I Wish You

Here it is New Years Eve. A new decade is upon us and I pray that God blesses you real good in 2011.
I wish you a year of joy, peace, health and prosperity. But above all this, I wish you love. Love of family, love for your fellow man, love for those who are lost and longing for acceptance in a world, that sometimes looks down on their color, race or creed.
May we love with God's love...perfect love that casts out fear. If we do, this lost and dying world will see the One who gives hope to all.
Let His light shine!

Anyone who loves their brother and sister lives in the light, and there is nothing in them to make them stumble. 1 John 2:10

Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas

Here We Are As In Olden Days...

As I finish up some baking and prepare to make our traditional Hungarian Gulyas for tonight. I have been listening to some precious old Christmas Carols...Oh, Holy Night the stars are brightly shining...Noel, Noel born is the King of Israel...Oh, come let us adore Him Christ the Lord. Such beautiful words.
Sitting here sipping on my coffee before going on with my day...I have to say that, I am thankful for a Mama and Daddy, who made sure that their children knew that Jesus was the only reason we celebrate. I can tell you that deep within my soul, is where the best gift they ever gave lingers...it was to love others, forgive as God forgives and to always be kind. I pray, that those lessons will linger in the souls of my girls and their babies. Always.
It's not what you have or what gifts you give, but how you treat others. So, Daddy as I sit here missing you this morning. I remember your words "a soft answer, turneth away wrath." You were always that example in my life...what a gift.

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

Counting Down

Miss Em and grammy at our ladies of Faith Advent Service.

This Christmas has been a wonderfully, busy time for this ol' grammy! It started with Emilee's Christmas Concert, in which she sang a solo for the first time ever...it was beautiful! Of course, since I happen to be the grammy I am just a wee bit partial. As soon as she came off the stage, we had to rush to the Church for our ladies of Faith "Advent Service."
Since Pat already wrote of what a beautiful time of sharing and worship...(Oh, what a Holy Night we had.) I will just say that Amy delivered the perfect message. And the Holy Spirit filled that room with such love and peace...isn't that what Christmas is all about?



I made this wreath with a coat hanger, sandwich bags and simple decorations.

Friday night, I hosted our Sister/Cousin Christmas dinner. As children, we were always together! My Daddy and their Mama (Aunt Mildred) were very close and our lives so closely intertwined. They instilled in us the of love for family and now, with them gone on to be with Jesus...I want to keep that love of family alive.
So, today I will enjoy a quiet day at home. Tomorrow night will be the last of our Christmas parties...the Church Leadership dinner. Then, I will do the baking of traditional Hungarian Pastries!
All shopping is done...Need to do some wrapping, but Tomer does most of that while I do the baking in the evenings. That's what we have done our whole married lives...Tomer is always such a help.
God, is so good and I thank Him for His many blessings in our lives.
Just 5 more days until we celebrate the birth of our Saviour...A baby changed everything!

Tarnished and Imperfect

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the Andrews house...Hallelujah! There is nothing that gets me in the decorating mood like a good ol' snow storm!
View from my front window.


Welcome...it would be lovely to sit right here and enjoy a visit over coffee. Don't worry I have tea, both herbal and green varitities for all of my friends, who enjoy a nice cuppa.


This is the view into our kitchen from the living room...more of the kitchen later.


The fireplace mantle...I think with the new tile and Chandelier that Tomer just added makes this my favorite thing to gaze upon this year.
Pat...do you notice anything familiar? Yes, I hung your Mom's Chandelier near the fireplace!


The tree wasn't completed yet...more photo's later.
Last, but not least...the tree! My absolute favorite thing. I have ornaments that hung on both of our trees as children. They may be a little tarnished from age but that makes them even more special. Why? Because as I grow older their imperfections remind me of my life...though imperfect, my Saviour loves me...I may be a bit tarnished but He makes me shiney and new.

Remembering...

