Happy New Year 2015

No, I'm not catching up, but I am jumping forward to Christmas for tonight's post. We have lots of good pictures of our triplets this December and this is the fist layout I've done of them in a while.

I'm hoping they will have a great night in FL tonight.

Ron and I are sitting home, the second year in a row.  We'll celebrate later.

I'm already placed before my computer window through which I watched a fantastic fireworks show last year. I don't know for sure there will be any, but I did hear a few test fires a while ago. The beach where the fireworks were displayed can't be more than 400 yards from here.

Hope you have a very Happy New Year, blessed by the peace of our Lord.

Not Too Far Behind

Yes. I'm still back in October with my scrapbooking; BUT, Christmas has been put away at our house. I had to start the day after Christmas because our dog, Maggie has been trying to undecorate the tree since the day after Thanksgiving.  She damaged a few ornaments and destroyed several more. But actually, I doubt if anyone other than I would have noticed there was anything missing. I really load down my trees.  When I put the tree away early last years, I thought that surely she wouldn't bother it this year... Well, I'm thinking that again about next year.  Anyone out there have trouble with a dog like that?  Do they grow out of it?  She seemed distraught as I boxed up everything.

As much as I hate being behind when I have so many super good pictures from the kid's Christmas celebrations this year, I really enjoyed doing these two today with the pumpkin theme.

Besides all the work I've done today, I'm slowly reading Ben Carson's One Nation, trying to be objective. I'm really understanding where this man is coming from and liking him more and more.  Could it be that our God has sent him, raised by a poor single mother, to save this country from what we have let happen to it in the last decades?

I pray that if he is indeed God's answer to the prayers of the faithful,  he will be elected president and will have a faithful Congress and court system to support our comeback.

Brotherly Love

As usual, I'm behind a couple of months. Will I ever catch up? Well, not at this rate. It seems that when I think I will, there comes another obstacle. There are several playing with me now.  High blood pressure meds that are doing a number on me, a new version of Photoshop Elements, a new operating system on my Mac and do we need more?  NO But because of a gift Ron gave me for Christmas, I am now hooked on Pandora internet radio. Oh, and my music  is so soothing...good for the blood pressure, but it can really slow me down as well.  It has taken me hours to do this one layout of Caleb and Oliver.

I love the subject. I have never ever seen such love between brothers. Little Oliver idolizes Caleb and he knows how to show it.

Something New

If you live in the north east, colored leaves are nothing new to you, as a matter of fact, by late fall they can become quite a bother...but we love the color year after year. It is just the raking that we can tire of quickly.  Oliver is playing in these dry and colorful leaves for the first time and shows his delight.  Of  course most children relish playing in the leaves year after  year. It is the adult whose attitude has made them a little less than awesome.

Attitude can mean everything in many situations.  Lets nurture good attitudes, especially toward other people.  The Bible instructs us to love others as we love ourselves. We make mistakes, and we must realize that all people do. Don't judge your fellow man by  one mistake. Try to understand where he is coming from, where he has been, what he has experienced. Try to love him, as God has instructed us. Learn to forgive. It will mean a lot toward getting along with others and in avoiding heartache, both physically and spiritually.

The Pumpkin Farm

I may need to work on this tile again. It just doesn't show up well enough.

I wish I could have been there to see the mountain in the distance, the bright blue sky, the pumpkins scattered on the ground, and of course, my little grandsons.

I seems in all the pictures I get of long outdoor adventures, Oliver has fallen asleep on his mama's chest. He certainly is nice and comfy there. He's getting to be quite a load. It is a good thing Beth is strong.

Tonight, I  have  a lot on my mind, mostly depressing news we are hearing on the national scene...I'm just too tired to handle it right now. I just pray that people will stand back and see the racial discord that is being stirred into a frenzy and pull back from the fray. Hatred is being fomented by those in power. That is definitely not a good thing, but simply one more way to divide the people.  We have rich and poor, male and female, Christians and non Christians, young and old, black and white, now  policemen are  pitted against the rest of us. The liberals are working toward a divided state, which will fall. That is their objective. 

But, we  need to pull together in love and strive to understand one another, united and strong under one flag.

