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!

April Showers Bring ...

... May Flowers

April showers bring May flowers,

That is what they say.

But if all the showers turned to flowers,

We’d have quite a colourful day!

There’d be bluebells and cockleshells,

Tulips red and green,

Daffodils and Chinese squill,

The brightest you’ve ever seen.

You’d see tiger lilies and water lilies,

Carnations pink and blue,

Forget-me-not and small sundrop

Glistening with the dew.

We’d have fireweed and milkweed,

And many more different flowers.

Mexican star and shooting star

Falling in the showers.

And if all the showers turned to flowers,

On that rainy April day,

Would all the flowers turn to showers

In the sunny month of May?

Due to a very busy week, please watch for a FULL Post next week! Until then ...

(Aly and Papaw, taken this past Sunday, the day before she turned 17 months old)

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!

June... What A Full Month Already!

June is a very busy and full month for our family! There are many birthday's, anniversary's and such during the month of June. We'd like to wish all of our 'June-Bugs' a very Happy Birthday and a very Happy Anniversary to our 'June-Lovebird's', too! Ya'll know who you are and we celebrate each of you at this time. (Greg and I have an Anniversary coming up in less than 5 weeks, ourselves!)
Alyson Dawn is really growing and changing every day... her personality is just adorable! She about gives herself a whiplash simply people-watching at the Mall or Walmart. She'll be 8 months old on the 30th! That is so hard for us to believe!!! She loves to be outside, she loves to go 'out'... whether it's to church or shopping... she's NOT a homebody, that's for sure. She loves spending time with her Daddy and her Memaw and Papaw, too... she is truly the 'Princess' and is she ever more getting used to that fact!!!
Greg ~ (During this Father's Day season...) I want you to know that little Aly and I are as happy as two peas in a pod to have you in our lives... you're the greatest husband anywhere and the bestest Daddy in the world, too. We love you dearly and look forward to many more happy days spent with you!
The three of us missed spending Mother's Day this year with my parents, due to a trip to Mexico but, were able to spend Father's Day with my them and had such a wonderful time... what an awesome heritage we have and are privileged to pass down to Alyson! Happy (belated Mother's Day) and Father's Day (a day late) to you both. My own life has been near perfect because of ya'll. We all three love the two of you more than you'll ever know!
We're sorry to have missed being with Greg's parents this time around for Father's Day! (HOWEVER, Mother's Day was spent with them and was quite nice)... We will also be with them here at our place, over July 4th and are looking forward to an exciting time together!!! I'd like to thank them for helping to raise Greg to be the best husband I could've ever asked for and an incredible Daddy to Aly, too. Love ya'll!
We would also like to mention what a fun time we had in Dayton, yesterday! It was so nice to be able to spend time with Mamaw and Papaw Jewett!!! Aly did a fine job on our little road trip (of course, being as it was a time to get out and about, see people, show off a bit, etc. LOL)! Thanks, Ohio-bunch, for the good times...
Mama and Daddy ~ Greg, Alyson and I would love to say a SPECIAL Happy Anniversary (June 16th) to ya'll... you have always been there to show me what 'true love' is and that true love is the 'joy of life', itself! I'm so grateful for the many lessons you've each taught me through the love you have for one another! I only pray that I'll be the type of wife and mommy that you've taught me to be and teach Aly the same.

Here is a brief Photo Album - - - some old and some new and that'll be it for now - - - until our next BLOG!

Early June Greetings and Such

WOW - Where Has the Time Gone?

We can hardly believe it... Alyson Dawn is already 6 1/2 months old!!! Where has the time gone???
(The pix above were taken this morning in PJ's and playing in her play-pen...)
Many many things have taken place in her life since our last BLOG, that's for sure! The day before Mother's Day she said, "Mama", for the first time! (Perfect timing, huh?) She rolls over (and over and over and over) now. She's eating all sorts of 'yummy' veggies and fruits in addition to her cereal and milk. She laughs all the time (unless she's hungry, dirty or sleepy)! She loves to be read to and played with... she likes interactive books the best. She plays the piano with Memaw and Papaw, if they stop playing she'll pick up their hands putting them back on the keyboard, for more! She 'sings' quietly and 'preaches' as loudly as she can when she's playing around the house. She LOVES music and can already 'keep up' if there's rhythm involved! She loves to "practice" standing and sitting up... makes her feel like a REAL big girl, I guess! She chews on everything she can get in her mouth (even if it isn't a chew toy)! She has her first tooth!!!!! It 'showed up' on the day of her Papaw's Birthday Party... so, the whole clan were able to celebrate with her, on that one and the next tooth is well on-the-way to coming through, as well. She had her 6 month check-up yesterday and did a GREAT job!!! She had to have 3 shots, as well as the 'liquid' shot (for Rota-Virus and did she ever more 'wail') BUT, since leaving the Doctor's office she has been a perfect angel!!! Not fussing one bit!!! We even spent some time shopping after the appointment and not a single tear!!! (FYI: She's just under 18 lbs. and right at 28" long, already!) Greg and I are having as much fun just being with her as she is with all her toys, family and the whole wide world around her!!! Did I mention that she is one VERY nosey little girl??? She almost breaks her neck trying to see everything and I do mean EVERYTHING!!! lol
Well, I suppose I've bored ya'll to death with all of this BLABBING so, I'll let you go for now! (I'll BLOG again soon, though!) Take care, all... and get out to enjoy this beeeeeeautiful sunshine!!! ;-)