Pearl Harbor Day

The Arizona was struck by a converted sixteen inch armor penetrating naval shell that was dropped from a high level horizontal bomber. The bomb penetrated between the number one and two turrets, proceeded aft and downward through several decks, and exploded in one of the Arizona's aircraft catapult gunpowder magazines. The resulting fire ignited the main gun magazines where great quantities of gunpowder were stored. The explosion blew out all forward transverse bulkheads and caused the ship to sink to the harbor bottom in a few minutes. The explosion and sinking resulted in the death of over 1100 crew members.*


The Arizona has been preserved as a tomb for most of the crew and as a memorial to the events of this day. The observation structure in the picture spans the ship's hulk, with Ford island in the background. The memorial is accessed by boats from the naval base at Pearl Harbor. Within the memorial, the first object seen is the ship's bell. In the middle, viewing ports overlook the Arizona. At the far end, a marble wall is inset with bronze letters naming the deceased crew members.

'Tis The Season

It's been a busy morning around here! I will spare you all the the details of my household chores, they are way too boring! What I will tell you, is that I am feeling just a wee bit stressed!!! So, I decided that I need to sit right here and take some deep breaths...ahhh. That's better! Now, I will repeat to myself that-Jesus is the reason for the season!
The smell of spice cake is filling my home...Mmm. I am making a pumpkin trifle dessert for tonight's Christmas Party at Church. And this Tim Horton's coffee that my Tomer went out of his way to bring me this morning, reminds me that I am still special to him after all of these years together. I am blessed.
Tomorrow evening we will try to Christmas this place up...
I may not have one ornament hung or lights glowing in this house (yet)...but my heart glows with the love of God. He, loved me enough to send His only Son for me...
Yes, 'Tis the Season of love and Jesus is the reason for it all!
I am at peace...sigh.

Crazy Christmas Lights

Here I sit!!! After hauling out all Christmas lights to get ready for decorating half of them are not working! How can that be? Last year, when we ever so neatly tucked them away they were working...sigh.
Tomer says, after this year no more mini lights and that we will change to the new (more expensive and much brighter) LED lights. Okay, but will that end our dilema?
I don't happen to believe so. Nope, I think I should have kept the box of big ol' lights my Mom-in-law still used...ya' know the ones that burn your fingers off? They were well over 40 years old and still shining, with no half-strands darkened and never to work again! Plus, there were no fits of anger to steal our joy and I am sure, that they were made in the good ol' U. S. Of A., not China or Taiwan etc. etc.
Thank you very much for letting me rant tonight...I sure wasn't gonna say anything to my Tomer- cause one loud gutteral groan was enough for this ol' grammy. LOL
New lights they be a coming!

~Blessings~

Happy Thanksgiving

My pies are out of the oven...later tonight my Tomer and I will have our traditional taste testing with lots of whipped cream!
Tomorrow, we will gather round the table with our daughters and their families and thank the Lord for His many blessings. I Pray that your day is filled with hope and joy...
Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. Romans 5:5
~Blessings~

Cheesey Movies On My DVR

It's that time again...time for all those cheesey Christmas movies on the Hallmark and Family Channels. With remote in hand, here I sit...sigh. Kell and Elek left a bit ago. So, I finished the scrubbing of the bathroom, passed the vacuum and polished all fingerprints from the tables.(laundrocizing will commence later)
Finding myself with a few hours alone...I am going to push the DVR button, cuddle up with a blanket made just for me and drink myself a tall glass of lemonade.
Yes siree, this ol' grammy has learned to take time to let the cares of this world roll right off my shoulders! I won't waste another moment dwelling on things that I can't control or change by worrying. Why bother? The Lord knows my needs before I even ask!
Oh, friends I have much to be thankful for! Click...I'm fixin' to watch the "Christmas Choir."
I am blessed!

Catching Up

Here it is Saturday! I am happily catching up on some of the housework, that was ignored while I had the cooties. Dusting the bedrooms and doing things, that only I knew were needing to be done. Little unseen corners...Hmmm, makes me ponder on the little things in my life that are seen only by God. Can I catch up with those things I let go...when I know what God expects of me?
Life gets busy...too busy! I am trying, to not just take care of my household chores but make the work that God has for me in His House (my body, mind and Spirit) most important.
After all, He made these hands to be used for His glory. So today,I lift them in Praise and thank the Lord for His goodness. I am blessed.

