CHRISTMAS EVE
church then back home for our traditional Christmas Eve meal served in the family roomContinue Reading
Our 2013 Christmas
Patchwork Christmas Stocking
Sharing a How-To for a patchwork Christmas Stocking is kind of scary for me because I am not great at sewing. I have, however, made quite a few of these cheerful sacks through the years and Santa hasn’t left any empty, so I guess they are okay in his book.
Happy Birthday Little Cammie Lou Who!
Look who’s turning 4!
It’s
Cambrie Noelle
or rather, Little Cammie Lou Who
mama decorated with bingle balls and whofoo fluff
Cammie gave a great big puff
pantookas hung on the ceilings high
there was feasting on Roast Beast and who-hash pie
Every sibling-Who down in Whoville, the tall and the small
had lots of fun and the best time of all!
Jamie, her dad and newest family member
pop-pop and the wee one
a stare-down
that turned to
giggles
and a surprise snow storm from the forecast calling for a covering to an inch… we got NINE inches!
After an almost two hour drive (on very slippery roads) that normally takes 35 minutes, this is what it looked like when we got home.
Since I didn’t yet officially introduce out newest grandchild born October 23rd
may I present
Jethro Ross
Jethro joins siblings
Keri, Noah, Silas, Caleb, Cambrie and Chloe
After School with the Grandchildren
I spent the afternoon visiting with Jamie and her children, taking photos and helping with homework. After school with the grandchildren is a time for me to connect with these dear little ones and gives their mom a short reprieve.
1 year old Chloe being shyContinue Reading
together
An impromptu overnight visit from Jill and family was super special!
They were returning from a week-long vacation in Myrtle Beach and made the 10-hour drive to our home to rest up before continuing another 5.5 hours to their NY home the next day.
See the center photo above… Ryan happily completed his first 5-mile run with his mom!
We made the most of their time here by having all of the cousins together on this hot, humid day.
Since it was another stormy day, the boys laughed and played on their various devices.
And the girls played dress-up and giggled a lot
Chloe tried to sweet-talk PopPop into giving her the cell phone
Abbey had just a few okay hours after her wisdom teeth extractions before a week long time of great discomfort. Her face is puffy in these photos taken at the Gazebo on Main Street of our town.
Weekend with the Littles
feeding Raider gold fish crackers
getting pics is not for slackers
lots of lovin’ all around
squirmy baby can’t be found
playing hard and fighting sleep
toddler antics make you leap
waffle breakfast summer days
soaking up the morning rays
climbing cherubs up in trees
help me PopPop, will you please?
giving little sister hugs
showing PopPop tiny bugs
ending with family party
times like these warm my ❤-y
Surprise!
Jamie had her sonogram yesterday.
But, even she didn’t know the gender of the precious baby soon to join their family.
But, even she didn’t know the gender of the precious baby soon to join their family.
But I knew!
As planned, the technician kept it secret. She handed me the photo revealing the special news as we left.
For a fun way to announce the news to her family, I made a cake for them with the answer inside.
Since Jamie and her family are spending a week down the shore (she came back up just for the appointment), I had to prepare two cakes and give her the right cake to take with her. 
She sent me these photos of the reveal…
my adorable Jamie… just a little… hesitant… to tell us… she is… expecting… again… baby number… seven… and this time she isn’t having twin sister, Jill share the news for her… so, she… casually… mentions it… during a text conversation about nothing in particular…
love my girl!
Star Sugar Cookies following this recipe
Piped Frosting in white, pink and blue
Frosting used for cake:
FROSTING
1 cup shortening
1 cup butter, softened
1 pkg confectioners’ sugar (2 pounds)
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
4 to 5 tablespoons water
In large bowl, cream shortening and butter until light and
fluffy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and vanilla; beat until
smooth. Add enough water to achieve a spreadable consistency.
Crochet Baby Bib from Vintage Pattern
This sweet crochet baby bib is adapted from a vintage pattern and perfect for a toddler. Almost too pretty to use as a bib but adorable to dress up an outfit. Using a pattern from my husband’s, Aunt Marie, I made a crochet baby bib for little Chloe.Continue ReadingRyan’s Birthday
Last night we celebrated Ryan’s 10th birthday at his Aunt Jamie’s
all ten of our grandchildren around the table
then cake and presents
It was a very warm summer-like evening (after snow and chilly weather a couple weeks ago) and the kids were playing out on the front lawn.
