Easter Memories

No time to blog today, but we would love to share a very brief slideshow with you! These are photos taken throughout Holy Week...once again, we were blessed, many beautiful memories made with our family! (Remember, if you right-click in the middle of the box, it will direct you to the actual photo album!) Trust you also had a wonderful Easter with those you love and we look forward to posting again, soon!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS 2011

OUR HOLIDAY PHOTO ALBUM IS READY AT LAST-----MANY THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE SHARED CAMERAS, PICTURES, ETC. WITH US DURING THE PAST MOST WONDERFUL OF MONTHS!!!

The pictures tell the story below and with a BIG thank you, to my Mother, Greg's Mom, Ronda and Courtney, for their technical contributions...(Lord knows where we would be without them)...we now leave the rest of our holiday story for your viewing pleasure! ENJOY!!!
May you always have walls for the winds, a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire, laughter to cheer you, those you love near you, and all your heart might desire! HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU AND YOURS!!!

Fallen Right into Fall 2011

Much water has gone under the bridge since our last posts of State Fair and Labor Day happenings!

To name a few, Aly began homeschooling this Fall and is doing a splendid job thus far, we enjoyed taking her to NQC 2011 for her first "Field Trip"...the music was, as expected, wonderful and we saw many friends and laughed ourselves almost breathless! We went to Greg's parents home for our annual "BD" trip...when Aly and Whitley are able to celebrate their October birthdays, together and this year Tanner joined in on the celebration! A triple party it was! The entire Indiana side of our family gathered together for a day of country fun "down at the Farm" and thanks to "Aunt" Nodi, we had a most relaxing and filling day! Of course, we have just come through the biggest event of all...Aly's 4th Birthday!!! "AN EVENING WITH PRINCESS BELLE" went very smoothly, the girls had a ball having "Tea" together and once again our family enjoyed a delicious meal, a specially made cake for the occasion and many stories and laughs!

Rather than going into too much detail and boring you, I'll allow the slide shows I've created to tell the story of how we have quite literally, "Fallen Right into Fall 2011"! ENJOY........

Scenes of Christmas 2010

WINTER 2010

(MORE PHOTOS BELOW)

I wish that I could wrap up all the love and Holiday cheer that comes along with Christmas and with New Year's every year, pack it in a pretty box and put it on my shelf and pull it down again each year and give it to myself.

I wish that I could tie up all my favorite carols with twine, wind around some ribbon, too, and for twelve months call them mine until the next Yuletide came when the sounds again could be unfurled and untie every single one then give them to the world.

Each year though wiser and older am I, still thoughts of Santa cause such excitement... and a simple reading of the Christmas Story brings such tears of joy to my eyes. So, like many Christmas's before, you see there really is no difference, it's just "your height in the door" and in the innocence of a child, I take this moment, to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!! {Adapted}

Christmas at 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???

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!!!

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!)

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

Alyson's First "Wee Worship" Experience

We are thrilled to announce, Aly truly enjoyed her first visit to “Wee Worship”, this past Sunday! Mrs. Alberta, Mrs. Maria and their staff are amazing with those kids and Aly simply loved being a part of it all. The theme of this particular Sunday, was ’The Creation’ and Aly was able to bring her first ‘paper’ home, a 3-D coloring page, to place on the fridge! Now, we’ve made things at home in the past, but THIS was different! Also, each Sunday the “Wee Worshiper’s” make an edible snack/craft… and here is Aly’s!
‘The Creation’, complete with the sun, moon, trees, flowers, grass, dirt and even WORMS! Thanks, “Wee Worship” team, for making our Aly’s day, she is having trouble waiting for next week, now!
What a wild weekend AND Monday we’ve gone through! We decided to pull out all the Christmas decorations and finish them, so we could actually have time to enjoy the season! If we had waited until after Thanksgiving, the first of December would’ve been here and then less than a month until Christmas! For certain, 3 or 4 weeks is NOT enough Christmas for us! It’s is our favorite time of year and if things had been a bit more ’normal’ this month, our Christmas ’wonderland’ would’ve have been completed even before mid-November… However, we are now enjoying the true beauty of Christmas and hearing Aly’s “OOO’s” and “AHH’s” over the bright lights and ornaments! (When it is 100% complete, we will post pix!) The pure wonder of a child at Christmas, there’s nothing quite like it, is there?
On a similar note, we are getting more and more anxious for the children’s Christmas Musical, “It’s A Wonder---ful Life”, at church! ONLY 3 weeks away!!! It should be the best one we’ve put on (at least for the past 5 years), but the stress of the adults involved would NOT exactly be summed up as ‘wonder---ful’, at this point! LOL If you think about it, over the next 3 weeks please say a prayer, that all will go well and there will be spiritual results evident, within those that come to see us perform. May God, Himself, be glorified……...
Be on the lookout for a Thanksgiving Slideshow soon! Happy Holidays!!!

