Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Celebrate 2009 With Those You Love...

May this New Year be a song of THANKSGIVING, an offering of PRAISE with a celebration of GOD’S LOVE and His Amazing Grace! A blessed & joyous 2009 to you and yours...

We have the picture above hanging in our home and are going to use this phrase as our family moto for 2009. We wanted to share it with you in hopes to brighten someone's day.
THE LINK TO OUR HOLIDAY PHOTO ALBUM HAS BEEN ADDED.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO VIEW:

Monday, December 29, 2008

Happy Happy Happy 2009!!!

Looking back on the months gone by, as a new year starts and an old one ends... We contemplate what brought us joy and we think of (YOU), our loved ones and our friends.
Recalling all the happy times, remembering how they enriched our lives... We reflect upon what really counts, as the fresh and bright New Year arrives.
And when we ponder those who do, we immediately think of you. Thanks for being one of the reasons we'll have a Happy New Year (and we wish you the same, as well)!
By Joanna Fuchs

Fellow Blogger's: Please pray for our family, the economy has 'struck' our home and just this morning Greg lost his job. We are trusting God to replace this job with something even better and that His will will be done through these difficult times! By the way, we will post an entire Holiday Photo Album soon... for now, here is a 'taste' of our Christmas thus far!
~Christmas Morning at Home~Christmas at Great Grandparents in Ohio~Christmas at Great Grandma's in Indiana

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Pine cones and holly berries,

Popcorn for you, apples for me.

Red striped candy, nut cracker handy,

Kettle a-bubbleing hot as can be.

Snow clouds hang low and threatening,

Maybe in won't, praying it may.

The brightest fireplace glows in every face,

Waiting for Christmas day...

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas,

Soon the bells will start

And the thing that will make them ring,

Is the carol that you sing,

Right within your heart.


Please do not forget to watch for the latest Christmas News and photos from your "Penn Palz" during the next couple of weeks...
Happy Holidays from Our Hearts to Yours
~ Greg, Shelly & Alyson Dawn

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Chestnuts Roasting... Jack Frost Nippin' At Your Nose

He's really 'Nippin' at noses tonight and with a major Ice Storm too, huh? Christmas is the ONLY time I can handle such cold weather, I'd be happy if it would wait to show up til the week of Christmas and leave again the day after! LOL Now, that would be a bit of Paradise on Earth!!!
Well, I was able to begin last week off with my first Christmas purchases on Tuesday and didn't do so well at it! So, I made plans to 'try again' on Thursday and wouldn't you know, I came down with something that morning and couldn't make it out! However, I hit the roads again, yesterday and actually bought MOST of the gifts on my list! I've ONLY 3 to go!!!
Our Church Cantata/Musical went extremely well, God was all over the place and anyone there should have felt His Spirit moving! Leading up to that evening, was a very hectic time of preparation for us all (especially my parents), but it was well worth the effort and hard work!

http://picasaweb.google.com/thepennfamily2007/PreHolidayEventsMore#
We were invited and attended Cuz Nate's 21st Birthday Party this weekend and had such a great time! Aly loves being with her cousins and it's even better when there's Cake and Ice Cream involved, too!
Happy Birthday, Nate ~ We're so very proud of you and the man you have become! You are the PERFECT example for the younger members in our family to strive to be. God has blessed you with such talent and the most wonderful of personalities! Remember, we love you with all our hearts and Aly thinks you 'hung the moon', you know!
The bad news of the week, is that while on my Monday shopping spree, Aly (staying with her Papaw) decided to get sick! Poor little munchkin must have 'caught' a flu bug over the weekend, she's been 'running' her first ever fever with it and is still under the weather tonight! Please help us pray that she'll get well before Christmas... it sure wouldn't be any fun for her (or the family) to be sick during the Holidays!
Stay safe out on these ICY slick roads, ya'll and a very Merry Week to you all!

Monday, December 8, 2008

My Birthday & the Children's Christmas Program Are Over...

...WE'RE NOW ANXIOUSLY AWAITING THE ADULT CHRISTMAS PROGRAM AND CHRISTMAS DAY TO COME!

http://picasaweb.google.com/thepennfamily2007/AGlimpseOfChristmas#
I've decided to post just a few pix of our Holiday decor at home... there's much that I haven't captured, both inside and outside, but I hope to do so during our Open House or soon after! Keep an eye out... they're sure to show up!
I had an incredible birthday (Dec. 5th) this year, Greg took me to see the Gaither Holiday Homecoming show downtown and we had a ball with many of our friends and family! The music was awesome and the 'breakfast' following (at midnight) was quite tasty, too! It was snowy outside which made it just perfect for a Christmas show!
Our Children's program, "Christmas Eve at Hope Haven", went well yesterday though it was a bit stressful getting to that point, the kids did a fine job and Greg and I were very proud of them! Being as we were both IN the Musical this year, we weren't able to take pictures ourselves, but we're waiting now to collect several from the children's parents and will post them for you, as soon as possible!
Well, we're now into the last week before the Adult Christmas program and there's much left to do for that, as well! YIKES! Christmas is such a hectic time of year, how can it be that it still remains my favorite of all???
Plus all of the above, I absolutely MUST begin my Holiday shopping tomorrow, or ELSE!!!!! I'm in a bit of shock and unbelief that I'm only now beginning, but I'm praying for warmer weather over the next week or two and God's grace to help me get it all done!

