Hello 2016

Caleb had written out a list of things to do on New Year's Eve. I have a copy of his list and as soon as I have a picture of him, I'll make a layout.

His little brother, who just turned 2 in December, didn't quite make it.

It is very easy to think of the good, the excellent, etc when I am scrapbooking. All my subjects are  sweet and lovely.  Of course, I realize it would not be the same for everyone. But right now, I'm thanking God for our family and enjoying these special days.

On the Fence

There is right and there is left and there is on the fence. As cute as our Caleb is on the fence at farm school,  I choose to stand up for what's right.

To review, Philippians 4:8 "...whatever is true, whatever is honorable whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things." And reading further, verse 9 "The things you have learned and received and heard and seen in me, practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you."

Can't think of anything more lovely and excellent than having the God of peace with me. So I choose to think on pure true things and practice the good that I know.

By the way, I had chosen this photo today to do some wonderful new things with photoshop light tricks that I'm trying to learn. However, the lighting on this picture was so good, I didn't feel like I could improve it.

Neighbor Isaiah

At Halloween the triplets met a family in their neighborhood, whose children they had not known. Isaiah is the same age as Aussie, Ashley and Mason. They are enjoying one another's company.

Isaiah has a younger brother, Micah, who visits as well.

Here, Ashley and Isaiah see who can balance on the yoga ball the longest. Then all the kids played  Super Smash Brothers on the Wii.

Still trying to think pleasant thoughts. It is good to see these kids at home playing and their mother there as well. Family life is important in teaching kids values.

It has been a struggle to stay positive this week with the Republican debate, which I really need to watch in order to know how I should vote when the time comes. Some candidates are very rude and  it makes a debate downright hard to watch. However, this time, the one who is the worst offender didn't show up to debate. It helped. There was much more talk of the issues, but it still had down and dirty moments.

I pray that we all seek God's mercy and that He makes us able to know which candidate fit's His good and perfect will the best.

Still Trying

Well, tonight, I'm still trying  to think of the true, nobel, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent and praiseworthy.  That really doesn't make it possible to read the news. Most of it is just the opposite.

So what am I supposed to do?  Well tonight, I'm sticking with Christmas.  Santa is true... the true spirit of Christmas. Our little Oliver is pure. Caleb is praiseworthy. Christmas is lovely.

Enjoyed our life group meeting tonight, even more than usual. We had 16 of the nicest people around here and we celebrated a birthday. Every word I can think of to describe that gathering is a positive one. I can think about that and today's Bible study and the work I've done on Photoshop. All good things.

I'm not sure bathing our dog Maggie would fit into this, but we did it right. She took it admirably and her hair is so very soft. She is just lovely.

Let's Bring Back Christmas

One of my favorite Bible verses was sent out in Bible Gateway's Verse of the Day this morning.

"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. (Philippians 4:8)

It is true that if one does this, he/she will be a much more joyful person.  Thinking on negative things has just the opposite affect.

Yet today in this dark world, there is much more ugliness than there is noble, true, etc. We just have to consciously look for the good.  So, let's go back to Christmas. The reason for the holiday is Jesus, Jesus who came to earth as a baby to grow up as a human and thus know exactly what we go through here. Then he died for our sins, so that we can live with Him and our Father in heaven forever, where there is nothing bad to think about.

It's fun to make gingerbread houses and it is fun to eat them as well.  And for me, it is fun to see their faces (in pictures when necessary) when they make these treats

Cabin Fever... No Way

When Ron needed to finish installing and adapting my computer, it took days...weeks.

Now, I really wasn't feeling like cleaning...especially after all the exercises I was doing each day in Physical Therapy for my legs.  

I could have gotten cabin fever, had it not been that I'd been trying to stock up on puzzles 'for such a time as this'.   Over a period of three weeks, I did two puzzles.  Not that they took me that long to do. But, I had to go easy because my legs and back suffered from standing over the table searching for the matching pieces for any length of time.  Even with the pain, I did enjoy having the time free to work on two puzzles and that was one more jig saw than I usually do during the winter.

Now that the computer is operating well, I'm trying to catch up on layouts, but am spending way too much time on emails, FaceBook, Words with Friends and keeping up with the presidential campaign.

Tricks of the Trade

I loved the story behind this picture. Oliver went to the Christmas Party at Caleb's school. One thing the kids did for fun that day was to put large marshmallows in their mouths and sing Jingle Bells. That would be funny enough for 5 year olds, but Oliver's mouth at 2 is a bit smaller.

Although this picture didn't turn out well the way the light hit the lens, it is really cute of him.  So I tried a trick with Photoshop to try and make it look like a color pencil drawing. It was fun to do and you can certainly see that big old marshmallow in his little mouth.

