Weekend of many favorite people, and not Irene!

What a great weekend - filled with some of our favorite people from beginning to end.  Hurricane Irene did not affect our weekend very much, although I found myself glued to the news of it till I couldn't imagine how they keep thinking stuff up to say about it 24/7.  

Friday evening Lori had a work dinner to attend, so Anthony and Austin came here, and I got my first "Austin fix".

On Saturday evening they were planing to come for a cook-out, but we did begin getting rain by then, so it became a cook-in.

I decided it's a good thing to not have a coffee table - all the more room for a romper room!  Austin would climb on top of the back of the sofa, dive to the cushions, then dive down on top of Anthony!

Here's a little melt-your-heart video of Austin singing Jesus Loves Me along with Lori.

When he was finished we all clapped for him, and he yelled out, "Thank you, Jesus!"  Cracked us up!!  

I knew that Ray and Thyda had left Norfolk, Va on Friday and were at her folks in Lancaster.  We hadn't seen them since the benefit sale at Manheim Christian Day School at the end of April.  So after our church service at Fillmore was over at 9:30 Sunday morning, we headed toward Lancaster County.  It was raining pretty hard most of the way there, and the closer we got to Lancaster, the more storm damage we saw - downed trees, tree and leaf debris all over the place.  

Sam and Jenn, Ray and Thyda joined us at a Chinese buffet, and we spent several really fun hours together there.  Ray is actually finished with his four years in the Navy and is now in college full time and doing extremely well.  Thyda has re-enlisted for another four years and is their primary "bread winner."  They recently celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary.  They have stuck together through so much these four years, and I'm really proud of them. 

Of course, a big topic of discussion was Sam and Jenn's baby, due in about five weeks.  Jenn says she's ready any time.  And they have decided the baby will be named Samuel - "Sammy."  Oh my goodness, I can hardly wait to see him!! 

After we left the restaurant, Dick and I went to his parents' house and visited a little bit and took naps.  We left for home around 5:30.  

While we were driving I got a text from my friend, Linda Roser, from our home church in Manheim.  She said they had just passed State College on their way home from taking Hannah to college in Goshen, Indiana, and she had thrown us a hug as they went by.  I told her we weren't there, but that we would probably pass them on our way home.  As we traveled Linda and I kept texting, joking and commiserating about our health and weight issues.  Eventually I asked her what vehicle they were driving and where they were by now so we could wave at them.  She said, "We should have planned to eat together."  So I started thinking where they were and where we were and what possible eating places there might be between here and there.  I thought of a new Sheetz gas station above Harrisburg that had nice outdoor tables, so we decided to eat together there.  Would you believe, coming from opposite directions, we both pulled into that gas station at exactly the same time and parked next to each other!!!!  It was just too funny, and totally a God thing!

That's the only picture I took, because I promised Linda I would not put a picture of her on my blog after she'd been traveling for eight hours!   We had the awesome-est hour or so together - Dick and John and their son Caleb at one table, Linda and I at another.  

I made my list of things to do this week, and it fills an 8 1/2 x 11 piece of paper, so I'd better get moving.  At least I can cross off "blog" from the top of the list!

Bargain Show and Tell

You know I love finding nice things that I need for just a little bit of money - just like everybody else.  I am constantly checking out Craigslist.  I can't go into the vicinity of the Goodwill Thrift Store without stopping in to see what's there. And since Pete's Used Furniture (where I got my dining room chairs last fall) is in the same strip mall, I always have to stop in there too.

For a long time I've been hoping to find a bargain on end tables for the living room.  The set I have is very light in color and does not match any of the darker cherry wood in the rest of my house.  

I also wanted them to be smaller than the ones I have, because the furniture that I will be getting from Jeremy's store will take up more room.  Yesterday at Pete's I found them for $20 each, and again I ignored the "no negotiating" sign and managed to get the pair for $35. 

I like that they have a lower shelf, for magazines, and a drawer.  Dick said,  "We can keep the remotes in the drawers."  I can just picture it - we'll be hunting those remotes sometime, totally forgetting that they're in the drawer!

But there's no coffee table to go with them.  Maybe a coffee table isn't essential.  I'm just used to having one.

At Goodwill I found a centerpiece for $3.99 that looks good in my breakfast nook.

 

Back in May I found some leafy arrangements to put up on top of my kitchen cabinets where I have so much ceiling space, each for $3.99.  I know my walls desperately need some color.  I'll get to that eventually.  When I find the right color of paint for $5.00 a gallon!

