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