Christmas Time Feelings Are in The Air

WINTER 2010

WOW! After many months, we are blogging once again, with the hopes of doing better in the coming months! Trust all of our Penn Palz are doing well this fine December and pray you will each have a beautiful Christmas Season... filled with all the love you can hold!

We enjoyed a busy end to our Summer and a very nice Autumn, as well! This Winter looks to be just a little hectic, but that's what the Holidays are all about, right? Shopping, food, company, fun, parties, fellowship, etc.

Let us remember, the person or persons who has not Christmas in their heart, will never find it under a tree and the very best... of all the gifts, around any Christmas tree, is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other! ENJOY!!! Merry Christmas from our home........

Anniversary Weekend in Indy

HAPPY 6TH TO US... (July 24, 2004)

Anniversary Weekend BLACKBERRY ALBUM

For even numbered years, we spend our Anniversary close to home and try to save up for away-trips on the odd numbered years, thus we enjoyed a peaceful and relaxing time together this past weekend, for our 6th.
On Friday night we went out for a BBQ supper with several friends, a little QT with Aly early in the day on Saturday (actual Anniversary date), enjoyed a very romantic Steak-n-Seafood meal and quiet time away that evening, with a little shopping that night on the northside, etc. I still feel like a Princess and plan to live happily ever after with my Prince!!!
(Aly loved this chance to spend time with her Uncle Mark, Aunt Anita and Nate... a special thank you to them for being the greatest babysitters of all time! Love y'all!!!)
Well..... why don't we just let the pictures (sorry for their pitiful quality, once again we used the BLACKBERRY and borrowed a few) speak for themselves???

Summer 2010 (thus far, anyway!)

SO much has happened since our last post on June 1st! Too many things to try and list them ALL, suffice it to say, we're having an incredible time, thus far!!!
We truly enjoyed our 'first' family vacation...10 days away from home, together! Aly experienced her first hotel-stay (other than the ones when she was still a baby!), her first time to go 'swimming' with her Daddy (in a BIG pool!), her first visit to Six Flags Over Mid-America, etc.
Then, we ended the vacation by spending time with Greg's family... Wesley was in the process of preparing to leave for his 2-year USAF stint to South Korea (on July 3rd) and it was fun before his departure date, to all be together, again! Mawmaw and Pawpaw even let Greg and I go out on a "date" while we were there and Aly had a ball making crafts with them, at the same time!
Aly's favorite moments of vacation, were without a doubt, the "BIG" kid rides at Six Flags, the "BIG" hotel pool (of course!) and the "Splashing Hole" (also at Six Flags!)....... Can you tell that she's in love with water and having a good time all the time???
We have also attended some great restaurants, concerts, revivals, birthday parties, etc. back at home, in Indy! Mimi and Papaw have joined us for several really fun excursions this Summer, as well... Aly always LOVES any second she can spend with them and the more, the merrier! We really enjoyed spending the 4th of July together... the Princess thinks we should have a 'fireworks show' every night, now! Aly's favorite weekly activity would have to either be Summer School or going to the Mall, Park, etc. with her Papaw!!!
Whitley and her friend, Katie came to town for a few days and we enjoyed taking them downtown, shopping at Circle Center, supper with Mimi and Papaw on Monument Circle, Incredible Pizza Co., Ritter's Frozen Custard, etc. Aly thought she was a teenager while they were here, too!!!
The Children's Department, at church, began a new program for the Summer and it's really fun... full of media, music, etc. and lots of work for Greg and I, but the kids are loving it and that makes it worth it all!
We are excited about our 6th Anniversary coming up, on July 24th, a special dinner-out is being planned; a trip to Port Clinton (and probably Cedar Point) coming up at the beginning of August; Greg's parents will also be here for a visit, over his Birthday weekend, in the middle of August; etc.
So, as you can see... our Summer has been and continues to be FULL UP with many fun activities, great company, neat destinations, good food, etc.!!! Trust you and yours are enjoying a great one, as well.......
P.S.~ We hope to add pictures to this (pitiful quality, once again a BLACKBERRY) Photo Album right away or possibly create a new one, so keep your eyes open for more pictures soon!

Summer 2010 BLACKBERRY Album

HAPPY JUNE!!!

Spring 2010 BLACKBERRY Album

HAPPY TUESDAY! Dirty hands and feet, almost frozen-iced sweet tea, garden fragrances thick in the air and an ocean of color before me, who could ask for more? Only 20 days til it's officially Summer!

