now and then...skip over google and go straight to the land. There is a truth that experience teaches more thoroughly at times.

I don't want to downplay the books. We need more of that as well. It is obvious that the last couple of generations, at least, have not learned their history.  If they had, we would not be in the mess we are in right now with this medi(non)care.  We would have appreciated the top notch medical system we have in this nation and are about to lose. 

If we had been taught properly, neither would we have strayed so far from the Biblical morals that keep people healthy and happy. We would not have thrown God out of our schools, courts, etc.

In the old testament of the Bible we were told to teach our young children as we go through the day...

1. Deuteronomy 4:10
   Remember the day you stood before the Lord your God at Horeb, when he said to me, “Assemble the people before me to hear my words so that they may learn to revere me as long as they live in the land and may teach them to their children.”
   Deuteronomy 4:9-11 (in Context) Deuteronomy 4 (Whole Chapter) Other Translations
2. Deuteronomy 11:19
   Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.

Preparing for a Train Ride

Preparing for a train ride, John photographs Beth, Caleb and Rado. The Aspen leaves are fully yellow and the sky is blue, blue, blue. The pictures were taken September 29th, only a few of the many really good ones.

Today was a beautiful day in OH...the type of day that Colorado has routinely.

Now, nearly two months later, we are all waiting for a train WRECK, called Obamacare. It is openly failing to come to fruition with all the incompetence of government run anything. Yes, it is much, much worse than the Post Office. I would say openly that I'm glad it is falling apart, yet, my conjecture is that it is all part of the progressive (communist) plan to break all the insurance companies and go straight to the one payer system, which is what Obama wanted all along. That means the government does it all...they just throw the insurance companies out of business like they have done so many others since they took over the presidency. The progressive liberals like it that way. They want to be IN CONTROL. They want to be everyone's boss, because they think they are much more intelligent than the rest of us. They may be more than some of us, but common sense is just as important a factor...and that is lacking big time on the left.

Tim and Kids

Either I'm getting old, or  something is running me down. Can't believe it is only 11:18 and I am falling asleep over and over again in my chair here at the computer.

Am going straight for the punch, so that I can get to be.  there was a poll taken today. The results were, if an election had been today, Romney would win. Too bad it took so long for the country to wake up. I'm hoping they will remember by the time that we do vote...and of course, I'm still hoping to have a fair election this next time.  One citizen, one vote. That shouldn't be so hard. 

Caleb and Vail

Vail is a lovely place, one that I'd really like to see in person.  I really need a bucket list.  These pictures were taken by John and Beth on their little trip in late September.   I love the interest Caleb showed in Albert Einstein.  Cute.

I suppose I should just go entirely to a scrapbooking blog. It seems I'm tiring more easily and lacking motivation to dig into the news today. Yes, I'm tired from work. It has been a trying day. But I'm also tired of seeing our country fall into the hands of communists while it seems no one is doing anything....or at least no one is doing enough about it. 

Do you remember when Nikita Khrushchev appeared at the U.N. and banged his shoe on the podium?  It was on September 29, 1959. I remember it clearly. It was quite frightening. 

Here is the exact quote:

"Your children's children will live under communism.  You Americans are so gullible. No, you won't accept communism outright; but we'll keep feeding you small doses of Socialism until you will finally wake up and find that you already have Communism.  We won't have to fight you; We'll so weaken your economy, until you fall like overripe fruit into our hands."

file:///Users/louannmckinney/Library/Containers/com.apple.mail/Data/Library/Mail%20Downloads/8CE2C187-2E64-41B4-92EC-B7B7316BA74F/image.jpg

Okay, there it is. It seems that each night when I'm too tired to even think about the situation, I am inspired some how.

Awesome God= Awesome Mountains

Our Awesome God Formed Awesome Mountains. I've put these two pages side by side in my book for a panoramic effect.

Trail and Rail

I was just checking John's pictures on flickr and found that I hadn't even seen all of them from their trip to Vail last month. They are all so beautiful. I could probably fill two books with them. There just isn't much prettier than those mountains with the yellow aspens, blue skies and gorgeous lakes. And of course some of my most favorite people are in featured as well.

I think I may have to pass up some Words with Friends games and leave some email unread in order to work (play) with these pictures.  Oh, and of course Christmas is coming up way too quickly to suit me. It seems it was just last week that I got a puppy for my birthday.  That was early June.

Our time on earth is short.