Ice Skating a Hockey Rink

I enjoyed making this layout of Ashley and her friend Nora at the Ford Ice Skating Rink in Antioch, Tennessee. It is home to the Nashville Predators Hockey Team, but it schedules time for public skating.

As I write this, the Nashville area has lots of snow, very unusual for them. They really can't cope well.

8 hours ago, they got this warning from the National Weather Service: Major travel impacts are expected due to the snow and ice on area roadways today into at least Saturday as temperatures remain below freezing, and travel may become impossible ...

As a matter of fact, it is in the 20's over much of the country. All our girls are suffering these temperatures as we are. John's place right now is 30. Only Tim and Mark are not affected.

Trampoline

Caleb and Oliver got a trampoline for Christmas. It was a while before the weather cooperated for them to try it out. I'm not sure this was their first day on it, but this picture was taken on January 4th.

I was a little frightened when I heard they had a trampoline, but this looks pretty safe...and they surely do enjoy it.  

Don't you just love CO where one can have snow on the ground, but the sun feels so warm? Here they are in long sleeved shirts and we just received pictures of them on a ski trip with real snow, not manufactured.  It seems like the ideal place to live. 

Way to Start the Year

This picture was taken the first day of 2016. Aussie had just bested his time with the 6x6x6 Rubik's Cube.  

The next day, he hosted his second official Rubik's Cube Competition in Nashville, TN.  Although he didn't beat any records, his competition was a great success. Read about it on the layout.

Aussie, we are very proud of you. We hear you were scheduled to teach a college class today. We also know there was a snow day.  Anxiously awaiting news to find out if you did it or if it has been postponed for a later date.

Chuck E Cheese

Our little great grand daughter likes Chuck E Cheese.  Can you tell by the smiles?  

Roasting Marshmallows

Don't think I've ever done anything like this in winter, except in the fireplace, which I would not recommend with little kids. I think we ended up with sticky everything that time. 

Caleb and Oliver were ready to roast some marshmallows. No need to wait for better weather, when you have a good fire in the back yard.

Happy they are able to enjoy the snow. They are living it up right now. We'll have pictures later.

Make-up

No, I'm not hard up for pictures. I have plenty. I am thankful for all the good pictures I get of my children, grandchildren, great grandchild, friends and husband.  I'm posting this of myself because I  am happy about how it turned out. It took me a lot of time to put it together with all those hexagons.  

The theme of this page is make up. I didn't start wearing anything more than lipstick until after I turned 30. I never really knew how to apply it well, didn't really care, I guess. Anyway, probably because of that, it never did me a lot of good. Now that I'm getting older, lots of days, I just skip it.

At least I did until a few weeks ago, I saw what difference it did make.  Now when I look at the layout, I will remember to take a little time before I go out. It does make a difference, not much, but enough to make it worth the time.

CrossFit Competition

Lauren and her friend, Annie  of Kennett Square Cross Fit were competing with other Cross Fit groups  at Hardbat in Newark DE.

Here, Lauren is 'Snatching' 115 pounds! That's almost as much as she weights. I can hardly believe it.

I don't know how many teams were there that day in November, but Lauren told me they came in 6th.

While I'm very proud of her accomplishment, I'm praying she doesn't get hurt. Perhaps I should pray that she doesn't hurt anyone else.  LOL


Speaking of hurting people. There are more ways than one to bring harm to others. I remember studying history very hard in high school and college because, at that time we could see the communists planning to crush our nation. They didn't want men to be free, but for all to be under subjection to their will. The plan in place at the time was to put communists into the schools of education and journalism. They were getting away with it, even though many or us were trying hard to warn people. It was then as it is now. Many people would rather put their heads in the sand and pretend everything was all right, even rosy.

Naturally with all that naivete, those professors discipled many students in the way of communism, socialism.  And now we are reaping all that and much more. Their plan has gone on to higher aspirations and much rougher planning, until now we have a president who acts like a dictator.

I continue to study, even though it is not the most pleasant thing I do, hoping and praying that people wake up and choose freedom over PC regulations. While it is close to being over, I believe that with God's help this country can be turned around and we can be a free nation once again, where we can grow and prosper and give our kids the chance to do the same.

Colorful Experiment

Aussie now has purple hair. At least he did at the time his school picture was taken in November. With  his big blue eyes , he is pretty unique and special.  It is hard to believe he and his brother and sister are already teenagers and in the eighth grade.