Due to the technical problems of late, we will not even attempt to play 'catch up' with blogging today, other than to say, we have been exceptionally busy since our last post... Concerts with The Pfeifers, The Perry's ~ and more, fun field trips ~ to places like The Indy Zoo, Chuck E. Cheese, The Children's Museum, etc., Memorial Day trip ~ to Ohio and much, much more!

Recently, we are grateful to have been given a handful of photos (from other people), which we will post soon, along with as many new ones of our own, as possible! (We have also added a very small photo album to this post... however, please excuse the quality, as they were taken on Greg's BlackBerry and are quite blurry.)

Revival Blessings and More

WOW! Where has the month of April gone??? We have had a wonderful month, that's for sure! The weekend following our last post, we drove out to be with Greg's family for a couple of days and had a blast! His Mom and I spent the majority of the weekend 're-doing' much of their first floor... and hoping to complete both floors by either the Holidays or late Winter ('11)! Decorating is very comforting to me and so much fun!
Upon our return home, we had few battles to fight for a few days, but God really helped us to rise above the circumstances! We made a decision that "in the happy moments, we would praise God; during difficult moments, we would seek God; in the quiet moments, we would praise God; even in the painful moments, we would trust God; and in EVERY moment, we would THANK God!" If you think about a hot, fresh, glazed donut... your mouth is sure to begin to 'water'! Now, think about the ingredients that go into that donut, to make it so yummy. While some of them may be appealing in their own right (sugar), others are not so tantalizing (lard), yet without the lard, the donut wouldn't work! But, we'd still rather not think about it being in there, right? Life is kinda like a donut, sometimes! [Romans 8:28]
Greg drove a group of young men down to Kentucky for the following weekend, where they attended KMBC's "iLIVE 2010". An enjoyable and spiritual time was had by all! Aly and I were able to enjoy a couple of days together here at home and a VERY fun "play-date" with our friends, Carley, Claire and their mommy, Becky! A true 'girls evening out' and Aly thought she had the world by the tail, for sure!!!
Mother and I attended the "Ladies Spring Fling"... Mother/Daughter Luncheon... hosted by the ladies of our church, on the 17th, which was really nice for us! For Aly too, because she was able to have a "date" with her Papaw, at the same time!
Our church Spring Revival,was held on April 18 - 21, with Rev. Jim Mellish and Mark and Janene Dubbeld. This was without a doubt, the best Revival our church has had, atleast in the last five years!!! Not ONLY because of what our own family received from it, but because the Holy Spirit came in unbelievable ways! GOD IS SO GOOD... ALL THE TIME AND ALL THE TIME... GOD IS SO GOOD!!!!! (If you care to hear the details of what happened in our own family, just let me know and I'll gladly 'fill you in'!) "Got any rivers YOU think are uncrossable? Got any mountains YOU can't tunnel through? God specializes in things thought impossible!"

Mrs. Esther 'caught' Aly, sitting up in the Pastor's chair yesterday, following the morning service and sent this photo of 'the moment' to us..... the 'up-do' is more of an 'do-down', at this point in the day, though! LOL
Remember, if you have time to worry about what is on your neighbors back porch, maybe you should worry about what is on your own back porch! Food for thought on a dreary Monday ~ and the same would go for what's on the front porch!!!

Easter Fun & Spring Happenings (2010)

We will not bore you with the "story" of the past weeks, since our last post, but we would like to add a slide show. This will give you a 'taste' of our Easter weekend of fun and MORE!!! (Click on the center of the slide to be taken directly to the photo album. BUT, NOT ON THE ARROW, because that will only begin the slide show.)
On a personal note, I would like to add, how happy we were to have a portion of the Louisiana family with us over the weekend! Our only regret, was that they were not ALL able to be here, but for those that were, thank you, we love you and we can't wait to see y'all again!

Saturday:The First Day of Spring (I'll take a Chocolate Malt, please?)

(Aly, the Steak-N-Shake Chef~Mar. 2010)

"Hark, I hear a robin calling!
List, the wind is from the south!
And the orchard-bloom is falling
Sweet as kisses on the mouth.
In the dreamy vale of beeches
Fair and faint is woven mist,
And the river's orient reaches
Are the palest amethyst.
Every limpid brook is singing
Of the lure of April days;
Every piney glen is ringing
With the maddest roundelays.
Come and let us seek together
Springtime lore of daffodils,
Giving to the golden weather
Greeting on the sun-warm hills."
~ Lucy Maud Montgomery, Spring Song

We are thrilled that the first day of Spring is only hours away, now! We love this time of year... everything coming to "life", once again! Nice weather means many fun things to do outdoors and Aly is certainly having trouble trying to contain her excitement! City Parks to visit, all sorts of animals to see at the Indianapolis Zoo, awesome art exhibits for 'hands on fun' are waiting at the Children's Museum and SO much more! This is sure to be a fantastic Spring/Summer!