Another thing I've been on the lookout for is a high computer chair.  The desk I have from Lori and Anthony is very high, and I've been using one of their tall chairs that goes with their dining set.  But I wanted something that swivels.  The other week I found it on Craigslist for $25, and that evening we went to get it.

 

I keep a little stool under my desk so my legs don't dangle and fall asleep! It even reclines.  I could take my naps here, hahahaha!!

Now I'm just itching to take a trip to DC to pick up that new living room furniture that's waiting to come home!

Please ignore the price tags.  We will not be paying that - we have connections in high places down there, remember!

Not much that's picture-worthy

Here comes my picture-less post.  My days have been filled with music-related things, which I'm enjoying thoroughly, but most certainly are not picture-worthy. 

Last evening we had a most delightful time.  We went to Wes and Verna Clemmer's lovely home near Lewistown for dinner.  Wes is the worship pastor at Discovery Road Church, which we have often visited, and they are the couple who also came from Lancaster County.  I just love them so much.  They remind me so much of Pastor Dennis and Cindy from our home church.  As we were leaving they told us to stay awake on the way home.  I said,  "Oh, if he gets sleepy, I'll just read stories to him from my blog."  We laughed and went out the door.  Then I thought, "My blog!!  I was going to take pictures of them and their beautiful home for my blog!!"    Too late!

Today I met the two delightful kids that I will be giving piano lessons to  - a 10-year-old boy and  his 6-year-old sister.  In June I started a 7-year-old girl and she's doing great.  I just love working with kids.

This evening I practiced wedding music on the organ at the church where I'll be playing a wedding in a few weeks.  I think the church organ setting on my digital piano here at home sounds better than that organ! 

This impending hurricane surely sounds like it could be bad.  I've been keeping my ears and eyes open for news from Norfolk, VA.  I heard that the Navy ships were taken out to sea away from the storm.  Neither Ray nor Thyda are on ship duty anymore, so that did not affect them.  I just wander if they'll have to evacuate.  

I was going to finish by saying that I'm needing my Austin fix.  And I suddenly remembered that I DO have one picture of him.  I stopped in at their place yesterday just as Anthony had gotten home with him, and he was letting Austin pretend he was driving.  What a great time he was having at that wheel!

Transition time again

Well, of course, the big news today here in the eastern part of the US was the earthquake.  I think I was in the Giant supermarket at the time, so I was completely unaware of it.  Only after I got home and checked FB, which had post after post about an earthquake, did I realize it had occurred.  

First of all, a cute video I took while babysitting Austin on Sunday.  He has so much fun with this big blue bucket over his head!  Our little guy is growing up.  He had his Thomas the Train underwear on instead of pull-ups.  He would say he has to go pee in the potty, not pee on Thomas, hahahahaha!!

It's transition time for me once again.  Two years ago I left the music world (somewhat, anyway) and entered the nanny world.  And now I'm transitioning back again.  I haven't been saying anything about it here on my blog, but plans have been going on behind the scenes.  Austin just started in a new full-day daycare and preschool on the Penn State campus, and he's absolutely thriving there.  I'm taking on more piano students, and I will also be taking the position of praise and worship leader at Houserville House of Hope in September.  I have subbed at the piano for them from time to time over the past year.  Their contemporary service is at 10:30, so I will still be able to remain actively involved at Fillmore UM, whose service is at 8:15.  Anthony and I will also be working on a music project that has been on the back burner ever since I moved up here.  I'll still cook dinner for all of us twice a week or so and babysit Austin when needed.  So I WILL be busy, and I AM excited!!  I just might not have cute pictures of Austin to post all the time, but I'll steal some, haha!

Here's one I stole from Lisa this week - Sophie standing in front of her nicely made bed on her first day of school - first grade!  Lisa said that Sophie did not want them to go into the classroom with her - she wanted to go all by herself!  What a girl!

To Lancaster and back

I had a fun trip to Lancaster County yesterday with Destiny.  We found some bargains on school uniforms at Salvation Army and Penneys, then went to her 3:15 eye appointment at Total Vision Care near the mall.  After her check-up they told us her glasses would be ready in two hours. 