Topping the Tree

My early gift for Christmas, yes I picked it out myself, was Photoshop Elements 13.  It's a big jump from the last one I had...10. Anyway. I've taken some time off today to play with it while I should be cleaning.  I just had to get a start on Christmas layouts, even though I still have pictures from back in October that are crying out for some attention.

Here is my baby boy and his little Caleb doing their trick of putting the star up on top of the tree. Thinking about the fact that I have to climb up a step ladder to place mine. There is a little unfairness there. We were not all created equal...in the height department.

Many if not most trees are topped by a star.  Do you know why? If you are of my generation, you do. If you are of my children's generation, you probably do. But, if you are in your twenties, you may not. Those younger WILL NOT know useless we teach them. They will not learn in school and they probably will not learn from movies or TV shows. Their friends will not likely tell them. Christmas, because it has to do with the Christ child, is being wiped from our country.

We have three active enemies of Christmas: atheists, Muslims and worst of all, socialists who want the state to be the god of the people.

Put a star atop your tree and explain its role to your young visitors. It represents the star that pointed the way to the baby Lord Jesus...asleep in the hay. You'll need to talk about Jesus as well. The Bible tells us to teach our children throughout the day, along the way.

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.

Sporting Braces

Mason, one of the triplets, has been sporting braces since September. He is still handsome, of course not quite as handsome as he will be when they are removed. OH, and those braces don't affect his singing one bit. 

I heard a sermon tonight that was so simple and to the point. Oh that all that I hear were so good. There was no mistaking it. His point was that Christmas was not a holiday. It was never intended to be a holiday, nor was it intended to be a religious tradition. It is the promise of forgiveness.  How true.  Think about it. God sent his son to set an example and then to die on this earth so that we may be forgiven of our sins and raise from the dead to eternal life.  Hallelujah!

Your Mountain

This may not look like a mountain to you, but it sure is an uphill grade for Caleb. It takes work. But he is up to it. He is a fighter. He climbs on that bike and pedals with all he has.

What is your mountain?  Everyone has one.  Have you not found yours yet? You will. When you do, remember to give it all you have...and ask God to go with you...for a sure and safe arrival.

International Digital Scrapbooking Day

No, it was not today.  I was not last week. It was last month, November 1. It always falls on a Saturday. This year, I was actually able to take part. I didn't participate with any groups, just sat at my computer most of the day and produced lots of layouts. It was a fun day and helped me get a lot done.

I wish I had one of those days each month. You would think it would be no problem scheduling such an event once in a while, since I'm retired; but anyone who is retired can tell you, it just doesn't work like that. It doesn't take many days after quitting your job that your days fill up with things you'd never even thought of before. You wonder how in the world you ever had time to work.Then  as the years pass, you start thinking and moving slower and that really complicates things.

On a positive note. I'm really enjoying these years. I  can blog about September, October and November in December and it really doesn't bother me much...a little, but not much.

Christmas is coming and I am more ready for it today than I was yesterday. That is good news.

Color My World

I am, as usual, months behind in my scrapbooking. It seems most of the layouts I have to post right now are of Caleb and Oliver, because two months ago they were here in Ohio.

 I love that fall color and was glad to use those colors on this layout of a picture taken in October...with Caleb coloring on his maternal grandmother's driveway.

Yes, my grandchildren, like my children before them, are and were the color for my world. They made life vivid and I truly love each one.

This Christmas season, I'm thinking of the blessings they have been and are for Ron and me.

Thank you, God, for all they are and all they've done and all they will do for each other and the world.

Timeless

I am partial to these pictures for at least six reasons. 1. The subject is our grandson, Caleb. 2. He reminds me of my mother, especially the first side view. 3.It has a natural easy going country feel.
4. It could have been taken any time in the last 100 or so years. 5. It reminds me of the simple life without expensive toys, games, etc. 6. That big puff ball looks like a big dandy lion. What kind of plant is that?

At this time, I'm still struggling with thoughts of what to buy for some for Christmas. It doesn't get easier with age.

I was to address Christmas cards today, but instead ended up with a pretty major fibro attack. Don't know what that is about.

