David LOVED his conductor outfit. I love that he loves it!

Also some Christmas sparkle!

Annual Ugly Ornament Contest

Feel free to vote for

1. The UGLIEST

2. The CUTEST

As much as I'd love to say that John won the ugly ornament contest... It's only fair to be gramitically correct... John's ORNAMENT won the ugly ornament contest. Click on the picture for a closer look. What the heck is is supposed to be anyway????

Here are all the uglies on display... this years on the tree and last years on the wall behind and beside it.

Rules of the game:

Ornament must be purchased.

Entry fee is $2

Everyone gets to vote.

Winner of the ugliest gets the money.

Winner of the cutest has to display all the uglies!

Entry #1 - Moms ugly bell.

Entry #2 - J's ugly camel

Entry #3 - Johns ugly ??? Pinecone???

Entry #4 - Amanda's ugly pillow thingy.

Entry #5 - J & K's ugly pig

FREE Entry... 2006 Ugliest Winner!!!!

Entry #6 - J & K's owl

Honestly people... it is REALLY ugly when it's not on the tree. As soon as we put it in/on the tree, it became really cute. What's up with that?!

Good Material To Acquire

Check out Laced With Grace who is having a really great give-away! This is great study material for the upcoming year. Sign up soon... we're almost out of time!

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Today we celebrate Jesus's birthday... not just us, but most everyone we know. What a joyous occasion it is! How lucky we are that God came to Earth to endure life as we do. Given the events of his life here, and death... what a perfect example of love He is. We are so blessed!

Have not had time to blog much lately. I'm craving a relaxing day... a fun-filled day... a energetic day... but... busy busy busy I am.

Sunday's Christmas celebration at our place with family was superb. As always the spread of food was overwhelming and duly delicious! The children were all delightful... full of joy and excitement. The boys loved the racing game and Keith enjoyed watching them play! The girls were decked out in their pretty red velvet dresses - how lovely! Everyone brought goodies to share.

The ugly ornament contest... Um... we lost... well, I suppose you could say that we won "the cutest" entry and thus we must display all the ugly ornaments in our home next Christmas. The Zombecks won. Check out their post to see how ugly the ornament REALLY is! I will post pictures soon. I just haven't uploaded them yet.

We were really spoiled this Christmas... more than any before. We are not planning to spoil ourselves much in the upcoming year. We figure we have finally made up for the past several years and it's time to regain our focus now. Keith has two Van Halen tickets and a parking pass for the concert! We got a together-gift of PS2 with the sing-star bundle. The Zombecks have loaned us their Guitar Hero and Keith is quickly becoming a pro at it. Re-Re... he's going to give you a run for your money next time we get together! (it's in his blood) I got a lovely sewing box and a beautiful pink-crystal necklace. So pretty!

Thank you Mom & Dad for the lovely Christmas tablecloth. It was perfectly festive for this occassion. Thank you Joycie for the lovely Christmas bear for my holiday trinket collection. It's precious... just like you. Thank you Mom & Dad for the fragrance of the candle we burned all day long for our Christmas celebration. It's my favorite scent and I so love candles!!! Thank you Amanda & John for the parking pass for the concert and for loaning us the Guitar Hero (and for most likely convincing K that he NEEDS one of his own) and for the delicious cookies that will most certainly stick to my thighs and butt!!! Oh but they are SO GOOD!!!! And I shared some with the Mocks today.

Today we celebrated with the Mock's... another huge feast and a home full to the brim with children and adults and presents and goodies! There was a gift exchange where we could choose a gift or steal a gift. We came home with an armload of lovely gifts that we were SO not expecting!

Later this week we will extend the festivities to celebrate with K's Mom and step-dad. We are excited that they are coming. They too are spoiling Keith this year. I can hardly wait to see his face when he opens the gift they are bringing!!!!

Now it's time to snuggle in for the night. He has had his 2 hours of Guitar Hero practice and I have had my own quiet time. Now it is time to snuggle in together... say our prayers... watch The Office... and doze off.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESUS!

Secrets

I have the coolest present for my handy-hubby this year. I found the most clever way to wrap it too! I can't wait to spill the beans! Just a few more days!!!!

Here is somewhat of a hint...