"Here I am,
it's Christmas time,
the panic's setting in.
No presents bought and
not a thought,
of how I'll ever begin."
(A portion of a poem I read recently and felt it was fitting for one such as me...)

Monday, December 1, 2008

The Final Week Has Begun...

To begin, I'd like to say we had an exceptionally nice Thanksgiving week with Greg's family in Missouri... Uncle Tom and Aunt Janie hosted a yummy Thanksgiving Dinner, which we all ate too much of and we were able to see many family members we hadn't seen in a very long time!
We arrived at Greg's parents on Tuesday in the late afternoon... We truly enjoyed our time together although, it flew by way too fast, as always!
'Mom P.' chose to babysit Aly, while we all hit the Mall on "Black Friday" afternoon, I believe they had a good time playing together and we certainly all had a grand time shopping! In the midst of all the hustle and bustle, with our Starbucks 'in-hand', no amount of traffic was going to stop us! LOL
Personally, I'll be glad when I get over my "new mommy-ness" and decide once and for all, not to stress out over large family get-together's, major events, etc. and learn to take things as they come... maybe if and when that takes place, I'll begin relaxing a bit more! LOL (On a side note, I did de-stress long enough to take 3 or 4 pictures during this trip and I'll share them with you at the bottom of this post!)
Well, I'm about 75% unpacked and hope to finish out tomorrow, BEFORE the Christmas decorating gets done, which is only about 50% complete at this moment!!! As busy as we are these days, it looks as if we'll have to keep our decorations up through the first or second week of January, otherwise we'll not have time to even enjoy them!
Aly is loving all the lights, trees, snowmen, stockings, reindeer, etc. She especially loves her OWN tree with all it's sparkles and she can't get over the freshly fallen snow outside!!!
THE FINAL WEEK HAS BEGUN... We have exactly TWO practices left before our Children's Program at Church! Only TWO? Where has the time gone? Heaven help us all! We certainly have MUCH to do between now and Sunday, that's for sure!

http://picasaweb.google.com/thepennfamily2007/ThanksgivingInMissiouri2008#
~ Happy Holidays

Monday, November 24, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving, Ya'll!


(Aly loves to help Mommy and Daddy do dishes...)
We are 'multi-tasking' these days, for sure! This past week, we were involved in 2 Adult Christmas practices, 2 Children's Christmas practices, Greg worked his regular hours plus a few, I worked at home, the Office, picked up additional costumes for the kid's Musical and we had another 'Date Night' with our friends, at "Christian Couple's Connection". I could go on but, I do not want to bore you further... LOL
Today, Monday (the 24th), we are planning to get all of our Christmas decorating done here at home, clean the house and begin our packing for the Thanksgiving trip to MO. After all, we are supposed to leave TOMORROW!!! (Do any of you have a suggestion as to when I can begin Christmas shopping??? Maybe I'll begin by buying a little TIME???)
Trust you'll all have a FABULOUS Thanksgiving with your loved ones and try not to eat too much, while you're at it! Ha Ha, look who's talking...

Monday, November 17, 2008

Christmas Time's A-Comin'!

"Snow flake's a-fallin'
My old heart's a-callin'
Tall pine's a-hummin'
Christmas Time's A-Comin'..."

Ready or not... it's on the way and skating in on us faster than any of us can say, "Bells-A-Ringin'"!
Greg and I are in the middle of a Christmas rush at work and Church, that's for sure! With the Children's Program less than a month away and the Adult Program soon to follow, obviously there will not be many BLOGS or atleast NOT as many pictures as normal posted, from our place for a while!!!
We will be going to Mexico for Thanksgiving week and will try our best to post a BLOG and photos of that trip during the following week. The Lord willing, we will also post a BLOG and photos of both Christmas Programs at Church... including Christmas Sunday, sometime in December! (On a side note, we went to the Studio to choose Aly's 1-Year photos today, they were all adorable and quite difficult to pick only a few! We are anxious to have the chosen ones in our hands and to share them with you... they will be ready in 1-2 weeks, though we'll not likely post them much before New Year's Day!!!)
The first REAL snowflakes fell today... let's all view those flakes as a reminder to take a moment to sit back, relax and enjoy this beautiful Season! Happy Holidays from OUR hearts to YOUR'S!

