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"......

Happy July 4th, Everyone! (ONLY 3 Days Away...)

It's about time for sparklers and fireworks, again!!! The time of year that we feel those 'chills' run up our spines as we listen to a moving Patriotic song, gaze upon "Lady Liberty" as she stands boldly on the New York harbor, see a member of the Military in full uniform walking along the sidewalk or simply watch as an American flag sways gently in the evening breeze. We are truly a blessed people to live in America. Our Nation is changing and it's becoming more and more important that we beg God to once again BLESS America and REVIVE us as a CHRISTIAN Nation. "WE WANT AMERICA BACK"! (In order to view this video clip, you will first need to scroll down to the right, to our 'Penn Palz Favorite Online Music' and press 'Pause'.)

Well, our company from Louisiana have already headed back South and we only wished we'd gotten to tag along! Our family is entirely too close to have this many miles lay between us and these Good-Byes are always tearful! We are so thankful the trip home was made safely, though! (Thanks, Suzanne, we couldn't have made it without you this week and Mamaw was even more thrilled to have a 'new' nurse!!!)

Whitley has been with us since Saturday and plans to stay for the rest of this week. Aly thinks it's pretty incredible having someone 'dote' on her 24/7! Where, you may ask are the pictures of these precious moments together? Well, the lovely camera has been tucked away in the back of the computer armoire, since our Father's Day blog! However, it is now out on the shelf and we hope to put it to use over the next few days!

Until next week, may God bless YOU and may God bless America... Happy July 4th, everyone!

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!

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...

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!

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...