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!

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........

Labor Day Weekend 2011...PLUS!

We had yet another great weekend filled with fun and family! Needless to say, as usual we were completely awesomized by our time together!(You just had to be there to get that one!)The food & fellowship were equally life-changing, heart-skipping & chill bump-giving, as Harry Bunch & Larry Breeze would say!(Again, you just had to be there to get that one!)A good laugh & times with those you love dearly, are the best cures in any book & with that being said..... we'll not bore you with the details instead, we will allow the photos to speak for themselves! "To us, family means putting your arms around each other & being there." {Barbara Bush}

Labor Day Weekend 2001

BACK TO SCHOOL PHOTOS BELOW :

Back to School 2011-12

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!

A Breath of 'Southern Sunshine' on A Cool Fall Weekend

Here are a handful of pictures of Aly's Play-Day today...
http://picasaweb.google.com/thepennfamily2007/AlySPlayDayNov102008# Last week was pretty uneventful, except that we were busy getting ready for the upcoming weekend.
It was an AWESOME weekend, too... Some of our Louisiana family were able to come up for a visit and as ALWAYS we had a BALL!!!
We began on Friday evening with an all-Italian homemade meal at Mamaw S's. Spicy Chicken Spaghetti, an assortment of yummy Herb Breads and Breadsticks, Salads and the whole nine yards! YUUMMM... Following the meal, everyone came over to "Penn Place" for a Fall-Themed 'Dessert Bar'. Pecan Pie, Sugar Cream Pie & Apple Fritter Bread. With a choice of French Vanilla, Caramel Praline or Butter Pecan, (and Bunny-Tracks for the kids) Ice Cream. We had an assortment of iced drinks (including Vernors, of course!) and Coffee, too. My personal favorite items of the evening were the Coffee Creamers: Vanilla Chai Spice and Cinnamon Vanilla Cre'me!
On Saturday, we had lunch together at Steak-N-Shake... an Indiana favorite for our Southern family, before the ladies and gents split up for an afternoon of fun! The ladies found ourselves at 'Old Time Pottery' and for 3 entire HOURS, too! The men made their way to Gander Mountain and Dick's Sporting Goods for a couple of hours. Later that evening, we all headed back to Mamaw S's. for a COLD Cook-Out of Pork Steaks and all the trimmings! Thanks, to the guys who cooked out in that weather! It was well worth it, that's for sure!!!
We had a great Sunday, not only at Church, but a relaxing day with family, as well! Another delicious meal only made the day better! Roast, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Sugared Green Beans with Bacon, Cornbread, etc., etc. (I'll not even go into all the desserts we had available!!!) Why is it when humans have a 'get-together', we think food is one of the necessary items, in order to have more fun? In reality, though fun, food really only adds more and more pounds to one's body and what is fun about THAT? LOL
Today~ Aly and I were having a 'Play-Day', a kind of a normal day for us, of "School" and playing together, so we decided to take 4 or 5 pictures while we were at it! (I posted a link above.) This due much to the fact, that we didn't get ONE picture taken during the busy weekend... funny thing is no one had a camera all weekend! (Not even Ronda or Aunt Diane!!!)
Oh well! As you can tell, we had an excellent weekend, with our without a camera and only wished they could've stayed for a month or two!!! The time flew by, but they may make another trip North during the Holidays?!?!? (We certainly hope so!) Hey, ya'll... it really was a "Breath of Southern Sunshine" to have you with us! We are sorry it was so cold while you were here, though! That's all just a part of being in the 'Northland', I guess! We look forward to your next visit and PRAY that we'll be able to make a trip South again, SOON!!!

Somewhat of A Calm After the 'Celebration' Storm...

We had a calm week this past week... more or less! Just the normal week with Baby-Duty, Greg's job and my Church work. Aly has been working pretty hard, as well! With the addition of a new tooth or two and the business of trying the 'walking-without-leaning-thing'!
We had a pleasant weekend... Friday evening - we joined the entire family 'Crew' at a local Buffet for supper and ate entirely toooo much! (Isn't that what Buffet's are for, though? LOL) Saturday - Greg, Aly and I just hung out, had fun together and OF COURSE made our usual Saturday stop at Walmart! Sunday - We had incredible services at Church... much like a Camp Meeting with wonderful music and gifted preaching!!! The weekend felt very short though, because Greg didn't have Monday off this week and because of his schedule, this week already feels like it should be half over and it's only Tuesday evening!!! LOL
So much for the calm, we'll certainly be busy over the next 10 days or so finalizing Alyson's 1st Birthday party, no question there! Her actual Birthday is right in the middle of our Fall Revival, so we'll be celebrating with grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins the weekend before and plan to invite 'friends' next year. On Monday afternoon, we went to order her cake and can't wait to see what she thinks of it! The theme is coming together very nicely we're so excited... though a bit sad that the year has flown by so quickly!
Here are a few pictures we snapped of Aly on Saturday evening and Sunday afternoon! (We promise to post more next week...)
Going for the big brown bear at Mamaw S's house just before Sunday dinner! Destination reached, made contact with the bear and quite happy about it, too! At home, trying to get this walking thing down pat, on Saturday evening!