Monday, November 10, 2008

A Breath of 'Southern Sunshine' on A Cool Fall Weekend

Here are a handful of pictures of Aly's Play-Day today...
http://picasaweb.google.com/thepennfamily2007/AlySPlayDayNov102008# Last week was pretty uneventful, except that we were busy getting ready for the upcoming weekend.
It was an AWESOME weekend, too... Some of our Louisiana family were able to come up for a visit and as ALWAYS we had a BALL!!!
We began on Friday evening with an all-Italian homemade meal at Mamaw S's. Spicy Chicken Spaghetti, an assortment of yummy Herb Breads and Breadsticks, Salads and the whole nine yards! YUUMMM... Following the meal, everyone came over to "Penn Place" for a Fall-Themed 'Dessert Bar'. Pecan Pie, Sugar Cream Pie & Apple Fritter Bread. With a choice of French Vanilla, Caramel Praline or Butter Pecan, (and Bunny-Tracks for the kids) Ice Cream. We had an assortment of iced drinks (including Vernors, of course!) and Coffee, too. My personal favorite items of the evening were the Coffee Creamers: Vanilla Chai Spice and Cinnamon Vanilla Cre'me!
On Saturday, we had lunch together at Steak-N-Shake... an Indiana favorite for our Southern family, before the ladies and gents split up for an afternoon of fun! The ladies found ourselves at 'Old Time Pottery' and for 3 entire HOURS, too! The men made their way to Gander Mountain and Dick's Sporting Goods for a couple of hours. Later that evening, we all headed back to Mamaw S's. for a COLD Cook-Out of Pork Steaks and all the trimmings! Thanks, to the guys who cooked out in that weather! It was well worth it, that's for sure!!!
We had a great Sunday, not only at Church, but a relaxing day with family, as well! Another delicious meal only made the day better! Roast, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Sugared Green Beans with Bacon, Cornbread, etc., etc. (I'll not even go into all the desserts we had available!!!) Why is it when humans have a 'get-together', we think food is one of the necessary items, in order to have more fun? In reality, though fun, food really only adds more and more pounds to one's body and what is fun about THAT? LOL
Today~ Aly and I were having a 'Play-Day', a kind of a normal day for us, of "School" and playing together, so we decided to take 4 or 5 pictures while we were at it! (I posted a link above.) This due much to the fact, that we didn't get ONE picture taken during the busy weekend... funny thing is no one had a camera all weekend! (Not even Ronda or Aunt Diane!!!)
Oh well! As you can tell, we had an excellent weekend, with our without a camera and only wished they could've stayed for a month or two!!! The time flew by, but they may make another trip North during the Holidays?!?!? (We certainly hope so!) Hey, ya'll... it really was a "Breath of Southern Sunshine" to have you with us! We are sorry it was so cold while you were here, though! That's all just a part of being in the 'Northland', I guess! We look forward to your next visit and PRAY that we'll be able to make a trip South again, SOON!!!

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Obama Elected...

We have only ONE thing to say, "God Help Us All"! The End Times are upon us for sure... is it possible that God will find faith on the earth at His sure-to-be SOON return? Many prayers were made over the past several months, it would seem that FAITH among Christians is now very low, as the Nation ushers in a new 'White House Team'... HOWEVER, God is somehow still in control! Our family is very fearful regarding the future, but as always we're trusting GOD for the days ahead! Especially for our children!!! (http://election2008review.blogspot.com/ for a little scary information from us, 'Your Penn Palz'.) Romans 8:28 ~ "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose." A strange thought for the politics of today, huh? We MUST continue to trust God... NO MATTER WHAT!

Monday, November 3, 2008

What A Week We've Had...

WOW! Busy - Busy - Busy!!! That barely describes our recent weeks! As you know, we had Alyson's First Birthday Party LAST Saturday, the 25th. "Princess" themed and all Pink, Purple, Green, Silver and White decor! A beautiful Party for a beautiful Girl!
The Wednesday BEFORE her Party, we were in charge of the Children's Dept. Annual Halloween Alternative at Church... "Fall Fest '08"! Aly went as a 'French Poodle' and of course it was a PINK costume!!! (Is there any other color more suited for a 'Princess'? LOL)
(Additional photos of the Event at: http://www.sskidz.blogspot.com/)
Monday, following the Party, Aly decided she was ready to WALK and without the aide of adults, toys or furniture, either! She had been trying for several weeks and finally GAVE IN and off she went!!!
The Wednesday AFTER her Party, our Church began their Fall Revival with Rev. Nelson Purdue. We helped Mama and Daddy with some of the music and Aly was able to attend her first ENTIRE (meaning every service held... she was there! LOL) Revival. This past Spring Revival, she attended many nights but, we gave her a couple of breaks being as she was only a few months old at the time. She seemed to enjoy this past week, especially being with Bro. Purdue! In addition to our hectic week and to the time change, she's way off her routine at the moment! Hopefully, we'll get her back on track real soon, though! (LOL)
(Fall Fest '08 - Dipping our 'Bobbed-for-Apples' into ooozy Caramel Sauce)
Well, it's time for us to focus on the Children's Christmas Musical, now and we request MUCH prayer for the event, especially the process between here and there! The title this year is, "Christmas Eve at Hope Haven" and we pray it will be one of the most meaningful Programs we've performed in the past several years!

