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Wilson Borough, Pennsylvania, United States
My world consists of my boys and their women in their lives. My grandchildren, who bring such joy to my life. My pets, who I adore very much and love watching them interact with each other. My hubby, Chuck, and his passion, Stampede Band. Plus, any ramblings I want to do. So, I hope you enjoy your visit into "My World" through my eyes.

December 31, 2010

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

I want to wish you all a very Happy and prosperous New Year. Be safe and celebrate wisely. I love you all!

December 21, 2010

Becky Kelley - Where's the Line to See Jesus - OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

What a beautiful song for this Christmas season to share with my readers.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL!

November 22, 2010

Kohl's and Products They Sell

The other week I went shopping at Kohl's becasue I had a 30% off card, so I purchased an egg crate for my queen mattress. The one I had on my bed was probably over 5 years old. It was getting a little worn. I purchased that one at Boscov's. Well, let me tell you, the one at Kohl's had a sticker price of $89.00. Well, to my surprise when I put it on my bed, it is definitely not worth the full price of $89.00, it was not even worth the sale price I paid for it at $26.99, my receipt says I saved $63.00 on this item. Let me tell you, what a rip off, the egg crate is so thin and too small for my mattress. My old one (from Boscov's) was definitely worth the sale price I paid for it and it probably was the same price of this cheap one. What a BIG disappointment this was. I thought I was saving money and in return I will probably have to spend more money, because I don't believe this egg crate will hold up as long as my old one.

This is why I don't shop to make a bargain, because most times it is really not a bargain, afterall. I'm telling you all this to be aware of cheap things being sold for Black Friday shoppers and you all thinking you are getting a really good bargain, but are you really? Sometimes, things are only worth what they are on sale for and nothing more. So I'm very disappointed in Kohl's and their sales.

November 20, 2010

Happy ThanksGiving and Please Be Thankful of God's Blessing Upon You


.......I am thankful for my Loving Father above, my family, my friends and all my blessing that my good Lord brought me. I'm thankful for having a roof over my head. I'm thankful for having food to eat. I'm thankful to be able to worship to God and be open about it. I'm thankful Chuck has a job and is still able to work and that I have babysitting jobs coming in. I'm thankful for the servicemen that keep our country safe and free from harm.

May you all have a very Blessed Thanksgiving and make sure you are thankful for all the Blessings that God has given you, whether it is a job, a new baby, another day of living, or our freedom. Remember God when you say your prayer of thanksgiving, because without God where would we all be.


November 7, 2010

Best Fast Food Snacks For Under 200 Calories After A Good Workout

I am amazed that some of these fast food places provide a good snack for when you are hungry after a good workout. Good on calories and provide a lot of protein, which is important, because the body needs protein to burn the fat.

So, there is no excuse to eat unhealthy when you go to a fast food restaurant, after checking out this helpful hint.

November 2, 2010

I Voted, Have You?

Well, I went out to cast my vote, whether it is the right choice or not, who knows. Now, at least all the ads, phone calls, and people knocking on my door will all stop, hooray! I just want this country to turn around and get people jobs, get us (meaning me & hubby) healthcare and the other millions of people that don't have it.

I want the construction & remodeling to increase, so my son has work to supply for his family and for my hubby, so he can sell more paint to supply for us. I want people to be able to afford to by a new car to keep my oldest son working to make them beautiful for them. So all in all I want all us American people to be able to work here in America to keep America vibrant again.

Something has to change because it isn't working the way it's going. One party blames the other party. Why can't they all just work together.

November 1, 2010

NOVEMBER 2ND, Couldn't Come Faster

I absolutely can't wait until tomorrow is over. Are you all being harassed or annoyed by annoying phone calls, people knocking on your doors, or watching these campaign ads on TV. Who can we trust? Because all the candidates all make promises that they just don't keep or just can't keep once in office. So, this year I'm really looking forward to it all ending after November 2ND.

So everyone needs to get out and vote, whether you think you are making the right decision or not on who should be in office to fight for "US" the American people. It is all coming to a close. YIPPEE!!!!

Believe me, if it were up to me, I would love to be able to vote independent, but I was told that I could switch after this election, but then I wouldn't be able to vote in the primaries in May, only in the main election. I really don't think that is fair at all. I really think we all should be able to vote for whomever we want, whether if they are Republican or Democratic, for both primary and main elections. That is how I feel and I really think it is only fair for us American people.

October 26, 2010

Soda Pop Cake

I was told about this mixture tonight a my choir practice. I have never heard of this, until I just read it on the Internet. When I was a Weight Watcher attendee we were told to make our cakes with applesauce, instead of adding the oil, to make them less fattening. Now, this is really quite amazing to me to know you can add one 12 oz. can of any flavor diet soda to a cake mix and nothing else, except the box cake mix. It just blows my mind. I'm definitely going to try this.

