HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

Today is our 25th Anniversary ! Happy Anniversary to us.. I can't believe a milestone of so many wonderful years. I'm listening to a song 'I am your you are mine and we are what we are...
The weather today is cool hope the sun comes out, soon. I miss photo-journaling. ( been on Polyvore too addictive).

This picture one of my favorites, I hope you love it as much as I do.. Our grandson called and asked 'Nana what were your wedding colors?', Well my silk bouquet has Cranberry, Ecru and Navy flowers with baby's breath on it. My husband looked so handsome and distinquished in matching suit and tie. We were married in New England-Connecticut where the Danbury-church of Christ meets. It was a beautiful fall day, that's why we love Autumn so much.
We planned everything in a month. We sat down together with a calendar and with God's help put the whole plans into motion.Our sister in Christ Libby a Hat-maker helped me with the headdress. I purchased an Ecru Victorian day dress (I just wondered would I still fit in it???) Everything happened very well, Thank God. We had a beautiful cake, and a handsome table setting of Autumn floral. The table setting was donated to a nursing home. We had a photographer, he took pictures of everyone.

We had our honeymoon at South Hamptons, Andy's college town It's a quaint New England seaport town in Long Island. We went to the Montauk Point Lighthouse. In the center of town was a giant windmill. We went antique shopping. It was a lovely place, indeed. We worshiped with the Riverside-church of Christ. We met Jerry Hill, of Timothy Hill Boy's Ranch located in Riverside, He preached on the adversity & trust in God in the lives of Hymn-songwriters. We also met a couple, Andy knew the lady, they invited us their place. They were care-takers of a small Mansion (the owner was the heir of Avon makeup company) . The place had many rooms and a TV in each one. The lady's husband walked around in socks as to not dirty the carpet, we took our shoes off, too.I remember passing a bathroom and the counter top was 'Emerald' such 'Vanity'!!! I have to laugh at the play of words.

All in all it was a wonderful time, the shops were great and we went to see the movie 'Educating Rita' it was so touching. I went to a 'Rich people's ' thrift shop and got this awesome thick warm tweed autumn sweater, I wore it all the time.It's all coming back to me now. I remember the cool air and golden & maple leaves everywhere. We went to a restaurant and there was a display of pumpkins & an Indian doll in the window , so cute . I took pictures everywhere we went. I remember walking in a store and the guy said " Hi, Andy", I said 'How do you know his name?.' He said 'Well, I hope he is Andy, you have a button that reads 'I LOVE ANDY', we all laughed... Funnier yet, in another store there was a parrot and he kept saying 'HELLO!!, What's your name?!!'. We had a wonderfully great time... Great memories to cherish forever...

Remember: Cherish the love now & forever yours, Ana ...

Credit: Our God for brining us together forever ...

THERE ARE PLACES I REMEMBER...

There was a place I used to go when I was very young; when there was a no world quite as real, as the world of books and make-believe.

Across a meadow, beneath a tree that lined a sparkling stream there was a magic land. Where I was King and others came by invitation only.
Tom Sawyer used to drop around and Huck and Becky Thatcher. And I remember once Tarzan came and swam up and down the river.

Rupert Brooks and Robert Burns would come and sit and write poems about war and flowers.

But mostly, I was there alone; watching the world around me. And wondering things like why the sky is blue and how much a grain of sand would weigh if I were an ant

I wish that I could find that land again; but I've lost it. Somewhere in the noise and the hurry of my life.

I wonder if Tom and Becky go there still, or if they grew old like I did.

Credit: Jim Metcalf (known as unofficial Poet laureate of the city of New Orleans).

DEDICATED TO: My grandson Joseph Andrew & David William, boys when I was very young, I would read story of mermaids and imagined I was hearing them singing it was scary yet fascinating. I loved imagining what beautiful colors everything looked like, and how it would feel to the touch; and especially the awesome sound effects...If you remember my stories, they will come alive to you, too...Enjoy your lives adventures with awe & care...and remember always to share because you care...Love, nana Ana

SHARING THE HARVEST

Just a short post on a new discovery. I'm enjoying listening and watching a new site called: Friday's Journal...
It's chock full of gorgeous autumn photos & poems. The views are from New England, and you can see a beautiful fall leaves picture on my 'October gave a party' post.

They have lots of great illustrations of retro pictures and quotes, too.
I hope you'll go there and enjoy a pleasant evening.