Sharing The Wealth

Wendy says she wants my recipe for Oatmeal Cinnamon Chip Cookies. My handy-hubby is wanting to eat them as fast as I'm making them! (except I have a secret stash to share with guests!)

p.s. I made a batch the other day and didn't have time to bake them all. I baked half and then wrapped the other half in waxed paper in the fridge... a few days later I sliced them and baked them and they were just as yummy!

ENJOY!!

On Money... Budgeting... Spending

Rebecca at Renaissance got me thinking this morning. Read her post on Act Your Wage, Wage Your Actions.

Holiday spending is out of control in this country. My co-worker scrambles to find every last thing that her children desire. Frantically she makes numerous calls to find the hot items on the list. Meanwhile, I fuss over the idea of purchasing an additional gift that I know my hubby wants instead of using some unexpected funds to either pay off a bill, save for our some-day home, or spoiling someone else. As I muse over my options my coworker says "Just charge it" and is amazed when I respond that I do not use credit cards. We are quite focused on getting out of debt and have made huge strides in the past couple of years. With each month I see us climbing hand over fist up up up out of the hole of debt and closer to our goals.

In regards to money... we figure that it is NOT our money, but what we have is provided on-loan from the Lord. We are thankful for such blessing. Managing it is not always easy. We have a budget. We've re-done the budget many many times. The hard part is sticking to the budget! I think keeping the focus is the biggest obstacle. Gift giving is part of the budget. It's HARD to stick to the budget when the desires of ones heart wish to spoil someone BEYOND the budget!

In our household, we usually purchase a sensible gift for eachother, something for a needy family or two from the church angel tree, and a gift for each child in our family. We have 10 precious ones so we have to carefully budget the expenses in order to choose one modest gift for each niece and nephew. Contrary to what some may think... we do not have a large budget for gift giving at Christmas time.

We have decided that TIME is actually a better gift than any. This year we spent one Saturday taking my parents to the Soldiers and Sailors museum, out for dinner, and to a holiday show of the Ralaigh Ringers. We proclaimed that this was their gift from us.... a little spoiling on a night of togetherness doing something interesting and festive. Having a few hours of undivided attention was gift enough for me... and based on their responses we understand that they enjoyed it as well.

I am thankful that our family intends to celebrate with us in our home this year. For me... TIME is the greatest gift and thus I shall be mighty spoiled this Christmas!!!!

Not Much New

Plugging along... late nights and early mornings. I'm stressed and I'm tired. I'm so thankful for my loving hubby who rubs my feet when I ask and tries to declutter the house so as to avoid any meltdown-like behavior on my part. He's the best!

Annual Fun and Tradition

The search for the ugliest ornament is one its way! Here is a peak at last years UGLIEST...

We THINK we found an uglier one... but ya'll will have to wait to see it. Can't give it away just yet.

Have any ugly ornaments to share?

I Need A Plan

I'm giving myself a pep-talk tonight. I'm feeling very UGH after the holiday, traveling, being under the weather, the crazy stress at work and the fact that I have NOT been looking out for myself lately. I have confessions... I have not been exercising. I have not been watching what I eat (unless you count the fork to the mouth). I had french fries with lunch AND dinner today. (shame shame) I have not been taking my Omega-3's. I have not been planning well. I have not been taking any "me" time. I have not been taking care of house-work much. What is wrong with me?

I need a plan:

1. I will make time first thing in the morning for God. Read scripture and pray. This does not have to be lengthy, but it does have to be meaningful. Suggestions: clip a coupon of wisdom (to be redeemed later of course), or meditate on a particular portion of scripture, or post a snippet of the devotion on my blog.

2. I will make time to read significant e-mails before and after work. I will allow insignificant ones to WAIT until free-time. I will not allow the clutter of such to overwhelm me. (it's my OCD)

3. I will read at least 3 health related articles each day. (internet or magazine etc.)

4. I will make special time for my hubby each day. I will ask him what I can do to help him. I will greet him pleasantly. I will strive to care for our home in a way that is orderly and comfortable. (making meals, cleaning, decorating, etc.)

5. I will look ahead to tomorrow and plan accordingly. I will keep a calendar of engagements in such a way that my husband is aware of our obligations. I will ensure that we both have clean laundry. I will make sure our bills are paid on-time. I will make sure that we have the supplies that we need for the days/week ahead. (groceries, etc.)

6. I will take the steps instead of the elevator. I will park farther away than usual. I will do simple stretching exercises at my desk at least twice every day. I will complete my simply free-weights workout each evening for the next 5 days. I will re-establish regular cardiovascular workouts this weekend.