For those interested... here is the much anticipated "1st Birthday Photo Album"! http://picasaweb.google.com/thepennfamily2007/AlysonDawn1YrOldOctober302008#
ENJOY!!! Due to being so busy, never knowing what condition our computer is in from moment to moment, needless to say, there are not as many photos posted as we had hoped for. However, Ronda (http://www.indianaenglands.blogspot.com/) has posted a few extra pictures on her site, as well!

PLEASE REMEMBER TO GET OUT AND VOTE TOMORROW AND BE CERTAIN YOU VOTE FOR BIBLICAL STANDARDS AND FOR THE 'RIGHT'!!!
GOD PLEASE BLESS AMERICA ACCORDING TO YOUR HOLY WILL, WE PRAY! AMEN...

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday! (english)
Penblwydd Hapus i Chi! (welsh)

Joyeux Anniversaire! (french)
Hau`oli la hanau! (hawaiian)

Yom Huledet Same'ach! (hebrew)
Buon Compleanno! (italian)

Saeng il chuk ha ham ni da! (korean)
Feliz Cumplea–os! (spanish)


ALYSON DAWN IS ONE YEAR OLD TODAY.....

OCTOBER 30TH AT 12:45 P.M.




ALY, WISHING YOU A FUN-FILLED DAY
WITH LOTS OF SWEET SURPRISES!
"YOU" COMPLETE US...
WE LOVE YOU MORE THAN YOU'LL EVER KNOW,
MOMMY AND DADDY

Note:
The Birthday Party Photo Album will be posted A.S.A.P. We will also have Aly's 1-Yr. Studio Birthday Photos online before the Holidays!

Monday, October 27, 2008

Alyson Dawn Turns 1 on October 30th!!!

(To enlarge photo simply 'click' on it.) As you've read in our 'Older Posts', we celebrated Alyson's FIRST Birthday this past Saturday, due to the fact that we'll be in Revival during her actual Birthday.

We had a FABULOUS day, together with Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins!!! (Those family members who were unable to make it... we TRULY missed you and you missed a great Party!)

Aly was "Princess" for the day, crown and all, as seen in the picture above. She so enjoyed herself and received MANY beautiful and VERY fun gifts!!! She'll be sending 'Thank You' cards out, as soon as Mommy and Daddy have the time to help her!

We have a slew of photos to look through, edit and post for your viewing, however it may be several days before we can do so! I'm not feeling very well this week... trying to fight off some type of 'Bug', I guess! I tried to rest up for most of the day today. We are to take Aly to the Studio for her 1-Yr. Photography Session tomorrow afternoon... making it impossible to be online all day. Wednesday and Thursday, will find me working at the office and then we're into yet another weekend!

PLUS all of this, we will be in Revival beginning on Wednesday and ending on Sunday night!!! Needless to say, it is very likely to be NEXT week before I'm able to get a Birthday Photo Album posted...

If you think of us this week, please say a prayer for, not only our stress levels but, also pray that the Lord would come in a mighty way and give us the Revival He would have for us? We'll post again and add that Album ASAP! Take care, ya'll!

Saturday, October 18, 2008

A Hay Ride Date... Perfect October Weekend!

http://picasaweb.google.com/thepennfamily2007/GovSarahPalinVisitsIndy# (Album Link)
As you're already aware... we were unable to attend the Presidential Rally, yesterday, in northern Indy to hear Gov. Sarah Palin speak. Aly became 'ill' on Thursday so, it was off see Dr. Kidd on Friday with only a couple of hours before the 'big' speech!
Greg and I, along with both sets of our parents, have been STAUNCH supporters of Gov. Palin from the moment she burst on the scene until now! My dear Mother has prayed for Mrs. Sarah night and day... beginning even before her V.P. acceptance speech! We have a 'peace' in our hearts, that the team of McCain and Palin are just the "CHANGE" America needs! Though there is fear at times, christian Americans need to remember that GOD is in control and we all just need to go to HIM in prayer and trust that Satan will have NO dominion over the situation at hand!