Love From The Pig Pen

Mess maker, mess maker, make me a mess! That is the tune that I sing to our resident Pig Pen...Elek! Once upon a time my house was a sparkling, everything neat as a pin, kind of place. Not so much since Elek has hit the the floor running!
I have never seen a child go from one thing to another so quickly, leaving paths of destruction all along his way...sigh.
Now, I am no Spring Chicken! In fact, this ol' grammy has days that I barely keep up with the devastation. LOL. I cannot even finish making a bed before he has scaled the bed post and is happily jumping up and down while chanting "boing, boing, boing."
I have found it necessary, for my own sanity, to leave some of the toys lay where they fall or drive myself utterly up the wall. If you are looking for peace and quiet don't come around here. No, don't do it because there is nothing quiet about Elek or Xavier. But, if you want lots of I love you's, big hugs and mushy kisses...This is the place for you.
Yes, indeed my boys are a mess! But, no matter the mayhem, I promise that you will leave here feeling loved and wearing a smile.

~Blessings~

Chocolate Shakes And Michael

It is sooo good to finally be back! Between computer woes and me feeling like junk...I have not been here much of late. As for the computer, I finally broke down and bought myself a new laptop when the Mart was running a great sale last Saturday.
Oh, I know that I said I did not enjoy my Manda's laptop but this newer version is awesome. This ol' gal just has to get used to this mouse...touchy, touchy, touchy.

I am starting to feel human again after being sick...thank the Lord! I woke up Sunday in the wee hours feeling lousy. Made myself crawl out of bed for Sunday School since my Tomer was in the woods of Bronson...hunting. Someone had to teach our class and i was it. Honestly, I did a little groaning but the words "Obedience is better than sacrifice" kept running through my mind. Thank you Lord!
After Church I was like a horse heading for the barn! (I promise that I kept the speed limit.) Made a run through White Castles for lunch and one of their delicious chocolate shakes. If you haven't had one, let me just say "that they are good for what ails ya!" Yum!!!

So, after crock pot meals and spending lots of time vegging on the couch...I am up but not quite going at full speed, as yet. The Lord is good! And believe me, I am not complaining about having a cold...for a 58 year old grammy I am blessed with good health and strength enough to care for my grandbabies. And for that...I am so grateful!

Love to you all...bessings.

Sandy...I found this recent song by The Gaither Vocal Band and I love it. Thought you would too...especially since Michael is singing it! Now, I have to get to Family Bible Store so that I can pick up their new CD!

Sick

Donna...you got me thinking of my favorite authors and this poem has been running through my mind. It always makes me smile...kids make me happy, what wonderful little beings they are!

Sick
"I cannot go to school today,"
Said little Peggy Ann McKay.
"I have the measles and the mumps,
A gash, a rash and purple bumps.
My mouth is wet, my throat is dry,
I'm going blind in my right eye.
My tonsils are as big as rocks,
I've counted sixteen chicken pox
And there's one more--that's seventeen,
And don't you think my face looks green?
My leg is cut--my eyes are blue--
It might be instamatic flu.
I cough and sneeze and gasp and choke,
I'm sure that my left leg is broke--
My hip hurts when I move my chin,
My belly button's caving in,
My back is wrenched, my ankle's sprained,
My 'pendix pains each time it rains.
My nose is cold, my toes are numb.
I have a sliver in my thumb.
My neck is stiff, my voice is weak,
I hardly whisper when I speak.
My tongue is filling up my mouth,
I think my hair is falling out.
My elbow's bent, my spine ain't straight,
My temperature is one-o-eight.
My brain is shrunk, I cannot hear,
There is a hole inside my ear.
I have a hangnail, and my heart is--what?
What's that? What's that you say?
You say today is. . .Saturday?
G'bye, I'm going out to play!"

Sick... written by one of my favorite authors, Shel Silverstein
From his book Where The Sidewalk Ends.

Checking In

Wow! Where has the time gone? I just don't seem to want to sit in front of this computer but decided to check in. Around these parts we are enjoying a beautiful Indian Summer. Oh, the days have been glorious and the boys are enjoying their time outdoors, (with Papa) running off some of their boundless energy...and believe me, that is a very good thing for this ol' grammy.
We, are still working on some projects around the house. Maybe, now that the gardens are just about finished for the season and the weather cools off...we will finally accomplish what's left on our to-do list.
My computer is down and being worked on again. So, I am using Manda's lap top, for which I am thankful. But, to be honest I am not enjoying it very much...I prefer my PC...sigh. I am forever hitting wrong keys! Oh, and the mouse...I won't even get started on that subject...lol.
God is good...my days are filled with love, laughter and the strength and energy to care for my home and family. I am blessed!