October 19, 2010

Elvis Presley Take My Hand, Precious Lord

We are singing this song in choir on Sunday. I just absolutely love this song. Oh how I love Elvis Presley, so it is a double hitter.


Do you Own A Bible?

As I have been doing my Blog today, I chose to blog about things pertaining to God. So, if my blog offends you today, I'm really sorry, but my Lord my God is my guidance and my assurance that he will look after me and not forsake me. So, while I was cleaning and dusting, I came upon my bookcase and saw all the Bibles I own. I own fifteen different versions of the Bible. The one I use the most is the New International Version because it is large print. Some date back to the 1970's when I got them for presents from becoming a member to, Bethel Memorial Baptist Church, and one I bought when my kids started going to Beaula Bible Fellowship Church, to the current Church I joined in 2003, Olivet United Presbyterian Church. This church is my calling to where I love to serve my Lord Jesus Christ. Since, my joining this congregation I have grown much closer to God. We may be a smaller congregation and we may be a struggling church in these hard times, but we are a mighty. I really think that everyone needs God and the only way you can grow is to go to church. I have tried many years ago to stay out of church because I wasn't happy with something (not God) and realized that the only way you can grow is to be taught, like going to school. School teaches us to learn about different things, just like church teaches us about Jesus, his disciples, The Ten Commandments, Bible stories and our father, God.

So, everyone should have at least own one Bible in their home or library.

The Ten Commandments

1) Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
2) Thou shalt not make unto thee any graven image,... Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God.
3) Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
4) Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy.
5) Honour the father and thy mother; that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
6) Thou shalt not kill.
7) Thou shalt not commit adultery.
8) Thou shalt not steal.
9) Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
10) Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's.
Exodus 20:3-17

We all need to live by these rules that our loving Lord our God has put before us. We all need to go back to the way it used to be, where we went to church every Sunday, prayed before every meal, and lived for his holiness and NOT for worldly possessions and desires.

ENOUGH, Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity

We are doing a Bible study at my church on living below and beyond your means. What does it mean to be content?

Except from Enough: We live in a time of excessive materialism. Many people today are on a treadmill of consumerism, and that treadmill just keeps going faster and faster. But the day will come when either we are going to break down or the treadmill is going to break down, because we cannot continue to go faster and faster in our passion to consume.

[Americans] are extremely eager in the pursuit of immediate pleasures and are always discontented with the position that they occupy....They think about nothing but ways of changing their lot and bettering it. For people in this frame of mind every new way of getting wealth more quickly, every machine which lessons work, every means of diminishing the cost of production, every invention which makes pleasures easier or greater, seems the most magnificent accomplishment of the human mind......One usually finds that the love of money is either the chief or secondary motive at the bottom of the likeness to all their passions and soon makes them wearisome to contemplate.

Here are some excerpts from the author Reverend Adam Hamilton: This is from our first week of the study: "God has a plan for your life, and part of [this plan] is that you are fruitful, that you have a chance to do his kingdom work, and that you live into his will for your life. But our spiritual lives remain immature and unfruitful as long as we're pursuing the American Dream as the culture tells us to."

This is from our second week of the study: "To be a Christian is to follow Jesus Christ and to seek to do his will in our lives. It is to say, 'Here I am, all of me! I'm yours. Put me to work, help me to serve, use me to accomplish your work' Now, if this is our life purpose, then our money and possessions should be devoted to helping us fulfill this calling...We are blessed to be a blessing.

This is from our third week of the study: "Contentment is found in our relationship with God and our relationship with others. This is why Jesus said the two most important things we must do are to "love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, " and to "love your neighbor as yourself (Matthew 22:37). If you keep your focus on these two things, we will find satisfaction for our souls and lasting contentment."

The first week we were given a window cling-on that reads, SIX KEY FINANCIAL PRINCIPLES to Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity
1) Pay your tithe and offering first. (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
2) Create a budget and track your expenses. (Proverbs 27:23-24)
3) Simplify your lifestyle (live below your means). (Matthew 6:19-33)
4) Establish an emergency fund. (1 Timothy 6:9-12)
5) Pay off your credit cards, use cash/debit cards for purchases, and use credit wisely. (Proverbs 22:7)
6) Practice long-term savings and investing habits. (Luke 14:28)

We were all given a small key tag prayer to put on our key chain, so when you are thinking you really need this or need that, or want this or want that, you read this tag and it is suppose to help in making that right decision; "Lord, help me to be grateful for what I have, to remember that I don't need most of what I want, and that joy is found in simplicity and generosity". On the reversed side it reads "Contentment."