It's Back to Business... With a Few Pix from Our 100th Celebration Service!

Here's a Photo Album link for you:)
http://picasaweb.google.com/thepennfamily2007/The100thNazareneCelebration#

Well, my dear and wonderful husband was able to figure out our silly computer and get it up and running again! Thank you Greg, once again you saved my life and the life of our computer!!! (BTW! Vonnie, the picture posted below, was obviously not of our computer, if it had've been Greg would have had an even BIGGER job saving THAT one!!!!! LOL)
We had a wonderful day together on Sunday... the International General Church of the Nazarene celebrated their 100th 'Birthday' and our local Church went all out for the occasion!
Along with many of the Church congregation, our family dressed in 'period' clothes from the 1908 era and had a ball doing so! Even little Alyson Dawn had an adorable smocked-dress with beautiful trim... she looked like an absolute doll!
On our stage, we had a modified replica of the original "Camp Meeting Tent" (along with the old-time 'Camp Meeting Fans'), which took place in Pilot Point, TX in 1908. At this Camp Meeting, the official beginning of the Church of the Nazarene, as a national denomination had a little over 200 churches and 10,500 members scattered across the U.S. The Church of the Nazarene, now as an international denomination and 100 years later, includes congregations in about 150 countries of the world. The 13,500 Nazarene churches around the world now have a total membership of about 1.5 million.
During our Morning service, the Choir performed several songs in honor of the era, Pastor Bailey took in several new members, preached a wonderful sermon on 'Heartfelt Holiness' and the congregation shared Communion together.
Following the service, we had an ALL-Church Balloon Launch with 'tagged' balloons commemorating this very special Event. Then, the NEW Church members, a few friends, family and the Church Staff enjoyed a delicious meal together!
That evening, a Concert by "Forgiven", was the perfect ending to a perfect day... We praise the Lord for His goodness, to our local Church family and for placing the desire in the hearts of our forefathers so long ago, to begin a denomination founded in true HEARTFELT HOLINESS!
As you can see, we're still experiencing trouble with our photos, but we trust ya'll enjoyed taking a peek into our 100th Celebration...

Our Weekend in Missiouri...

Well, the trip went very well and we had a TON of fun in the 'Show Me State'! We packed up on Thursday evening and arrived at Greg's parents around 11 pm.
On Friday, we relaxed, played games, ate together, made last minute party plans for Saturday, etc. Aly sure enjoyed being out of that car seat and able to 'roam about'!!!

http://picasaweb.google.com/thepennfamily2007/MissiouriBirthdayTrip#

(The 'link' above will direct you to our Photo Album, "Missiouri Birthday Trip".)

Around lunch time on Saturday, we had our BIG combined-Birthday Party with a ton of pizza and two... yes, I said 2 Ice Cream Cakes! One for each, being as this was such a big year for both, Wes (18) and Whit (16)!!!

That evening, Greg, Dad P., Aly and I drove to Columbia to see the Collingsworth's in concert and had a fine time! It was fun to finally get to introduce Aly to Phil, Kim and the kids... just sad that it has taken almost a year to do so!!!
Sunday, we went to Church with the family and were able to meet their new Pastor and his wife, had a yummy meal and another enjoyable day with the In-Laws and kids!
Monday found us back on the road toward home, arriving around 10 p.m. all worn out, but very happy to have had such a wonderful weekend together!

Home, Home on The Range...

CLICK THE LINK BELOW

FOR OUR LARGEST-TO-DATE

ONLINE PHOTO ALBUM...

OUR ANNIVERSARY TRIP 2008!