Managed to go with friends to see Exodus tonight. Was able  to stay awake because of a nap this afternoon. The movie didn't bare much resemblance to the real Exodus of God's people back in Bible times...very, very little in fact. But I understand it made a lot of money. And that is what counts in the movie business.  We just keep getting suckered in. You would think we would learn.

My Publisher

Just a few minutes ago, I sent off another book to My Publisher. They are quite good at publishing them and getting a copy to me quickly. It may take a little longer this time, because of the Christmas season shopping.

Caleb has not yet seen these pictures and I'm anxious for him to see himself twice in the last picture of this Fall Days page. He has not seen me do anything tricky like that with his picture before. He has seem himself in a kaleidiscope, but that is not the same thing.

Dilatory

Dilatory...that is me. Time has flown by. This blog is one of the things I haven't been keeping up with for quite a while. It seems like it should be September...not the middle of December.  I'm just slow, sluggish, unhurried, tardy...not just with the blog , but with many things. The only thing I can say is, I am trying to learn a different lifestyle. I'm a type A personality. Everything has to be done well and on time and there isn't really anything I can't do.  Well, that caught up with me and my blood pressure has been giving me and my doctor fits. I can't take any of the medicines...at least my body sends up signs that it will not tolerate such things...so I'm now on the very lowest dose of one of the milder blood pressure drugs and am trying feverishly to eat  right, reduce my salt intake and lose weight. All of that actually adds to the other problem of lowering my stress level. None of it is going well.  But I am spending more time trying to do all that and it is breaking into my 'free' time.

Okay, I've decided that blogging doesn't have to be stressful. After all, when I don't blog, no one suffers.  lol  So, I'll not stress about it, perhaps I'll miss a day now and then, but I'll try to get back to it in a small way, even if all I do is add a layout each day. That would be quite simple since I make at least one a day, practically every day.

Tonight, I'll publish a couple of layouts of Caleb and Oliver at the Denver Zoo. I was fascinated with the Tuk Tuk there. It is poo powered. Yes, that is what they called it. Interesting, very interesting.

Angie's Fan

It's been way too long since I've posted anything here. Too busy with nonessential things like FaceBook.  But  I haven't given up scrapping my pics. Although I am behind as usual, I'm plenty busy with that. It won't be long until I'll publish another book.

This was Oliver's first visit to his great uncle Denny's restaurant and he is impressed.  At least he is happy to be there with the family.

Harry London Chocolates, Or Is That Fanny Farmer?

Harry London Chocolate factory has seen me a couple of times...well actually only once...oh you be the judge. We went there when John was young for a factory tour. I  never did seek out that brand of chocolate, mostly because I never was drawn to chocolate at all, and when I reached 50 and decided I liked it a little bit, all I wanted was Godiva, which I still like in moderation.  However that spread to other things like Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia ice cream and now even Klondike bars with dark chocolate. I have to admit, it is really the ice cream I like the most...okay how did I get here?

I'm trying to say, we made our second visit to the chocolate factory and it is now Fanny Farmer. She bought Harry out a few years ago. Not being a big fan, I didn't know until we decided to take Caleb there last month. It was still a good tour, informative and we all enjoyed it.

Lehman's Hardware

When the 'kids' were here in October, we decided  to go with them as far as Amish country when they left to visit with Beth's family in the Columbus area. We stopped at Lehman's Hardware and it has grown a LOT since we were there last. I took lots of pictures inside, but only this one of Caleb outside.

The other picture of Caleb was taken inside by the fireplace.  No, it was not cold, but, if you are trying to sell fireplaces, you have to have a fire, if you are going to do things right.

I added the picture of the backs of Amish hats from the internet. That was an interesting shot. Wish I had noticed who took it, so I could give him or her credit. It was supposedly taken at Leiman's.

I added also the descriptions of Lehman's that  I found online. It is very interesting and well written, something I thought would add some interest to anyone who sees this layout years  from now.

The Big Apple

When you hear that it is a big boy, what do you think? Does the image of a large hamburger come to your mind, or do you think, human being? Big boy can mean different things to different people at different times. Someone might think a big boy is 5 feet tall.

Caleb's  little brother is not yet one; so Caleb is our big boy, even though he is not tall at all. Caleb visited the Big Apple with us in October.  As you can see from the picture, we understand the Big Apple to be something all together different from what you were thinking.