The lady's name is Nancy and she also has FREE DOWNLOADS (see link below-credit)
The above 'Apples in a basket' is one of many cute freebies. Thank you Nancy....

Credit: http://www.thepastwhispers.com/Autumn_Graphicshtml

GETTING TO KNOW ME...

I got this idea from a star blog. I thought I'll tag myself. It begins with a pseudo name: Nina ; personality & ideals for example...

What WOW's me: Just that spelled upside down 'MOM's' incredible ladies design to carry any heavy  load from the beginning.

Here goes Nina has won (in her life time) a three piece green suitcase at a Brooklyn Fair. (no longer exist, I used them  up going from my home to my  mom's house).

My favorite author's: Christ the finisher and author of our salvation...Heb._____(find it)...

 My most recent conversation: With my best friend-Husband about the state of  our world... (reminded to pray)

 My favorite things: A cheerful smile, babies & cats, evenings sharing magazine pictures with my best friend, sunny Sundays, family gatherings, playing Scattergories with my favorite girlfriend, garden walking, reading at sunset, Brunch after the holiday rush,

I respect & trust::   God's word, my Parent's  teachings, articulate conversations I have with my best friend, how my girlfriend raises her children

Dead to me: Dirt & gossip my mother hated them both and so do I.

My shoes: Comfy blue slippers, white beat up house sneakers, slip on chancletas (slippers), Velcro (for those doctor scale- moments) 'new' sneakers. And occassionaly to my girlfriends delight decent dress shoes.

My drinks: Aqua with juice, Hot chocolate with coffee( in that order); Aqua with  cranberry juice: Tea at my girlfriends house; Aqua with apple juice and  Camomile tea with hot milk in the evenings.

I collect: White porcelain animals; bookmarks; hair scrunchies; socks; antique books; victoria magazines; small stuffed animals from Winco and..

I love reading: Coming of age books, Southern comedy, Historical fictions, mysteries.

I love listening to: Old time Radio, country gospel, classical, my xm radio....

I love watching: Musicals; mysteries ( Alfred Hitchcock), classic movies. coming of age.

I wish I lived in: Back in the 50's ,  suburbia all my life, a world that loved the unborn, and a time when everyone appreciated and respected each other more.

I am generous with: my time; my money ; my food,  my home and childcare; (have four sisters shared it all)

I use:Our computer to photo-journal; a lot of crafts for  scrap-booking

I would love to own: A digital camera, a bike, more fleece pants, 

The first thing I do in the morning is: (see drinks) Audio Bible or Red daily Bible reading  & knit  squares for  boys college afghan & pray.

I'm addicted to: our grandson's visits,  Polyvore; Hot chocolate, Library magazines, Fellowship with christian ladies, taking pictures &  scrap-booking and writing about them., oh yeah, that's photo-journaling (love it).

I admire: God, Christ -church, my husband & his sister, our son &  grandsons, my scattergorie girlfriend & her parents-especially  her sister..

 Credit: to you all for going through this with me...*Polyvore-set/augustana

HARDING STUDENTS GO TO N.Y.C.-N.B.C. STUDIOS

Nina News Worthy reporting here on the latest news in Christian Chronicles.Org.

Ten Harding journalism students from Arkansas led by Communications Professor Jack Shock flew into NewYork City to visit Lester Holt member of the Mahattan Church of Christ and co-anchor of NBC weekend edition.
One of the professionals from the Church of Christ they met was a New York resident Amy Blankenship a Harding Alumnus & president of 'Shop with Style'( on the web),
a creative gift company that reaches all ranges of media
She spoke of her life with a Christian faith in a city like New York
They found New Yorkers to be kind and accepting and willing to learn. They also met a local graphic artist transplanted from Arkansas to New York. They were told they would find New York Christians authentic in their faith.

Lester Holt shared his sincere approach to journalist broadcasting . And I quote: "There is a strong moral bearing to my job as a reporter." He noted what we do reflects our values, and for better or worse it has tremendous impact to change peoples lives. Lester spoke of how he has a moral responsibility to show compassion to the person he interviews. They came to realize that in a city of 7 million people as children of God, they reciprocate and appreciate being treated with kindness and respect .