Well, we found out that little Alyson has a bit of a virus with 'cold/flu' symptoms... needless to say, she's not feeling that well at the moment, but we feel better just knowing WHAT the problem is!!! Being a 'Mama', all I want to do is fix her and make her better and one of the toughest things I've ever had to do is be told to "just wait it out"! We're trusting God to heal her little body completely... the little 'bumpies' on her legs are already gone and hopefully the 'cold' will soon be, as well!
Last night, Greg and I were able to enjoy a romantic date on a Hay Ride... perfect for an October weekend! It was a GORGEOUS Fall evening (though a bit chilly for my southern blood! LOL), full of food, fun and fellowship with several couples from Church at Camp Camby. We laughed so much we were almost sick and of course, ate more than we should have, I guess to put it simply the entire night was just a ball! Following the Meal and Hay Ride, Pastor and Mrs. Esther invited everyone to their little cabin, for Cookies and Hot Cider. AWWW! It was great to taste something warm after that ride!!!
http://picasaweb.google.com/thepennfamily2007/HayRideDatePerfectOctoberWeekend# (Album Link)
While we were out on this wild adventure, Aly spent a warm and cozy evening with her Memaw and Papaw and I'm not so sure, but what they had as much fun as we did! That precious little tyke has fun and is such a sweetie... it doesn't matter whether she's 'well' or not! She enjoys and loves life so much! Oh, that as adults we could all be more like her!
Greg went "Paint Balling" with a few friends from work, today before coming home (at present, he's playing with Aly) and I believe he really enjoyed himself this morning! I am a bit afraid that he has possibly begun a new hobby, with this Paint Ball situation, that MAY be habit-forming for him! Then again, exercise is good for the soul, right?!?!? (Sorry, no photos of this great Event are available!)
My dear Mother and I, went through all of Alyson's personal items on earlier today and I must add, this 'act' was extremely emotional for us!?!?! She's gotten to be such a big girl and it's very difficult to put her things in storage that she's already outgrown!!! Time really has gone by too fast but, we're more and more thankful for her EVERY day and can't wait to see what God has in store for her! (Again, no photos... if taken, they would NOT have been pretty! LOL)
As you've probably already noticed, I've posted this BLOG on Saturday night/Sunday morning and this is due to the fact, that I'm going to have an extremely BUSY week! Our Children's Fall Festival is on Wednesday evening and I can't begin to tell you how much work is left to do, as of now! (Otherwise, I normally would've BLOGGED on Monday or Tuesday.) If you think about it... say a quick prayer for my nerves and for Greg's, too over the next few days! LOL Thanks and remember, we'll be praying for ya'll, too!

Thursday, October 16, 2008

Palin In Indy!!!


YAY! The great Lady Herself, will grace the city of Indianapolis tomorrow, October 17, 2008! Due ONLY to the fact, that Aly has a cold (cough and sore throat) and we do not feel that we should have her out in the cool evening air and the fact that Greg is working extra hours to pay her previous hospital/birth bills, we will neither one be able to make it to see Gov. Palin. We're upset that we are unable to go... but, know for Aly's sake, we feel it's best! No doubt, Mrs. Palin will do ANOTHER incredible job, as usual! We'll be sure to 'google' a few pix to add to our next weeks BLOG!!!

Have you visited our 2nd BLOG, yet? It's new and based solely on Political issues and materials we find promoting and supporting McCain & Palin in 2008. Feel free to check it out and leave a comment sometime!
http://election2008review.blogspot.com/
Well, Aly will be spending a 'cozy and warm' evening with her Memaw and Papaw tomorrow night, while Greg and I go on a little chilly date... We'll be off on a "Hayride" with a group from Church and look forward to a very fun evening!!!
May God's richest blessings and divine safety be with Gov. Palin, not only while in Indy, but ALWAYS!
Take care, ya'll and we'll BLOG again soon...

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Somewhat of A Calm After the 'Celebration' Storm...

We had a calm week this past week... more or less! Just the normal week with Baby-Duty, Greg's job and my Church work. Aly has been working pretty hard, as well! With the addition of a new tooth or two and the business of trying the 'walking-without-leaning-thing'!
We had a pleasant weekend... Friday evening - we joined the entire family 'Crew' at a local Buffet for supper and ate entirely toooo much! (Isn't that what Buffet's are for, though? LOL) Saturday - Greg, Aly and I just hung out, had fun together and OF COURSE made our usual Saturday stop at Walmart! Sunday - We had incredible services at Church... much like a Camp Meeting with wonderful music and gifted preaching!!! The weekend felt very short though, because Greg didn't have Monday off this week and because of his schedule, this week already feels like it should be half over and it's only Tuesday evening!!! LOL
So much for the calm, we'll certainly be busy over the next 10 days or so finalizing Alyson's 1st Birthday party, no question there! Her actual Birthday is right in the middle of our Fall Revival, so we'll be celebrating with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins the weekend before and plan to invite 'friends' next year. On Monday afternoon, we went to order her cake and can't wait to see what she thinks of it! The theme is coming together very nicely we're so excited... though a bit sad that the year has flown by so quickly!
Here are a few pictures we snapped of Aly on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon! (We promise to post more next week...)
Going for the big brown bear at Mamaw S's house just before Sunday dinner! Destination reached, made contact with the bear and quite happy about it, too! At home, trying to get this walking thing down pat, on Saturday evening!

