Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Blackbird Theater


Out triplet grandchildren, who turned eleven this past Saturday, celebrated that big day with us while they were here in Ohio over the Independence Day holiday.  On Tuesday they celebrated again with a big trampoline party. I haven't seen pictures yet, but hope  to see them soon. Their mom is a little too busy to upload pictures now, since her mother in law and father in law are visiting from Florida now. 

Greg, on your left, is the triplets father and my son-in-law. He and Wes Driver graduated from Lipscomb University  years ago and now run the theater company there. If you ever get to Nashville, check to see if they have a play running while you are in town.  It would be well worth your time. They produce plays that are a step above all others...they are more high brow and with Greg and Wes together, the productions are big hits and get great reviews.




Tuesday, July 30, 2013

I Can Fly



Of course he can fly. Watch him.

It is wonderful to have a vivid imagination, but sometimes we just have to get real. We have to grow up and face reality.  We can't fly, not on our  own anyway. We can't get something for nothing...not in real life anyway.  Yes, the president can cast out our Constitution and bypass laws he doesn't like. He can hand out gifts left and right. But that doesn't come without a price. We'll all pay for it in the end. If not by sweat and blood, it will be in loss of freedom.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Celebrate Freedom




























Thinking about our celebration of Independence Day made me think of one of our great founding fathers, Thomas Jefferson. He was highly intelligent AND wise.


 Who was T h o m a s J e f f e r s o n ?



 Thomas Jefferson was a very remarkable man who started learning very early
 in life and never stopped.

 At 5, began studying under his cousin's tutor.
 At 9, studied Latin, Greek and French.

 At 14, studied classical literature and additional languages.

 At 16, entered the College of William and Mary.

 At 19, studied Law for 5 years starting under George Wythe.

 At 23, started his own law practice.

 At 25, was elected to the Virginia House of Burgesses.

 At 31, wrote the widely circulated "Summary View of the Rights of British America "  And retired from his law practice.

 At 32, was a Delegate to the Second Continental Congress.

 At 33, wrote the Declaration of Independence .

 At 33, took three years to revise Virginia 's legal code and wrote a Public Education bill and a statute for Religious Freedom.

 At 36, was elected the second Governor of Virginia succeeding Patrick Henry.

 At 40, served in Congress for two years.

 At 41, was the American minister to France and negotiated commercial treaties with European nations along with Ben Franklin and John Adams.

 At 46, served as the first Secretary of State under George Washington.

 At 53, served as Vice President and was elected president of the American Philosophical Society.

 At 55, drafted the Kentucky Resolutions and became the active head of Republican Party.

 At 57, was elected the third president of the United States .

 At 60, obtained the Louisiana Purchase doubling the nation's size.

 At 61, was elected to a second term as President.

 At 65, retired to Monticello .

>At 80, helped President Monroe shape the Monroe Doctrine.

 At 81, almost single-handedly created the University of Virginia and served as its first president.

At 83, died on the 50th anniversary of the Signing of the Declaration of Independence along with John Adams.

 Thomas Jefferson knew because he himself studied the previous failed attempts at government. He understood actual history, the nature of God, his laws and the nature of man. That happens to be way more than what most understand today. Jefferson really knew his stuff. A voice from the past to lead us in the future:

 John F. Kennedy held a dinner in the white House for a group of the brightest minds in the nation at that time. He made this statement: "This is perhaps the assembly of the most intelligence ever to gather at one time in the White House with the exception of when Thomas Jefferson dined alone."


 "When we get piled upon one another in large cities, as in Europe, we shall become as corrupt as Europe ."
 -- Thomas Jefferson

 "The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not."
 -- Thomas Jefferson

 "It is incumbent on every generation to pay its own debts as it goes. A principle which if acted on would save one-half the wars of the world."
 -- Thomas Jefferson

 "I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them."
 -- Thomas Jefferson

 "My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government."
 -- Thomas Jefferson

 "No free man shall ever be debarred the use of arms."
 -- Thomas Jefferson

 "The strongest reason for the people to retain the right to keep and bear arms is, as a last resort, to protect themselves against tyranny in government."
 -- Thomas Jefferson

 "The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants."
 -- Thomas Jefferson

 "To compel a man to subsidize with his taxes the propagation of ideas which he disbelieves and abhors is sinful and tyrannical."
 -- Thomas Jefferson

 Thomas Jefferson said in 1802:

 "I believe that banking institutions are more dangerous to our liberties than standing armies.