So many of us feel we must keep up with the "Jones" and where does it get you? No where, only in more debt than you were before. Some people feel they need a BIGGER house (with more to a take care of), FANCY car (that is only used for special occasions), the latest FASHION (only to wear it once and then it sits in the closet to be donated to a rummage sale later), all because they aren't happy or contented in their life. They keep searching and searching for things to make them happy and all they have to do is "LOOK TO THE LORD" and he will supply all your needs and wants as he sees fit.

The book, "Enough" is an easy read to help us in these stressful times. Here are the title of the chapters; Introduction: Faith in the Midst of Financial Crisis, Chapter 1, WHEN DREAMS BECOME A NIGHTMARE, Chapter 2, WISDOM and FINANCE, Chapter 3, CULTIVATING CONTENTMENT, Chapter 4, DEFINED by GENEROSITY, Epilogue: OVERCOMING FEAR, And Finally, FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT ASSESSMENT TOOLS

October 17, 2010

What a Beautiful Day Today

Today, while the weather was so beautiful, I took fair advantage with a bike ride on the bike trail from Stockertown to Pen Argyl. My riding partner, John Pelcheck, and I (it was his first time on this trail) put our bikes in the back of his Pilot and drove to Stockertown. I told him this trail is one of my favorites (from riding with my church group), that he has to at least do this trail once before we can't ride for the winter. He love this trail and we both thought it was a good workout for our legs and butt. It was a total of 12.8 miles, that is to and from.

This trail is very fun, because it is level, but it goes on a slight incline going towards Pen Argly. We traveled on a smooth terrain, then little pebbly terrain, then at the end it was a very rocky terrain, that we were bouncing all over the place. On the way back we were sure traveling a good speed of 18 mph and that sure felt good. John left me in the dust. But I had to turn around because I found a red plastic casing on the ground, and I thought maybe, it belonged to John's bike, so needless do I say, I lost John. When I finally reached John, I showed him what I found and sure enough, it was his. He was so thankful I stopped and picked it up. Even though I had to turn around and not catch up to him, it was a very worth while stop. It was part of his blinker light behind his seat, for when he is riding in the dark.

After we were done riding, boy our butts and legs hurt us both. We laughed as we were getting in the Pilot, because neither one of us could lift our legs to get in. It was so funny, you would have thought this was our first ride this year. He commented that this trail was GREAT, because even though it was level it still was a slight incline that really worked the legs and buttocks. He wore his padded cycling shorts and was still hurting. He said the pads didn't help where he really needed the padding, LOL. Me, I wore my new, size smaller, workout pants from my churches rummage sale. It just feels so awesome to know, between the biking and going to the Fitness Club of Easton how I'm tightening up my body. I may not be able to tighten up all my flabby loose skin, but at least it is lessening.

So, kuddos to me. I am finally feeling very proud of ME, again.

October 10, 2010

Happy Birthday, Timothy!

Here is Timmy at Easter decorating the eggs with his siblings. Today he is five years old. Wow, they sure grow up fast.

October 8, 2010

Think of Starting a Diet, $2.00 is All You Need

Back in my Weight Watchers days we had to keep a journal to keep track of what we are putting in our mouths and let me tell you, it works. I did experiments with my eating habits with writing it down to not writing it down and trying to remember because I forgot to write it down. So, I know full well, that a journal is wonderful in getting the weight to come off much faster than you can believe.

So, when I start to fall off track of my new eating regimen I will go back to journaling.

October 5, 2010

What Exercise To Choose To Burn More Calories

My friend from church and I have been biking together this summer, when I'm not baby-sitting. I have noticed that I am losing more inches than weight, because I have too much loose skin from me having weighloss surgery, that it is weighing me down. So, the scale still reads the same in weight, but I can see the difference in my clothes. Last summer, my friend, Cyndee, and I went biking a lot, instead of going to the gym we belong to. I really enjoy riding my bike. I really think that was my favorite toy as a kid. I would ride my bike all over Palmer Township. I like that more than walking.

Going to the gym has really helped me with toning up all this loose skin and without the help of my friend, Cyndee, I wouldn't be where I am with my success. Cyndee and I have very busy lives of lately, so I made the decision that when her and I can't go together, I push myself to go. Afterwards, I feel so good about going. I know I can do this. This is the gym we belong to http://www.eastonfitnessclub.com/

I like to thank, Cyndee, for all her help and love for me to get healthy again.

Dare to change your life here is a wonderful website, http://www.livestrong.com/

October 2, 2010

Waking Up Is Hard To Do

Got this from my sister-in-law, Jan, what a cute video. I hope you all enjoy.