7. Water will be my drink of choice, and lots of it. Coffee will be minimized to 2 cups per day (if that). I will focus on consuming vegetables this week. I will NOT eat french fries or bleu cheese dressing again this week. (my 2 biggest challenges!)

Lighter Loads??? Not Actually

WHEW!!! The load feels lighter today having put behind us a number of big quarterly meetings at work (last night). Still back-logged. Still overwhelmed. Still insanely behind... But today shall be a little lighter on the mind than before.

Are You Feeling Lucky?

GoodyBlog has a bunch of giveaways that are easy to enter. Lots of kids stuff.

Blessings Monday

If you would like to join us in sharing our blessings, or even if you just want to read up on some other people's blessings (which is a blessing in itself), head on over to Marci's blog "Down On The Farm" to link up.

Brrrrrrrr... what a frigid morning. There is snow on the ground. It's been wet and C-O-L-D! I appreciate warmth of my home and what is there to provide it.... a furnace in working order, a husband with strong loving arms to embrace me, a stove to make hot water for tea, coffee, or cocoa, or... BLANKETS!

This week I am blessed by warm blankets. As the cold settles in here in Western PA, I find myself feeling satisfied snuggled deep down within the layers of multiple blankets in our comfy bed. Not everyone has this luxury. There are those near and far who lack such warmth, even from something as simple as a blanket.

My favorite blanket, and the one on the bed this week, is one that my hubby bartered for in Guatemala. I'll have to see if I have a photo to share. I'm not taking one this morning as Handy Hubby is still sleeping. Sorry - maybe later. For now... enjoy this photo of our kitty snuggled between two covers... the bottom one is the favorite one. You can see the color and how the panels of it are sewn together.

I realize that I am blessed to house and utilize multiple blankets in our home, especially compared to many areas of the world where blankets are not so easy to come by. I thank the Lord because He meets this simple yet profound need in my life... the need for warmth.

Heavy Burdens... Work

Matthew 11:28-30 (NRSV)

[Jesus said] "Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens,
and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me; for I am
gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke
is easy, and my burden is light."

Work is weighing hard on me this week... and last week... and the week before that. UGH. With one of my co-workers having resigned, I am feeling that 'sinking ship' type of feeling. We finally have a temp, which I appreciate, but we have to teach her and direct her. It's a good thing overall. My volume has sky-rocketed, while demands for other this's and that's roll in constantly. We have to stop everything today to prep for our quarterly meetings tonight. It's going to be a LONG day, a long, long day.

So this morning I feel the burden of stress at work. The Lord will give me strength to endure today and the days to come. I long to feel the rest and peace that comes from Him.

Thanksgiving Trip

Catching up here.

For the Thanksgiving holiday we traveled to North Carolina to visit with Keith's Dad and Step-mother, Rachel. It was a grand trip. Lucky for us it was warm the first two days, in the 80's. The last couple of days it was windy and about 55, brrrr.

Highlights of our trip are as follows:

• Traveling Sights... beautiful mountains. Cops drive Dodge Chargers in WV. (and no we didn't get a ticket. we are just observant.) Crazy drivers. One guy had a boat in the back of his truck. A little closer and we see he had a deer in the boat. Tried to get a picture but it didn't turn out. Sorry.
• Trip to "South Of The Border." Anyone who has traveled that route in the south knows about this place. It's the biggest tacky tourist trap I've ever seen. We bought a hat for my sister there. I should have bought her a sombraro, but I had a hard time justifying a hat over $40 that I know she will not wear. It might have made a cute center piece for a party though. We shopped around and we decided that salt water taffy might be a good thing to bring home. WAIT - it was made in Pennsylavia! That's a rip-off! Ha!
• Thanksgiving dinner. Rachel cooked up a fine feast. I had my first piece of coconut pie. It was yummy. She makes the best sweet potatoes. Yummy!!! We ate until we could just about burst! Then we napped all afternoon. I love Thanksgiving!!! It's my favorite holiday.
• Jazz Festival at Cypress Bend Vineyards. This was a Christmas gift for us. Dad wasn't able to go with us because of work, but the three of us went and it was delightful. Good food, good music, and good wine. Rachel bought us a couple bottles for Christmas too. Wahoo!
• Tour of the USS North Carolina Battleship. Keith's Dad was in the Navy so this really took him back. He was explaining how everything worked and all about the different areas of the ship. It was multi-level and quite interesting. The steps were steep and all I can say is... I would never make it as a sailor!
• Sunset at the beach... oh how lovely. It was chilly, but we got there just in time to see the sun begin its decent. There were boats on the water and the wind was blowing fierce. It was not a day to swim, but it was refreshing to say that we were there the week of Thanksgiving.

