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? =)

October Blessings

“October” with it’s gorgeous colors on the trees, bright beautiful flowers, the smell of burning leaves, sweaters, boots and “blankies”... Hats for the cooler weather, fun times at football games and the many spicy scents of Autumn floating in the breeze. The month is nearly gone and Thanksgiving will be here soon, so we send blessings to you, as you spend this season with the colorful folks you love!
There is not much news to tell, being as I was sick right up to this past Saturday and still feel like I’m in recovery! LOL
I had a serious case of “Cabin Fever”, so we did take Aly to BouncerTown on Saturday afternoon. She had a ball and had to ‘tackle’ every single attraction there! No pictures, though! Again, just wasn’t up to that… will try to capture a few soon!
Papaw J. took Aly to the “Pumpkin Patch” on Monday and she totally loved every second of it! She wanted the biggest one out there, but neither of them could carry it, so they chose one they could handle! After we have it ‘fixed up’ and placed outside, we’ll do our best to snap a few pictures for you to view. THANKS, Papaw for such a fun trip, for our Aly-girl!!!

Do you know of a Mr. or Mrs. Bucket (AKA: “Bouquet” from BBC) in your life or part of the world? You know the type… the person or persons whose aim in life is to impress their neighbor, friends and important people? Doing their best to give the impression that they’re of high social standing and incomparably superior to those around them, while proving all the time they really aren’t? This is not to say, there is anything wrong with taking a LITTLE pride in ones self, though! LOL Caring about the clothes you wear, a bit of high maintenance from time to time, etc. Instead, a 'Bucket' is usually focused more on the attitude of me, me, me and in… “Keeping Up Appearances” at all times. Now, while this can be humorous, it isn’t always so funny to have a ‘Bucket’ around in our own everyday life… Lord, help ME not to be a ‘Mrs.’ Bucket… unless it’s just to give others a good laugh!!!

Celebrate Spring with Us!!!

http://picasaweb.google.com/thepennfamily2007/BouncerTownUSAMoreApril2009?feat=directlink

As it is quite obvious from the above Photo Album... we are enjoying our Spring and wanted to share a bit of it with you! On just about any given day, especially the sunny ones, we have ventured out to have some fun, even a rainy day or two hasn't stopped us! City life is perfect for finding things to do and one of our newest and 'bestest' finds so far, has been "BouncerTown, USA", in Greenwood!!! Of course, you can't go wrong with any one of the many City Parks, either! Aly is all-girl, but that doesn't stop her from having a ball outdoors and we're all three looking forward to a great rest-of-the-Spring and the up-and-coming-Summer together!
We had our Family pictures taken last week for the Church Directory and are anxious to see the final outcome in a few weeks... even though Aly was 'down' with a cold and a bit of an eye infection that day, she went through the photo shoot like a real trooper and we were so very proud of her! We'll be sure to post the pictures for you to see soon.

I want to take time to add a special thank you at this time. This past Saturday, after a very stressful week, Greg gave me an offer I couldn't resist... a SHELLY-NIGHT-OUT! Before Greg and I married, this was something of a 'norm' for me and even after we married, (before we had Aly) I would 'take' one of these every month or two. However, since having Aly I hadn't done so. I have 'splurged' several times over the past year and spent little bits of time with a friend/friends, my mom, Greg, etc., but not anything I'd call real 'personal-time'! So, needless to say, I took full advantage on Saturday evening and headed out on the town. LOL I made my way to Family Christian Bookstore, Dealz, Kohl's, WalMart and stopped off at Panera Bread for a late supper. A few hours to re-vamp, re-new and re-lax were just what I needed!!! To top that little story off, Greg also grilled Pork Chops, Baked Potatoes, California-Style Veggies and Sweet Tea for Aly and I last night! WOW!!! A mere thank you isn't much, but I'll say it anyway... THANK YOU BABY, YOU'RE THE BEST AND I LOVE YOU! You are the best hubby and Daddy...