Trust all of our friends and family, in Blogger-Land, have enjoyed a very GrEeN and hApPy sT. pAtRiCk'S dAy today! A green world is so much more beautiful than a dark, dried up one! Our prayer is, that YOU will each have an even better "First Day of Spring" this year, than you ever have before. (Saturday's only 2+ days away, you know!)

Síochán leat! (Peace be with YOU!)

A Combination of Cabin Fever & Spring Fever

"It may still be winter for the next 9 days or so, but it is not to early to be rejuvenated by the many sentiments of Spring. Spring is a time of growth, renewal, and new life being born. If tomorrow is another beautiful day like the past few days have been, be sure to 'stick your head out the window, first thing in the morning and let Spring kiss you..... bAnG right in the face'." [adapted from L. Hughes]
The changes in the weather of late, are sufficient enough to 'recreate' the world as we see it and to boost OR deflate our moods immediately. So, as Spring blows in, we need to keep our moods 'in check', whether there be sunshine OR rain and try a little understanding! I strive not to laugh at human actions, not to weep at them, or even hate them..... but, trying instead to understand them. However, UNDERSTANDING does not necessarily mean AGREEMENT! [anonymous] “I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything splendid, even wonderful or exciting things happen..... just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls off a string. Simple meaning, things like putting away our worries and strife to focus on nothing, but the 'pearls' in our lives. This one act will boost our moods, no matter what is going on around us. God expects us to enjoy the GOOD times He sends our way..... like SPRINGTIME!” [unknown] Le-say le bon-ton rou-la!!!!!

Aly enjoyed the Pie/Cake Auction(2/28/10)...especially the meringue as you can see!
To ward off severe cases of Cabin-Fever, last Friday we enjoyed delicious Romano's Macaroni Grill Lasagna, at Mamaw S's with the Indy crew. Saturday, Greg, Aly and I had a terrific Spring-y day hitting the town..... Bouncer Town, Old Time Pottery, Pizza Hut and Wal Mart. Sunday, yet another good day, ending with a KMBC Choir Concert and meal following. So far, this week we've been going non-stop and are not likely to slow down much before Saturday! "It's Spring Fever. That's what the name of it is. When you've got it, you want..... oh, you don't quite know what it is you DO want, but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so! [Mark Twain]
It's almost Spring..... only a few days to go, do you know where your bloomers are? =)

March Winds...April Showers & May Flowers Not Far Behind

WOW!!! Is it really already the first week of MARCH??? Simply crazy! April showers and May flowers really are almost in sight, now! We're less than two weeks away from St. Patrick's Day, too!

Where do I begin??? Soon after my last blog post, Greg and I took Aly to Incredible Pizza Co. for supper one night, as a surprise for being extra special good that day and as usual, she had the time of her life! I'VE ADDED A PICTURE ABOVE... A COMPUTER-GENERATED PIECE OF ART THAT ALY 'DREW' HERSELF, THAT EVENING.
The weekend following Valentine's Day, we packed up and hit the road for a very short-lived 3-day, 2-night family get-away. We drove to Greg's parents home and enjoyed time with them and with Whitley, as well! While there, Mom Penn and I began a decorating project, which gave me the opportunity to do a little shopping on the Square and find a few really good 'deals'! This little project is going to take some time, with the miles that lie between us, but it is such fun! Speaking of which, I've since taken Aly on a couple of visits to Hobby Lobby, Old Time Pottery, etc. I must say she's taking to this early 'training' very well and already loves matching colors and things. Think I might just have a fellow-decorator, a kindred spirit so to speak, in her!