 If the American people ever allow private banks to control the issue of their currency, first by inflation, then by deflation, the banks and corporations that will grow up around the banks will deprive the people of all property - until their children wake-up homeless on the continent their fathers conquered."




Sunday, July 28, 2013

Birthday Present


Just thinking about my birthday present this year. It has to be the best birthday present I've ever gotten, since she sweetens my life every day.

Because of her, we get more company. She loves people! WE didn't want a yappy little dog and she is just the opposite.  She would lick an intruder to death.

It's good we have other offense and defense around here as well.

Today, a guest played and played with her. I thought she would sleep the rest of the day, but no, not Maggy, she wanted to keep playing this evening.  But she is sound asleep right now.

Thank you Zhenya! Maggie has a new friend.

God's love is even more intense than a puppy's. May you feel the love  God has for you as you go about your day tomorrow.


Saturday, July 27, 2013

Waiting to Be Recognized


The pictures were taken on the back deck of Paulette's cabin in the woods.

This is it...the next big hit...ORU. We are ready to change the world. Just give us a try.  LOL

Tonight several of us were together for dinner, We were missing Jill , Jane and Robin who are pictured here, but we had Teresa, one of our Texans, in the mix.

We are looking for a  network and sponsor for our show.  It would have to be a reality show. We don't need a script. It is lively whenever and wherever we meet. We could promise a program a couple of steps above Duck Dynasty.

And if you believe it,  I could sell you anything...Like those who have invaded the White House, who have convinced you that they are doing everything to help you while they are turning  the USA into a third world country by breaking our laws and writing their own which will enslave you in a short time.

I'd like to close on a high note...therefore this promise:

Daniel 9i:9: 
The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him;


Friday, July 26, 2013

Show and Tell




Caleb has some big news. He has a prop to help him along. Read what the onesie says:  Little Brother.

Yes, Mommy is going to have a baby boy in December.  Caleb will have a baby brother and he will then be the BIG brother. 

What a joyful face! What wonderful news.

A big brother can be a wonderful thing. As I grew up, I always wanted a big brother like my neighbor had. He was protective and kind.

However, these days that term, Big Brother can bring fear to one's heart. Big Brother is watching you in not a comforting thought. If you've read 1984, you know what I mean. If you have not read it, you should.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Today



Today is finally a day like they had in Colorado on May 12. It is a perfectly comfortable springlike temperature here at the lake.

We don't have a hammock (we probably should) but it is a little hard to justify it when we really don't have time to use it. Well, that is I wouldn't take time  to use it. But it is 3:55 PM right now and Ron is sleeping on the sofa. Perhaps I should get him one.

Caleb had a big time in his in May. Looks like he may have had some chocolate as well. Oops, that is the mother in me...always looking for clues.

We need to be alert citizens, looking for clues in Washington, in the work place, on the store shelves, etc. Some of us go around with blinders on and miss significant things which are very blatant.  If that were not a fact, there would have been an impeachment by now.

Yes, the media, for the most part, is corrupt and in on the destruction of our freedom, but there are some ways you can learn the truth... and one of them is to keep watch.


Wednesday, July 24, 2013

You Win



A Gramma's heart is  won by a sweet smile, a winning word, the simplest things.  It gave me joy to see this picture of Caleb riding his bike in a race. He is only three, but has always wanted to play with older children. He tickles me with his willingness to tackle everything.


Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Paulette's Cabin


Back in June, Paulette arranged for several of us to getaway  for the night.  It was all of ORU North. The sad part being, it was that last hurrah for us with Jill, who has since gone on to Texas. That seems to be where ORU members go when they have enough buckeye in them  to exist  on sweet memories for extended periods elsewhere.