This big apple is in Holmes County, part of Amish Country in Ohio. It is at the Troyer  Country Market. I think it  impressed Caleb... and  I enjoyed getting pictures of his big smile.  He was the  apple of my eye that sunny day we saw THE BIG APPLE... AMISH STYLE.

YaYa Farm and Orchard

Back in September, John and Beth took Caleb and Oliver to the YAYa Farm and Orchard in Colorado. It turned out to be a perfect photo op. The pictures are super pleasing to this grandmother.

It was a good combination... a lovely rustic location, sunshine, super photographers and beautiful grandchildren. I couldn't ask for more.

A Gentle Hand

I didn't know the type of bird this is; but as I do several times a day, I consulted Google and found it right away. Of course, I wasn't confident that I was right, so I emailed Beth to see. It was right.

Caleb was hand feeding a lorikeet at the Denver zoo. What a gentle fellow he can be. Being up, close and personal with this bright feathered bird had to be an experience he won't soon forget...maybe never. And I'll not forget it either. I am thankful that Beth and John take a lot of pictures. I would have certainly missed this without the photos.

Completed Chemo

Several of us from ORU were able to get together for a big celebration this week. Notice the blue ribbon on Sali's coat. She has successfully completed her chemotherapy. Next will come radiation.
We pray God brings her through  it as well.

Sali has a beautiful spirit and her positive attitude has been a blessing to us all. Thank you, Sali, for being a great example for all those who must follow you in the years to come.

100 Years Old

I'm excited about two things today. One is, I've completed pages for our friend, Greeta's 100th birthday. It was September 18, but I've just now gotten it together. She is a wonderful child of God and we hope to see her live many more years.

I also heard our governor's acceptance speech tonight for his second term in office. He has been a fantastic governor and we are totally thrilled to have him reelected with a large majority. He is a man of God and has governed with love for his fellow man.

The election this time gives me hope for a better tomorrow. Perhaps we can get our country back on the right track and quit all the division of man against women, black against white, rich against poor.  We are all in this together. We must all be united and pull together with the help of our Lord God in heaven.

Sleep well ladies and gentlemen.

Sweet Dreams

Wishing Ava sweet dreams is probably not necessary just yet. But it is a sweet sentiment anyway. What a doll baby she is, so cute, so pretty.  I'm a lucky great gramma...except that everyone's lives are so very busy these days. But at least I get to see pictures fairly often. This  one just warms my heart.

Tomorrow is voting day. Our country is on the wrong path. Everything the present administration is  doing is taking us farther and farther from freedom and  the possibility of making a good living. It is important to take back our nation, lower taxes and put people back to work. Please pray about this and get out there and VOTE.

Little 'Pianists'

Don't think I've ever seen a little one who didn't want to pound the keys of a piano. However, Caleb learned very quickly to 'play' softly. He is now teaching his little brother the trick io touching the keys lightly. He seems to be catching on as well, with a little accented note once in a while. It is fun to watch and it isn't irritating like the pounding can very well be, grand children or not.

Please continue to pray for this upcoming election. There is so much riding on the outcome...a life of freedom for these little ones, for example.  At this time it is down to choosing either freedom or crushing, paralyzing socialism.  Study your choices, pray about them and get out there and vote for freedom.

Halloween Policeman

If you've followed the blog, you may remember that Caleb met a policeman the day we all went to Pike's Peak this spring. He was impressed quite a bit.  And now he has a police uniform. He donned it for Fort Collins' celebration of Halloween downtown called Tiny Tots. It was from 10:00 AM until 1:00 PM. a good time for parents with young ones to head  downtown and gather up treats from local businesses.  Later that evening, he say out front with candy for those who came by their house to treats.  It was a fun filled day for him and his little brother Oliver who dressed up as an owl. That was a 'hoot'.

Now, this is the way I remember Halloween, except for the daylight hours. We did go out after dark, with a parent, with one left behind to hand out treats.  We went to neighbors homes. We knew them all back then and didn't worry about what they might put in our candy.  We even ate homemade cookies and popcorn balls without any worry. No one got hurt, unless they stumbled over their costume and fell off a step. It was a safe activity that we could look forward to from year to year. 