One young lady noted that being a Christian in New York does not make you an outsider. New Yorker nature is to welcome one & all. However they were cautioned to respect & consider that there are many of different beliefs. The young visitors were eager to worship with Lester Holt and the Manhattan Church of Christ. And it was noted, that it is good to know where there is a thriving Christian Community in New York of mixed cultures and they know where to go to find it.

Remember: Enjoy the 'Big Apple' and visit the 'Manhattan Church of Christ' while visiting there soon...

CREDIT: christian chronicles.org...(article-online exclusive)

ADVENTURES IN AUTUMN

Southern Vermont 'Stratton Mountain' leaf lift is ready to transport you. The gandola will float you across the summit of it's highest peak. From Sept.-Oct. you can be lifted from 'Tierra Firma to an Eagles eye view', and glide along it's glorious maple crimson tapestry.

Ah, Sovereign Lord, you have made the heavens and the earth by your great power and outstretched arm. Nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:17

Remember: Enjoy your vacation memories of special days spent with your precious family.

Credit: MSN Travel slide show 19 (Oct.21,2008)

APPLES GALORE

Our Annual Fall Tradition of creating Apple recipes with the boys began yesterday. Davey gave us an apple and I add in one more from our apple-bin. The two large macintosh apples were sliced  and sprinkled with cinnamon spice, brown sugar and small cubes of caramels were added. We then placed the mix in a bowl and microwaved it at 50 percent for 5 min.. We waited patiently as the kitchen air filled with the sweet aroma. Once done they were roasting hot, so at Davey's suggestion, we placed them in the freezer for five short minutes. In no time the deliciously sweet scented mixture was devoured by appreciative cooks.     

Credit:Painted by Janet Kruskamps Pie Baking Day(added dress+leaf)... 

NANA KNOWS BEST

On Friday-Los Viernes, Our grandsons come over our house to spend the day with us. We really look forward to this 'Special time" of sharing our lives together. It has been cool lately, so I've asked the boys to dress in layers and they are wearing nice warm fleece tops. Joey wore a soft royal blue fleece top, I think it's his favorite and Davey wore his grey fleece top with a red scarf, they both looked very sporty. Early in the morning it's misty and damp, but the day turned out beautifully.

Beginning with home school Davey did really well with his math. Joey works solo and got done quickly. While I prepared a Hot rice with Noddle soup lunch ( Arooz con Sopa), the boys had 'Quiet reading time'. Wondering why am I writing Spanish next to English? Because that is how  Joey, Davey and I practice speaking Spanish to each other. For example: I will say 'What are we going to eat for lunch?'= 'Que vamos a comer para almuelzo?'..and so it goes, I repeat everything in Spanish, then I say, 'Can I hear an echo?', and they respond in Spanish. This week was full of fun and excitement with my speaking Spanish and listening to their quick responses.

Joey and Davey have proven to be very helpful, when Papi  came home with the groceries, they were at the ready to bring the bags up the stairs. We really appreciate all their generous gestures, so they were awarded a dollar each for being such kind and loving helpers.

We went to the local park,  there was a little Asian boy about two years old named Isaac. Joey and Davey always enjoy playing with him. Isaac kept yelling, 'You Guys,' so cute, he loves chasing the boys around. I have to remind them to play gently because he's so tiny, but he keeps up with them running around the jungle-gym.

Next we walked home to see Momma, the boys had to meet with their Running-Group in the afternoon.  As we walked we played a rhyming game... Roses are red-Violets are blue...If you act surly, you'll miss lunch at Victorian Inn's 'Curley' ( name of  restaurant as we passed the Inn). Davey had some other goofy ones, we laughed all the way home. Then Surprise we met up with Rayah, as we took the short cut home. When we passed her house, her little brother yells, Hi, come to my house, Joey laughed at Jonathan's cuteness, as we waved and yelled back, 'We got to get home to Momma'...

The day ended with a quiet visit and 'Andy Griffith Show', as we waited for Daddy to come home...We waved as neighbors passed by and our dog barked  as he protected his sheep. All's well that ends well.

Remember: Enjoy your family visits with each other...fondly journaling/ nana ana....

Profile of Servants In Christ...

POLY-PHOTO JOURNALIST: 'Newsworthy Nina' here sharing news from Christian Chronicles.org....

Profile of Servants In Christ

Retired friends refuse to close curtains on service to their community. CHOCTAW, OKLAHOMA- Norma Hank's lives in a beautiful red-brick home located in a suburb of Oklahoma where small town values still live on. In her spacious home where six retired civil servants meet to take the time & opportunity to work at serving others in their community.