Tell Me Daddy...

TELL ME THE STORY OF JESUS
(Fanny J. Crosby - Sweney)

Tell me the story of Jesus
Write on my heart every word
Tell me the story most precious
Sweetest that ever was heard.

Tell how the angels in chorus sang
As they welcomed his birth
Glory to God in the highest
Peace and good tidings to earth.

Tell me the story of Jesus
Write on my heart every word
Tell me the story most precious
Sweetest that ever was heard.

Tell of the cross where they nailed him
Write of the anguish and pain
Tell of the grave where they laid him
Tell how he liveth again.

Love in that story so tender
Clearer than ever I see
Stay let me weep while you listen
Love paid a ransom for me.

Tell me the story of Jesus
Write on my heart every word
Tell me the story most precious
Sweetest that ever was heard.


I heard this song this afternoon and it brought back such memories. Daddy, always had a song on his heart! I still hear his beautiful tenor voice singing songs of Jesus...every word is written on my heart.

It's That Time Again

Here it is the last day of September! That means that tomorrow is the first day of Bow Hunting Season..woo hoo! The trailer is clean and packed, all propane tanks are filled to the brim, so that all Hunters will be able to warm up after a day in the woods.
Tomer and Miss Em will leave tomorrow as soon as he gets home from work. That means 2 days for this ol' grammy to do as I please...Hmmm, what to do with myself? There will be no cooking for sure and for certain and my chores are already finished.
Oh yes, I am ahead of the game. That assures me of guilt free days as I read, rent myself a movie or two and order take out. Maybe, I will do a little browsing at Hobby Lobby and The Christmas Tree Store. Maybe, I will go get a pedicure.
I'll think more about it tomorrow...blessings one and all.

I Am Not Dismayed

The weather is cold and dreary but not so my heart. It is filled with the warmth and love of a Saviour, who is faithful and always carries us through lifes trials.
Church is an important part of our lives. We are active members, doers of the Word. Believing that each of us is born with awesome gifts from God that should be used for His glory and not wasted.
We have experienced some trials these past weeks...some rough and raging seas have made the place that is our Sanctuary, confusing and frankly disappointing.
But, I am not dismayed! I, do not follow man nor give account to any...I follow Jesus Christ and because of Him I walk in faith and victory today.
Leaving past things behind and going forward, knowing that God is moving and only He is in control.

Happy Homemaker

It's almost here...Autumn.

I have been the busy little homemaker today. After my time with the boys and Tomer left for Church. (I played hooky.) I decided to vacuum, polish furniture and of course, laundrocize. Don't want a pile a show dog can't jump.
I then made myself a nice fresh cup of coffee, lit my yummy smelling candle from Kell and settled in to watch a show I had on DVR that Tomer doesn't enjoy. Tomer, always ruins programs by figuring out the ending...grrr, it sometimes aggravates me! Now, after 41 years with him, I find myself doing the same thing...proud to say that I sometimes beat him to the conclusion...love it when that happens...LOL.
The weather has been glorious! Jerry (local weather guy) says rain is coming in tonight after midnight and we surely need it! I love listening to it in the night don't you?
After my program was over, I decided to go check out the garden. Picked some tomatoes, Hungarian peppers and raspberries. Just couldn't resist the raspberries! So, as soon as I got back to the kitchen I ate a handful! Oh, they are so sweet this year.
Now, I am baking a batch of Amish breakfast bars. They are a great snack! Tomer, likes to keep a bag of them on the school bus to curb the hunger pangs until he gets home.
Well, it's about time to get the last load of laundry from the dryer. Soon the oven timer will ring and my day will be done. Gonna get myself a glass of water and relax a bit before bed time.
~Blessings~

Tim Hortons...Grammy'sTimbit

This ol' grammy and Papa have a new sport to follow! Our Xavier aka Scooter has joined the wonderful world of Soccer! Now, you all know that I just love me some Tim Horton's Coffee...just feast your eyes on our Scooters shirt. Yep, Tim Hortons is their sponsor and you can be sure that I showed up at the game with my large coffee with butter caramel flavoring and 2 creams please?