It was a grand trip. We needed to get away. It was great to be in such lovely company. We can't wait to go back again.

There is a corner in Dad's living room for wedding photos. Dad and Rach, Keith and I, Denise and Randy, and Tammy and Rob. This is such a lovely display. I was very impressed.

These were taken on the Battleship. Keith's Dad was showing us all sorts of things that we would not have otherwise even noticed. Can you imagine sleeping in bunks like that? Ok - they call them "racks." I at least know that.

Ever look a battleship head-on? Here you go! Massive isn't it? There was a plane on the deck. Again... WOW. This thing is HUGE. And the flag flaps proudly from the stern.

Keith makes a new friend... Prince.

Look familiar anyone?

Sun setting over the beach... how lovely.

COZY MAIL

CHECK OUT ALL THE LOOT!!!

I've Got Mail!!!

First... thank you Monica and Carrie for hosting the "Cozy Sister Swap." I was blessed to be matched with an international participant, Lizzie. We have had such a grand time getting to know one another. Funny thing, it is already tomorrow where she lives. I think of this each time I write or chat with her.

Lizzie spoiled me rotten! The pretty purple box arrived overflowing with all sorts of lovely goodies. (I took pictures but cannot upload them at the moment. Should have those up tomorrow - so please check back!) She wrapped everything very festive-like with cutsie tags. I was like a child digging through the loot and gasping with shrills of excitement. What was in the box you might ask?

• Humorous Christmas Cards - just in time
• A stuffed animal holding the Australian flag - cute and cuddley
• Collectors Edition of Handmade Country Christmas Crafts (book/magazine) - I'm going to have to cancel all my weekend plans because I'm going to have my nose in this book of awesome crafty ideas
• Kit-Kat... didn't last long. :)
• Angel ornament holding a tiny kitty - so precious and thoughtful
• Festive holiday paper - for Christmas time correspondence
• PINK stationary with envelopes - How did she know?
• Holiday cookie cutters - for this weekend's plans
• A calendar (for work) Scenic South Australia - to confirm that I want to visit there someday
• A calendar (for home) Psalms - a heartfelt choics
• A sandal magnet to remind me that summer is coming again soon
• An assortment of herbal and fruity teas - Yummy and relaxing
• Recipes... also yummy
• Vegemite - Hmm... it's edible and I'm going to try it, but need more instruction first.

Lizzie is quite resourceful. My first impression was that she is ultra-organized. When you log onto her blog, you will find that to be true. I want to personally recommend that you check out her Home Management Binder Tour. I LOVE IT!!! I think that everyone should have one. I think that to write out the organization of ones household is a huge step in conquering that task. I'm so impressed that she recently incorporated significant snippets of Proverbs 31 within the binder. How cool is that!!!! She is a lovely woman and has a lot to offer in many areas of life.

THANK YOU LIZZIE!!!! I LOVE MY BOX OF GOODIES!!!! IT'S ALL VERY COZY!

Happy Thanksgiving

It's 85 degrees and sunny where we are. Sorry, haven't uploaded any photos yet. Maybe later. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Gobble Gobble

Thought I might leave you with a couple of Market pictures. I have no idea where the ones are that have the multitude of turkeys in them. TODAY is "Turkey Day" at Market. I have no doubt that the farmers are up to their eyeballs in turkeys right now! I think maybe Amanda has those pictures. Anyway... these are a couple that bring back memories.

Happy Holidays to everyone in Blogland... friends family and foe. I will not be blogging much in the next few days, but wanted to wish everyone a blessed time with their loved ones. Enjoy!

Gobble Gobble

Working In My Sleep

In a mad dash to get ahead before the holiday... so I can actually enjoy the holiday and not be overwhelmed with thoughts of my work... I spent 4 hours last night doing data entry for some new applicants.

Fast forward to my dreams... My boss kept telling people "No problem. Just get the application to Jennifer and she will make it happen in short order." Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!