My L.N.O. group held their 2nd Annual Spa Night, on February 26th, at the home of friend, Paula Romans, and let me tell you what... This is the kind of event I could get used to! Lots of pampering, delicious food, many laughs and all with great friends!!! On the same note, while I was being attended to and relaxing with my friends, Greg and Aly headed out for supper at Chuck E. Cheese. They had quite a time themselves, with Aaron Bragg (our Spa Tech for the evening, America's, husband), and needless to say Aly thought she had the world by the tail, with those two tagging along behind her! I'VE ADDED A PICTURE OF ALY AND GREG AT CHUCK E.'S ABOVE. As you can tell, it was Daddy's hair night... He in a hat and she with quite an interesting 'doo', to boot! Good thing I didn't see them BEFORE they left the house!!!
Greg and I joined a Faith Builders group at Church and we had our first 'meet' on February 27th. It was a strategy meeting to set goals and decide what we wanted to see happen in the future, as a group and for starters, we chose Denny's as our late-supper choice, that night. LOL A fun evening with a 'new set' of friends and we look forward to our next event!

I'VE ADDED A PICTURE ABOVE OF GREG, ALY AND I, AS A ST. PATTY'S DAY 'GREETING' TO YOU ALL. Greg's mother, Sandy, just came through surgery with flying colors, on Monday and we are so proud of her! She seems to be doing fine, only a little pain, weak and sore, but that is to be expected. We are excited to see what her "new" future has in store for her... Way to go, Mom P.! We've been praying for you and will continue to do so! We've been sending many prayers up for other family members lately, as well. Those who are under entirely too much right now and need God to undertake! Our family also lost a close dear friend, Carol Jeanette, this week and though we'll miss her and her way of making us laugh, we know Heaven gained a very "SPECIAL" angel, when she arrived at the Pearly Gates! Look out, Papaw Smith, she's something else!!!
Trust everyone in Blogging-Land will have an exceptional week... Get out there and enjoy this beautiful sunshine and rest assured that Spring is about to show it's face FOR GOOD!!!

A Weekend of Valentine's

Lots and lots of snow made for a very romantic Valentine's weekend... however, not as romantic as waves crashing on the beach would have been! LOL Aly and I decided to have "Clash Day" for the first snow-day and when Greg returned home from work, he and Aly went out to play in the first major snow storm of her life and she had a ball! Greg and I were privileged to attend the Christan Couples Connection Valentine Dinner on Friday night and it was truly an enjoyable evening! Complete with an Italian theme, wonderful food and many many laughs! Saturday was our family Valentine's Day... we stayed all cozy and warm in our house, sipping coffee, relaxing and playing games with Aly, before going to Mamaw Who's, so Aly could share a little "love" with her! Being as Greg and I are considered 'on staff' at Church, we were invited to the "Prime Timer's" Valentine Party, on Sunday night. Now, those folks know what they're talking about when it has to do with FOOD... another fun evening for sure! On Sunday afternoon and later that night, we enjoyed watching and nibbling on my 'big' surprise from Greg, a Michael Buble' "LIVE" CD/DVD combo and Ghirardelli Chocolates!!! (I surprised him with a much sillier gift that we will not discuss at the moment! heehee) Late in the afternoon on Monday, Papaw came by to pick up Aly, which allowed Greg and I a chance for a 'romantic get-away'! Another blessing, was when Greg was able to arrive home almost two hours before his normal time home, giving us even more time together! (Thanks, Papaw, for your help with our Angel. You are THE best!) After five years of Valentine's and Anniversary's as man and wife, I asked Greg to choose a Steak House for HIM, instead of Italian and Mexican places for ME! He toyed with the idea of the exotic "Oceanaire" or "Bahama Breeze"... either of which would have served lovely steaks AND SEAFOOD! However, with yet another snowfall coming down, I told him he should keep the location close by home, instead of downtown or on the other side of town! So, we headed to "The Outback"! The meal was lovely, he enjoyed his steak and I, my seafood! We browsed Barnes & Noble and stopped by Starbucks before returning home....... all in all, a very romantic date night! Aly returned home a bit after 11 and we all played music until 'Mr. Sandman' got the best of us! Trust each of you had an enjoyable weekend with those you love, as well!!!

A Weekend of Valentine's

Winter Wonderland... A Bit Late in Coming!

SUPERBOWL WEEKEND

WOW! What a week! Some good and some bad! We've had many ups and downs this week. We've been and continue to carry heavy burdens for those we love. We have prayed and will continue to pray for these needs! Trusting and believing that ONLY God can answer such difficult tasks. He brought light into our lives this week in the form of a couple of announcements! CONGRATULATIONS are in order! To Whitley, for an outstanding GPA, she has been enrolled into the NATIONAL Honor Society! You go, girl! We are proud of you! Also, the word is official, Wesley will be stationed in S. Korea, following Tech School. We are so happy that he will be able to live out a life-time 'Korean' wish and pray daily for his safety. To Wes, Congrats, we love you so much! You know, when the world seems bleak, God knows just when to send these kind of blessings our way, doesn't He? HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD... SING WITH ME, HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!