 We know it will never be the same without her...but we'll keep in touch in hopes that some day, she will be able to come to her senses and move back up north. Actually, if it were entirely up to her, she would not be going... but jobs are scarce here and her husband landed the perfect one for him there.

To God be the Glory. Great things He has done.

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Role Models




As any mother of a boy would guess, Caleb likes fire trucks. Of course, all along he has had major reinforcement of his love through the firemen in his area. They have been so very kind to him.

Caleb has a father at home, but these days, many young boys do not. It is a sad day when the father leaves a family without that important part...a man in the house.

Many 'families' now have a mother who is trying to be mom, the bread winner...the everything adult in the family.  It is tragic. We are starting to see some of the repercussions now. Boys need  male role models.  

Think what you will, it is a mistake to rob a boy  (or girl) for that matter of a father figure.

If you are in that situation by happenstance or by choice, please find a role model for your son, There are fellows who are God loving and willing to help in that department. Extended family members might make good contacts, or church members you know well. Look for someone dependable, making sure it is a wise choice . See that the boy gets to share time and activities with that person.

Yes, boys and girls are different. God made them that way for a reason. It is part of his plan.


In the Bible, we read: Genesis 2: 20 "...But for Adam no suitable helper was found. 21 So the Lord God caused the man to fall into a deep sleep;and while he was sleeping, he took one of the man’s ribs and then closed up the place with flesh. 22 Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib he had taken out of the man, and he brought her to the man.
23 The man said,
“This is now bone of my bones
    and flesh of my flesh;
she shall be called ‘woman,’
    for she was taken out of man.
24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.


That was the first marriage. It had reasons...the wife makes a good helper for the husband and they can procreate and raise a family.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Black and White


Our group of friends has been dwindling as one by one they have moved to Texas...two for jobs and one because both their children live there. I'm telling you that because so many people will say, when told, of their moves...Why would they want to move to Texas?  You have to understand that is the way we Yankees think. Why trade in tall lush trees for scrubby ones? Why trade seasons for HEAT? Why trade green for brown?  Why trade lakes for dry river beds?

Anyway, now that they are gone so far away, we are pining for them. We still keep in touch the best we can because we share our sisterhood of brilliance.  We know we could save the world if people would just listen to us. Among us, we have ALL the answers. Just ask us. 

This month, 4 of us had birthdays.  Those of us still left in the north gathered at Robin's for a  ride together to Maggiano's in Beachwood for the big celebration.

This picture was taken at Robin's front door. Alli was there and volunteered to take the picture. 

I didn't get the memo...that is what we always say if one of us is a little off the mark in her dress. We all think somewhat alike and there  I was in black pants, while EVERYONE else wore white. The funny thing was, I had gotten out my white capris and found a yellow spot...could that have been a puppy spot?  hmmmm. 

I thought I could photoshop those pants to white, but that just isn't going to happen. If anyone knows how to do that, please let me know. I really thought it would be a snap. Maybe I should just change all of theirs to black instead.  But then July calls for white... especially in the north.

Friday, July 19, 2013

Running Ahead

Caleb is dos not hang back to see what he should do. He is always out front, leading the way.  Here he is running on ahead of the family to their car which is parked within eye view.

He seems to be getting taller all of a sudden...

And I am getting sleepier. Burning my candles at both end and getting older at the same time. Not a good combination.


Good night and may the good Lord bless and keep you.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Blackbird Theater



It just wouldn't do to use this picture of our son-in-law, Greg, and his friend and theater buddy, Wes, without doing something artistic to it.n After all, they are Blackbird Theater.

Actually, the photo appeared this way, along with the review.  I just clipped the two together and worked on the text a bit so that it stood out enough to be read. 

To know more about Blackbird's work, read about it here on the layout. 

They are a small company in their 4th season, doing the more highbrow plays that one doesn't see everywhere.  I'll probably be chastised for using the word, 'highbrow', but ...

It is late and I'm quite tired. Got together with ORU this evening for a dinner at Maggiano's at Beachwood. I love that place. I ordered four cheese ravioli and when I'd eaten my fill and asked for a take home container, they said that meal was two for one price and I could choose another pasta dish to take home as well. I chose lasagna, so now Ron and I have our  dinner for tomorrow night.



