Winter Wonderland... A Bit Late in Coming!

SUPERBOWL WEEKEND

WOW! What a week! Some good and some bad! We've had many ups and downs this week. We've been and continue to carry heavy burdens for those we love. We have prayed and will continue to pray for these needs! Trusting and believing that ONLY God can answer such difficult tasks. He brought light into our lives this week in the form of a couple of announcements! CONGRATULATIONS are in order! To Whitley, for an outstanding GPA, she has been enrolled into the NATIONAL Honor Society! You go, girl! We are proud of you! Also, the word is official, Wesley will be stationed in S. Korea, following Tech School. We are so happy that he will be able to live out a life-time 'Korean' wish and pray daily for his safety. To Wes, Congrats, we love you so much! You know, when the world seems bleak, God knows just when to send these kind of blessings our way, doesn't He? HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD... SING WITH ME, HOW GREAT IS OUR GOD!

We've had our first, what I would call, major snowstorm of the season and there's more on the way tonight!!! Too late if you ask me... As most of you know, I absolutely do NOT love snow!!! Which will be no surprise to most of you, however, IF it must come this is the way I'd love to see it happen.... On Christmas eve, in the late afternoon, it would begin to flurry just a bit. Temps would stay around 30 or so. Though the snow would not accumulate at all, it would continue to flurry lightly throughout the rest of the evening, into the night and all day Christmas day/night. Temps would remain in the upper 20's or lower 30's during these two days. However, two or three days following Christmas day, the temps would fall drastically into the single digits. A heavy accumulating snow would begin to fall and not let up until it reached a minimum of one foot, PLUS. This would cause EVERYTHING to be 'shut down' for a few days. Giving everyone time to relax, spend time with family, etc. AHH After 4 or 5 days of this, the temps would begin to rise gently into the mid-to-upper 40's and above, the snow would then melt and within the week, SPRING WOULD ARRIVE!!! Now, that's the way it ought to be!

If you've heard the name, Laura Silsby, head of New Life Children's Refuge, Boise, ID in the news lately. She's a part of a group who traveled to Haiti to retrieve children, bring them to America and give them new lives here. Her particular group is being wrongfully suspected of human trafficking and facing time in court and possible prison. Would you please say a special prayer for her, the rest of her group and their families here in the States? LAURA'S FAMILY ARE FRIENDS OF MY PARENTS AND ARE IN DIRE NEED OF YOUR PRAYERS AND MINE!

Well, we had a grand Super Bowl weekend!!!!! While living here in Indy, I've become a "True Blue"! However, last night, MY SOUTHERN BLOOD RAN DEEP! Born and bred in Louisiana and being proud of it, I felt compelled to cheer for the Saints! No matter the final outcome, it was a great game for all!!! Greg, Aly and I wore black and gold to church on Sunday morning, blue that night and black to the family party. I've been a bit neutral, verbally speaking, throughout the past few weeks due to feeling a sort of "double-minded" and would have been happy had either team won, however... after THAT win??? MY HEART'S FEELING PRETTY GOOD RIGHT NOW! GEAUX SAINTS! (Nothing like a party for some great food, too!) For pre-bowl-fun on Saturday, we surprised Aly with a spur of the moment trip to "Incredible Pizza Co.", for supper and as you can tell (in the photo album above), she did indeed have an 'incredible' time!!!

2009/2010 USAF Boot Camp Graduation Weekend

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

Greg was able to fly down to Texas this past weekend and attend Wesley's Air Force graduation from Boot Camp. We are grateful to God for providing for the trip and for His protection and safety while there, also!
"If I climb up into heaven, Thou art there. If I go down to hell (war), Thou art there also. If I take the wings of the morning and remain in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there also shall Thy hand lead me and Thy right hand shall hold me."
(The above prayer is inscribed upon the chapel windows of the Air Forces Memorial.)
CONGRATULATIONS, GRADUATE:
We're always here watching out for you
And will hold you close in prayer,
This special day we lift you up once more
To go forward in Gods care.
He has a plan prepared just for you
A chosen place for you to go,
Where all the wisdom He has given you
Will be shared for more to know.
May His blessing go before you
And keep you ever strong,
Oh, how very glad we are
That to our family you belong.
Congratulations Graduate...
Wherever you go,
go with all your heart.
WESLEY, We love you and are so proud of you and of this, your newest accomplishment, "Airman"! We are excited to see what 'else' God has in store for you! Keep Him first and you'll never be sorry!
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7)

Mostly Mayhem - (the first days of our) Month of May

Aly at her 1st Birthday Party (Oct. 2008)

The month of May has started off with total mayhem or so it would seem! Alyson Dawn turned 1 1/2... a whole 18 months old... on April 30th! We have had so much fun with her over these past months, but how is it possible that it already be a year and a half? Exactly where has the time gone??? If it continues this way, she'll be in school in no time and that is just not right!

