Heigh Ho, Heigh Ho

It's Off to Work We Go! Trick 'r Treatin' that is. Jarrod's Sneezy, Tanner's Sleepy, Hunter's Doc, Porter's Grumpy, Cooper's Happy, Sawyer's Dopey and Miller is Bashful. Have a happy and safe Halloween!

An Angel in Our Midst

"I have spoken here of heavenly help, of angels dispatched to bless us in time of need. But when we speak of those who are instruments in the hand of God, we are reminded that not all angels are from the other side of the veil. Some of them we walk with and talk with—here, now, every day. Some of them reside in our own neighborhoods...Indeed heaven never seems closer than when we see the love of God manifested in the kindness and devotion of people so good and so pure that angelic is the only word that comes to mind." Jeffrey Holland

I found out my grandmother passed away last night. It's not such a bad thing when the quality of life has diminished so far. But today I pay tribute to the angel in our family who has sacrificed so much to improve her quality of life. ShirlGirl. I know she won't be thrilled with the picture, but that's all I've got at the moment. How we love Aunt Shirley, and know she is of pure angel material. Thank you for your service to Nana. I know the more I serve someone the more my heart becomes tender towards them. I'm sure this week won't be an easy one. I love you!

Science Fair, part two

Tanner's science fair project involves volunteers who are willing to walk three to five times a week, for four weeks. What a great way to begin the holidays! If you're interested in participating, leave your email, and I'll send you his exercise log. The comparative factor comes into play when some of the participants carry weight in a backpack (five pounds of sugar), and walk. He'll collect before, weekly, and after weight to see if carrying weight increases success in losing weight. You chose weight or no weight. Thanks to all who have supported him thus far, you're the best!

Science Fair Projects

If there is one thing I could cross off my to-do lists, it would be science fairs. I'm up to three a year now, and thinking of new ideas gets harder each year. Out of necessity, we were looking up how to get rid of fruit flies and found this contraption. Works like a charm. Fruit flies find it easy to go down, but can't find their way back out. Porter tested which kind of food caught the most fruit flies. Hands down, pear. With the cold weather approaching they're finally gone, but tuck away this bit of info for warmer weather.

The Best Birthday Present Ever

I know this photo doesn't elicit warm fuzzy feelings, or any ooohh's and aaahh's, but these are my hiking boots I got from my mother in fifth grade. Lets just say that they were really big for a very long time, but over the years my foot has gradually grown into them. I love them. They're the only shoes right now that don't make my feet hurt at the end of a long day. I didn't love them when I got them, but I'm sure glad I have them now. Way to go Mom! What have been your best birthday presents?

Hope

"Hope has the power to fill our lives with happiness. Its absence—when this desire of our heart is delayed—can make “the heart sick.” Hope is a gift of the Spirit...a principle of promise as well as a commandment, and, as with all commandments, we have the responsibility to make it an active part of our lives and overcome the temptation to lose hope. Hope in our Heavenly Father’s merciful plan of happiness leads to peace, mercy, rejoicing, and gladness." Dieter Uchtdorf

Art Class

It was my second art class. You can see the cute "hand" bat on Cooper's desk. He's one of my best students ;-) It always amazes me how everybody can look at the same example, and make one totally different. That's what I love about art - different perspectives.

This is Cooper. He's number four. Having three older, capable brothers that succeed at everything is pretty daunting. Having two younger brothers that require a lot of attention, and get a lot of attention, is pretty overwhelming at times. Sometimes he gets lost in the shuffle. Sometimes he feels like his glass is only half empty. We're helping him to feel like his glass is always at least half full. He's very creative. We've found that creating makes him happy. Making him a blog made me happy. Cooper's Creations can be found under my family bloggers.

Men in Black

I was a little intimidated to drive up to my house and find this man and his ladder here.

Then to see a second man in black and another top hat really piqued my curiousity.

But they were here to clean my fireplace and chimney - good, old fashioned chimney sweeps who were as delightful as Mary Poppins herself. Now we can enjoy the fire place!

Blenko Glass Factory

There were beautiful displays of glassware throughout the store...

There were a few visitors admiring all the beautiful colors...

There were a few visitors that were trying to do this...

And we certainly didn't want it to end up looking like this!

Blenko Glass is one of the few places left in the United States that makes glassware using the ancient craft of blowing glass. It's a great factory tour, great shop, and interesting museum all for free. Put it on your list of to do when you come visit me!

Applebutter!

It's not a witches brew...

Actually, looks like no witches are involved at all...