Am I losing my mind?

10 Friends

A snippet of what I have learned from 10 friends...

1. Keith: Unconditional love.
2. Re-Re: I talk too much.
3. Rene'e: Forgiveness is love.
4. Ed: Life is short. Appreciate your loved ones today.
5. Chrissy: Money doesn't buy happiness.
6. Amy: Wisdom is plenty, but one must seek it earnestly.
7. Jill: Trust God and make the most of your circumstances.
8. Michelle: God is the Captain of my ship.
9. Dan: Friends are not easily forgotten.
10. Lizzie: Being ultra-organized starts with having a plan

Blessings Monday

If you would like to join us in sharing our blessings, or even if you just want to read up on some other people's blessings (which is a blessing in itself), head on over to Marci's blog "Down On The Farm" to link up.

This week I am thankful for the blessing of warmth. Warmth comes in many forms in our household...

• Warm fuzzy slippers to toast my toes


• Warm cozy robe to snuggle into


• Warm embrace from HandyHubby's hugs


• Warm furry friends... Crystal and Wizzy


• Warm flannel sheets


• Warm valore blankets


• Warm working furnace


• Warm cup of tea or coffee or cocoa

In the midst of this chilly season, I am thankful for the warmth that surrounds me. What keeps you warm? What blessing are you thankful for today?

Just A Little Somthin' To Jump Start My Pacemaker

This afternoon I was doing laundry in the basement as usual. I put some bed-linens into the washer and when I turned around there was a GIGANTIC spider (the wolf-spider kind) on the comforter that was underneath these bed-linens. I shreaked in reaction and screamed for Keith. He came running! I was pointing... and had nowhere to run. And what's worse... I wasn't even wearing shoes!!!! AHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!! Just so you don't think I'm exagerating when I say it was GIGANTIC... it could have easily filled the palm of my hand. It's body was probably the size of my thumbnail. Even Keith said "Wow, it IS a big one!" I ran to the steps but wouldn't disappear until I was sure he had taken care of it. He smushed it and disposed of it in a paper towel. Oh good gravy... I do NOT like spiders!!!! It makes me cringe just thinking about it. What's worse... I have to go down there and put on my barn boots. Now I'm going to be paranoid that such a thing could be lurking inside my boots! AH!!!!!

One day last week he forgot to close the garage door so it was open all night long. Could it have arrived then? Or maybe it had taken up residence in our home a long long time ago? Regardless, I do not like to find such excitement... especially amongst the laundry. Needless to say... that was the last load of laundry I did today and I don't think I will do any more for a while!

Weekend Catchup

I was so sore and tired after Market yesterday that I took a nap. Keith and I went and did some Christmas shopping. We got something cute for our nephew Hayden, and also something for another nephew Isaac. We have 10 kids to buy for this year. WOW! 2 Down and 8 to go. The family is growing every year!

We are also sponsoring a child at church, which we do every year. This year we pulled a tag for a 15 year old boy. What does a 15 year old boy want? I mean... be reasonable now! We are not loaded, but we do want to contribute. Anyone want to offer up some suggestions that won't break the bank???? PLEASE!!!

So after a little R&R and shopping, we went to Pizza Hut for dinner. We had a coupon. The waitress tells us that this is her 3rd day and funny thing... they are out of everything except thin and crispy and hand-tossed pizza. Umm... you are out of pizza? Almost. WOW! That's a little crazy! So Keith ordered wings, but they were kind of cold. Ick! The pizza was good and the waitress was trying so hard. Then Keith goes up to pay the bill and the guy at the cash register proclaims in a loud almost echoing voice "Yo You need to open the safe!" directed towards the manager. Nothing like calling attention to the money storage area. Smartly, she declined and he proceeded to collect change from the waitresses because he didn't have enough change for our bill. Double WOW! We were not very satisfied with the overall service tho.

At home... watched Grumpy Old Men. Funny movie. Going to watch Grumpier Old Men later tonight.

Church was packed today. Pastor reminded us how God is Good, God is Great, and God is Gracious. See Psalm 145. How lovely.

Keith is hosting a "Coffee House" night with the youth group tonight.

I'm milking cows tonight. Brrrrr....

Recovering From Near Disaster

I went to work at the Farmer's Market this weekend. It is the Saturday before Thanksgiving mind you, which means that we have orders up to our eyeballs and an abundance of fresh chill-packed turkeys surrounding us on what was already a chilly day. Brrrrr!!!