It seems like yesterday that I traveled to Nashville to help out a short time when they were first born.  In case you haven't guessed, triplets are a lot of work the first few years, and especially the first six months or so. They hardly ever slept at the same time, but they seemed to be hungry at the same time, or was that all the time?

Being triplets is very interesting. You are never alone. I need to talk to them about it again...what they think of being triplets. Of course, they don't  know any other way. They wouldn't be able to compare themselves easily  with other boys and girls who are not multiples.

Aussie is multi talented. He is a pro at the Rubik's cube and related puzzles.  He also has taken Chinese since he was 4. Keep up the good work, Aussie. Here's to a wonderful 2016 and eighth grade. Work hard and show us what you've got.

School Picture

The triplets are now eighth graders...still home schooled, but they continue to attend  a cooperative on Fridays.

They had their school pictures taken in November, while I was busy with Christmas. So I've been dilatory in getting them on the blog. I did publish Mason's picture on January 6. And now I have Ashley's photo. Yes, her hair is tipped in blue. It's a very pretty blue, isn't it? I think she is lovely and she is very likable.

Speaking of likable, Ben Carson has a high likability score...the highest of all the candidates. I'm gearing up here to watch the Republican debate tomorrow night and I'm still a fan of Ben Carson. I'm praying that people are able to learn more about him and begin to trust that he can handle the job well. 

State of the Union

Caleb and his little brother Oliver enjoyed their ride on the Georgetown  Loop in Colorado.

I really like his reflection in the window. It makes for an even more interesting picture.

Speaking of interesting...or not. I am writing this while our president speaks. No, I'm not giving him my whole attention. He is presumably telling us the State of the Union.  Well I really don't need him to tell me. It is much easier to look around and see the state of our union. We've almost made his loop now and not only are we not better off than we were eight years ago...things are much, much worse. We are losing jobs, inflation is killing us. Instead of being united, we are being divided into groups, blacks against whites, female and against male, rich against poor, citizens against illegals, Christians against non-Christians , tall against short, young against old...on and on it goes. As things have disintegrated, he has grabbed more and more power. His office of executive has become more of a dictatorship.   

When polls are taken, where do they find so many people who think he has done a good job? Are there that many who are completely brainwashed? I know the media is socialist and they are taught that in schools, but are brains no longer working? Do they not know we are on the brink of bankruptcy?

OK, now for the good news. I'm anxious to hear from the lady governor of South Carolina, Nikki Haley. She will be delivering the Republican Address to the Nation.

By the way, I am so glad I'm not Paul Ryan right now, having to sit behind Obama in view of the camera and listen.

It is now over. Paul Ryan did a great job. But best yet was Nikki Haley. Since I do not sit by the TV 12 hours a day, I had not had the pleasure of hearing her. I hope all of you did see her tonight. If you did not, you would be well off to find her speech online. I can really see her as president some day.

Party Time

Yes, there is a Christmas tree in the picture. Yes, I know it is January. Yes, I know you've had enough Christmas for this year.  However, I needed a layout for tonight. I didn't make a new one today. Actually, I spent much of the day on the computer and I even tried to watch a movie on TV.

Since I spent  quite a bit of time emailing with some of these girls today, I thought it appropriate to post a layout of us with a picture that was taken December 28 at Maggianos, an Italian restaurant  that we visit occasionally.  Because three of our members moved to Texas, we have only 6 living in Ohio at present. Even with the small number, we are having trouble getting together these days. Our families are demanding much of our time...of course we are quite happy that they 'need' us. We couldn't find a date in December before Christmas to get together, so we had to do it after the 25th. Even then, Robin couldn't make it.   So here we are, LouAnn, Sali, Jane, Phyllis and Paulette.

For those of you who might not know, ORU stands for Opinions R Us.  Yes, we are a fun loving, opinionated bunch. 

Now about the movie. Recently a friend lent us his collection of Star Wars movies, so that I could see the ones I've missed over the years, which is ALL of them. Well, I did go to the first one, but slept through it.  I hate to admit it, but I've watched episode numbers 1 and 2 now and have fallen asleep in both of them. When they all start fighting, I can't keep up. I don't always even know who the good guys and bad guys are.  I fell in love with Anakin in the first movie. Then tonight I fell out of love with him as an adult. Guess I'm not going to make a great fan...but I really want my small  grand-children to know that I've seen those movies and can appreciate their light sabers.

Cell Phone Etiquette

Cell phones are wonderful. They keep us in contact with many people who are important in our lives and businesses. However, they can also be a nuisance. Why, just a couple of weeks ago, while we were in the middle of a communion service at church, a lady's cell phone rang. She exited her pew and climbed over someone's wheel chair and back to the row behind her where her wheel chair was waiting with her phone still ringing . She answered it out loud (yes, she did) and proceeded to explain that she was in church and that the paint was in the living room, or some such message. Then before going back to her seat, she apologized profusely to everyone there. See there was a nice lady who didn't know cell phone rules and she was very embarrassed because of that. 