Click on the title to see the video.

September 29, 2010

Today, Marks Our 37th Wedding Annivesary

Happy Anniversary, Chuck. I hope we have many more anniversaries together. It is really hard to believe that it has been that many years, where did the time go. I Love You soooooooo much.

September 25, 2010

My Letter to the Editor in today's Express-Times Newspaper

Wilson should have lowered flag for Karp

I was employed by the Borough of Wilson as a school crossing guard and as a meter maid for 27 years, until 2008. This past week the borough lost one of its employees, police department secretary Wanda Karp.

I and many others are very distraught that the flag at headquarters wasn’t flown at half-staff in honor of her years and dedication. You’d think she would have gotten this respect for being such a loyal, well-liked employee. I guess she wasn’t important enough to some people at the top.

Shame on them. I worked with Wanda for many years. She was well-known to all the departments as former Chief Richard Nace’s and the officers’ right-hand person in the office. When the ex-chief would say to her, hold off all calls to me, she did that so well.

She was good at protecting her fellow officers and being there for the other borough employees if they needed her assistance.

Why didn’t they give her that respect with the flag?

SUSAN JARRELL
Wilson Borough

September 21, 2010

The Sabbath and it's meaning

At Tom's house on Saturday there was a discussion about when the Sabbath day is. I didn't get involved in the discussion, but I took it all in and asked Chuck and my Pastor about it on Sunday at church.

My Pastor told me that the Sabbath is Saturday, but as Christians we changed it to Sunday. He said that God created the heavens and Earth in six day and rested on the seventh day. The days of the week start on a Sunday and end on the Sabbath, which is Saturday.

Here are references that I found in my book I have called
"Where To Find It In The Bible"
SABBATH

Origin of the Sabbath, Genesis 2:3, Historic observance, Exodus 12:23-30, Sabbath Day mandate, Exodus 20:08, Animal's day of rest, Exodus 23:12, Sabbath business, Nehemiah 13:16-21, Joyful Sabbath worship, Isaiah 58-13 (cev), Sabbath gate, Ezekiel 46:1, Full meaning of Sabbath, Hebrews 4:8-10


Sunday

No Sunday sales, Nehemiah 10:31; 13:16-17

Sabbath observance, Isaiah 58:13-14; Matthew 12:1-13
Day of Resurrection, Matthew 28:1 (GNB); Luke 24:1; John 20:1
Sabbath preparation, Mark 15:42

I hope this was a help if anyone else was a little confused on what day is the Sabbath day.

When I asked Chuck what day is was he said the same thing that my Pastor said and I was totally surprised that he knew it. Chuck knows a lot about the Bible from going to church for 21 years while growing up. I just wish my mind would hold all that I read in the Bible and suck it in. But it doesn't, I read and reread and it still doesn't stay.

September 11, 2010

ToDaY wAs A vErY hApPy DaY fOr Us



Today is Jonathan, our foster-grandson's 6th birthday. Nanny-Sue and Pop-pop Chuck would like to wish him the bestest birthday ever. Happy Birthday, to one of the sweetest and dearest little people I know and love.

September 6, 2010

Labor Day, is all quiet here

It is hard to believe that today is Labor Day 2010. We were invited to go to our son's house for a little picnic, but we declined. We wanted to relax and do nothing. Well, I vacuumed, dusted, and washed blankets, and the curtains from the back porch windows, so I guess Labor Day was a day of laboring around the house, so-to-speak.

Cody, our 13 year old, yellow lab is shedding like crazy. So I couldn't stand all the loose hair. I can vacuum everyday and it still will be there 5 minutes after I'm done. When we had our golden retriever it was so much worse, I just hated the hair. Cody is our last dog we have that sheds. He is such a good dog that when he goes to doggie heaven we will miss him greatly, but not the shedding.

We still have three kitties left. Hopefully, this September we won't lose a kitty, like we have done the past two September's in a row. Last year we lost our Snowball and the September before we lost our Misty. We still have my mom's cat, she is the oldest. I believe she is about 15 years old. She was about a year old when my mom got her from the SPCA and my mom had her for 10 years. My mom is gone now 4 years, so that is how I get her age. Gizmo is Snowball's brother and he is about 12 years old and Tigger is about 11 years now. Time flies and it is so hard to keep a track of things. I try to do the best I can.

After these animals leave us no more, because we will be too darn old to get another one.


September 4, 2010

Enjoying my Peace and Quiet

Tommy and his family moved to their own place last weekend and it is sure peaceful and quiet here. Chuck and I are enjoying the quiet and emptiness.

I wish them all the luck and happiness.

