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........

2009 Holiday Review

We were able to spend much of Christmas week in Missouri with Greg's family. Whitley joined us there, as well as Greg's brother, Chad and his wife, Sunny. We all missed Wesley, but are anxious to hear the details of his time at Boot Camp and are excited for his Graduation, from the USAF, at the end of this week! Thanks, Mom and Dad P. for the presents this year and for putting up with all of us... we certainly enjoyed our time with you, as usual! Aly loved being with “Mawmaw & Pawpaw” just as much as we did!
We were also able to spend a few hours with my "adopted" brother Densel, his wife Michele, Jacqueline and Ty. We hadn't seen them for a very long time and it was such fun to re-acquaint ourselves! Aly had a ball with Jacqueline and Ty, as well... no pun intended, Mr. Ball! LOL
We arrived back home, just in time (due to last second car troubles), for Christmas Eve night with my parents! We were thrilled to have had the opportunity to purchase a camera while on the trip, thus you will be able to view many of these activities, for yourself. Alyson was more than excited when she saw the Kitchen Set “Mimi & Papaw” bought for her. A skillet that 'sizzles' and boiler that 'gurggles'. A working microwave and phone. In Aly's own word, “WOW!” Thank you, Mama and Daddy, for the many gifts and love this year! Aly truly loved every aspect of Christmas this year... from seeing all the packages, to opening the gifts and playing with all the new things! How fun it was to watch her eyes light up at each one!

Christmas Morning, the three of us enjoyed being together and seeing what else “Santa” had in store! We relaxed and played together around the tree, before dressing for a fun evening with the Indy family. As is tradition, we celebrated at Mamaw S's home with a wonderful meal and even MORE gifts! Family and traditions truly are a blessing.
On Tuesday, following Christmas, the three of us joined Mimi and Papaw on a little road trip. As is tradition, we headed toward Dayton and my Dad's side of the family, for another Christmas celebration there! Again, it was a delight to partake in the blessings of God... we have been so blessed!
The time following all of this, was spent trying to get back into somewhat of a normal schedule... then again, what IS normal? Church, Kidz Konnect, Holiday Parties, Choir, etc. We also hosted a couple of Holiday Parties and truly enjoyed those special times with a few friends in our home.
New Year's Eve, found us again at Mamaw S's house, with the grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. Another fun filled and VERY LATE evening together (ending around 1AM to be exact)! On New Year's Day, we drove downtown, had brunch at the historic LS Ayres Tea Room & browsed a bit, before heading home for a LONG-MUCH-NEEDED nap!!! That about sums it up, as far as this 'chapter' goes, anyway! LOL
Please bear with me as I was unable to 'edit' any of the photos, much to my utter dismay, due to our computer-crash of last week!!! We are grateful for our new camera. Even if it takes us forever to 'learn the ropes' with it! *Drum roll, please... and here is much anticipated 2009 Holiday Review Penn Palz photo album!

Holiday Memories of 2009

Dwelling On Daddy's Day 09...

Well, we have just come through a wonderful Father's Day weekend! During these type Holidays, I'm aware of my many blessings and of how good God has been to me!
My Daddy, Larry J., has been and is a 'dream-Dad', a man who has lived a life of perfect christian example to me, not only in Fatherhood, but also as a Husband to my Mama! Daddy, I love you and thank you for a wonderful childhood filled with such great times! You never failed to make life fun for me and Mama! A little girl needs Daddy for many, many things: Like holding her high off the ground where the sunlight sings! Like being the deep music, that tells her all is right when she awakens frantic with the terrors of the night. Like being the great mountain, that rises in her heart and shows her how she might get home when all else falls apart. Like giving her the love that is her sea and air, so diving deep or soaring high, she'll always find him there. Daddy, it must have been my Heavenly Father who looked out for me... He blessed me with YOU!! You'll always be #1 in my book! I was blessed with two unbelievable Grandfathers, as well! My (late) Papaw S., a retired Minister, was a real Saint! If ever there was an Angel, who walked this earth as a human, it would have been him! A day never goes by that I don't miss him and his passing gives me more reason than ever to make it to heaven someday! Papaw S., I'll always love you and can't wait to see you, again! My Papaw J., also a retired minister, continues to live his life out in front of his family and grandkids as only a man of God can do! Papaw J., I love you and only wished we could see each other more often! When I married, I 'gained' another "Dad", Dad P., he is an awesome Father-In-Law and helped to raise a near-perfect son, Greg. I am so thankful for that and for the parents in this world who continue to guide their children in the admonition of the Lord. The scripture is true, 'when they are old, they will not depart from It!' This has been proven time and time again! Thanks, Dad P., Love you bunches! Last but not least, my incredible husband, Greg who has given me the life I always dreamed of! A fun marriage, a beautiful home, a wonderful family and an amazing baby girl (Alyson Dawn)! Greg, I will love you for all eternity! When I look at you being a “Dad“, my heart swells with gratitude and pride, I find myself sitting in a corner, admiring you be your natural self, being in your comfort zone of daddy hood. I feel so blessed to have a husband like you. I am so thankful that our children are blessed with a Father as caring, thoughtful, and supportive as you. Baby, I know WITHOUT a doubt it was my Heavenly Father looking out for me... He knew we would compliment each other, so he blessed us with each other. Here is a special wish for you - I wish for continuous blessings from above. For God's guidance, protection and strength. For health, long life and prosperity. I want to thank you for always putting our family’s interest first and for your undying love. I love you from the bottom of my heart!!! (If you missed my Tribute Post to my Mother, Mamaw S., Mamaw J. and Mother-In-Law, you can view them by looking through the 'older posts' below for "Mother's Day Moments".)
During the busy days of Summer that lie ahead, I trust that all my blogging buddies will be blessed with only the best that God has to offer! Happy Summer...
Click Here! (For the most recent photos.)

June Parties and More

Graduation 2009 Weekend

Click Here! for the Photo Album: http://picasaweb.google.com/thepennfamily2007/Graduation2009Weekend?feat=directlink
(What a busy weekend, too!) We arrived at the In-Laws on Thursday afternoon under beautiful sunny skies, visited friends at Sis. Clark's Viewing on Friday evening in the midst of horrible storms, Greg and the boys watched Whitley's Track Meet on a brisk Saturday afternoon, the entire family attended Graduate's Sunday at Church in the morning and (most of us) the Baccalaureate Service that evening, then a gorgeous cool Monday evening brought on Wesley's Open House and his Graduation Ceremony later that night. We did not return home again in Indiana, until late Wednesday evening and have been spending much of our time since, at the Hospital with Mamaw S. (details below)...

As you can tell, it was an extremely busy few days, but well worth it! We are so proud of Wesley and can not wait to see what his future holds... we will remain lifting his name up in prayer, as his time comes to leave for USAF Basic Training! We love you, Buddy! (Mom and Dad P.!!! Thanks for everything... this weekend was just great and we know that Wes will carry every memory you helped to create with him forever! Many thanks also go out to Whitley, for helping us with Aly, during the Baccalaureate service! ALL three of you are the best!!!)

HAPPY (BELATED) BIRTHDAY, WITH LOVE, TO MY DADDY (PAPAW J.) & AUNT DIANE (on May 13th)... trust you both had a splendid day! Daddy, you are quite simply the best Daddy/Papaw on the planet and we love you more than you'll ever know!

Greg, Aly and I would also like to say a special thank you to those of you who have been praying for Mamaw ("Who") S. The surgery went well this past Monday. Her stats are looking good, we only ask that you keep her in your prayers, being as she is still retaining some fluids and those need to come down. The Doctors are positive and we are all grateful for the many prayers from you, our friends!