The New Year Is Approaching!

For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice. And to make an end is to make a beginning.

~ T. S. Eliot ~

I read this somewhere this week, and thought it was so good for the upcoming New Year
I'm not making any new years resolutions.  I always think I'll start a new diet, excercise more, read my Bible more, paint more, and sew more.  I always get bogged down, and say I don't have time to get everything done.  This year I just want to be a better, kinder person and live one day at a time. If I get some of the things above done, that will be great.  If I don't that's okay too.    I want to be a listening ear for those who are hurting and help where I can.  We went through some medical and emotional issues this year, and others were so kind to listen to us and lift us up in prayer, and God does hear and answer. As this year ends it truly is to make a new beginning in 2011.  We all need a new beginning.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

AND

GOD BLESSYOU AND YOURS 

Those Who Make Us Great and Grand

I was so late getting my Christmas cards out this year.  I worked on this collage for a couple of days trying to get it right.  Then, because it was so late I hurried down to CVS.  I used their templates, and they printed them out while I stood there.  I was so pleased with them, and it was so easy.  I thought to myself...next year I'm going to start earlier.
These are our beautiful grandchildren, and our two great-grandchildren.

Thanksgiving

I haven't posted since Thanksgiving because I've been really sick, but I think I'm on the top side, and I'm mending.  Thanksgiving was great!  We had 12 adults at our table, plus 4 little ones under 2 years of age.  We were so excited to have our two great-granchildren present.  The only thing that went wrong was my turkey that was so fat inside the meat. It's the last time I will cook a 20 pounder.    Everyone contributed with their favorite recipes. It was a memory maker to have my oldest granddaughter Kaley in the kitchen all morning helping me make pies, and sweet potato casserole.    My sweet hubby washed the dishes that wouldn't go in the dishwasher.  Babies were watched and played with,  football games were being watched on  TV, and there were many couch umpires and coaches.  Desserts had to come later, because everyone was so full.  I'm so thankful for my family and others that the Lord sees fit to send our way.  I'm so thankful I have so many things to be thankful for.

  Our newest,and only great-granddaughter, Addison

 Oldest granddaughter Kaley and her son Kullen our oldest great-granchild

Grownup Cousins present at this Thanksgiving

A Special Blessing

We were blessed on November 15,2010, with our first great-granddaughter, Addison Lane Cotter.  She was 6 lbs, and 15 oz., and 19 inches long.  She is so beautiful, and such a good little girl.  Naturally we are very proud, and thankful.

Thank You

Expressing gratitude is more than just two little words we are taught as children. I taught my children three little words; thank you and please. These words begin for children, the lesson of social graces in our society. It’s important for them to say thank you, but it shouldn’t just stop with them saying these words. Gratitude goes much deeper, and as they get older we should teach them the deeper meaning of thank you. Teach them to be thankful for all that they’ve been given, and everything they enjoy in the world around them. In order to teach we must be examples, and show an attitude of gratitude for all that we have and enjoy.

This week we celebrated Veterans Day, and I’m thankful for the men and women who have served in our armed forces. Many of these have served in unfriendly places, away from their home and family. Numerous have given their lives for us that we might live in peace and enjoy our freedom. I’m thankful for our American flag that waves in recognition of our freedom.

I’m thankful for a faithful loving husband who not only served his country, but serves his God, and provides for his family. I’m thankful for my children and grandchildren, and the good times we enjoy with each other and the memories we make.

I’m thankful for my Bible, for it’s my roadmap as I navigate this life.

I’m thankful for the good health we enjoy, and the medical Drs., nurses, clinical researchers, and others who contribute to our health and welfare.

I’m thankful for a nice warm home and all it contents, I have a warm comfy bed to retire in at night. I’m thankful for the warm blankets I’m surrounded with.

I’m thankful for all the good friends I’v made over the years.

I’m thankful that after I got up this morning I went downstairs and looked in a full pantry and refrigerator and had choices I could make for breakfast.

I’m thankful for the car I have that takes me to the places I need to go.

I’m thankful for our law enforcement officers that keep some semblance of order in our everyday life. Without them and the office they represent our towns and country would be in chaos. We must have and teach our children respect for them and the authority they represent.

I could go on and on…………….but I think I will stop here and say: Let’s teach our children to love one another, to give to one another unselfishly. Teach them to respect authority and leadership. To love their God and their country. To me this is what the words “thank you” mean. I’m so thankful I have so much to be thankful for. We need to not only say thank you, but BE Thankful.

Blessings

Can you imagine you’re life without any blessings? I read this statement this week in a woman’s magazine and it made me stop in my tracks, so to speak.

NO I CAN’T!!

The wonderful blessings of life and its provisions are all around us. Because we’re here today we can give testimony of the blessings of life itself. Some might be battling health issues, but as we battle, we can usually see people around us with worse problems. We can at least say we’re still on the topside of the grass, and that’s a blessing.