(Mama and Princess on Easter/Daddy and Angel on Valentine's Weekend)

Mother and I were kept busy this past week, decorating for a wedding at our Church. It has been a while since we've been able to 'work together' and we had a ball! Congrats to MR. and MRS. Moore... we trust your day was everything you ever dreamed it would be! We will see about posting a couple of pix of the decor after the new Mr. and Mrs. have received their wedding photos. The Bride and Groom chose to have a Balloon Launch following the Ceremony and Aly couldn't have been any happier! She loves balloons and truly enjoyed watching hundreds of them float up into the clouds!

The BIG Balloon Launch (May 2009)

Well, to top off an otherwise very busy and hectic week (and weekend), we received word last night (around midnight) that there had been an explosion, in the city of Dayton. As most of you know, we have many family members and friends that live in the Dayton area so needless to say, sleep didn't visit our house for a quite some time last night! Later, this morning we found out that all was well and the EPA were in the process of testing the air. We thank God that none of our family (or friends, as far we know) were involved! However, there were several injuries and we pray for each of those individuals and their families, as well. The evacuations were kept to a minimum which was a real answer to prayer for all residents of Dayton.

The Chemical Waste Fires of Dayton (May 2009)

In the form of a little family news, Wesley swore into the USAF this past week! We do not have specific details at this point, such as when he will be leaving for training or where he will be stationed. We do know that he will be involved somewhere within the electrical/mechanical area of wherever he is placed. Due to his area of intrest, he is pre-enlisted and in the 'delayed system' (wating for an opening in school) as of now. He will be following in the Military footsteps of both of his maternal Grandfather's! He will also be a High School 2009 graduate as of May 18th... we are so proud of him and can't wait to see where God is going to guide him in the future!

Wes in Mexico (Summer 2008)

That's most of our mayhem in May..... but, then we haven't even completed Week 1, yet! Do any of you have interesting stories to tell about your Spring thus far? We'd certainly love to hear all about it!

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!

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!

"Country First in 2008"...

What a grand week this one has been in the Political arena! The 2008 Republican National Convention took place in St. Paul, Minnesota from September 1 through September 4. The first day of the Republican Convention was Labor Day, the last day of the popular Minnesota State Fair, due to Hurricane Gustav. BOY! Are we ever 'pumped' for the upcoming elections!
GO MCCAIN-PALIN IN 2008!!! We truly enjoyed the speeches and were so pleased with the addition of Gov. Sarah Palin to the Republican ticket. She may very well be the 'salvation' of this 'party'... we pray she is and that God's will be done in November! Just two months before joining the Republican ticket, while giving a speech to troops in Iraq, Gov. Palin said these words, "We pray for you, (our military men and women) who are striving do to what is right. Also for our country, the leaders, our national leaders, that have sent you (the troops) out on this, a task from God. This is what we have to make sure we're praying for --- that there is a plan, and that plan is God's plan." Mrs. Palin is known to be 'pro-life' and a spokeswoman says she is 'pro-Israel'. Palin's former pastor says, 'he has no doubt her religious beliefs will influence her decision making when it comes to government policy'. Our deepest desire and prayer is, that we as Christians, will ALL get out and cast our votes to help to make the CHANGE happen that America needs at such a crucial time... Country First!
Since everyone in our family were out of town this past weekend, at special Events or in local Revival's, the three of us rode over to Mamaw S's to just 'hang out' on Friday evening. Though it had been an unusually busy week, we were able to get out on Saturday to simply enjoy a beautiful sunny, yet windy day and 'snapped' a few photos while we were at it!
(We're experiencing a bit of trouble, AGAIN... our Slide Show will not post at this time... please 'click' the LINK provided below to view our Photo Album. A few of the pix are better than the others, but what can we say, it was WINDY and she was having such fun!)
http://picasaweb.google.com/thepennfamily2007/ASunnySeptemberSaturday#

Until next week... God bless America and God bless each of you!!!

THIS IS IT...

We are in the depths of the "sea" of MOVING this week... boxes, packing, boxes, hauling and MORE boxes!!! We are to get the keys today! Thus, you'll probably not hear from us for another week to 3 weeks!!! Please help us pray that things will continue to go smoothly? After all, this is a very interesting situation and quite different than that of our past moves, this time with an infant in 'tow'!!! LOL
We'll post pix of the house after we get in and settled a bit! We're anxious to have an extra room or two and very happy to have a place to call "our own" (it'll be nice change for us)!

THIS IS IT... ("click" on the car for a few giggles!) and

Moving Week at The Penn Home...

we'll be in touch with ya'll again, AS SOON AS POSSIBLE!!!