Here is our Timbit! As soon as he got his shirt he had to come and show me. It cracked me up, especially since I always get them a pack of their favorite Timbits (doughnut holes) when we make a trip to the drive-thru. This shirt is priceless...lol.


On the field playing his heart out. He actually made 2 goals...the look on his face made my heart sing.


Big sissy...my sweet Lou.


After the game...tired, and sweaty. But, never fear Tim Hortons will take care of that...just go to one of their shops, raise your shirt and they will give them something nice and cold to drink. Our boy couldn't wait! He would rather drink than eat... so, it was right up his alley.
We loved watching these little ones and left with big smiles on our faces.

Granny & Papa's

Visions...

Fiery Sunset over Lake Huron. East Tawas, Michigan.

Another busy day is coming to an end and it's time to wind down before bed. My day was good. No, it was blessed! Filled with taking care of 2 busy grandboys, picking up the other 3 grands after school, taking Lou to ball practice and finally going to Ian's ball game. (they won...Rah!) It was freezing! So, as soon as I got in I changed into sweats and put socks on my frozen piggies. The chill of Autumn is in the air! And ya' know what? I am ready for it. The changing of seasons is what I love about Michigan; each one so dramatically different and beautiful.
Soon, I will decorate my home with the vibrant colors of Fall. And of course, fill all candy dishes with my favorite Candy Corn. This morning, Kell blessed me with a yummy smelling Swan Creek Candle...Pumpkin Spice, the perfect scent for this time of year!
Yep, tonight there are visions of Pumpkins, Indian Corn, Corn Stalks and Apple Orchards running through my head. I am one happy grammy! Good night all.
~blessings~

Blue Skies And Home

Blue skies lookin' at me...nothin' but blue skies do I see! The skies of East Tawas, Michigan.

This ol' grammy has been one busy chick these past few days! Unloading the trailer, vacuuming a bucket of sand from it's floors, stripping the beds both from the trailer and the house. The trailer, is once again ready for it's stay in the country. Hunting Season is just around the corner!
Today, I am laundrocizing and repacking our bags...tomorrow Tomer and I leave for my favorite place on the planet...my birthplace...Tennessee! I can't wait to feel Mama's arms around my neck and enjoy nice long conversations with my brother Bobby! Life is good!
Our oldest grandbaby Maddy Beth is in Delaware spending time with Aunt Meagan, Uncle Tony and Luca. Yesterday, she texted photo's of the Ocean. She was thrilled to see it for the first time. Papa and I, kept trying to talk her out of going...LOL. But she is an 8th grader after all and growing up way too quickly...sigh.
Em and Xavie are now at war! There is much yelling and flailing about...ugh.
I had best go break it up! Where's that wooden spoon of mine!? LOL.
Catch ya'll later!!!

I Am Not Dismayed

The weather is cold and dreary but not so my heart. It is filled with the warmth and love of a Saviour, who is faithful and always carries us through lifes trials.
Church is an important part of our lives. We are active members, doers of the Word. Believing that each of us is born with awesome gifts from God that should be used for His glory and not wasted.
We have experienced some trials these past weeks...some rough and raging seas have made the place that is our Sanctuary, confusing and frankly disappointing.
But, I am not dismayed! I, do not follow man nor give account to any...I follow Jesus Christ and because of Him I walk in faith and victory today.
Leaving past things behind and going forward, knowing that God is moving and only He is in control.

Home Away From Home

We are home after a wonderful time of family fun in the sun. The weather was perfect, the view magnificent and the grandbabies were happy and busy.
Watching them is such a joy.


This is our home away from home. We didn't have to spend much time indoors since the temps were in the mid 70's and there was a nice breeze off Lake Huron. I have fallen in love with the Eastern Coast of our great state. I will post pics of the fiery glow of the sunsets later on.


Our bedroom. When the grandbabies needed a rest they would pile up in our bed and watch old videos. There is absolutely no television reception and we didn't miss it a bit. And we are surely not going to get a satellite for the camper like most have...no, not gonna do it.


Now, here is the first place we head to when in town. The Village Chocolatier.
If you love chocolate this is the place for you! My Tomer and son-in-law David do not like chocolate...can you even imagine!? But, they enjoyed pretzel rods dipped in caramel and peanuts...yummy.