July 31, 2010

The stampede band



This was last night at the Williams Township Fair in Easton, Pa. Our son Tom recorded this video with his iphone. What an awesome voice. I fell in love with this man when I was 16 and I'm still in love with him at the ripe old age of 54.

I hope you all enjoy!

July 22, 2010

Drowning-The Silent Killer

Drowning, it is nothing like you see it on TV. Read this article to get the facts on this silent killer. Let's help protect our little kids while swimming.

July 21, 2010

Our 13TH Scottish Communion at Olivet United Presbyterian Church

Sunday, July 18TH, marked our 13TH Scottish Communion Service. Here is a little video that was on The Express-Times newspaper website.

It is a wonderful service that recognizes the Scottish heritage in our area. People come from all over to this service. We have bagpipers, a Scottish dog with it's owner, refreshments of shortbread cookies & other cookies, the choir sings two anthems, communion, and Pastor Bob MacIntyre along with our choir director Matt Silvius read off all the clans during the service. If you have never been to a Scottish Communion Service, you don't know what your missing. It is so uplifting. Their were 120 people plus at this service this year. It was more than last year. We seem to be getting a BIGGER crowd every year.

Some of the clans that come dress in kilts or sashes of their heritage, even our own, Pastor Bob, dresses in his kilt. We have a we laddie, and this year it was Hunter McGary. He carried down this huge Bible that Pastor Bob reads from in the beginning of the service. Us choir people wear sashes, along with the deacons & trustees. The church is dressed up inside with all different plaids and candles glowing. It just is a beautiful service that we all look forward to each year and we are glad that our Pastor Bob continues this service for others to enjoy.

Click on the title to see the video.

July 17, 2010

Pool & fun in the Muddy water

Yesterday I decided to blow up the whale pool and fill it. I really have no grass this year because of the sand from the sandbox. The sand killed or smothered all the grass from last year. I also filled another little pool because I had my 4 grand kids and little Kobe, plus Noah from next door in the back yard to enjoy the water.



As you can see what I mean about muddy water. The water in the pools didn't stay clear very long to really enjoy. The kids sure loved playing in the mud and then cleaning off in the water.



Justin was trying to clean the murky water with the butterfly net, but I really don't think it was working.



Even their mother, Stephanie had to rinse her feet off in the pool because of all the mud. What a mess I had. Maybe next year I'll have some grass, because I'm not buying anymore sand for the sandbox. With 4 plus kids playing in the sandbox this year was surely a very messy sandy yard and it traveled inside the house. YUK!

July 12, 2010

Last night we had the pleasure of having Kylie and Kobe sleep over after Tara and James' wedding reception/picnic. We walked up to 20th and Butler St. to watch the fireworks after Herritage Day was over.

Kobe awoke when the alarm went off at 6:45 and we came downstairs, so Chuck would start waking up to get ready to go work.



Here Kobe is in these two pictures sleeping in the doggie crate. He went in to play with the dollhouse and fell asleep. He had a long day yesterday. He came to my house around 8:50 AM. We went to church, and then we came home and he played with the kids, until we left to go to his mommy and daddy's reception. Kobe stayed up until 11:00 PM with no nap yesterday and he was so good. You would have never known he never had a nap. He loves being outside playing and having fun.

July 9, 2010

July is my month to celebrate!

Friday, July 16 is my birthday and Saturday, July 17Th is my littlest grandson, Jacob's 3rd birthday. What a nice birthday present he was for me 3 years ago.

What a cutie he is in this little toy car. He loves to ride little BIG wheel bikes. He loves to play in the sandbox. He loves our dogs, especially Patches our littlest dog. He just loves to hug her. He loves to pet Dutchess & Cody. He is so cute trying to play tug of war with the doggie pull toys. Patches doesn't like to let go, so he pulls her around, gently.

He is our miniature Tommy when he was his age. He is our escape artist from the backyard. He loves to climb fences, railings, and anything else he can climb. His daddy was the same way. Tommy at his age climbed a metal cabinet that I used for bathroom towels when he was a little tyke and he tried to climb it and it fell over on him emptying all the towels. He thought that was so funny, but not me. Jacob is into everything, just like his daddy was at his age. It is like watching Tommy grow up all over again. God Bless his mommy!

DON'T LET HIS CUTENESS FOOL YOU!

Just thought it might be interesting to read--we're being told how much damage spanking does to a child, and yet.......

This is an interesting article that I thought I would share with my readers. In my opinion, and just my opinion, I don't feel a little spanking hurts any child or a little slap on their hand, when they touch something they aren't suppose to touch. It may hurt their feelings, but not their bodies. Most toddlers don't feel the spanking on their butts, because of the thick diapers they wear. They only feel the sting when they get a little older and wear underpants. Spanking is not meant to be hurtful to a child, when that happens then the parent needs help.