There were no eerie people to set out scary displays that would make ones skin crawl...at least not in our neighborhood. Today, less than a mile from here live people who, I believe, live for Halloween.

Every year, their yard looks like a graveyard come to life. It is pretty disgusting and it makes me shiver every time I have to pass it.

Okay, that is my opinion and I'm glad I'm free to state it.

Good night, sleep tight, sweet dreams.

Halloween Post

I may be getting more Halloween pictures from the triplets, but these are the ones taken at the Fall Festival at their church.  I think both Mason and Ashley are dressed as a computer game persona. Aussie is a Rubik's Cube.  

They had a great time at the festival, which was much larger than it had been in the past.   Besides all the activities and treat, everyone got a free pumpkin. 

I have  some cute pictures of Caleb as well, but haven't made layouts. Perhaps I'll get a chance tomorrow. It is National Scrapbooking Day.  I'm hoping to get more layouts done than I usually do on that day.

I hope everyone who cares about this country and loves God will vote  this coming Tuesday. It is even more important than in the past. Our nation's survival depends on the way we pitch our tent. If we continue to run from God  further into worldliness, we will quickly go from a democracy to  socialism and communism.  Out present administration has already pushed us toward that goal.

STUDY    PRAY    VOTE

AWANA CUBBY

I'm well pleased that Caleb is attending his Cubby class at AWANA and likes it so well. He has memorized his verses and now, he has his own verst with award badges for  it.

Jesus loves the little children. All the children of the world. Red and yellow, black and white. they are precious in his sight. Jesus loves the title children of the world.,

Sweet Faces

Well here we go with another set of photos taken at El Fogon. We took a lot of pictures. It is a wonder we had time to eat...but we did and the food was terrific, as usual.

We recently acquired information on health department checks.  After reading it, and checking all my favorite places to eat, my selection of good places has diminished quite a bit.  But El Fogon is still on the list. It had no citations.  All my very favorites remain on the list, but several fast food places are no longer appealing to me. Actually, because it has limited our choices so much, I wish I didn't even know. But I guess it is best to avoid trouble when possible.

Back to the pictures.  Hope I'll always have the pictures we took this day. I would hate to forget these sweet faces. Oh it is wonderful being a Gramma.

Please pray for our nation.

God can still save our country if we turn from sin and follow him. Why not?  It would save our nation. It would give us an eternity in heaven. It would also make life easier here, saving us from a lot of suffering.

Activity

This is Ashley's first year playing for Woodmont Hills. she is very active and wants to be a part of practically even activity the church has for kids.  I am quite surprised, but very glad for her.
Okay, I'm falling asleep at the computer. Think that is a very good sign I had better sign off and go to bed, before I fall our ofjje

Our Town Playing in Charlotte North Carolina

Our granddaughter, Leah, has been starring in Our town at the Matthews Playhouse in Charlotte, North Carolina this and last weekends.  I must admit I do not remember ever reading this three act play by Thornton Wilder. I've recently read that it tells the story of an average town's citizens in a small town he calls Grover's Corners at the turn of the twentieth century. It has been called a great American play and sounds like something I would like to see. Guess I'll add it to my bucket list.  Of  course I would have much rather seen it with Leah playing the part of Emily.  I certainly would not enjoy it any way near as much without her.

I used this scripture earlier this month, but for some reason I was prompted to post it again.  Our present world is filled with darkness.  God calls us to lives of the light . He advises us to think about good things.

1. Philippians 4:8 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

Teach Your Children

Oliver is not content to sit on his laurels, or anything else. He wants to stand...and he does. He is always pulling himself to an upright position.  All this is good, unless you are wanting him to stay little forever.

Oh that we don't over protect our children and keep them from growing up and taking responsibility for themselves.  There are way too many people in this world who never learn that. They want to do nothing and then blame others when they fail to get whatever it is they want.

The very best way for children to learn  responsibility is at the feet of their parents.

Proverbs 22:6  "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

Deuteronomy 6:6-7 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.  You shall teach them diligently to your children , and shall think of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down and when you rise.

Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

You might ask, "When can I do that? I work and they go to school, then there are activities like soccer and TV shows.

You have asked a very important question.  It isn't easy at all when the child in taken away from home and mother goes out to work. I suggest that, if it is possible, mother should be home with the children.  Consider how much you make, then think about transportation, work clothes, baby sitting, restaurant meals, etc. Now think of what things things you could do without if you were to stay at home. Be real.  You do not have to wear the most stylish shoes and buy the biggest cars.

There is no better work than to raise your children, to see their first steps, to hear their first words, to know where they are and what they are doing, to instill in them values...nothing better.

And fathers are important as well. Often they are the authority figure. Young boys need them as role models and young girls need them to show them that they have great worth and lead them so that they choose boys who will respect them.

Looks like I'm on a soapbox  tonight. It's true.  We live and learn...If we don't learn, we suffer the consequences. Better our children don't have to suffer them with us.

Baby Girl

This tiny little gift from God is covered, not only by a darling little cap with a big flower, but by love.

She is a blessed little one in this society when so many children must grow up without a father in the house.  She is loved, doubly loved.  And above all, our heavenly father in heaven loves her more than we will ever  be able to explain.

It takes a lot of love and assurance these days, with all the danger in this world.

Please, wherever you are this weekend, stop and  pray for safety for our little ones. And may God grant us protection as well.

Bear Bottoms

This past spring when we were in Colorado, John and Caleb wound up around the mountain  to Pike's Peak with us, while Beth stayed home with Oliver who was running a fever.  We found some matching pajamas that I couldn't resist for the boys while we were in the thin air (Where  our brains were impaired) at the top. But I'm glad they have them even now that I'm thinking clearly again, if only for these pictures, which I dearly love.

Recently, I've been receiving in my email encouragements to pray. On the 21st, it was so endearing to me that I'm passing it on to you word for word. You even get a link so that you can sign on for prayer.
I hope it blesses you as much as it has me.

MaxLucado.com Weekday Email

“Oh, Daddy!”  Today's MP3When my eldest daughter was 13, she flubbed her piano piece at a recital. The silence in the auditorium was broken only by the pounding of her parents’ hearts. She hurried off the stage, threw her arms around me and buried her face in my shirt. “Oh, Daddy.” That was enough for me. At that moment I’d have given her the moon. All she said was, “Oh Daddy!” Prayer starts here. Prayer begins with an honest, heartfelt, “Oh Daddy!” Jesus invites us to approach God the way a child approaches his or her daddy. Here’s my prayer challenge to you! Sign on atBeforeAmen.com for a simple prayer. Then every day for 4 weeks, pray 4 minutes—it’ll change your life forever! Before Amen

Bonfires

We scrap bookers don't generally like dark pictures, but what other kind can one get at a campfire?

This is the time of year for roasting foods, and marshmallows (can be thought of as food)  outdoors over a glowing fire. The nights have cooled. We can wear light jackets and enjoy the heat from the fire. Of course a big favorite is S'mores. And it looks as if Oliver is having himself a graham cracker. Whether he went all the way to the sticky gooey side and had a s'more, I'm not sure, but I'd wager that will have to wait a while. No matter what, he looks quite pleased.

We were blessed recently to go to a bonfire at a friend's home who tries to host one annually.  This year, she is taking chemo treatments for cancer. We weren't expecting the party, but were thrilled when we were invited.  Happy to not miss our outing, but more than that, exilerated that she felt well enough to go through with it.  When we arrived, she showed up with her would be bare head adorned with a lovely scarf. She was beautiful, hair or not.

I'm sending out a shout to all those who find themselves suffering through breast cancer and those who have traveled that path. May God give you all many more years to serve him and others while you are here on this lovely planet.

Beautiful Smiles

I love this picture of Beth and even though I like Oliver in that photo, I really get a kick out of the little one of him smiling. If it hadn't been so difficult, I would have photoshopped them together.

But even this way, I love these pictures.

Dear Father God, I ask that you protect these sweet loved ones on their journeys through life.

I hold this truth in my heart...I Corinthians 15:2, "By this gospel you are saved. If you hold firmly to the word I preached to you..."