We've had our first, what I would call, major snowstorm of the season and there's more on the way tonight!!! Too late if you ask me... As most of you know, I absolutely do NOT love snow!!! Which will be no surprise to most of you, however, IF it must come this is the way I'd love to see it happen.... On Christmas eve, in the late afternoon, it would begin to flurry just a bit. Temps would stay around 30 or so. Though the snow would not accumulate at all, it would continue to flurry lightly throughout the rest of the evening, into the night and all day Christmas day/night. Temps would remain in the upper 20's or lower 30's during these two days. However, two or three days following Christmas day, the temps would fall drastically into the single digits. A heavy accumulating snow would begin to fall and not let up until it reached a minimum of one foot, PLUS. This would cause EVERYTHING to be 'shut down' for a few days. Giving everyone time to relax, spend time with family, etc. AHH After 4 or 5 days of this, the temps would begin to rise gently into the mid-to-upper 40's and above, the snow would then melt and within the week, SPRING WOULD ARRIVE!!! Now, that's the way it ought to be!

If you've heard the name, Laura Silsby, head of New Life Children's Refuge, Boise, ID in the news lately. She's a part of a group who traveled to Haiti to retrieve children, bring them to America and give them new lives here. Her particular group is being wrongfully suspected of human trafficking and facing time in court and possible prison. Would you please say a special prayer for her, the rest of her group and their families here in the States? LAURA'S FAMILY ARE FRIENDS OF MY PARENTS AND ARE IN DIRE NEED OF YOUR PRAYERS AND MINE!

Well, we had a grand Super Bowl weekend!!!!! While living here in Indy, I've become a "True Blue"! However, last night, MY SOUTHERN BLOOD RAN DEEP! Born and bred in Louisiana and being proud of it, I felt compelled to cheer for the Saints! No matter the final outcome, it was a great game for all!!! Greg, Aly and I wore black and gold to church on Sunday morning, blue that night and black to the family party. I've been a bit neutral, verbally speaking, throughout the past few weeks due to feeling a sort of "double-minded" and would have been happy had either team won, however... after THAT win??? MY HEART'S FEELING PRETTY GOOD RIGHT NOW! GEAUX SAINTS! (Nothing like a party for some great food, too!) For pre-bowl-fun on Saturday, we surprised Aly with a spur of the moment trip to "Incredible Pizza Co.", for supper and as you can tell (in the photo album above), she did indeed have an 'incredible' time!!!

Jumping Jehoshaphat January is Almost Over

Though we find it hard to believe, January is almost over and we have been too busy to even notice it! Thought I'd post a few photo albums, of our first month in 2010, for you to view. Most of the pictures will explain themselves.

Alyson's Music Class 01192010

The album above, 'Alyson's Music Class', were photos taken by a fellow-mom for Mrs Jody, the teacher. I'd like to personally thank Mrs. Jody for her time and energy with the children... they all love you so much! Also, thanks to Jenny for being the photographer of the night! Aly and I can't wait for the new semester to begin!

Our Home: Revised Jan. 2010

However, on the topic of the albums I've posted I would like to add, concerning the album of our 'Revised' home decor and the album titled, 'Winter Weekend', each were photographed with Greg's BlackBerry and are therefore somewhat blurry. The reason for this, points back to the photographer... 'Yours Truly', these being my first attempt at BB pictures! Hopefully, I'll get better as time goes by, huh? We still have our 'new' camera from Christmas, but I was anxious to find out what I could do with his new phone and I suppose I found out the hard way! LOL

Winter Weekend Fun

We had such a fun evening this past Friday, celebrating my Mother's Birthday and Aly loved getting to help her blow out the candles! HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAMA! YOU ARE THE PERFECT EXAMPLE OF WHAT A MOTHER SHOULD BE AND I WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU!!! Aly also had a 'special' hairdo for the occasion! I also enjoyed having several friends over for a relaxing evening together on Thursday. "Ladies Night Out" is always such a fun event and this month was no different! Thanks, gals for a great evening and for bringing in such delicious food, too! A SPECIAL thank you to my friend, Kristen, for the beautiful tulip bouquet... it did so much for my cold winter heart, I am now ready to face whay lies ahead with a hope and a prayer that spring will be here soon! I must also say, that Alyson will now sit and allow Mommy to curl her hair, with a curling iron, for church! She sits perfectly still and loves looking at the finished product! heehee
Trust you are all enjoying 2010 and the New Year is treating you well, so far! Remember, spring IS on the way!!!