Monday, October 6, 2008

It's Back to Business... With a Few Pix from Our 100th Celebration Service!

Here's a Photo Album link for you:)
http://picasaweb.google.com/thepennfamily2007/The100thNazareneCelebration#

Well, my dear and wonderful husband was able to figure out our silly computer and get it up and running again! Thank you Greg, once again you saved my life and the life of our computer!!! (BTW! Vonnie, the picture posted below, was obviously not of our computer, if it had've been Greg would have had an even BIGGER job saving THAT one!!!!! LOL)
We had a wonderful day together on Sunday... the International General Church of the Nazarene celebrated their 100th 'Birthday' and our local Church went all out for the occasion!
Along with many of the Church congregation, our family dressed in 'period' clothes from the 1908 era and had a ball doing so! Even little Alyson Dawn had an adorable smocked-dress with beautiful trim... she looked like an absolute doll!
On our stage, we had a modified replica of the original "Camp Meeting Tent" (along with the old-time 'Camp Meeting Fans'), which took place in Pilot Point, TX in 1908. At this Camp Meeting, the official beginning of the Church of the Nazarene, as a national denomination had a little over 200 churches and 10,500 members scattered across the U.S. The Church of the Nazarene, now as an international denomination and 100 years later, includes congregations in about 150 countries of the world. The 13,500 Nazarene churches around the world now have a total membership of about 1.5 million.
During our Morning service, the Choir performed several songs in honor of the era, Pastor Bailey took in several new members, preached a wonderful sermon on 'Heartfelt Holiness' and the congregation shared Communion together.
Following the service, we had an ALL-Church Balloon Launch with 'tagged' balloons commemorating this very special Event. Then, the NEW Church members, a few friends, family and the Church Staff enjoyed a delicious meal together!
That evening, a Concert by "Forgiven", was the perfect ending to a perfect day... We praise the Lord for His goodness, to our local Church family and for placing the desire in the hearts of our forefathers so long ago, to begin a denomination founded in true HEARTFELT HOLINESS!
As you can see, we're still experiencing trouble with our photos, but we trust ya'll enjoyed taking a peek into our 100th Celebration...

Saturday, October 4, 2008

BOOM... IT CRASHED!

A Virus has attacked and crashed the (home) computer system of your "Penn Palz". They now only have access to a computer from their individual offices at work.
They are sorry and will attempt to BLOG again as normal, reply to your comments, view as many of your BLOGS as possible AND all within the week, the good Lord willing!
They will also have pix to post of the general Church of the Nazarene's 100th Celebration service at their local Church. The 3 of them, along with much of the congregation, will be dressed in clothing of the 1908 era and are all praying for God's will to be done in the much planned for and well anticipated Sunday services of October 5th!
Thank you and may God bless you... (and may God bless their computer, as well!!! LOL)




Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Our Weekend in Missiouri...

Well, the trip went very well and we had a TON of fun in the 'Show Me State'! We packed up on Thursday evening and arrived at Greg's parents around 11 pm.
On Friday, we relaxed, played games, ate together, made last minute party plans for Saturday, etc. Aly sure enjoyed being out of that car seat and able to 'roam about'!!!

(The 'link' above will direct you to our Photo Album, "Missiouri Birthday Trip".)
Around lunch time on Saturday, we had our BIG combined-Birthday Party with a ton of pizza and two... yes, I said 2 Ice Cream Cakes! One for each, being as this was such a big year for both, Wes (18) and Whit (16)!!!
That evening, Greg, Dad P., Aly and I drove to Columbia to see the Collingsworth's in concert and had a fine time! It was fun to finally get to introduce Aly to Phil, Kim and the kids... just sad that it has taken almost a year to do so!!!
Sunday, we went to Church with the family and were able to meet their new Pastor and his wife, had a yummy meal and another enjoyable day with the In-Laws and kids!
Monday found us back on the road toward home, arriving around 10 p.m. all worn out, but very happy to have had such a wonderful weekend together!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Bye for Now...

...Watch us go

As soon as we're done with work today, finished running errands and our packing is complete... we're headed to MO. for a LONG weekend!!!

ASAP, after our return home, we'll post a BLOG of our weekend away... hope ya'll have a wonderful weekend, as well! Be sure to get out there and enjoy the beautiful weather God is giving us! Take care...

Monday, September 22, 2008

Happy First Day of Fall, Ya'll!

I wanted to take a moment and wish everyone a very Happy Fall! It's difficult to believe it's already this time of year, again! However, it's not difficult to believe that we are more busy now, than we were during the Summer months!
We're in the middle of the Sunday School Fall Drive at Church, we're helping plan a HUGE Celebration Service at Church (to be held on October 5th for the general Church of the Nazarene's 100th 'Birthday'), we're in the beginning stages of Christmas practices with the Adult Choir / Children's Choir and the list goes on and on!