There are several rules about cell phone use that make cell phone use socially acceptable.

1. Don't answer your cell phone in church or at movies. Turn off the ringer. I'm sure there may be other times and places as well; perhaps when you are proposing, for example.

2. If, for some reason, you need to answer a phone call while you are in conversation with others, ask that they call you back later.

3. Keep a distance from people when you are calling/talking. And keep your voice down.

One day I was in a local store and a 'customer' was sitting in a rocker and carrying on a LONG conversation, where she was giving lots of advice. She was so loud that when I got to the other side of the store, I could still hear her 'brow beating' the person on the other end of the phone. YIKES.

4. Don't lose yourself in a phone call conversation and forget what you are doing...It's as bad as driving drunk...at least it can have the same consequences.

I'm sure there are more rules, but let's just start with these.

Our layout today is a picture of someone very dear to me, as a matter of fact, I live with him. He is my husband. Thank God there were no cell phones before we got married. If there had been, it would likely be that we would not be married now.  Do I have to tell you he loves his cell phone? When it rings, he is energized. It wouldn't matter what anyone else around him was doing, he is going to answer that phone!

You might want to enlarge the layout with a click and read what was going on that evening at Boston Market.

On the Offense

Oliver was on the offense December 12 with a sword in both hands. I'm not sure they are both obvious. The wooden one in his left hand is not quite as spectacular as the newer light saber in his right hand.

Star Wars did it again. Everyone was buzzing about it. I had never seen one of them. Oh yes, family members had. I even went to the first one, but slept through it.

This year, our life group decided to spend a night at the movie. Some wanted to see Star Wars and others wanted to see Bridge of Spies.  I love spy movies and since I felt I should see Star Wars adventures in order, I went with the spy group, while Ron went to Star Wars.  When we gathered for dinner afterward, we had a lot to talk about.

Since that day, I have seen the first one...now this is strange...I didn't know they were not made in order, so the one I saw was not really the first one, but chronologically it was. It was the one where  Anakin Skywalker was a little boy. I fell in love with that little fellow! But now I'm not very interested in seeing the next show, because I've been told that darling little one grows up and fathers Luke Skywalker, who goes to the dark side.

I'm defending myself against that heartbreak.

Shop on Line

Before we get started, I have to admit that Ron was not interested in buying this shirt, even though he is the one looking at the computer.  I am the one whose eye it caught and I am the one who thinks it is perfect.  This shirt it for sale online and I would really like to buy it, but I don't want to wear it myself. I think it is just the shirt for Ron. I wish he were as enthusiastic about it as I am. Oh well, it still makes a great layout...in my estimation.

In case you can't read it from the shirt...it says

"Built in the forties

Original and Unrestored

Some parts still in working order"

Meeting Shrek

In late November, Shrek the Musical was playing at Ft Collins Children's Theater.  This adventure is something to remember. Beth took Caleb. As well as enjoying the show, they were able to meet the cast.

As you can see, Caleb has photos to help him bring back memories for years to come.

He is pictured first with his mommy Beth, both with their Shrek ears. Then at the top we see him with Shrek himself, Lord Farquaad and last of all, the dragon.  It was a fun filled night.

One Teenager

The triplets turned thirteen while I was neglecting the blog. So they are now eighth graders...still homeschooled, but they do attend homeschoolers school once a week.  

I can't believe they are already teenagers. And look at this, his student picture for this school year.  Mason is a good looking one at that.

Hoping You Remember How Much You Are Loved

Oliver doesn't remember last Christmas, he just turned 2 earlier in December. He's taking it in now.

It is so much fun to see him with this big brother Caleb learning day to day about life.  

Thankfully he has superior teachers at home with both father and mother and loving brother. He has great family friends and church people to show him the way. He even has a dog who has accepted him into his heart. It is the way it was meant to be. 

The only thing I would change if I could is the distance he lives from extended family. We would all like to see and hold him in  much more often.

Merry Toppled Tree

Well I'm getting off to a bad start. Don't have time to write about this picture of Ashley and the toppled Christmas tree.  But it all worked out all right.

It's a New Year

I have neglected posting here on the blog for three months. I am sorry. I have felt like I was carrying a heavy load, but I really do enjoy using pictures of our family and friends to make layouts.  I do it almost every day, so I need to take a few minutes to post some of them here. It gives me joy and I am hoping that you will share in that joy as you see them here.