July: A Month for Patriotism, Romancing and Such

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July: Patriotism to Romancing

Needless to say, we have been busy as usual! Isn't July a wonderful month? It's almost always beautiful, sunny, warm and all the other great things that make a perfect Summer...
Whitley was home for the past week and 'us' girls had a ball together! From hanging just out, to shopping, eating at our favorite local spots, playing at BouncerTown or even the Playroom, right here at home! What a grand time...

On Friday evening, (the 3rd), we ate with the family at Edwards Drive In and spent time at the Rehab Center with Mamaw "Who". Later that night, Greg, Aly and I drove over to ("Unky") Mark and ("Aunt-Nita") Anita's for the town's Firework show. Aly wasn't too sure about the noise at first, but the bright colors and flashing lights finally won her over! She has turned into quite the 'Firecracker' girl! On the 4th, it rained ALL day, so we just hung out at home and enjoyed lots of quality time together. That night, the 'Media' guys said the Downtown Fireworks were to be a 'go', come rain or shine. SO! We jumped in the car, (in our 'Jammies') and headed down to see "Freedom Blast 2009"! WELL! We were very disappointed an hour later, to find out the Grand Fire Marshall would not allow the show to go on! There were many tears on the way home, that night...

I woke up on Sunday, under the weather and not feeling well, so Greg left us girls home and headed out to Church alone. By that evening, I was well on the mend, so I stopped by to check in on Mamaw S. When Greg and Aly picked me up, we made a last second decision and drove back downtown for the postponed "Freedom Blast". We had an excellent parking spot for ourselves and our lawn chairs. It was a gorgeous night and once again, Aly loved those fireworks to pieces...
For the Show, we were parked near a place called, "Peewinkles Puppet Studio" and it sparked my interest, I wondered what it could be and why I'd never heard of it. When we arrived back home, I 'Googled' it and found it to be a charming old world style, 50 seat puppet theatre (only a few blocks south of Circle Center in downtown). Ideal for school groups, scouts, birthday parties and reserved parties. Peggy Melchior, Debbi Stutzman and Heidi Shackleford, of MMHP Puppet Productions Inc., present captivating and creative puppet shows for children (incl. puppet making day camps and workshops). "Peewinkles" specialize in a variety of creative puppet shows year round, while using marionettes and special effects. Their shows are sure to delight those of all ages! We look forward to taking Aly for a Birthday Party in her very near future...

On a bit of a side-note, Greg and I will be celebrating our Anniversary toward the end of the month, so be on the look out for a Wedding Photo Album, coming very soon!!! Also, we have been anxiously awaiting the return of Mama and Daddy, from their General Assembly trip, for what seems to be an 'eon' and they WILL be back tonight... We, (especially Aly) can hardly wait, either! We've missed them something terrible, but pray they enjoyed their LITTLE time away! Well, it's on into the rest of another busy week for us, now. We trust each of you will have a marvelous one...

Happy July 4th, Everyone! (ONLY 3 Days Away...)

It's about time for sparklers and fireworks, again!!! The time of year that we feel those 'chills' run up our spines as we listen to a moving Patriotic song, gaze upon "Lady Liberty" as she stands boldly on the New York harbor, see a member of the Military in full uniform walking along the sidewalk or simply watch as an American flag sways gently in the evening breeze. We are truly a blessed people to live in America. Our Nation is changing and it's becoming more and more important that we beg God to once again BLESS America and REVIVE us as a CHRISTIAN Nation. "WE WANT AMERICA BACK"! (In order to view this video clip, you will first need to scroll down to the right, to our 'Penn Palz Favorite Online Music' and press 'Pause'.)

Well, our company from Louisiana have already headed back South and we only wished we'd gotten to tag along! Our family is entirely too close to have this many miles lay between us and these Good-Byes are always tearful! We are so thankful the trip home was made safely, though! (Thanks, Suzanne, we couldn't have made it without you this week and Mamaw was even more thrilled to have a 'new' nurse!!!)

Whitley has been with us since Saturday and plans to stay for the rest of this week. Aly thinks it's pretty incredible having someone 'dote' on her 24/7! Where, you may ask are the pictures of these precious moments together? Well, the lovely camera has been tucked away in the back of the computer armoire, since our Father's Day blog! However, it is now out on the shelf and we hope to put it to use over the next few days!

Until next week, may God bless YOU and may God bless America... Happy July 4th, everyone!

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...
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June Parties and More

New Job, Romantic Dinner, 1 1/2 Year Shots & More

This past week has certainly been busy with little time for relaxing, at all! As you can see, I'm late on blogging, AGAIN! What has happened to my Mondays and Tuesdays, lately? Here's the story in a nutshell! In addition to Greg's new job (which is one he enjoys and we are all very happy about), Aly had her 1 1/2 year shots (and did very well through the crocodile tears and sobs, I must say), Greg and I were able to 'squeeze in' a little romantic supper here at the house one evening (THANKS to Papaw for taking Aly on a date - while Memaw was busy sitting with Mamaw S.), a couple of days this week were spent having a raging headache (the next one, I will gladly share with anyone willing to take it), we are looking forward to company coming in from Louisiana and Missouri this next week (due to this, there will continue to be more and more cleaning to get done), etc., etc., etc. NOW!!!!! How is that for a start on being "busy"?

Chicken Cordon Bleu, Baked Potatoes, Garden Veggie Medley & More

Before signing off... Greg, Aly and I would like to wish Mama and Daddy a VERY HAPPY "ANNIVERSARY", (yesterday, the 16th)! The two of you are the picture of true love and we are thrilled to have the opportunity to learn love lessons from you. We trust this will be your BEST year, yet! We love you both!!!

Then and Now.............................