2009/2010 USAF Boot Camp Graduation Weekend

http://picasaweb.google.com/thepennfamily2007/USAFGraduationWeekend?feat=directlink

Greg was able to fly down to Texas this past weekend and attend Wesley's Air Force graduation from Boot Camp. We are grateful to God for providing for the trip and for His protection and safety while there, also!
"If I climb up into heaven, Thou art there. If I go down to hell (war), Thou art there also. If I take the wings of the morning and remain in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there also shall Thy hand lead me and Thy right hand shall hold me."
(The above prayer is inscribed upon the chapel windows of the Air Forces Memorial.)
CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATE:
We're always here watching out for you
And will hold you close in prayer,
This special day we lift you up once more
To go forward in Gods care.
He has a plan prepared just for you
A chosen place for you to go,
Where all the wisdom He has given you
Will be shared for more to know.
May His blessing go before you
And keep you ever strong,
Oh, how very glad we are
That to our family you belong.
Congratulations Graduate...
Wherever you go,
go with all your heart.
WESLEY, We love you and are so proud of you and of this, your newest accomplishment, "Airman"! We are excited to see what 'else' God has in store for you! Keep Him first and you'll never be sorry!
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

2009 Holiday Review

We were able to spend much of Christmas week in Missouri with Greg's family. Whitley joined us there, as well as Greg's brother, Chad and his wife, Sunny. We all missed Wesley, but are anxious to hear the details of his time at Boot Camp and are excited for his Graduation, from the USAF, at the end of this week! Thanks, Mom and Dad P. for the presents this year and for putting up with all of us... we certainly enjoyed our time with you, as usual! Aly loved being with “Mawmaw & Pawpaw” just as much as we did!
We were also able to spend a few hours with my "adopted" brother Densel, his wife Michele, Jacqueline and Ty. We hadn't seen them for a very long time and it was such fun to re-acquaint ourselves! Aly had a ball with Jacqueline and Ty, as well... no pun intended, Mr. Ball! LOL
We arrived back home, just in time (due to last second car troubles), for Christmas Eve night with my parents! We were thrilled to have had the opportunity to purchase a camera while on the trip, thus you will be able to view many of these activities, for yourself. Alyson was more than excited when she saw the Kitchen Set “Mimi & Papaw” bought for her. A skillet that 'sizzles' and boiler that 'gurggles'. A working microwave and phone. In Aly's own word, “WOW!” Thank you, Mama and Daddy, for the many gifts and love this year! Aly truly loved every aspect of Christmas this year... from seeing all the packages, to opening the gifts and playing with all the new things! How fun it was to watch her eyes light up at each one!

Christmas Morning, the three of us enjoyed being together and seeing what else “Santa” had in store! We relaxed and played together around the tree, before dressing for a fun evening with the Indy family. As is tradition, we celebrated at Mamaw S's home with a wonderful meal and even MORE gifts! Family and traditions truly are a blessing.
On Tuesday, following Christmas, the three of us joined Mimi and Papaw on a little road trip. As is tradition, we headed toward Dayton and my Dad's side of the family, for another Christmas celebration there! Again, it was a delight to partake in the blessings of God... we have been so blessed!
The time following all of this, was spent trying to get back into somewhat of a normal schedule... then again, what IS normal? Church, Kidz Konnect, Holiday Parties, Choir, etc. We also hosted a couple of Holiday Parties and truly enjoyed those special times with a few friends in our home.
New Year's Eve, found us again at Mamaw S's house, with the grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Another fun filled and VERY LATE evening together (ending around 1AM to be exact)! On New Year's Day, we drove downtown, had brunch at the historic LS Ayres Tea Room & browsed a bit, before heading home for a LONG-MUCH-NEEDED nap!!! That about sums it up, as far as this 'chapter' goes, anyway! LOL
Please bear with me as I was unable to 'edit' any of the photos, much to my utter dismay, due to our computer-crash of last week!!! We are grateful for our new camera. Even if it takes us forever to 'learn the ropes' with it! *Drum roll, please... and here is much anticipated 2009 Holiday Review Penn Palz photo album!

Holiday Memories of 2009