Wednesday, July 17, 2013



Look at him go. I've bragged about Caleb riding a bike since last year, when at two, he learned to balance a  two wheeled bicycle. I know that is superfluous, but many people think I mean a tricycle or a bike with training wheels. It is hard to believe he could do that. Now, at three, he is riding a regular bicycle with pedals.   Since the day he learned, he has been in some bicycle races.

Not sure I can tie this in with the Bible verse sent to my email this morning that means a lot to me at this stage of my life. It never meant so much to me before, because as I grew up, it was the norm  to read and follow God's  will. However, these days there are many disparaging remarks  about Christians. It was to be expected however.  The Bible said there would come a time when what was bad would be called 'good', and what was good would be called 'bad'.
If you think about it, you would realize that time has come.  So far we are still free to worship, but the time is coming, unless we stand up and let God lead us day by day, we  will fall into the hands of those who will persecute us. But if we must suffer in this life, it is still worth allegiance to out father in heaven who will take us home to live with him forever.

Romans 1:16

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

Also in my email this morning was this piece by Max Lucado:


Faith is not the belief that God will do what you want. Faith is the belief that God will do what is right. My translation of the first few verses of Matthew, Chapter 5 say, “Blessed are the dirt-poor, nothing-to-give, trapped-in-a-corner, destitute, diseased,” and Jesus said, “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
God says the more hopeless your circumstance, the more likely your salvation.  The greater your cares, the more genuine your prayers. Healing begins when we depend on Him. God’s help is near and always available, but it’s only given to those who seek it. Compared to God’s part, our part is minuscule but necessary.
Ask forgiveness. Call a counselor. Confess. Call mom. Visit a doctor. Feed a hungry person. Pray. Teach. Go. Do something that demonstrates faith. For faith with no effort is no faith at all. God will respond.  He has never rejected a genuine gesture of faith.  Never!

Max Lucado

Sleep well in our father's arms.

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Sailboat



Recently I signed up for a class in blending. Now this isn't just any class, it is costly;  so I'm hoping to get a LOT out of it.  The sad thing is, I'm still working on the elementary introductory material. I've not had enough time and I'm soooo anxious to dive into it... and I don't mean the lake.

Here is a picture I took last week when I spotted a sailboat. We don't see many of them over this far.  They are generally on Turkeyfoot Lake.  Since I'm working on my beginning blending skills, I used the photo for practice. The sad thing is, I can't remember which blending mode I used in my Photoshop Elements. The second layer is a little strange, but overall I'm very happy with the look...at least pleased enough that I'm posting it here for you to see. Double click on it to enlarge it. You'll see what I mean about the artistic blend.

Back to the lake...While we have friends in Texas who are in a drought, we have been extremely blessed with rain this year. I am happy though, because earlier in the spring I was concerned about the lack of rainfall. It was very dry. We had to use our lawn sprinklers in what usually is the wettest part of the year.

I can't say that God loves us better than Texans...

Matthew 5:44-45

"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous."

Monday, July 15, 2013

A Mother's Day


A mother is a mother every day. Beth is an awesome mother and she deserves a special day.  It will be a long time before another Mother's Day,  but every day in a mother's life is special when they are able to be with their children. I urge any of you who have thought about arranging to stay home with your kids to do so.  There is nothing more rewarding.





Sunday, July 14, 2013

Life Is Full of Surprises


I noticed that Maggy had become enamored by the roll of toilet paper in my bathroom. She studied it and tilted her head when I unrolled it. Until today, we've been lucky that she couldn't reach it. However, with her growth  she found that in Ron's bathroom, she could stand on the bathroom scale and reach the paper. Before I had any idea she was even in his bathroom, she has grabbed that  paper and strung it across the floor. Thank goodness she was happy to just lay there on the rug and chew it.  She could just as easily stretched it throughout the house. 