I'm sure I'll get lots of comments from this post. Click on the title to read the article.

June 26, 2010

The "Big" Birthday Party

June 19th Leanna Rose turned nine years old. It is so hard to believe that 9 years have come and gone for us waiting at Sacred Heart Hospital for her arrival. Here she is enjoying her new bike from us. We also, got her a helmet because it is the law. Plus, we got her some other presents that will surprise her.



June 27th is Justin's sixth birthday. He is growing up so fast with learning from his older sister. He is going to be so surprised by all his presents, especially his new Big Wheel. Shhh that is a surprise! It is red & white Radio Flyer big wheel. His daddy will have to put it together after the party is over, Yippee, for him. Thank goodness for daddy.

May 23, 2010

Cute pics of Jonathan & Jossy

Jonathan is playing tee-ball this year for Mivajo's Pizza in Nazareth. What a nice picture of him with his shirt & hat and getting ready to throw the ball. He makes for one handsome ballplayer, don't he.



Here is Jossy in her cute sun hat enjoying the things that this park has to offer. She is just so darn cute.



May 21, 2010

Happy Birthday , Dutchess the 2nd

Happy Birthday to our big girl, Dutchess. What joy you bring to our household. We thought our first Dutchess was trouble, you beat her by a landslide, LOL.
Dutchess will be 3 years old tomorrow. Wow, I can't believe that it's 3 years we had her. She still is a handful. Hopefully, someday she will come down and not jump on Chuck. His poor legs are sure taking a beating from her, when he comes home from work, or comes downstairs from waking up.

May 13, 2010

Happy Birthday, Cody, he is 13 years old today


Today Cody our yellow lab is 13 years old. Happy Birthday to our bestest dog ever. We have had other great dogs, but none better than, Cody. Our son Tom (on the couch with Jacob) brought him home to us when Cody was 6 months old.



Cody loves being with the kids. He loves the attention that the kids give him. We will remember him always.

Ice Cream Party

Here is the all the ice cream waiting to be eaten for the ice cream party.

The gang waiting patiently for the ice cream party, while I was at choir practice. We have my three grandkids-(left) Leanna, (right) Timothy, Justin, (the kids I sit for) Kobe and his sister Kylie.

Kobe below is enjoying his ice cream, yummy!

As you can see on Kylie's face it was lots of fun and yummy!

May 2, 2010

I have Been Flocked by My Church, Olivet Presbyterian





Our Youth Group from my church, Olivet United Presbyterian, on 12th & Northampton Sts. in Easton are raising money to help the youth group go to camp. You had to buy insurance so that you wouldn't find flamingos on your front yard, well, as you can see, I didn't buy insurance. So, now I have to pay a ransom fee to get them removed and to be put on someone else's front lawn. I hope the people I chose appreciates waking up to flamingos. They are a really nice couple that I chose to wake up to flamingos.

April 17, 2010

Nobody Blogs Anymore, :(

Ever since FaceBook was created more people are going on there and posting their pictures, playing farmville, fishville, they stopped blogging. I really miss reading their blogging and seeing their pictures.

Please come bag to blogging again. This message is to my friends that I read their blogs.

March 28, 2010

Today is the day we get more to our household

My son and his wife started moving their things in yesterday. What a mess they have. The magistrate said that a notice would be put on their door, then they would have 10 days from that, but that never happened. Steph called the magistrate on Friday and he said that it should have been posted and she told them it wasn't and she asked the secretary has this ever happened before, and she said no. Figures it has to happen to them. Anything that can go wrong does for them. Then the constable came and put the notice on the door and the notice says they have until 6:00 AM Tuesday to be out. Doesn't give them much time to empty a 3 bedroom house, plus a basement and attic.

I'm sure things will get a little testy between them and us, that is to be expected. Because our house is small and we will be adding 6 more to the family. We will all have to learn to share the bathroom at different times. Plus, their eating schedule is different than ours. But I'm sure it will work out.

March 24, 2010

My 2007 Santa Fe SE

Yesterday, was a sad and a happy day all in one. I made the decision to sell my Santa Fe to get out from under a huge car loan. That payment was 3/4 of my rent, so to afford all our monthly bills, it was best that I find her a new owner. She was the bestest car ever, but she was going to need new tires this year and that was a BIG expense, because they were 18 inch wheels. So, it was best to let her go. :(

I hope her new owner will enjoy her and treat her with excellent care, like I did the three years I had her.

Goodbye!