I enjoy the blessings of family and friends. I could go on all day with this one. I appreciate their love and care. Some may not have this, but I do and I don’t take it for granted.

I have the blessings of daily provisions: food, clothing and shelter. God has said to cast all our care on Him, because He careth for us II Peter 5:7. He also tells us in James 1:17, that every good and perfect gift comes down from above.

I enjoy the blessings of living in a free country. I can enjoy traveling to wherever I please, worship as I please and enjoy the freedom of speech without being afraid. Our country isn’t perfect, but it’s freedoms are better than any I know.

Blessings according to Webster is a gift. Let’s enjoy these blessings, (gifts) and not take them for granted.

Wordless Wednesday

Apple Pie

Apple Pie and Fall go hand in hand. It's funny, but it's the time of year that I get antsy to make pies. I shouldn't, because my blood test recently showed that I have Type II Diabetes. It's strange, I was diagnoised one week and one of my sons was the next week. I made two apple pies though, one with regular sugar, and one with sugar substitute. I also made a pumpkin pie, some my family's favorite.

To begin my baking I doned my new apron given to me by Layne and Jana during our visit to Indiana.  Then I got out my ingredients and made my crust.  The crust turned out great, I'm sure the apron had something to do with it. 

This rolling pin is one of my favorites.  It was a shower gift given to me when my hubby and I got married over 50 years ago.

My Recipe Below

I used Gala Apples.  I also used cornstarch

instead of flour to avoid any gumminess. 

1 Tbls. orange juice

5 or 6 cups of sliced apples

2/3 to 1 cup of sugar, I used 2/3 cup

3 Tbls. cornstarch

1 rounded tsp. cinnamon

dash of nutmeg and ginger. I have used all spice.

Put juice in a large bowl and add apples that have been sliced about 1/4 inch thick. Toss all other ingredients together and mix with hands.  Put bottom crust in a large pie plate letting edges hang over.  Fill with the apple mixture. Dot top with a little butter. Cover with top crust.  Cut off excess with a knife, and crimp edges with fingers  for a decorative edge.  I cut some small slices in the top for steam to escape.  Brush the top with egg wash. (1 egg yolk and 1 Tbls. water) 

Bake for about 65 minutes.  Half way through baking time, place a piece of aluminum foil  on top to prevent too much browning.

Place in preheated 375 degree oven. Let cool and enjoy with a scoop of ice cream.

  

It was a wonderful vacation in Warsaw, Indiana.  We went to visit our oldest son and his family.  Paige, one of our granddaughters here, went with us.  Our days were so full of activities.  We were able to see them all do what they do on a daily or seasonable basis.  We traveled all day on Monday, then on Tuesday we went with Layne to watch him coach his 7th grade football team.  It was a beautiful day, and we watched as the shadows lengthened in to early evening.

Wednesday we visited a neighboring town that sports several antique stores.  We ate at a Chinese restaurant. Went home picked up Emily and Mason, and took them to their Teen group at church.  While they were doing that we went to Grace College, and showed Paige around.  It was the first time we'd seen the new gymn.  After that we went back to church and watched the Praise Band practice for Sunday. Layne, Emily and Mason, along with 4 others made up the group on Sunday.

Thursday, Layne, Paige, Harvey and I went to the Amish Country.  This was mainly my trip. They apease me, and tolerate it.  I save my money for this trip, and buy new patterns for quilts and other things.  I like to get new ideas, because I see things there that I don't see at home.  We ate at the Easenhaus, and everyone enjoys that.  We purchased 2 pies to take home to  the rest of the family.

Friday was a big day for Emily and Mason.  It's their homecoming game at Warsaw High.  In the afternoon they had a downtown parade.   There wasn't much time space before we had to leave for the game.  The band, was terrific as was the pep band, and the game was won which made a bunch of people very happy.  We were all caught up in their happiness.  We met Jeff Perky, Emily's boyfriend.

                                                  

                                                                 
Saturday, another big day, it's band competition.  Mason and Emily had to be at school almost all day to practise. We left about 5:30 p.m. to meet Jeff at church.  He went with us. The competition was about and hour away.  The band was spectacular!!!  They didn't bring home the gold, but in our eyes they were golden.  We got home about 1:00 a.m.

                                                  Emily at practise the day of.      
 

The Performance

                                                               

Sunday was church, the preaching was great, the praise band was great,  and dinner after was good too.  They had planned a picnic at church after the service.  Sunday night, we had a concert downstairs, and that's something I always enjoy. Emily played her clairanet, Mason on the guitar, and Layne at the piano.

                                                                   

We left about 7 a.m. on Monday.  We had a wonderful, full week.  I felt bad cause Jana had to work everyday, but she kept everything going.  It was so good to be able to see Emily and Mason perform.  They are very talented, and we were proud grandparents.  I just wish we could see them every week.  As someone so aptly said, " a little piece of pie is better than no pie at all."