 Now we are on alert. We are not in the habit of closing the doors, but I'm assuming that is our best defense...for the time being. Oh the joys of puppyhood.  It was hard not to laugh.  She is soooo cute.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

On My Honor


On My Honor, I have to admit that I've mixed a few fireworks pictures here. I think I have mentioned before that is was like a 30 minute grand finale.  This is the boat Chelle, Greg, Ashley, Mason and Aussie were in that bright night. 

If I believed in do-overs, I'd have to redo this layout. I'm not pleased at all, but since I'm so far behind in my scrapbooking, it will remain the same.

At  OnMyHonor.net they have announced the launch of a premier national character development organization for those wisely leaving the Boy Scouts of America. 
An executive director has been introduced and the name, logo and program outline of this new organization will be announced at the Spetember 6-7 inaugural national convention in Nashville, Tennessee.
I suggest  that any of you who have boys or grand children or friends who would benefit from this new organization,  find more information here

I don't know if they are being concord, or what, but this link won't work, even though I've checked it three times.  However if I just put www.onmyhonor.net/  in my browser, the organization comes up quickly.

Friday, July 12, 2013

Rock Star Anchored



We had a great time celebrating Independence Day, even though it managed to rain at about the same time we usually leave the house to get our favorite spot.  Since we were an hour later than usual, we were stopped by the lake troopers and not allowed to travel any further. We were a little upset, until we realized, we had about the best 'seats' on the lake.


Well as usual since we got the puppy, I am exhausted. It makes a long day of training...or, excuse me...of trying to train. It isn't going well. I think I need to read a book, or hire the Dog Whisperer.

Good night.

Please pray for our nation.


Thursday, July 11, 2013

The Law of Thumb

Somebody who thinks logically is a nice contrast to the real world. 
- The Law of Thumb

If something is repeated often enough, does it make it true?

The Law of Thumb is a phrase that's been used for over 300 years, yet some have perverted it's meaning recently, making it relate to wife beating. 

Read below to debunk this idea.



...The 'rule of thumb' story is an example of revisionist history that feminists happily fell into believing. It reinforces their perspective on society, and they tell it as a way of winning converts to their angry creed...
The 'rule of thumb', however, turns out to be an excellent example of what may be called a feminist fiction. Is is not to be found in William Blackstone's treatise on English common law. On the contrary, British law since the 1700s and our American laws predating the Revolution prohibit wife beating, though there have been periods and places in which the prohibition was only indifferently enforced.

That the phrase did not even originate in legal practice could have been ascertained by any fact-checker who took the trouble to look it up in the Oxford English Dictionary, which notes that the term has been used metaphorically for at least three hundred years to refer to any method of measurement or technique of estimation derived from experience rather than science.


Here is the reason I've not been able to post on this blog several times this month.


Maggie is a silky little ball of hair. She is busy constantly eating, drinking and...  No wonder she is over twice the size she was this time last month. She is growing SO fast and needs constant attention. 

I'm not complaining. As a matter of fact, I'm very glad to have her around...even when she is biting at my ankles.   

Well this is another night without the fireworks layouts. MAybe by Christmas, I'll get them done.

Good night.  Sweet dreams.


Walk the Walk



I love these pictures of Beth and Caleb on the fish. It's not every day that can happen.

Surely it won't be long now until I can finally get some Independence Day joy posted here. I took way too many pictures to let the opportunity pass us by.

Today I came across a quote that is worth repeating. I found it in my Wordles puzzle email for the day.

"It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching."
                                                                 
 St. Francis of Assisi

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Public School Prayer



Caleb flirts with the mirror at the Rio on Mother's Day while waiting for their dinners.