Shaela called to me to come outside and see this little one, obviously wanting to be part of the fun, peeking out the window from her crib.
Usually we take just the birthday child on a special outing but wanting to spend time with Jill and her family while they are visiting, we all went to Valley Forge today.
The weather was perfect and the kids had a great time
Brad and Jill
Brad Jill Shaela Brenna and Ryan
a fun shot
one more day of above average temps then it’s back to seasonal weather
Spring Break
Our kids were on spring break last week but our New York kids are on break this week and spending the time here with us. That means lots of get-together’s and lots of photos 🙂
My New Favorite Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe
I recently saw Lidia Bastianich prepare Fettuccine Alfredo using just a few ingredients. Although I already have a favorite recipe, I know it is high in calories. I made this version lighter and love how quickly it comes together as the pasta is cooking. Don’t be afraid to use the sage ~ it infuses just a hint of flavor.
Sage-infused Fettuccine Alfredo is an easy recipe for a lighter, healthier version of Fettuccine Alfredo. Serve with a crisp salad or topped with grilled chicken for a lovely Easter dinner, romantic Valentine’s Day or whenever you want a special pasta meal.Continue Reading
Chloe’s 1st Birthday
Chloe celebrated her 1st birthday. Well, unless you want to wait three more years until February 29th, 2016 for this leap-year baby.
(these sweet photos were taken by Jamie)
Remembering her tiny face from last year, PopPop John thought an outing for another Shamrock Shake mustache would be fun.
Chloe liked this idea. It is hard to see, but both she and PopPop are sporting green mustaches.
Sweet girl took her first steps her birthday morning and by afternoon was walking like a champ at our house.
Basket of Felt toys
Our granddaughter, Chloe Shiloah, will soon celebrate her 1st birthday. Since she is a leap-year baby, her birthday will be celebrated March 1st. I made her a basket of felt toys full of brightly colored, softies for her little hands.Continue ReadingMustache Bash Birthday Party Ideas
My beloved had a birthday in January. Wanting to celebrate, get together with family and a few friends and looking for a time of laughter and fun, I decided to throw a party. A party with a Mustache theme. A Mustache Bash Birthday party. There is tons of inspiration and ideas packed into this post!
December Highlights
outside vignettes
inside
Our weekly Bible Study Community Group having a blast at our annual Christmas Dinner
The dearest folks that bring so much encouragement, wisdom, prayers and love to us and each other every week.
John’s Company Holiday Party.
Abbey is an employee here too, since July and someone took a photo of her and the co-founder/Executive Vice President because they are the youngest and the oldest employees.
Christmas Eve at Jamie’s playing “Don’t Eat Cashew!” game.
Enjoying the ambiance and Christmas Eve peacefulness of her warm home.
Christmas morning with Abbey
Watched (over and over) a heartwarming video of NY grandkids singing to us via cell phone video.
Erin, AJ and Jared & Jamie, Josh and family arrived late afternoon. They learned that Cashew was being extra mischievous and hid all of the Christmas presents. After dashing throughout the house, Keri was the first to find them in a large cabinet that recently housed our TV.
such fun
chilling after dinner
Look of fright on Chloe’s face as PopPop takes her photo.
She is a bit uncertain of him as were two other grandkids when they were babies.
Some little ones love guys and some prefer girls but they all come to love him when they get a little older.
Here he is trying to to divert her attention so she realizes he really is a nice PopPop
One of my favorite shots
The adults were still chatting in the dining room after dessert and I walked into the kitchen and noticed the kids playing with the trains and talking about the village houses and which are there favorite. Noah even remembered which ones were his NY cousins’ favorite.
It was so sweet to hear see them having a quiet moment at the end of some busy days.
Notice Caleb looking over the sofa arm 🙂
Crochet Gingerbread Hat
This adorable crochet gingerbread hat pattern was created by the talented Sarah from Repeat Crafter Me. If you like to crochet, you will love visiting her place and scrolling through all of her amazing projects!Continue Reading