I had brought the book The Help along to give to my sister Mary Ellen, so we headed to my brother's shop where she is the office manager.  As we drove I was watching the clouds, which were looking very big and dark.  Mary Ellen said they were predicting a pretty bad storm and wondered what I was planning to do till we picked the glasses up at 6.  I really had no plan, so she suggested we go to her house a few miles away.  That was a PERFECT little retreat.  I was feeling so sleepy and my head was pounding.  We got to her place before the storm arrived, and it didn't take me long to find the PBS channel for Destiny to watch and the recliner for me to take a nap in.  Ahhhh.  When Mary Ellen got home she made me a good cup of coffee, and by 6:00 I felt like a new person!  Thank you, dear sister!!

Once again Destiny was amazed at how clear everything looked with glasses.  I think hers got broken last spring and she's done without them ever since.  She had to check herself out when we got into the car, and all the way home to Reading she kept reading signs to me to prove how far away she could see.

She was excited to go home, especially because they had plans to go to Dorney Park today.  

After taking her home I went to Dick's parents' place for the night.  It was wonderful to hear Dad Stauffer say, "Hi, Jeanie" in a strong voice that sounded just like he used to.  He had mowed their whole yard yesterday with the riding mower and even tried to do some trimming, but was disappointed that he didn't have enough strength to start the hedge trimmer.  Isn't he something?  Thank you, Lord!!  He was joking that Arlene is his boss now! I think her biggest job is holding him back from doing things he doesn't have the strength and balance to do yet. 

I was hoping to go to my stepmother's for some coffee before I hit the road, but she was getting ready for a day of gadding about.  (I just had to write that, because I know she'll read this, and I love to tease her.)  Some of her granddaughters were in a horse show today, and she was going along.  I hope you had a fun day, Mary!!  My cup of coffee from the Hess gas station was good, but it didn't have the love that yours would have been served with!

And now I'm back home.  There are some new things on my horizon that I feel excited about.  I'll share more when the time is right. 

Med Coach

ANOTHER action-packed day!  I'm almost ready for some boredom, haha!  My first order of business this morning was to go to the hospital!  Don't worry, I wasn't sick.  A few days ago Lisa told me that George's mother Sharyn, who works as a nurse for Med Coach, would be coming to State College this week to pick up a patient.  Sharyn and I got in touch with each other and agreed that I would come to the hospital at the time they would be picking up the patient - 10 AM Thursday.  

It was actually at the cancer center next to the hospital that Destiny and I found the big coach.  Sharyn travels all over the country, she as the nurse, plus two drivers, to transport patients from state to state. 

She was already inside the cancer center, and the driver let Destiny and me wait inside the coach.  Here's a view from the front.

Destiny was fascinated by the side door and lift. 

After a while Sharyn came out with the patient and some family members. 

We watched as they put the patient on the lift and into the coach...

... and family members gave their goodbyes.

Destiny took this shot of Sharyn and me.  Funny that we met up in State College - where her son met my daughter!  Sophie's two grandma's!

If Destiny had not been with me I probably would have sobbed all the way home.  I was surprised how the inside of that coach and watching the family members of the patient lingering with her, stirred up memories of my mother.  In 1982, when she was fighting pancreatic cancer, she flew by air ambulance to a cancer hospital in Zion, IL.  After three weeks, when it was obvious that there was no more they could do to help her, she was flown back to Lancaster.  I was along on that flight, and I can't think about it without deep, deep emotions.  I felt those emotions inside that coach today.  Bless Sharyn for being there for people in those kinds of situations.  That is indeed a ministry.

This afternoon Destiny and I had fun  making posters.  What a mess we made!

This evening she had her last night of 4-H, and Dick and I had a practice at church with Ross, our guitar player.  We'll be having a praise and prayer service on Sunday evening.  

And now I must hit the sack.  Tomorrow morning Destiny and I will be heading for Lancaster, hitting up Salvation Army and Penneys for some school uniforms, then on to an eye doctor appointment for her, and finally taking her home to Reading. 

I have to post one more picture, though.  Anthony posted this on FB this evening and captioned it, "My li'l copycat."  I can't look at it without laughing out loud.  It is just so stinkin' cute.

Keeping Destiny busy

This week is just flying by, and I want to share some pictures of a few activities going on around here.  Destiny is still here (I'll be taking her home tomorrow), so all my pictures are of her this week.  

I registered her for a local 4-H club that was meeting Monday through Thursday evenings this week, doing wind energy projects.  What fun!  She LOVES it!  The kids get to be extremely creative, working independently, or together, figuring out how to design simple things that work.  The first night they were supposed to design a "boat" that would "sail" in front of a fan.  The goal was to make the boat go fast, straight, and far.  All kinds of materials were provided for them to try.  