March 15, 2010

My Whole Family



My mom, Tom & Steph, and my brother, Butch



My foster son, John, and Jamie, his now wife



Tom with his Nanny (Chuck's mom), his Aunt Jan (Chuck's late brother's wife) and Stephanie



Bill, Tom and our foster son, John

My family



Me with my sons, Tom & Bill



Chuck with his sons, Tom & Bill

Wedding Pics of Tom & Steph, 8/31/03

I came across these pictures while cleaning out the attic. I thought they were lost. I'm so glad they were found.



The Bride and Groom, Tom and Stephanie



Tom, Stephanie and their daughter, Leanna



Tom, Stephanie, Leanna, and Maree', Tom's other daughter he raised from birth.

February 24, 2010

Well, we are in a snow emergency...waiting for it to start!

Here is comes again! The snow is suppose to start around 4 AM and continue for 36 hours. The prediction is 12-24 inches. We are also suppose to have high winds, so that means drifting will occur.

We live on a one-way street with parking on one side and nowhere to put the snow, when it is done snowing. Our block is a nice block, they don't put out chairs, tables, garbage cans or anything else to save their spot. We all usually help each other shovel or snow blow. My neighbor helped a lot of us on the last snowfall with his snow blower. We thanked him for all that he did to help, with limited parking.

We hadn't seen a winter like this in years. It doesn't bother me if it snows or doesn't snow, because I still make the best out of what is dealt to us.

I'll let you know on all the snow totals and I'll take more pictures.

February 20, 2010

February 16th, Our Littlest Grandchild Turned 1

Josslyn turned 1 on Feb. 16th. She enjoyed her trip to Disney World with her grandparents & parents. Here are several different poses of Josslyn. Here she is with her mommy, Jamie.



Here she is with her grammy, Carol. I just love how she pushes that bottom lip out. She does that all the time.



She is just so cute and a very happy little girl. She loves to climb steps when she gets the chance. She isn't afraid of the dark, as little kids usually are. She is fun to be around with her bubbly personality.

February 11, 2010

The Blizzard of 2/10/10

It started snowing on Monday Night around 8:00 PM and it didn't stop, until Tuesday midday. We had anywhere around 13-17 inches of snow throughout the Lehigh Valley, PA. These pictures will explain themselves.

I started taking pictures in my back yard to show how much snow we ended up with. Totally amazing to me, because we hadn't had this much snow at one time, since 1996, where we had almost 3 feet of snow. We were snowed in for 2-3 days that year.

This picture I took out my front door facing west down the street to show all our parked cars covered in snow and more snow.

This picture is taken facing east up the street. Robbie, my neighbor is shoveling out his car to go to Papa Johns to get a pizza. They were having a special at Papa Johns if you picked your pizza up, instead of having it delivered, it was a better deal. Robbie came home with two large boxes and one small box.

February 5, 2010

Today, John & Jamie Are Tying The Knot


John & Jamie are having a small ceremony tonight at the Emmanuel's Lutheran Church in Bath, PA. The ceremony is at 6:30 PM. They want me to read a scripture from 1 Corinthians 13-1. It is on love.

Just a few of their friends will watch them exchange their vows and rings. Jamie's brother will be there from her family and Chuck & I from John's family. There will be some cake afterwards. Jamie & John didn't want to make a BIG deal, so that is why no BIG wedding.

Their plans were to get married before joining Jamie's parents in Florida at Disney World. This way they can say, this is their honeymoon, so they are killing two birds with one stone, so to speak.

This picture of them was taken at Tom & Stephanie's wedding in 2002. They have been together a very long time. They have two beautiful children together, Jonathan 5 & Josslyn will be 1 on Feb. 16th. Jamie's birthday is Feb. 14th. February will be a month of celebration for years to come.

Chuck and I wish them many years of happiness, love, and wealth together.

January 29, 2010

Tonight's Gig at the Thyme Restaurant

The band was awesome as usual tonight at the Architects Golf Club/ Thyme Restaurant in Phillipsburg, NJ on Strykers Road. We had a good crowd for the most part and the people loved the band.

I'm sorry some of our good friends couldn't come to enjoy a nice night of entertainment. There was even room to dance. It was on carpet, but they made room for some dancing, which I was very surprised.

Chuck was very surprised by his cake I had for him. While I went to the Ladies Room I was very surprised I missed his present that the guys in the band gave him. It was a small Ibanez black bass guitar. Chuck has been wanting one because his guitar is getting old and it was in the shop to be fixed not that long ago. They told him then that it wouldn't be able to be fixed and the parts for it would cost too much because of how old it is. He is so thrilled over their generosity. Thank you guys!