Farewell and Homecoming All Rolled Into One Weekend

It seems fitting that I would find time today, Veteran’s Day, to Blog! God bless the men and women who give and have given their all, for the freedoms we all hold dear! Wesley is now among those heroes and we are ever grateful for his desire, to ‘stand in the gap’, for his Country!
Aly and I certainly have had an interesting week! This past Wednesday evening, following church activities, Greg and I put Aly down for the night and it was the last time she saw her Daddy, until Monday evening when she awoke from her afternoon nap! To keep her calm, we didn’t talk about what was happening, until bedtime on Sunday night, we felt she would understand a “one moon” a little better than “five moons”.
Greg slipped away at the end of his workday on Thursday and headed to Missouri, where he spent a final weekend with Wesley, who was to leave for USAF Boot Camp. The two of them were also able to enjoy a bit of ’manly’ time with Grandpa and Uncle Chad over the weekend, as well! Grandpa P., Grandma P., Uncle Chad and Greg drove Wes to Jeff City on Sunday morning, where he was shuttled to St. Louis, for an early morning flight to San Antonio on Monday. We already miss him, but know that God is there with him and has big plans for him and his future! We trust God to see Wes through and will continue to pray daily for his safety!
While all of this was happening to “Daddy”, Aly and I had quite a bit of excitement of our own… ’Uncle’ Scott and ’Aunt’ Suzanne (cousins) from beautiful Louisiana came to town for a visit! We all had a ball! Tons of laughter, entirely too much food, viewing family photos, etc.! We made marvelous, magnificent memories together! Nothing beats time with family, even if we were missing our “Daddy”, at the same time! One of the highlights of the weekend, would have to be when we went shopping at the Mall, (We found it hard to believe Santa was already there!) then lunch together at “Johnny Rockets”, was yet another grand and glorious memory made! Thanks, Scott and Suzanne for coming up to ’Yankee land’ for a few days and reminding us of just how much we miss YOU and the South!!! We love you both! “The love in our family flows strong and deep, leaving us memories to treasure and keep.” (unknown)



The ultimate ‘sad’ news of this post would be the fact, that we do not have ONE single photo of Greg’s trip to Mexico, nor ONE single photo of our weekend here in Indy! However, I have included three pictures for you, 1 of Scott and Suzanne (taken at Cousin Jordy and Jessika's wedding), 1 of Wesley’s Graduation Day portraits and 1 old favorite of Greg (and Aly) who was missed terribly while he was away. We WILL try to do better at posting pictures in the future!

In Limbo...

We are in a bit of 'limbo'... staying too busy to keep up with much online work. We've completed quite a bit of work on our house over the past couple of weeks, had a bit of short 'sick spells', tons of Church 'homework' had to be finished for the Christmas Program, etc., etc. Needless to say, we've been on a WILD ride lately!!!
Aly's 2nd Birthday Party is coming up on Friday... the 30th! So, rest assured there will be another blog posted soon and it will include party pictures... of course!!! We also have company coming in at the beginning of November and again at the end of November and will post on those occasions, as well!
Wishing all of our blogging 'Palz' a spooooky and waaaacky Halloween day...

Breaking Records on The Scale of "Busy"

Aly with Sunflower the Clown
Things are not letting up around our house, on the “busy scale”, that’s for certain! Reunion Sunday at Southside was this past Sunday and we had a fantastic day! Incredible crowds, delicious meal, fun activities, etc. You’ll be able to see the details at http://www.sskidz.blogspot.com/ next week! A very special thank you to each and every person who helped! The kids are not likely to forget such a fun day!