As the story goes, we were be-bopping along at quite a busied pace when the line began to grow longer and longer and right at about the time the line reached half way to the door... the lights went out. The Market is a concrete block building and the only windows are in the 2 doors at the far end. The emergency lighting came on, but it wasn't much light. Luckily it was daylight by now, about 7am, and so as part of the immediate safety precautions, the vendors opened all the doors as wide as possible. It was still dark, but we could see to move amongst ourselves.

We hoped that it would come right back on, but much to our dismay it did not. Conversing with someone on the outside revealed that the electric company was working up the street and the entire block was without power. Customers began to stir and become restless. "What are we going to do?!" they complained. We had no scales to weigh anything. UGH! I quickly instructed one of our workers to swiftly clean the change box to minimum change and make it neat. No need to have cash laying around loosely in such a situation. The boss... she was a little stressed I'd say. Near panic, shouting orders to us, and rather curt with the customers too. Finally after a few minutes, a plan was devised. We shall guestimate. That's the best we could do. Fryers would be $4.40 each, turkey's prices estimated by the average for it's size. They were marked 10-12 or 18-20 etc. Capons would be a flat $25. Ducks were $15. Ground beef was sold for $2.50/bag. Any chuck... 8 Bucks! I'd say that it was pretty average overall. Customers were fine with it, but I will say I was amazed at some of the silly comments of the day: "How much does that weigh?" "Do you take Master Card?" Ummm... I don't know and cash or check please!

Wow what a crazy day! The electric came back on at 11AM... right about the time we are usually finished working. We were glad to be able to meet the needs of our customers despite the odd situation and duly glad to not have to take a loss at a weeks wages for the farmers. Whew!!! We recovered from a near disaster! (Cold, but fine.)

Veteran's Day

Thank you Veteran's. Thank you for being a fan of freedom. Thank you for protecting our country. Thank you for selflessly serving for my benefit... and for the benefit of those just like me throughout our nation.

Thank you Keith.

Thank you Dad B.

Thank you Dad V.

Thank you... All Veterans!

You are my hero!

Oh What Fun!!!!

Dad and I took off on another excursion. I like having his company to and fro. I learn lots about times gone by and we laugh at funny stories... sometimes told over and over, but still always a hoot.

Goldie Locks (that's me) and Papa Bear drive six hours across the state, up into New York a smidgen and back down into Pennsylvania... we arrive amidst the mountainous region along the Susquehanna River. Six tiny feet shuffle out the door to greet us with shrieks and shrills of childish excitement. Mama Bear holding Baby Bear in the kitchen come quickly to greet us too. Papa Bear snags Baby Bear and hogs him all to himself... for most of our stay. (Those who know Papa Bear know this is not exaggerating!)

Yummy good food was devoured by all. Mama Bear made cinnamon rolls, jello pretzel salad, creamy chicken bake, homemade beef vegetable soup, and a buffalo chicken dip that was superb!!!

Yesterday morning there was snow on the ground. Nothing a little sunshine wouldn't dissolve. We had fun shopping and playing and cuddling too. We watched Narnia together yesterday afternoon. The kiddos recited the books of the New Testament and their memory verse and sang Psalms for us. Papa Bear took us to Cracker Barrel for dinner last night. It was really packed! Yumm-O. Baby Bear was a gem. The other three bickered amongst themselves most of the evening. Mama Bear was about ready to huff and puff and scold their socks off... but alas she remembered the families memory verse:

James 1:19-20
My dear brothers, take note of this:
Everyone should be quick
to listen, slow to speak and slow to
become angry, for man's anger does
not bring about the righteous life
that God desires.

Well... Much to Papa Bear's dismay, Mama Bear said that there would be NO ice cream for the naughty kiddos. I can only imagine what a sugar rush might have caused! HA! On the contrary, the kiddos were mostly very well behaved and maybe just a little over-excited to have visitors.

This morning the sun shined thru the bare limbs of trees covered with frost. We kissed the kiddos and bid them farewell. No snow there today... but we saw a little as we drove thru Clearfield, PA on the way home. Back home safe and sound now.

UGH - not looking forward to working tomorrow. I so love time off and never take enough of it. Next time I want to stay longer. I am delighted to be home with my Hubby. I missed him.

Enjoy the pictures...