                                                             

Wordless Wednesday

Wordless Wednesday

Labor Day

Today being Labor Day, I didn't want to work too hard, because when I was young my dad always said; whatever you do on Labor Day you'll be doing the rest of the year.  I grew up with a lot of "old wives tales", and on this day I always think of my Dad and Aunt Maggie.  They always went fishing, cause that's what they wanted to be doing the rest of the year.  I did do some work though, thinking I just trust with God's help I'm able to work the rest of the year. 


Ecclesiastes 2:10b
 "My heart took delight in all my work and this was the reward for all my labor."

Wordless Wednesday

I can't believe I have all these remotes that I don't know what they go to.  I'm afraid if I throw them away someone will ask me where the remote is to this or that.  What do I do????????

                                   

Wordless Wednesday

Our neighbors

We just never know what might appear in our neighborhood.  The lastest is five chickens, and two turkeys.  I could hardly believe my eyes when I saw these, and what's amazing is that they don't fly away.  It's getting close to Thanksgiving, so I wonder if they will run or fly away, if not they might just wind up being Thanksgiving turkeys.  :(

We have a new addition to our backyard.  We had beeen throwing our veggie scraps out back on the vacant lot, with the owners permission.  She did as well as we, put them in a little round area there.  When the racoons began to grow as large as baby bear cubs, she thought we had bettered stop feeding them. On this lot we have deer that visit us too.  We decided to purchase a compost bin  It's right on our property line out back.

Family Time

We recently enjoyed our Great Grandson's visit. He's growing up so quickly.  He loved going outside and just chilling......

We were making pizza, so mom Kaley went to the herb garden and harvested some Basil.

Cousin Amanda enjoyed coloring with him.

Our Awesome room at the Gwyn Careg Inn

We will cherish our good memories of this time.

The dining room

The grounds:

Tamara & Matt

Beautiful Time in Promfret,Ct

Friday and Saturday was the celebration of the wedding of Tamara and Matt. Her family are members of our church, and my hubby performed the ceremony. Her wedding took place in St George Chapel on the Promfret School Campus where she graduated from high school. Her family rented a bed and breakfast named, Gwyn Careg Inn, for the wedding party. It was absoutly beautiful; very old, fashioned from the 1800's.

Wordless Wednesday

Happy Birthday

Our vacation in June was a wonderful time. We left home and drove to our oldest granddaughter and husband's home to celebrate our great grandson's 1st birthday. We spent the nigh and the next day. Adam cooked us a good meal on his new grill. It's so wonderful to be in your grandchildren's home and have them take over and wait on you. It's an undescribable feeling of pride and joy. I helped Kaley with the birthday cakes and goody bags. In the evening we drove to Chester, Va, to our daughter and granddaughter's home. From Waldorf, Md, it's only about 2 hours.

Disney

Monday, June 21st we drove to Ordando, and checked in at our resort,
Animal Kingdom Lodge. We were there 3 nights and 4 days. The weather was beautiful, just oh so hot! Monday we went to Epcot, Tuesday, Magic Kingdom, Wednesday, Hollywood Studios, and Thursday, Animal Kingdom. Larry and Scarlet joined us on Wednesday. Larry entertained us by winning one segment of "American Idol Experence." Thursday night we checked out of resort, and drove to Tampa to Scarlett and Larry's home. We had Cuban sandwiches, and devilcrabs. Friday night we went to hear Larry's band play. This was another great night with family.
Saturday, the four of us began our journey back North. A long drive back to Virginia. We spent Sunday, and Monday with our daughter, and then on Tuesday we drove back home to Ct.

Family Time in Florida

We arrived in Florida at Wanda and Dave's, hubby's sister and husband at about 9:30 P.M. We were so tired, we all collasped for a much needed nights rest. The next day we enjoyed a picnic they had planned for us.. Lots of relatives from both sides of the family were there. It was a great time, with lots of good food. "A face licking and back slapping time!"

On our way

We spent the night with our girls....got up the next morning and the four of got in the car and drove to Florida. It was so much fun having an eleven year old in our midst. This 11 year old is going on 20, so she kept us all straight. What a wonderful memory.

Delivered!

After leaving Maryland on June 19th, we drove to Chester, Va for a visit with our daughter and granddaughter. G-daughter was so happy to finally receive her quilt. It took me about 9 months to finish it. I must say though, she was very patient.

National Donut Day

Well today was National Donut Day, and I didn't get my free donut. I had planned to go to my local donut shop, but my granddaughter was here and told me it would take three days to digest it. That just simply took my desire away. Why are our granchildren so much smarter than we are? Well one thing for sure I will be researching this.

Our daughter sent these pictures of M.C. our granddaughter playing in her last concert of the year. Top picture she's on the right, below she's in the middle.

Son Layne

It was so good to have our oldest son with us this past week. We crammed in as much fun as we could. It was mostly working, eating, laughing and talking. That's what family visits are all about. I know his family in Indiana missed him, but it was so good of them to share him with us for a little while. The only way it could have been better; would have been if they could have come too.