Aly on a beautiful Fall day

“When bone tired & weary...we often underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring and all of these have the potential to turn a life around. SO! WAKE UP...if only long enough to help turn someone else's life around and see for yourself what it will do for you, in return!!!” (unknown)
We have seen many scary things in the news lately… this week, was possibly the most scary of all (IF true…)! Judge Andrew Napolitano comments on the completely unconstitutional bill in Massachusetts that will allow the governor to declare an emergency and "allow" police to force their way into your homes to vaccinate YOU and YOUR FAMILY. http://www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/80761028/

Our "School Girl" 9/25/09

Tomorrow, will again be another busy day, in addition to school, paperwork, etc., there will be laundry and packing to do. Because Friday afternoon, is SUPPOSED to find us Highway-bound for Missouri, the good Lord willing. This will also be a busy time of reuniting with family, dual birthday celebrations for the kids while there, and so much more. In addition to everything else mentioned, Revival begins at our home church, on Sunday. What do you say……… Is it time to double up 'on the brew' or what? Do you take cream and sugar???

September is Nearing an End... Already?

Greg, Aly and I: Taken at Cousin Corey's Birthday Party (9/4/09)...

Since our last post, the nation has come through the 8th so-called Anniversary of 9/11! It doesn't seem possible that it has been so long, we only hope and pray that God will once again, bless America and keep 'her' safe from other such dangers, in the future!

Well, our household has been exceptionally busy lately! I suddenly realized this morning, that I had not blogged since our trip to Nashville and that has been ALMOST two weeks ago, now!

We are going ahead, full force, with work on the Christmas Musical at Church and we continue to be busy planning children's all-day activities for the Southside Reunion on the 27th, of this month!

Aly, is also recovering from a sinus infection (and a 2yr. molar-fever), that she 'picked up' a few days after our return home. So, needless to say there hasn't been much time to come up for air around here, so to speak!

The best news of ALL, is the fact that Mamaw S. is HOME!!! Still not quite back to 'everyday-normal', but well on the way and we PRAISE GOD for all He's done and is doing in Mamaw's life!

Trust you'll all have an exceptional week and enjoy the rest of this "Sunny September"......

Fall Brings More than Changes in Color

Aly and Mommy on the Front Porch~Sunday Afternoon~Aug. 30, 2009

The thought of FALL brings more than just the changing of leaves and their colors… Thus, with the upcoming changes of color, I will be ‘turning a new leaf’, effective immediately! The days tend to be busier lately, with Aly’s school, running errands, even the evenings seem to be filled with more and more items on the ‘to-do ‘list. Because of this, I will be making a couple of online changes and wanted to share them with you.
This past week has gone by very quickly and it doesn’t seem possible that September is already here! Aly is enjoying school, which in turn makes it much easier for me, ‘the Teacher’!
Greg and I will be leaving this coming Saturday, September 5th, for a ’belated Anniversary’ trip, so upon our return you will begin to see the changes below…
Blogger’s: I will continue to BLOG once a week (early in the week) and each post will contain one or two pictures. However, photo albums and slide shows will be added only on special occasions, such as Birthdays, Holidays, Trips and other such ’BIG’ events! This alone will ‘free up’ several hours for me each week! (Please remember: if and when a Photo Slideshow is posted, you can 'click' on the center to be taken directly to the Photo Album!) I will continue to ‘check’ and reply to my post and comments at least once per week, as well. I will also ’browse’ and comment to others, as I have the time to do so.
Face Booker’s: I will continue to post ‘stats’ once or twice a day and depending on my daily schedule, some may only be a line or two. I will attempt to ‘check‘, reply and comment on Face Book every evening. However, when this is not possible, I will respond to comments on my profile, within three days (except in an emergency… such as being out of town, etc.)!
I trust all of you, my online friends and family, will have an incredible FALL season with those you love and enjoy the beauty God gives us on a daily basis. The colors of Fall are a great time to do just that… God bless y‘all!