(Can you believe that we're still experiencing trouble with our computer, uploading photos, etc.??? So, this is about the best way we can share photos with you for now.)

http://picasaweb.google.com/thepennfamily2007/OurBelatedAnniversaryTrip2008

We had an incredible weekend... if it just hadn't have gone by so quickly! We began the weekend, on Friday evening, by taking Alyson to attend her first wedding... she did a fine job, too. (Thanks to Uncle Danny and Aunt Ronda for helping out!!!) On Saturday, we stopped by Paradise Cafe' and Bakery for Brunch. After arriving at our destination and before we could 'pick up our keys', we did a little shopping. We then went to see our Room for the weekend... it was BEAUTIFUL! (Thanks to Mama and Daddy for such a sweet Anniversary gift!!!) Some day we would love to have an old fixed-up house with antiques similar to the ones at the Inn! For an early Supper, we had yummy BBQ with all the fixins at "Trolly's" (AKA: "The Trolly"). This, followed by wonderful Hor Dourves at the Inn (provided every day in the late afternoon/early evening). Later that evening, we attended a light family comedy Play downtown and were able to get some good laughs in (following the Dessert Bar at the Inn... which is also provided on a daily basis)! Sunday morning, we had a lovely HOT Breakfast which included delicious homemade Pastries and fresh Fruit (also provided daily) at the Inn. We spent most of the day driving through the hills of Brown County, Bean Blossum, IN. (the Bluegrass Capitol of the World), and a variety of State Parks, wound up in Bloomington, IN. where we grabbed a late lunch/early supper, before heading back for a little strolling. (We'd like to add, that Nahsville is a bit of a Ghost Town on Sundays, but very nice and quiet!) Again, we were able to enjoy the Hor Dourves that evening and on top of that, a little later that night, we grabbed some of the Inn's 'to-die-for' homemade Desserts... TOOOOO much food for one weekend! On Monday, we were again at the Dining area for another wonderful hot Breakfast, before hitting the road for a little more shopping. After 'turning in the keys' at the Desk... (we sure are going to miss this place with it's lovely atmosphere, Staff and of course the incredible FOOD!)... we were once again, out for a bit more shopping and strolling. When we felt it was about the time to head home, we directed our car for the Highway... even though a wee sad, we were anxious to see our little Aly-girl!!!!! We grabbed a bite of late lunch/early supper at "On the Border", did a little 'Mall-walking' and then you'll never guess where we went!!!!! (Ugh!) Well, long story short, Greg's back had been 'out' all weekend, so our last stop found us at 'the Doc's'! However, all in all we had one of the best weekends we've had in a very long time and are grateful to once again be "Home, Home on The Range"!

May the Summer Fun Continue!

July 4th weekend was a very exciting time around our part of the fair city...
Greg's parents arrived on Thursday evening (the 3rd), just in time to head to "Chicago's", for a little of their tasty pizza!
We spent the morning of the 4th relaxing with the 'in-laws', Wes and (friend) Devin. This, after a week in our wild, wooly, wonderful "Boys Dorm" and what fun that has been!!! It's always great to have the chance to spend time with Greg's family!
Around 1:30 p.m., on the 4th, we drove to (our Church's) "The Hope Shelter" to meet the rest of the family for an afternoon Picnic... everyone pitched in on the menu and it was to DIE FOR!!! Pork Chops on the grill, Corn on the Cob, Italian Bread, Ceasar Salad, 5-Cheese (homemade) Macaroni Casserole, Multi-Bean-Baked-Beans, Homemade Cheeseball-n-Crackers, Watermelon, Cantaloupe, Strawberry Cake, Texas Sheet Cake, and SOOOO much more!!! There were even Hot Dogs on the grill, Chips-n-Dip, P.B. Brownies and other snacks... just for THE KIDS!!!
Speaking of kids, here is a photo of our Alyson with her Mamaw "Who" (S.) taken at our 4th Family Picnic. The two of them always have a great time together! We've been too busy with company to try and keep up with picture taking... (guess we need to take a lesson from dear Ronda and Danny, huh?) Maybe it'll get better when we're out of the 'baby stages' and there's not so much to remember every time we walk out the door? (Like 'Did we bring the camera?!?!? LOL)
Due to little rain and clouds, we had our meal in "The Dwelling" (the Church Youth Center) and when the sun came out a bit, we headed out to the Shelter for even more fun!
That evening, we drove downtown for the blast of Indy's famous Fireworks, they were great BUT the Finale' was AWESOME! Once again, (much like our day at the Zoo), Aly wasn't all that interested in the fireworks, but she enjoyed looking at all the people! LOL
Our guests went to Church with us on Sunday morning, then for the evening service, "The Perry's" were in Concert (also at our Church) and God came in a very special way.
As you can tell, we had a wonderful weekend, trust ya'll did as well and we just want to say how thankful we are for the family God has granted us! "Thank You, Jesus... You've been better to us than we ever deserved!!!"
We'd also request special prayer for our Nation, not only during this Patriotic season but for the upcoming Election season, as well?!?! Without the much needed prayer of Christians around the Country, there is NO hope!!! Our plea is that God will continue to BLESS America!!!

Summer + Camp = One Great Time of Fellowship, Spiritual Renewal and Wonderful Food...

We'll post again, as normal (next week), following Camp!
Please keep our 2008 District Campmeeting
in your prayers and we'll be sure tell y'all about it, soon!