Our Little Superman

Our Caleb wears his Superman shirt frequently. When I think of him, I picture that shirt. He's my little Superman for sure. This larger picture was taken at the farm one day when they were using Henna. Naturally he wanted a rocket ship on his arm.  

I am guessing that the smaller picture here is of Clark Kent. It just makes sense. Even though I can't see his face, I recognize those boots.

When making the layout, I remembered I had scanned some space wall decorations before sending them to Caleb earlier this year. They made perfect additions for this page.

I am trying to practice positive thinking. It is not really easy with all that is going on around us. I've found the best thing I can do daily it to find a quiet time to open my Bible.  The Bible itself says "You're my place of quiet retreat; I wait for your word to renew me." Psalm 119:114, The Message version.

Our Havanese Flies

Flying is not a trait they advertise about the Havenese breed; but they are known to learn tricks well. They are sometimes used as circus dogs.

We thoroughly enjoy watching this one race from room to room, jumping from one piece of furniture to another. As small as she is, it is fun to see her run and leap up onto our bed.  The funny thing is, she did not show this ability until she was more than a couple of months past her first birthday.

While I was sitting here looking at these pictures, I thought of the Serenity prayer.  Why? I don't know.

When I was checking the words of the Serenity prayer, I discovered that I know only a small part of it. I had never heard the rest...really. I can't believe I've lived this long and remained ignorant of Mr. Niebuhr's  famous words.

Serenity Prayer

Reinhold Niebuhr (1892-1971)
God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
enjoying one moment at a time;
accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
that I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
forever in the next.
Amen.

Improving Numbers

Aussie's numbers keep improving.  Of course, school could put a hamper on that progress until summer. I hope it  doesn't interfere with his homework.  While homework is not often as much fun, it can be if the attitude is right.

It's always good to have our priorities right. We try to teach out children, so that they can stay on top. However, often, we adults  don't  do the same thing. We let little things get in the way of the really important ones. One example that comes to me is this:  Our top priority? Since we are humans created by the loving  God,  we should put Him first in our lives, above all else.  Does that mean that Sunday services should come before golf or fishing? What do you think...not what do you feel, or what do you want to do, but what really should come first?

For God so loved the world, that he sent his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.  John 3:16

This is the loving God who taught us to not forsake the assembling of ourselves together, as some do, but to exhort one another,..." Hebrews 10:25

iPhone 6

Well, I do like our new iPhone 6's. But naturally I like Oliver even more. I think it is quite amusing to see him wearing a Genius shirt. So the combinations of this shirt and being the first picture taken by his daddy's iPhone 6 makes this layout very special to me.

I love the way the camera caught the light playing in Oliver's eyes.

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the lord. Psalm 31:14

Amigos

Back to El Fogon for more pictures of the boys. We took full advantage of all the props there at El Fogon. Caleb even tried on the sombrero. And I captured the parrots  on the wall.

These brothers are truly amigos. They like each other's company. They are friends.

These minutes were precious.

At my age, I've come to appreciate that time flies quickly away. We need to make the most of sweet moments like these with the boys, who will grow up much, much too quickly. I like to make the most of my time, but that isn't always easy.  There are many things that I will call mundane that have to be done by someone.  And that someone is me. I like to be somewhat organized so that I can get the most out of a minute; yet I find myself struggling to master something new on the computer, wasting hour upon hour. That happened to me just today.

It is now time to catch some sleep in order to handle tomorrow's activities that have been planned of me.

I wrote all that so that it looks like I've actually had something to say...to  fill some space...but I don't and  I'm going to bed.

Good night, Sleep tight in the care of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Maggie Meets Ava

It would be interesting to know what Maggie is thinking as she tilts her head and gazes at the new baby visiting. I don't remember whether or not Maggie had met Brittanie before, but that really doesn't matter, since  she loves everyone. The new thing is a baby. She has only known one baby and he was big enough to sit in his carrier on the floor and reach for her. Oh, and I've not counted her brother John's baby, who is not still, but pulls himself up and 'walks' around the room. This baby is only a couple of weeks old. The dog just doesn't get it. She isn't really afraid, yet she is keeping her distance, while keeping that little one in her sight. 