Indiana State Fair 2009

We were able to take Alyson to her first State Fair yesterday and did she evermore enjoy herself! We all had a wonderful time together... it's always fun to share time with Memaw and Papaw J.!
Because of the heat, we decided to wait until after her nap time to leave. Another great thing to happen, was that Greg was able to get off work just early enough to go with us, rather than meet up with us later! This was an added blessing to the day!
While looking through the Slide Show, you should have been able to see with each caption, most of what we were able to experience. The 'Parade', the silly 'Street Band', the yummy food, the 'Pig Race', the cows, the 'Horse Show', the tractors, the 'Petting Barn', the lights, the 'Dairy Barn', the sounds, the 'Midway' with all it's rides, snacks, etc.!!! (Remember, you can also 'click' on the slide show to be taken directly to the Photo Album...)
So much to do and we tried to get to as much of it, as possible! Special thanks to Memaw and Papaw for one of the best days/evenings of our Summer, thus far! We wouldn't have traded such fun memories made with y'all for "nothin"! THANKS!
Hey everybody, we'll see what we can find to do this week and return with another post next week... take care and have an incredible week with those YOU love!

The Beginning of the End of Summer

After Camp meeting, the big excitement around our house, was the fact that Mawmaw and Pawpaw P. were coming to visit!!! We cleaned and planned for several days before their arrival and boy did we have fun while they were here! The only complaint we have is the fact they were only able to stay over one night! It would've just been that much better if they'd stayed a lot longer than that! However, our evening was made even better, because following our evening meal, Memaw and Papaw J. came by to share dessert with us!!! Mawmaw and Pawpaw, thanks for coming by to see us, while you were on your Anniversary trip... (Memaw and Papaw, thanks for 'sharing' your ice cream with us, too!) We truly enjoyed spending time with ALL of you and love each of you very much!

The Beginning of the End of Summer

Aly and I showed our artistic abilities this past week, by using sidewalk chalk and drawing a few lovely (or not-so-lovely) pieces of art on our patio and driveway! We didn't take pictures this time, but will try to do so next time! It's a sight that you'll not want to miss out on again, I'm sure! LOL
Almost the end of Summer, already? Where did the time go??? Good grief, by the time we turn around twice, it'll be 2010!!! Speaking which... last night, we celebrated the "End of Summer" with King's Kidz Klub, at Church! The theme of the night was, 'Summer Has Sailed' and everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves! (Thanks to each and every helper and child that 'set sail' with us this Summer! We're in hopes that each and EVERY single one will stay 'on board' for this Fall/Winter, as well! It should be tons of fun!!!)
We received WONDERFUL news yesterday!!! Mamaw S. has done so well in therapy, that she is now allowed to place weight on her 'bad' leg! She was able to walk (with a walker), close to 14 feet today and has the staff members 'stumped' with her progress! We praise the Lord for her healing and are trusting Him for her continued good health in the future! Many of you... especially our family who live far away... have asked us about the Rehab Center, where she is staying for therapy. Because of these questions we have chosen to give our readers a 'virtual tour' of Rosegate. We trust this will help each of you feel more 'in touch' with her and give you some sense of what her life is like while in rehab.

Rosegate Rehab Center

We would like to ask everyone in Blogger-Land to help us pray for the Marlon King family. Renotta has been diagnosed with cancer and they need as much prayer as possible during the difficult days that lie ahead! May the God of peace continue to bless you, Marlon, Renotta and family!

Aly, Thunderstorms, District Assembly, Etc.

Summer with Alyson, Our Anniversary Date, Etc.