The christian ladies meet monthly enjoying each others company, as members of the Church of Christ that meet in Choctaw, while trading stories and sewing window valances coverings for the Habitat for Humanity. Out of a room full of 'UFO' fabrics the idea was conceived to put them to good use for Habitat for Humanity the ecumenical housing association that joyfully builds homes with & for the needy.

Jane Weaver, who's husband is the elder saids,'It's a fun social thing, but we are doing something to help people who need it". Organized for their work day, the volunteer servants of Christ complete 30-40 windows in one day. Newcomer Sandy Carter shares, 'I was told once I got started I wouldn't quit'. Most of the fabric comes from donations and or thrift sales. The expertise comes from years of sewing for grandchildren. This is a good work and they seem to truly enjoy every minute of it.

The questions been asked,'Will they ever run out', answer -No, like the widow who decorated a room for Elisha to visit...their proverbial " Jar of Oil', will never run out (as long as their hearts and mind are applied to Christ service thinks this journalist).Also included in each sewn window gift is a note-card stating,' A gift for your new home from your local Church of Christ'. A complimentary lunch for the ladies is included to spice things up. And the old but true to the test 'College Ironing board' is still in continued use to Christ service.

The administrator for Habitat for Humanity noted that the colorful textured fabric is a plus and an encouragement for the new homeowners. The group hopes other ladies may start similar projects in their local Church of Christ area. Reminding other that the crafty visits are well worth the efforts. It would be a wonderful cause for Christ and Humanity... for more info. contact: Smith at (405) 390-2998..

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Credit: christian chronicles.org.

Enjoy your God-given talents & look around town to use them for God..

Proverbs 15:30 " A CHEERFUL LOOK BRINGS JOY TO THE HEART, AND GOOD NEWS GIVES HEALTH TO THE BONES"...

Favorite Fun Time....

Had good company today, our grandson Davey came to spend the afternoon with us. He bought his Sunday school page and we reviewed it together. We had a quiet time of sharing and caring.

Davey has had a cold for the past week and was not able to go running with his big brother and home school team.. I love when we have special one on one time together.

Davey told me of a story he is writing about a detective. The story is very eloquent about a missing dog that gets a haircut by cannibals without being harmed. Next there's a tunnel leading to two roads: Japan and another road these two roads lead to two more roads Paris and Sherwood. And the stories need to be continued. So we went on Polyvore , where Davey created a picture for his story. The picture is on draft of a countryside with a pix of Sherlock Holmes, a white pipe and a large detective hat.

We had hot chocolate and cookies, too. Davey was coughing, so we gave him a cough drop which seem to soothe his throat.

Remember: Enjoy your precious children while they're still young and precocious.

THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE ( are not things...)

To Inspire Your Hearts and Lift Your Spirit

a) Being welcomed home. b) Daydreaming
c) The feel of grass tickling your toes. d) Listening to children's laughter.
e) Exercising to Beatles songs. f) Scent of fresh flowers.
g) Tasting a raindrop. h) Mother's smiles & hugs.

i) Cuddling a Toddler. j) Finding photos in the attic.
k) Walking down a country lane. l) Fresh baked bread.
m) Finding a perfect gift. n) Watching a beautiful sunset.
o) Running into an old friend. p) Snuggling with a Kitten..
q) Listening to your favorite song. r) Everyone home safely.

Credit: Polyvore.com/augustana...

AUTUMN SUNRISE & SUNSET...

Autumn Sunrise-Today was a beautiful breezy fall day. I kept myself busy with chores & errands. Our T.V. is having a slight volume problem, so I turn on the classical music. My son said 'MTV mom?'. It's amazing the different perspective you get without all the chatter and watch only with pleasant music in the background.

I started the laundry really early, and got into the kitchen and prepared a Banana bread mix for Sunday Brunch. While washing the dishes, I usually pray, but I instead began reading a 'Garden theme' scripture calendar, a gift from Andy.I enjoyed meditating on the verses.

Next I went to the local pharmacy to renew my asthma medicine, he told me it had expired, and I need to wait for a Fax-approval from my doctor. Our pharmacist is a very nice considerate person, I'm sure the Lord will provide.