The food at the Thyme Restaurant was fabulous. I never ate there before. I had a garden wrap w/ goat cheese and I added grilled chicken to it and it was so delish. I definitely recommend you try eating there. There is a fireplace to sit by to warm up on a nice cold night, like it was tonight. There is a nice bar to sit to relax and enjoy the music. It just was an all around nice cozy atmosphere.

Tonight at the Architects Golf Club

Tonight from 7:00-11:00 PM the band, "STAMPEDE" will be performing music to your pleasure. We look forward to this new venue and hopefully lots of our good friends will be there to eat and listen to good music. It looks like a very nice restaurant with a good atmosphere.

Come one, come all, for a good time and some socialization.

Click on the title to see what the restaurant looks like and browse their website to take a tour.

January 21, 2010

Patches Is Finally Free......

Today Patches is e-collar free. YIPPEE!!!! She is back to her old self of playing, chasing balls, and everything else that a doggie loves to do. Her eye still has some scabbing on it, but the doctor said it will eventually fall off on its own.

I can't wait until it does so I can get her groomed and bathed. She doesn't let anyone come near her face, except my groomer. She was so bad when she injured her eye and we had to put medicine in her eye. Forget it! She kept turning her head no matter which way I came towards her. You would think I could catch her off guard with her only having one eye, but NO WAY, she is just too smart.

She is our little special friend. When her eye heals, I'll take pictures of her and post them.

January 13, 2010

Well Back To The Vet, Again

Patches' eye seems to be opening where it was stitched. It has a pinkish, reddish, wetness where the lid comes together. I tried to pat the eye and Patches winced like it pained her when I touched it. I have been doing that since she had the eye injury and there was never any pain or wincing on her part. So, I called the vet to let them know and they said to bring her over at 11:30 this morning. She said she may have to stay. She may have to have it re-stitched, again. She asked if she is still wearing the E-collar and I said yes. But she rubs her face on her crate, sofa, and the floor because the eye itches her. She is so bad, that she puts her face right up to Dutchess's face so she licks her eye. I have to yell at them all the time and watch them to make sure they are behaving.

What am I to do with her.....

January 8, 2010

Update on My Patches

Patches is doing so well, since having her eye removed yesterday. Last night she was in some pain because she was whining and acting lethargic. When I awoke this morning and came down to her cage she was so happy to see me again.

I got a good close up of what her eye looks like now, all stitched closed. The stitches will dissolve themselves, so that is a good thing. I couldn't imagine taking them out in a sensitive area like the eye.



She is my little one-eyed bandit now. She is still a cutie.



She sat so good for me so I could take her pictures. She really is a good and loving dog. I never have ever been so close to an animal as her. She loves to give me hugs.

January 6, 2010

Good and Bad News for Patches

Chuck and I have been having a lot of trouble getting eye drops in Patches' eye. I called the vet to talk with her and she wanted to see her, so off we went to the vet.

The doctor said the eye seems to be not holding in the socket and is getting redder from the blood coming to the white part of the eye. She said that eye has to come out. She is having the operation tomorrow. She tried to save it, but it just isn't working out.

I really wish the doctor would have taken the eye out in the first place because she would be almost all healed. :( Oh well..

I had to go out and invest in a harness for her. The doctor said she could never wear a collar because it is too much strain on her.
I never had her collar on her only when she is going to the groomer, vet, or when I would take her bye-bye. Boy, those harnesses are pricey. If I didn't get Christmas money for a present, I wouldn't have been able to get it. Thanks, Jan!

I would like to thank you all for praying for Patches and please keep praying for as she will be recovering from another operation.

January 5, 2010

Camera Works Great, Again

I just would like to thank the Cannon Corporation for fixing and returning my camera in time for New Year's Eve. I was able to take pictures of the Stampede Band at their New Year's Eve celebration and Chuck is able to post them on the band's website.

They did a great job and it works really well, just like it was new, again.

I definitely, would recommend a Cannon camera and their service department.

My Patches and her eye injury

As, I said in my previous post about Patches having an eye injury. Here is her first picture of what it looked like when she came home from the vet after having her surgery. It was sewn shut to help the eye heal, so all you really are seeing in this photo is her bruises.



Now, in this second picture is what she looks like now after her followup checkup at the vet last night. It looks terrible, but the doctor said it doesn't bother her, so they want to see how it goes for a few weeks. It is still swollen and red, but the muscles that hold the eye were stretched, when her eye came out of the socket. The doctor said it may get better and hopefully it will stay in place.



Patches isn't allowed to play with her siblings, play with her toys, or get excited, and boy is that hard to keep her calmed down. Especially, when kids, family, or friends come to the house to visit. She just loves to be held and played with and loves pushing her balls around the house with her nose.

All prayers are welcome for her and us as we go through this all together. Thank you all in advance.