As this is being typed, there is a raging thunderstorm outside and Aly doesn't care so much for it! Our electricity went on the 'blink' while she was having her brunch and she just couldn't understand what THAT was all about! Guess she's going to be like her Mommy and not like storms... now, don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with a soft southern rainstorm. You know the kind, where the sheets of rain are soft as they come down from the sky at an angle, the sky is a hazy light blue and in just moments the sun is back out and warming the soul, once again. Lovely!
Thankful to God, for a wonderful hubby, a great God and between the two of them, the 'glitch' in our air condition from last weekend seems to be on the 'mend', now! Whew... what a blessing!!! Even though, I love the South and the warmth there, that doesn't mean that I want to live without AIR! (We actually have a ceiling fan on our porch, if that tells you anything!!! haha)
This past Sunday evening, we attended our District Ordination service and were able to see several people we hadn't seen in quite a while. Camp and Assembly times are just great for that sort of thing, huh? I told someone the other day, Camp should go on ALL Summer, but I guess that was just the 'kid' in me talking! We look forward to heading back to Camp Camby this week for Family Camp! We'll probably not make it to every service, but we'll certainly try!
Well, yesterday was a bit of a milestone for our little family! Aly 'joined' her friend, "Elmo" and began a process of 'more than just sitting' on her potty chair! We are so proud of her and though it doesn't seem possible that she's this grown up, we hope to have the 'training' completed before her 2nd birthday!!! She seems quite proud of herself, as well! LOL
Greg and I had an enjoyable date on our Anniversary and are getting quite anxious for our 'belated' Celebration trip coming up in September! These truly have been some of the best years, weeks, days and moments of my life. He is a wonderful daddy and an even better husband than I would've ever imagined! I stand in awe of our God and how He knows just who to put together 'in perfect union'...
Trust all of my Blogger friends, who are caught up in this or another storm, will stay dry and safe until our next post! "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid." —John 14:27

Aly's Mid-Summer's Dream Come True

We were all happy to 'welcome' Mama and Daddy home, from their trip to Orlando for General Assembly, this past week. Aly was so excited when she saw her Memaw and Papaw... she just about came unglued! LOL I honestly believe that she thought they had moved away and were gone forever or something! I am personally grateful, that when the business side of things in Orlando were completed, they ALLOWED themselves a tiny little bit of 'vacation' time in the sunny South-Lands of Savannah & the Smokies! If anyone ever deserved to take a break, the two of them certainly did! Though it was an extremely short vacation (following a very long Assembly), I know after spending every day, all day in (Assembly) meetings, in addition to the year they have had thus far, this is just the kind of thing that had to be done! While jealous of their time to some of the most beautiful places in America, I'm indeed thankful that they were able to come back to the hum-drum of everyday life, feeling a little more relaxed and ready to face what had to be faced! Upon their arrival home, it was such fun to watch both of their faces brighten up when they saw Aly and her face just absolutely GLOWED at the sight of them!
On Saturday, Cousin Cassie held an all-girl Birthday Party and Aly was 'in her prime'! While being one of two of the youngest in attendance... she didn't seem to notice or care, she was 'just as big as the next one', in her own eyes! It was adorable to listen to several little girls enjoying themselves, there was an abundance of giggles and lots of Cinderella-talk going on! They each brought their own dolly and the dolls had a table of their own, as well! The girls 'pinned' the crown on Cinderella, sang Karaoke and just GIGGLED! Thanks, Cassie for a fun time... Aly had a 'Ball' no pun intended)!!!
NOW, FOR THE BAD NEWS OF THE WEEK!!! Unless, by some miracle of the dear Lord above, it appears that we have either lost our camera or it has been stolen! We were able to take pictures of Mama and Daddy's return (which were loaded to picasa that same evening) and we were also able to take pictures of Cuz Cassie's Birthday Party. However, sometime between taking those and getting ready to load them onto picasa... IT'S GONE (the camera, that is)!!! We don't know what we're going to do without it!?!?! It's a big part of our lives... how can we 'Blog' without it? Well, we 'made do' this week, by borrowing a few shots for our slideshow below. For a larger picture, you may want to click on the center of the slideshow and it will take you to the actual Photo Album. We'll have to wait and see what happens from this point with our camera situation!