It's apple butter. A West Virginia fall tradition. Made by men, and enjoyed by all. Requires constant stirring with a special paddle, a large copper pot of applesauce, and lots of cinnamon. It is delicious! We like it better than syrup on waffles. Add a little whipped cream and you have apple pie waffles for breakfast. This year it was a fundraiser for scout camp.

Mourning

It was a beautiful shot. One of my favorite persons. And it's gone. Erased by inexperienced hands. I will try, but no guarantees that it can be recreated. Sorry for the delay.

Having Help...A Beautiful Thing in the Morning

You know your morning is going to be good when you get out of the shower and see your boys outside, already dressed, and the dog getting a bit of exercise. Thanks Uncle Zach! We're so happy you've come to visit!

A Moment of Fame...

Tanner was asked to be an escort by the

Sophomore Homecoming Queen.

"I could get very use to this."

Evenings ends here. 28 more days until he's 16.

My Love is Not Fleeting

And when the leaves of fall are scattered by the winds.

Vanity of vanities, for beauty soon ends.

The tree gives up its hair, its beauty now lies bare.

Branches once a home, empty nests now lie there.

Winter always has its way, brief though it may be.

Spring is waiting in the wings to give life to the barren tree.
George J. Carroll

Happy Birthday Becky and Ben!

Go ahead, party without me.

You guys look great!

Have fun, but know I wish I could be there.

Hope your cakes are just delish!

Take a bite or two just for me,

and don't forget the wish!

Love you!

Hope for Today and Tomorrow

"Hope is not knowledge, but rather the abiding trust that the Lord will fulfill His promise to us. It is confidence that if we live according to God’s laws and the words of His prophets now, we will receive desired blessings in the future. It is believing and expecting that our prayers will be answered. It is manifest in confidence, optimism, enthusiasm, and patient perseverance.
In the language of the gospel, this hope is sure, unwavering, and active. It is a hope glorifying God through good works. With hope comes joy and happiness. With hope, we can 'have patience, and bear . . . [our] afflictions.'" Dieter F. Uchtdorf, October 2008 General Conference

Cousins

I love cousins. Cousin love is something different than sibling love, or friend love.

It's a special bond that is always there, no matter how long it has been since you've been together. Tanner's cousin Derek helped fill a big gap from leaving friends in Texas, going to Philmont with scouts he didn't know, and transitioning to Ohio where he'd know no one. Thank goodness for cousins.

Art Class

I love the school system here, I think they try hard to do what's best for the student. I have to admit I think my children were a little behind in English coming from the Texas school system. But, one thing that has bothered me is there are no art classes provided for younger students. A parent has to volunteer (once every two weeks) to teach the class if the children are to be exposed to the arts. So, I taught a class. We made the festive fall scarecrow in Cooper's class. It was fun, it was crafty, I'll be going back.

Friday Night Fun!

I never would have thought I would enjoy going to a Greek Orthodox Festival.

I loved looking at all their artwork, mostly their iconic variety.

I wouldn't consider myself a huge fan of lamb, but in the right setting it is very appealing.

But mostly, it was about being able to enjoy a different culture with somebody I love.

Two thumbs up for date nights ;-)

Hats Off to Mom

Mom calls yesterday morning, and asks if I've registered to vote. Not yet. "You better go today, most states' registration for voting ends today." Okay, Mom. Mom called back in the afternoon wondering if I had registered to vote. Not yet. At 4:40 p.m. I remembered the admonition of my mother. In a panic, I'm running to turn on the computer, google register to vote in Ohio, and find out you turn in a form (which I have to go to the library to print) either at a school, city hall, post office, or library...all of which close at 5 p.m. I did it. I made it. I would have been very sad if I had lost the privilege to vote. What other mother would have known this date?

Chip Off the Old (really quite young) Block

Mother has been suggesting to me that I post on Craig's list looking for firewood no longer wanted or needed. I thought of telling her no one on the Appalachian side of Ohio uses Craig's list, never mind email or blogs, but just said, "Great idea, Mom. It worked for Aaron, it will work for me." Today, while walking the dog with my buddies, we happened upon men cutting a tree down, and they asked me if I wanted some wood. "Are you kidding?" And they delivered. In Elder L. Tom Perry's words, now I have "FUEL."

I Choose to be Happy!

We thought you would enjoy the beautiful fall sights we see while walking around our neighborhood. People can be so creative! I'm glad that even midst economic depression, communities such as mine are trying to be happy and enjoy the beauty nature is providing - which is free!