At the end of the evening they had a little race where they timed them and measured how far they went.  Destiny's did really well - second place, I think.

The last two evenings they were working on making "windmills" that were fast enough to lift a "load" (a plastic cup of pennies).  It was very, very challenging, especially trying to figure out how to attach the load so that it could be lifted.  There were no "this is how you do it" instructions - just pure trial and error and thinking like an engineer.  Destiny's was the only one that worked, so far.  They will keep tweaking them this evening.  

She really does like to figure out how to make things work.  Yesterday afternoon she spent HOURS making a working windmill with Legos. (No picture - she left it at the 4-H location.)

She also likes to cook and bake.  She decided when I was cooking dinner that she wants to make cupcakes, but I told her they would have to wait until we came home from 4-H.  So she took "orders" from Anthony and Lori and from everyone at 4-H - what color of cupcake paper would they like their cupcake to be in?  She wrote everyone's order down.  

And when we came home we got busy and made cupcakes from "scratch", using my very favorite white cake recipe - Ice Water Cake.   She had never seen egg whites beaten until stiff and was amazed!  She had to add sprinkles on top of each one before we baked them.  

We also made frosting, but not my favorite kind, because we ran out of white flour.  There was extra cake batter that we baked in a square pan, and of course, we had to sample it as soon as possible.  Destiny needed a candle on hers.   Later we added cocoa powder to the frosting and turned it into chocolate frosting.  I did not get a picture of the cupcakes after we were finished. 

  
There were so many dirty dishes after we were finished, I remembered why I never bake desserts anymore.  That, and all the sugar and Crisco and white flour that went into it!  Yikes!  But we did have such fun, and she will love giving them out. 


I was reminded of a certain familiar sight in my farmhouse kitchen back in the 90's - a tall, teenage boy who loved to cook and bake, all the while talking on the phone with the 25-foot cord!  Destiny's dad, Frank!

Lots of fun going on

Lots of fun things going on these days.  On Friday afternoon I took Destiny to a new kids' discovery museum in town.  She loved it, especially following the diagrams for making circuits that worked - a doorbell, an alarm, etc.  

In the evening we went to a baseball game, the State College Spikes vs the Connecticut Tigers.  Our tickets were compliments of the State College Food Bank that Lori volunteers for.  The weather was absolutely perfect, and there was a nice play area for the kids.

 At the end of the game there were fireworks.  They handed out 3-D glasses, which we thought didn't make any difference, but doesn't Austin look just too cute with them on?

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Saturday evening we babysat Austin while Anthony and Lori hosted a grad party for one of her students.  We took the kids to a park, then walked to a nearby horse meadow.

From there we took them to Chik fil A for some yummy food and more fun in the indoor playground.  Then I took Austin home for his bath and bedtime.  I almost forgot a very important part of his bath and bed routine - putting his robe on!  He let me know that he had to put his robe on!  How cute is this? (Indulge me and click on this picture to get a better look at that amazing smile.)

This afternoon I went with Lori and some other women  from her church to see the movie The  Help.  The movie was as good as the book.  I laughed a lot and I cried a lot.  Unfortunately, I did not have any tissues in my purse.  Eventually, the woman beside me (whom I did not know at all)  handed me one! Dick and Anthony took the kids to Spring Creek park where they could wade in the shallow creek.

I must share something yet that made me laugh last night.  Lisa said that George was showing Sophie a video he had made of her.  She watched it and said,  "Did I get any comments on that one yet?"  CRACKED ME UP!! 

Loving the weather

We had an absolutely beautiful day - bright, sunny, not very humid.  After Austin's nap this afternoon we went outside to play.  While the kids played....

 

 

...and ate the ice pops that Destiny had made yesterday,

 

 

I enjoyed the beauty of the sky and mountains and the planter that Lori gave me earlier this summer.

 

 

This evening Lori and Anthony came here again for a cookout.  We were already cleaning up by the time I took this picture.  Believe it or not, by 7:30 PM we were beginning to feel a bit chilly and went indoors.  I'm not so sure I like that.

 

 

 

 

I'm reading Anne of Green Gables to Destiny this summer.  I just love to read aloud, especially this one.  I read the entire series to my kids.  

Oh!  I almost forgot.  She busied herself today with an old hoop knitting craft, and for the first time, completed a project.....

a hat!!