'Great' (My) Papaw J. also celebrated a birthday on Saturday and while we were unable to attend, Daddy drove over for a little while and enjoyed time with the family. We are SO blessed to still have Papaw and Mamaw with us!!! (As well as Mamaw S.!) God is good, to not only give us this kind of heritage, but to ALLOW us to keep them for a while! Papaw, we love you (Mamaw, too) and we are sorry that we weren't there to celebrate with you!!! We are proud of you and can't wait to see you, again! Happy Birthday!
Well, we were looking through our calendar on this morning and realized that our Anniversary (July 24th) was a mere 10 days away!!! One of two of the best days of our lives... our Wedding Day, (with the second being the day of Aly's birth)! We plan to 'hold off' on a celebration trip until Labor Day weekend, thus giving us a longer weekend (or if Greg's job requires, we may have to wait further into September). GREG! "You're still the one I love, the only one I dream of, you're still the one I kiss Goodnight. You're still the one I run to, the one that I belong to, you're still the one I want for life... and after all this time, you're still the one I love."
Last evening, (the 13th), I opened our home for an event called L.N.O (Ladies Night Out), which began with my local 'Facebook Family' a few months ago. This particular event was called, "Shelly's Spa" (because it was held at my house) and hosted by a dear friend of mine. Thank you, America, for an amazing evening! Everyone in attendance felt relaxed, revived and rejuvenated at the close of the evening. (I know I'm still 'feeling' it today, as well!) We were treated to foot soaks, foot rubs, instant manicures and facials... a PERFECT "de-stresser" for any girly-girl, especially comforting with 50+ candles burning throughout the house, 'zen-like' music in the background and a Spa-inspired menu!!! The menu consisted of Tossed Salad filled with Dried Cranberries, nuts and drizzled with (Paula Dean's) Southern Peach Pecan Dressing, Pita Chips and Roasted Red Pepper Hummus, Cucumber Slices with Ranch and a Fresh Fruit Salad. YUMMY!!! Boy, I can barely wait til the next Spa... but, more than that, I'm excited to find out about the upcoming 'end-of-the-summer' L.N.O. event! (If you are a 'local FBer' and are interested in our group, just contact me and we'll put you on the guest list for receiving event invites and information.)
Til next week...........

July: A Month for Patriotism, Romancing and Such

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July: Patriotism to Romancing

Needless to say, we have been busy as usual! Isn't July a wonderful month? It's almost always beautiful, sunny, warm and all the other great things that make a perfect Summer...
Whitley was home for the past week and 'us' girls had a ball together! From hanging just out, to shopping, eating at our favorite local spots, playing at BouncerTown or even the Playroom, right here at home! What a grand time...

On Friday evening, (the 3rd), we ate with the family at Edwards Drive In and spent time at the Rehab Center with Mamaw "Who". Later that night, Greg, Aly and I drove over to ("Unky") Mark and ("Aunt-Nita") Anita's for the town's Firework show. Aly wasn't too sure about the noise at first, but the bright colors and flashing lights finally won her over! She has turned into quite the 'Firecracker' girl! On the 4th, it rained ALL day, so we just hung out at home and enjoyed lots of quality time together. That night, the 'Media' guys said the Downtown Fireworks were to be a 'go', come rain or shine. SO! We jumped in the car, (in our 'Jammies') and headed down to see "Freedom Blast 2009"! WELL! We were very disappointed an hour later, to find out the Grand Fire Marshall would not allow the show to go on! There were many tears on the way home, that night...

I woke up on Sunday, under the weather and not feeling well, so Greg left us girls home and headed out to Church alone. By that evening, I was well on the mend, so I stopped by to check in on Mamaw S. When Greg and Aly picked me up, we made a last second decision and drove back downtown for the postponed "Freedom Blast". We had an excellent parking spot for ourselves and our lawn chairs. It was a gorgeous night and once again, Aly loved those fireworks to pieces...
For the Show, we were parked near a place called, "Peewinkles Puppet Studio" and it sparked my interest, I wondered what it could be and why I'd never heard of it. When we arrived back home, I 'Googled' it and found it to be a charming old world style, 50 seat puppet theatre (only a few blocks south of Circle Center in downtown). Ideal for school groups, scouts, birthday parties and reserved parties. Peggy Melchior, Debbi Stutzman and Heidi Shackleford, of MMHP Puppet Productions Inc., present captivating and creative puppet shows for children (incl. puppet making day camps and workshops). "Peewinkles" specialize in a variety of creative puppet shows year round, while using marionettes and special effects. Their shows are sure to delight those of all ages! We look forward to taking Aly for a Birthday Party in her very near future...

On a bit of a side-note, Greg and I will be celebrating our Anniversary toward the end of the month, so be on the look out for a Wedding Photo Album, coming very soon!!! Also, we have been anxiously awaiting the return of Mama and Daddy, from their General Assembly trip, for what seems to be an 'eon' and they WILL be back tonight... We, (especially Aly) can hardly wait, either! We've missed them something terrible, but pray they enjoyed their LITTLE time away! Well, it's on into the rest of another busy week for us, now. We trust each of you will have a marvelous one...