Since the Pledge of Allegiance and the Lord's Prayer are not allowed in most
Public schools anymore , because the word God is mentioned.....
A kid in Arizona    wrote the this:

                                                              


"New Pledge of Allegiance"

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now I sit me down in school
Where praying is against the rule
For this great nation under God
Finds mention of Him very odd.
If scripture now the class recites,
It violates the Bill of Rights.
And anytime my head I bow
Becomes a Federal matter now.
Our hair can be purple, orange or green,
That's no offense; it's a freedom scene..
The law is specific, the law is precise.
Prayers spoken aloud are a serious vice.
For praying in a public hall
Might offend someone with no faith at all..
In silence alone we must meditate,
God's name is prohibited by the state.
We're allowed to cuss and dress like freaks,
And pierce our noses, tongues and cheeks...
They've outlawed guns, but FIRST the Bible.
To quote the Good Book makes me liable.
We can elect a pregnant Senior Queen,
And the unwed daddy,' our Senior King.
It's inappropriate to teach right from wrong,
We're taught that such judgment's do not belong..
We can get our condoms and birth controls,
Study witchcraft, vampires and totem poles ...
But the Ten Commandments are not allowed,  
No word of God must reach this crowd.
It's scary here I must confess,
When chaos reigns the school's a mess.
So, Lord, this silent plea I make:
Should I be shot; My soul please take!
Amen

Friday, July 5, 2013

Better Late Than Never



I was looking through Chelle's scrapbook and noticed this picture of Ashley which I had never seen.  That is unusual. It had been taken in February of this year. I generally get digi copies of all the good pictures.

I was anxious to do my own layout with it, so Chelle sent it to my computer and I just now sat down and came up with this rendition for my own book. I love the colors and the bright smile.  And of course, I love Ashley.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Independence Day 2013

Even though this picture was taken back in May of this year, it fits the color scheme for today's activities. 

 I haven't done any layouts yet for this fantastic day, but I do have some shots I took as we sat lakeside here watching the neighbor's set off their fireworks display in the area where Sandy Beach Amusement park was when I was a young child. This has become a yearly event in the neighborhood. Last year, I watched them from my window here by the computer. 

As we celebrate our independence from Britain today, many in Egypt are demonstrating their abhorrence of our country, particularly our president,  for supporting the Muslim Brotherhood over the peace loving  majority in that country. 

Check  here for that story.




Wednesday, July 3, 2013

When is a violin a fiddle?


When is a violin a fiddle? I ask this because I haven't taken the time to google it and some how I have reached 70 and still don't know.

In any case, the story isn't much about the instrument, but about the girl with a rash. This is Ashley (I'll get to see her soon.) and she had broken out in a rash with an allergy to sulfa drugs. I, her gramma, suffered the same fate when I was a little girl.  She is fine now, but when the picture was taken she wasn't feeling great.  However, she didn't stay at home, but went to a scout meeting where she had the opportunity to 'play' a violin. She looks to me like she should maybe take lessons, but I'm not sure she is interested in the proposition.  I think instead that she is just fiddling around.

Puppy news: I had a traumatic couple of hours this morning with Maggie. She wanted to chew on my legs which were bare below my capri length pj's.  She kept attacking, grabbing those legs and shaking them. Her little sharp teeth stung my old thin skinned ankles. Finally natural  consequences helped. As I walked, she was caught between my legs and first thrown right and then immediately left. It frightened her enough that she went directly to her crate for protection. After her nap she was a much better dog the rest of the day. She was rewarded with a treat multiple times today for 'going' outdoors.

She also learned very quickly the command, 'Come'. That will be a blessing, as up to now, I would lose her in the house and have to search everywhere to find her.

By the way, Obamacare had a set-back today.  Medium and large companies have another year until 2015 before they have to provide coverage for their workers or face fines. I  pray it will be struck down before it completely kills business in this country.


Monday, July 1, 2013

Fourth Generation


Photography  has been one of my loves. I'm not saying I'm good at it. I am not.  But I do have a good eye. I follow in my mother's footsteps. She was artistic and loved photography. She even had a darkroom at our home when I was young.  Our daughter, Chelle and our son, John have also shown an interest  in the field. They are both much better than I.  Their children, the triplets...Ashley, Aussie and Mason and now Caleb seem to have a talent as well.

Here, Caleb has acquired the old camera. He shoots photos every chance he gets. I hope sometime soon to do a layout of pictures he has taken.  Actually, I believe last year I added a picture he took on one of my layouts.

It is warming to see our children and grand children grow in appreciation of the same things we like.
They imitate us.

Young parents...be careful what you do.  Little ones are watching you.