Well, we took Aly to her 2nd wedding this past Saturday and she did a fine job... with the exception that she began to 'sing' so loud, her Daddy had to take her out for a bit, so she wouldn't take attention away from the bride and groom! LOL
We'll be heading toward Missouri this coming weekend to visit with family, celebrate a couple of Birthdays, see the Collingsworth Family in concert, etc. We're really looking forward to an awesome weekend filled with fun, family and of course... FOOD!
Please continue to pray for our Nation and the outcome of the Presidential Elections! There are rumors that something BIG is about to take place on the Democratic ticket. If indeed this 'rumor' (the dismissal of Biden) does take place, we could be involved in yet an even worse situation as a Country (the addition of Clinton), than we ever imagined... Pray people PRAY!!!
Please take a moment to read over our 'Older Posts' via the link near the bottom of our BLOGS. Any time we change backgrounds we lose the previously written BLOGS. However, they still can be found in our archives! (Thanks for the many wonderful email comments VIA 'Yahoo', as well!)
That's all the time we have now for BLOGGING, but we look forward to next week, another BLOG to write, the posting of more pictures and to the many wonderful scents that "Fall" brings with it... spicy pumpkins, baked apples dipped in caramel, etc.


Happy Fall, Ya'll!

Monday, September 15, 2008

Elections Are the Name of the Game...

Well! As if we're not excited enough about the Presidential elections coming up in November... Greg is in charge of the Fall Sunday School Drive at Church this year and guess what we've chosen as a 'theme'?!?!? "Get Out and Vote For Sunday School 2008!" We've filled the building with patriotic decor' and are looking forward to increasing our S.S. attendance for the upcoming Church year!

Needless to say, we've been up to our ears in prep-work this week, but this 'drive' has brought with it more of a need to pray and not ONLY for our Country... the Church is in the process of beginning a building project soon and we are all trusting God to provide for this particular need!
Greg and Alyson playing 'Tug O War' this afternoon...
As far as family news goes, Greg began a different work schedule today and will now be working 1/2-days on Mondays and 9-hour days Tuesday through Fridays. He has previously been working 4 10-hour days (T-F) with Mondays off... the new schedule will make our evenings a bit nicer and give us more time together during the week! PTL - it is also going to be somewhat 'flexible' when it comes to our trips home to MO.

Aly after she WON at 'Tug O War'...
We've certainly had a very busy week, the weekend actually began on THURSDAY with a great deal of decorating at the Church and ended on Saturday evening when we finished the 'labor' part of the job!
On Friday evening, we ordered 'take-out' from GT South's BBQ and took it to Mamaw S's house for a bit of a break and a chance to be with the family for a bit.
Alyson and Papaw trying on her 'Princess' crown...
Saturday was the 'final' work day and Sunday morning we officially began the 2008 Election Campaign. The Sanctuary was filled and we had a great turn out! Sunday evening following the service, we had an ALL-Church 'Pie Fest'... MY OH MY! All I can say, is that I'm glad my diet was to begin TODAY and not yesterday!!! LOL

Aly reading in the car tonight...
(By the way! There are a few other pix that we were able to snap today... if you have a second you can view them by simply clicking on any former Photo Album or Slide Show, click again on our 'Public Gallery' and you'll see the Album, "Aly Showing Off Her Teeth N Having Fun".)
Before signing off, I'd like to post a quote that John McCain said regarding Hurricane Ike. I'm also posting a link below, to a video the McCain /Palin Campaign put out on the 12th of this month, about Obama's disrespectful efforts to attack and smear the name of Governor Sarah Palin...

"I am increasingly concerned that there may have been a substantial loss of life (with Hurricane Ike). We do know that the economic impact from this storm will be severe. Like most Americans, my concern has been reinforced by scenes of widespread flooding and ferocious winds. And like most Americans, I remain concerned about the impact this storm will have on gas prices across the country, but our priority now must be to help the relief effort in any way we can, and to pray for the safety of those in the storm's path."

A "Stop" made earlier this week with McCain & Palin...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-b0pSXmT10I
(The above mentioned Obama 'clip')





Monday, September 8, 2008

"Country First in 2008"...