Strolling down the streets of East Tawas before making our way home yesterday.
Another, family vacation over...filled with food, fun and those you love. Life just doesn't get any better than this! Taste and see that the Lord is good...He is, all the time!

On The Road Again

It has been a busy week for this ol' grammy! Vacation starts tomorrow after Church...Hallelujah! The above photo is part of the campground in Tawas where we will be. It is our favorite spot on Lake Huron.
The Camper has been scrubbed to perfection. (Hunters aren't very good housekeepers!)
The fridge is on and somewhat stocked, along with other groceries, bottled water and lots of powerade. Clothes packed and bikes on the bike rack. Myself, I have several books stored away, that I will read while the others hit the beach...sigh.
Never fear, my camera is in my purse and I will take lots of pictures. Especially, of the"Chocolatier." A store with so many chocolates and scrumptious chocolate covered yummies that we walk around drooling...Mmmm.
Well, I am one tired chick so I will sign off for now.
Blessings~
Catch ya'll later.

Quoteworthy

“We should always remember that our strength still lies in our faith in the good sense of the American people. And that the climate in Washington is still opposed to those enduring values, those 'permanent things' that we've always believed in. ... Washington is a place of fads and one-week stories. It's also a company town, and the company's name is government, big government. ... In the discussion of federal spending, the time has come to put to rest the sob sister attempts to portray our desire to get government spending under control as a hard-hearted attack on the poor people of America. ”
—Ronald Reagan

Sunrise...Sunset

Forestville, Michigan is located in what is known as the Thumb Area of our State.

I am home and to say that we had a wonderful time, is an understatement! Just look at God's glorious sunrise over Lake Huron. How peaceful to sip coffee on the porch and watch this sight together. Sheila's summer home is absolutely beautiful and I didn't take one single photo of the house...duh.


We didn't do any swimming but having your own beach is mighty fine. The peace and quiet brings healing to the bones. With NO television, we did much laughing, telling of stories and catching up...believe me, we did not miss the boob tube one lick.


Just travel down the porch steps and you are on the beach. Gorgeous! Sheila's gardens, are just part of the natural landscape and attract so many butterflies and birds that I sat for hours just taking it all in.


I leave you with this parting shot from the living room window. Sure is dark out there in the country. Good night all!

Just Us Gals

I am going on a road trip and I love me a road trip! My cousins Sandi and Cindy and I, leave in the morning...Yee Haw! We, will pick up our friend Sheila whom we haven't seen for years and head up north to her Summer home. Yep...we have made some of our favorite dishes so that there will be no big time cooking! Sandi requested my chicken salad on croissants, so that's what I did this afternoon. Now, I am baking a batch of Amish breakfast bars. No fuss, no muss...Just catching up, relaxing and enjoying some girl time.
Blessings...Catch ya'll next week!

So Long July...Here Comes August

Tomer, performing his daily routines in the garden.

July has been a very busy month! Between Softball Games, a Tiger game, Graduation and Birthday Parties, Dr.'s appointments, tests, annual eye exam, a trip to Red Cross and sadly, more than one Funeral, It seems that I have pushed the fast forward button on July!


Side gate.

Tomer and Xavier aka Scooter, have ridden off on their bikes and are headed to the bank. So, after making the bed, feeding them breakfast, making a fresh brewed pitcher of sweet tea and starting my laundrocizing. I, am taking full advantage of my time alone! I, am going to sit right here on the back porch and jot down a few lines. Woo...It is a hot and muggy morning. Another day with 90' temps but the rains are supposed to come through later and cool things down a bit...love me some rain!


Love this plant...can't remember it's name though.

So, with August but a few days away, things should slow down a wee bit. Maybe, just long enough to get the painting done and the floors refinished before vacation starts. For now, I will stay put, enjoy the quiet, the bees and butterflies roaming about and keep my eyes open for our resident hummingbird, who shows up most mornings and evenings to hover and flit around our bee balm plants. (also called Minarda by some) There's NO need for a feeder which never seemed to work anyways!
Ooh, the boys are back! No more quiet for this ol' grammy...Catch ya'll later.

God is good...all the time!