What a week.

I can't begin to say what's been done, but I have been busy doing it.

I need to pull my daughter down from where she is floating on the ceiling sometimes, but I believe thats a good thing. We went to check out the first possibility for the reception. It was cute-ish.

Samuel had two of his good friends over for a sleepover. It was to celebrate his 10th birthday!!

10th BIRTHDAY!!! Okay so his birthday isn't until this wednesday, but.....

Here is Samuel & Joe. They were wearing matching t-shirts. From Gettysburg. Irish Brigade t-shirts.

Funny how Joe looks like the crazy irishman. Looks are deceiving.




It is SO COLD OUTSIDE. I can't stand it. My mom doesn't even say "Hi!" when she calls. I answer the phone and hear, " Are you in pain?"

But its all good.

Because God is great.

And there are exciting things going on in life.

And Thanksgiving is just around the corner.

I love Thanksgiving. :)

Ummm......

I'm not really sure how to say this and make it sound new again.

After just 2 1/2 weeks.


But then it IS new.


But not.


I would like you to meet my future son-in-law. He asked my daughter to marry him last night.



And she said "YES!!"


Yes, thats right, both my adult children got engaged in the matter of 2+ weeks.


Both my future-in-laws are a blessing from God.


My brain is not quite able to comprehend this situation just yet. Its trying to rejoice; on 3 hours of sleep.


Since they are getting married in the summer, we have hit the ground running.


So....... 2 weddings and a trip to China to get our baby girl in the future.

My God is good.

DEC 5th, Lord willing!!

I think I am a brat.

I assume everyone has access to the same places that I do, and therefore don't appreciate what is around me.

Our annual family-going-to-nyc-for-the-holidays is in 3 1/2 weeks.

The Tree gets lit on Dec. 3rd!!

I have seen this tree, probably every year of my American life, so ... for the last 34 years. I never really thought about it. Its just something that we do, something we have always done. My parents took us to NYC, ALOT. They had friends there so it was either visiting, shows or exploring.

I don't think I will ever appreciate the fact that we live so close, therefore its not really a big deal.

I do remember one time though, I was in 5th grade, and I went to a friend's house. I mentioned that we were going into the city the next day, again. ( Maybe the mentioning was more complaining) Well, her eyes got all dreamy and she told me she had never been because her father hated the city, so the family never went. I think my eyes just about popped out of my head. We live all but 45 minutes!! How can you not go??!!??!

It was a bit of a reality check for me. At 10 years old. I keep getting those reality checks from friends in TN, CA, CO and such. Yet, I wish I lived somewhere else but here.

I think I am a brat.

How did this happen???????

Today, I am going to share with you a dilemma I deal with every fall.

It has to do with my youngest son.

And my 3rd favourite thing in the whole wide world.



After Jesus.


And my family, duh.



Its about football.


To my frustration, dismay, and overall failure in this area concerning this boy, Samuel is an Eagles fan.






He got this done at Fallfest this year, that is spite of the fact that its an Eagles symbol, its pretty cool.




Onetime when my mom dropped by, (she drops by all the time) he talked her into wearing one of his jerseys. Being the grandma that she is, she did. All I could do is shake my head in shame. PS, she went to the mall afterwards, and as she was walking out the door, I gently reminded her by saying " MA! YOU CAN'T GO OUT IN PUBLIC LOOKING LIKE THAT!! At least wear my Steelers jersey!!!!" She laughed and went back to her normal clothing.


How did this happen? Its all Stephen's fault. If I didn't love the kid with all my heart, I may have had to duke it out with him. He is an Eagles fan, and I suppose it makes sense seeing as how he is from PA. Samuel cherishes him above all in the family, henceforth, the choice.


I suppose I should take comfort that he is not a Dallas fan.


I may have had to disown him for that.

Wordless Wednesday

Let everything that has breath, praise the LORD

...And so, the ObamaNation Era has Begun....

"It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to emplore His protection and favor." ~ George Washington.


It is now time for us pray for our nation, for our president-elect, for our future.......

....no matter who you voted for........

Chloe & I just got back from voting.

This is her first time voting for a president, and she was so nervous and excited. We have had a tradition of walking over to the school on election day with the kids, and enjoying the good earth God gave us. Voting is such a priviledge. As a naturalized citizen, I am frustrated at those who don't realize how great this country is, in spite of itself.

Still, I cannot "preach" enough, GOD IS IN CONTROL. No matter who wins, no matter what happens, HE has allowed it. This one didn't slip past HIM. HE isn't going to be taken by surprise.

So, go do your civic duty, take advantage of your right. (Samuel asked me how much we had to pay in order to vote, and I gave him yet another history lesson as we were walking along the way) And let your voice be heard.

But never forget, pray for HIS mercy in our land.