Although it was windy, I walked home on the sunny side of the street. Passing the Apple Orchard, I thought 'Why not!', I waited till my neighbor passed with his car, he waved-I waved back politely, then I got my plastic bag and started picking apples. The apples were all different sizes from very small to medium and very large too. The small ones were patchy green & red and the medium & large were dark red.

When the boys came over for their evening visit, they had the apples for snacks. Davey chose a small one and his second one was medium and really juicy. Joey had one medium & one small, he ate them so fast. I could see they really enjoyed every bite.

Joey and I started looking at one of his favorite sites: The 'Cats Scriptures' blog, he loves them so much. The cat's make Joey laugh aloud and Davey joins in saying, 'ohh, I love that one'. Well I started saving the pictures, I hope to use them in this blog again, enjoy.

Have a wonderful Weekend and Beautiful Lord's Day.

Remember: Enjoy the Harvest Season, and all the Lord has to offer: colorful leaves, chestnuts, blackbirds, fresh (cleaned) juicy apples orchards, cool breezes and warm beautiful sunsets, too. Thank You, God...

Credit: Cat Scriptures-http:www.sarahconradofeaglecreek.com/

CATS-GATOS

Cats have it all-Gatos lo tienen todo:

Admiration and endless sleep and company only when they want it. Admiracion y dormir sin cesar y compania no mas cuando quieren.

Credit: Author Rod Mckuen

OCTOBER GAVE A PARTY

October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came-
The chestnuts, oaks and maples.
and leaves of every name.
The sunshine spread a carpet,
and everything was grand.
Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band.
The chestnuts came in yellow;
The oaks in crimson dressed;
The lovely Misses Mapel,
In scarlet looked their best;
All balanced to their partners,
And gailey fluttered by;
The sight was like a rainbow
New fallen from the sky.
Then in rustic hollow,
At hide-and-seek they played,
The party closed at sundown
And everybody stayed.
Professor Wind played louder;
They flew along the ground;
And then the party ended;
With "jolly hands' around.

Credit: Poem by George Cooper...Photo:http:// the past whispers/autumn roads

Together is better...

Yesterday, Rebekah hosted the Ferndale 'Church of Christ' annual 'Fall Ladies Luncheon', and the young girls joined us. The weather was nice and sunny. One of our young ladies Courtney and I noticed that it rained lightly, we decided it was a passing shower. She is so bright and cheerful, I really enjoy her company a lot. The  ladies present were Sue and her daughter Rebecca with a 'b'; Angie and her two daughters Courtney and Jasmine, also little Wesley stood and joined momma & sisters; Starla and me.

Sister in Christ Angela led the lesson with the theme being, 'Treasures in Clay Vessels' from 2 Corinthians 4:6-7... For God, who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ. But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.We discussed growing pains 'In Christ' for our spiritual growth for example: patience develops character;  providing we prayerfully acknowledge & apply God's strengthening and promised word to adversities in life. She used the scripture in verse 10, we are pressed on every side but not crushed; perplexed but not in despair; persecuted but not abandonedl struck down but not destroyed.
 It reminded me of  the book of Romans 8:28-39 'More than Conquerors', how all things work for the good for those who love God and are called 'according to his purpose'. And how nothing can ever separate us from his love and care. This precious powerful promise bought it home 2 Cor.4:14-16 God who raised Jesus is able to raise us with Jesus and present us with you in his presence. All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to over flow to the glory of God. Therefore we do not lose heart, though outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day.

I really appreciated the lesson especially when the Courtney recited a poem and Jasmine shared a quote, and Rebecca with a 'b' shared some nice things, too. Little Wesley shared his favorite 'Crayon Song' with us. Let's see if I remember: Red is for the blood Jesus shared for me. Brown is for the crown they placed upon his head. Yellow is for the Christian who does share Christ story...so sweet, it touched all our hearts. Oh yes, lest I forget Little Miss Emily (she's so cute-5 years old, you want to hug & cover her with kisses) led us all in closing prayers, she insisted on holding hands. She prayed ' Thank you God for the Chappel's... and God let the Chappel's come and visit soon. On hearing that cute request, our Host Rebekah had a big smile on her face.Well  we all enjoyed a wonderful spiritual feast. The luncheon was so delicious, too. As a take home treat, Rebekah created small pouches of chocolate treats filled with autumn leaves tied with a golden ribbon.

Remember: Enjoy your friendships in Christ sharing & caring in God's wonderful love.

Credit Winslow Homer painting...