As for me, I love all of them, Brittanie, our granddaughter, Ava, our first great granddaughter and Maggie the spoiled one of our old age.

Having this little one here has reminded me of a biblical passage  that I feel very strongly about:

Proverbs 22:6New International Version (NIV)

 Start children off on the way they should go,
    and even when they are old they will not turn from it.

A newer translation, the Message, says 

Point your kids in the right direction—
    when they’re old they won’t be lost.

This is good instruction for new parents. It can also be a great comfort to parents, whose teenagers seem to have lost their way...if in fact, those parents did teach their children by word and example while they were little children.

Bestie Selfie

Here is Ashley with a couple of her friends. Do you get the picture?  Looks like they are having a good time

Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days... Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it? Psalms 34:12, 14

Not that these young girls are plaqued by evil yet, but this Biblical advice is good for any one at any age.  Of course these days, evil is knocking on more children's doors than ever before...at least not in the lifetime of this nation.

Spend some time on this verse and you will be better.

Positive Thoughts

Lauren is active in Crossfit...very active. These pictures were taken over a few weeks time. Recently, she climbed a mountain as well. I'm not sure whether or not there are pictures from that event. But I surely hope so.  It certainly seems like a worthwhile activity for the scrapbook.

This is a positive activity. I'm working now on the following verse.

Philippians 4:8 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

This good advice has been my aim for years.  However, lately, I've let myself get away from it because of the state of the world.  But thanks to our minister bringing it up in his sermon this morning, I will be trying hard to let it drive my life  again. It is certainly good for one's health and relationships. And of course it is much more attractive to others. We are to be a light unto the world and we can't do that and be living in the dark world of fear.

We are to be good examples of Christ's teaching. We should trust God, our father, to guide us and do everything in love. The Bible says that  they will know we are Christians by our love.

Chicken Meatballs A Hit

As I promised myself, I've gone back to finish my summer book before working more on the fall one.

I don't think we have to wonder whether of not Oliver and Caleb liked the chicken meatballs. Their mother is an excellent cook and I wish I'd had some of those myself.

There are quite a few things I do wonder about these days. One is, how did people get so ignorant so fast?  I'm not saying that about any specific person, but society as a whole.  I certainly hope that with God's help we can get back to thinking again and living our lives for others and not just for our selfish selves.  Sometimes it takes a big tragedy  to teach a lesson. I'm praying we learn before it gets that bad...Wishful thinking, because it is getting progressively bad day and day...if one can believe what we hear and see in the news.

May the good Lord bless and keep you through the night and into the morning light. Amen.

El Fogon

I missed one night and then another...and then another. Soon it had become easy for me to go to bed without posting on the blog. I'm not sure it mattered to anyone. It didn't bother me at first, but when I noticed today that I hadn't blogged since the last day of September,  I  was a little shocked.  Time goes by so quickly now.

So here I am...and I'm trying to get this posted before midnight...somewhere.  

John, Beth, Caleb and Oliver have been here for a short time. I took LOTS of pictures and so did John and Beth. I don't have any excuse  for not making layouts. Seriously, I want to give up everything else...especially work, labor, toil, cooking, cleaning...just to work on my books. 

I made this one layout...and only this one, so far, of the boys this trip.  You are seeing this one, just because I couldn't help but get ahead of myself. These boys are soooooo cute. We took them to our favorite Mexican restaurant, El Fogon. We do love the food, but my main intent in going to lunch that day was to photograph the boys with the interesting furniture that adorns their entrance way by the fireplace. It worked well and we all thoroughly enjoyed our food as well.  

It was not our first outing of the day. We were following a trip to the Harry London, Fanny Farmer candy factory near us. I have wonderful pictures taken there as well.

Tomorrow, I'll be back with pictures that were taken during summer that I've not finished.

The election is coming up. Please study and get out there and vote. We need every single vote we can get to counter all the counterfeit votes we are getting from the other side of the fence...graveyard votes and people bussed from one precinct to another, voting over and over and over again.  Sometimes I think there is no way we can get our country back. Then I think about God's promise  to heal our land if we turn from our wicked ways.  There will always be wicked people...Satan will see to that, but we do have a larger number, than the libs like to think, who believe in our God and seek to follow him.