What a grand week this one has been in the Political arena! The 2008 Republican National Convention took place in St. Paul, Minnesota from September 1 through September 4. The first day of the Republican Convention was Labor Day, the last day of the popular Minnesota State Fair, due to Hurricane Gustav. BOY! Are we ever 'pumped' for the upcoming elections!
GO MCCAIN-PALIN IN 2008!!! We truly enjoyed the speeches and were so pleased with the addition of Gov. Sarah Palin to the Republican ticket. She may very well be the 'salvation' of this 'party'... we pray she is and that God's will be done in November! Just two months before joining the Republican ticket, while giving a speech to troops in Iraq, Gov. Palin said these words, "We pray for you, (our military men and women) who are striving do to what is right. Also for our country, the leaders, our national leaders, that have sent you (the troops) out on this, a task from God. This is what we have to make sure we're praying for --- that there is a plan, and that plan is God's plan." Mrs. Palin is known to be 'pro-life' and a spokeswoman says she is 'pro-Israel'. Palin's former pastor says, 'he has no doubt her religious beliefs will influence her decision making when it comes to government policy'. Our deepest desire and prayer is, that we as Christians, will ALL get out and cast our votes to help to make the CHANGE happen that America needs at such a crucial time... Country First!
Since everyone in our family were out of town this past weekend, at special Events or in local Revival's, the three of us rode over to Mamaw S's to just 'hang out' on Friday evening. Though it had been an unusually busy week, we were able to get out on Saturday to simply enjoy a beautiful sunny, yet windy day and 'snapped' a few photos while we were at it!
(We're experiencing a bit of trouble, AGAIN... our Slide Show will not post at this time... please 'click' the LINK provided below to view our Photo Album. A few of the pix are better than the others, but what can we say, it was WINDY and she was having such fun!)
http://picasaweb.google.com/thepennfamily2007/ASunnySeptemberSaturday#

Until next week... God bless America and God bless each of you!!!

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

Labor Day '08 Party, Pool-Time and Piles of FUN!



Here's the long and short of our Labor Day '08 weekend...
On Friday night, we headed to 'Rascal's Fun Zone' for Cuz Corey's Birthday party and had more fun than the law should allow! Alyson loved the Ice Cream and couldn't seem to get enough!
Saturday, we were able to attend yet another Birthday party, of a friend from Church and the meal was 'to-die-for'!!! Aly loved being at a new place and checking out all their stuff... she especially loved the 'Princess Tea-Pot' set, that "Unkey" Jeff and "Aunt" Rhonda let her play with! (The only thing missing was the fact, that Memaw and Papaw left for a vacation in TN. earlier that morning!)
Sunday, found us at Church, as usual. The Holy Spirit came in a special way and the service was indeed a good one! We spent the afternoon at Mamaw 'Who's', with the rest of the family and enjoyed a fabulous meal and more great fun! Sunday night, following another wonderful service at Church, 'Unkey' Mark, Aunt Nita and Cuz Nate came over and hung out with us... we grilled 'Dogs', with the works.
Monday, Labor Day, the family were supposed to have gotten together for a family picnic, but we all chose instead, to eat a late late lunch at a local 'Taco' joint... quite a good idea if you ask me... no cooking to do, no dishes to clean up, etc.!!! Afterwards, we all headed back to Mamaw 'Who's' for Games, Snacks and a little 'Pool Time' for Aly. Following all that fun and food, most of us crashed, to watch a bit of "Narnia".

We wanted to take just a second to thank all of our 'E' friends, that read our BLOGS on a regular basis and send us replies VIA 'Yahoo'! We consider ya'll to be just another part of our Blogger-Family and love keeping up with you, as well!
Needless to say, we had an extremely busy weekend but it was filled with so much fun and excitement, we're certainly not soon to forget it, that's for sure...
(FYI: If you 'click' on the video above, you'll be taken to the actual Album W/ captions!) Trust all of you had an incredible weekend, as well and we'd love to hear all about it!

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Perfect Ending To a Perfect Summer: Birthday Parties, Kiddie Pools, Etc.

We don't have much news to share this week... with the exception of the unbelief that Fall is already upon us! UGH!!! Being that we're not fan's of the popular Fall color 'orange' and due to the fact, this is a 'voting year' for America... we've chosen to go with the good ole' red, white and blue for our blogging-background!!! God Bless the U.S.A.

Other than Greg's Birthday Party last Friday (the 22nd), it hasn't been all that eventful around our place... even though Greg's actual Birthday was Tuesday (the 19th), on Friday, we met the entitre family at his favorite Mexican Restaurant (in Indy), "El Azteca" for his favorite meal there...
Shrimp Quesadillia's, Guacamole Salad and Sweet Tea.
For dessert, we all went to Mamaw S's house for a slice of his '70's Tie-Dyed-Ice-Cream Cake'. It was a great evening to celebrate a great guy and spend time with a great family!
On Saturday, Greg and I bought Aly a 'Froggie Kiddie Pool' for next year... however, we put her in there for a few minutes and she absolutely LOVED it!!! She's our 'water-girl' and it doesn't matter if it's a pool, the tub or even a sink... she loves playing in the water no matter!

We haven't taken many pictures since our Anniversary Trip, but as we do, we'll post them! All of you know by now, that our picture-taking goes in 'spurts', one week we'll take a ton of them and another week will go by without our taking even one photo! Oh, well that's just the way are, I suppose... LOL
Guess this is it, until next week or the next piece of 'big news' rolls around! (Pray we'll have our camera handy when it does! wink-wink) Take care, ya'll...