Nittany Lion Gingerbread!

"Still Life: Bakery constructs gingerbread Nittany Lion Inn"

Advent to Christmas!

Only 15 days till Christmas, I have lots of work to do. Bob decorated the Christmas Tree and I decorated the house and the choir group to put on the front stoop. It's raining outside today and it wouldn't be a good time to move them. Tomorrow, the weather is supposed to change to colder and that might make a better day. Also, I have quilting today and am giving Colleen a little Grey Wolf stuffed toy for her birthday. It's the cutest wolf and she likes animals. Betsy said that she was sending us a box of Christmas goodies this week. I have some good recipes ready to bake cookies and we will be mailing her a box this week too.

I printed out some postcards with my Picture It! software and they didn't put the entire photo on correctly. So, I have 12 cards that still look OK. I am going to mail them to the family and some friends in nursing homes.

This week, St. Michael's have their big Christmas Bake Sale; I am going to take Sticky Buns and Cookies up for that. So, I still have baking and Christmas cards to do to be ready for the big day.

Thanksgiving Day!

Zachary, Jacob and Bowen talk to the robot!
Elicia and Sarah sing "Hannah Montana!"
Sue, making a face, Jeanne and Deb are happy!
Desserts galore sit on Jenn and Deb's table.
Jeanne and Ann admire Jenn and Deb's refrigerators.
Zachary and Sarah built Metropolis.
Dana and Zachary enjoy the dinner!
Sarah and Jon sitting together at the table.
Jeanne looks at Dana and Zachary!

Happy Thanksgiving with the big 22 pound turkey, right out of the oven!

Party Time! 11/22/2008

Ann looks over the twins, her grandkids, doing their own version of happy belly dancing, wearing parts of her costume.
Kristina was so surprised to get exactly what she wanted to bake cheesecake, a pan with a removable bottom.
Angela proudly wears her Penn State tee; Penn State won the game and goes to the Rose Bowl now!
Kristina and Elicia look at the Wizard of Oz ruler.
Bowen helps open up another present.
Kristina gave Angela this beautiful candle!
Happy Birthday Angela and Kristina!

Here are the exuberant belly dancers!

Angela and Kristina celebrate their birthdays!

Eric, Elicia, Kristina

Angela reads the new book to Tanner!


Ann had a twin birthday party on November 22, 2008 to celebrate Angela and Kristina's birthday. She made a buffet supper, since we were all watching the Penn State game to see if they would win and go to the Rose Bowl in California. They won easily and everyone was overjoyed! Bob and I brought over a crockpot with barbequed pork and sausage and rolls. Ann and Kristina had made baked fish, macaroni and cheese, creamed spinach and salad. We had a grand banquet with all kinds of good food. Elicia greeted us with a happy smile. She had a pretty red dress on and I had on a red top. She said that we matched!

Then, Elicia said that her family was all here and she wanted me to take another picture of everyone together. Eric was sitting on the couch watching the game. So Kristina and Elicia sat beside him and made a family portrait. Kristina created a family book using Snapfish and both Tanner and Elicia enjoyed looking at their pictures and admiring the storybook. Kristina did a great job and she made the print big enough so that the children can learn to read the book easily. Bob and I had a great time and we hope to see everyone again soon at Thanksgiving!

Mother's Day!

I celebrated a wonderful Mother's Day with cards, gifts and our family gathered around the table. Bob and I visited Walker Gardens and took pictures of the Spring Beauty and swans gathered around the waters. Sunday, I cooked a ham dinner for Jenn and Deb and Sue and Tom, Bradley, Kristina and Elicia came over to eat some desserts. Betsy and Hazen and little Hazen sent a bouquet of Persian Lilies that opened slowly and burst into full blooms. Jon and Jeanne said that they would come at the end of May to bring me something special. Bob and Kathy gave me a gift certificate to Target and I love to shop there. Ann and Ed bought me a tank top in my favorite color and a beautiful graphic. Sue and Tom and Bradley brought a case of Yuengling, my favorite beer. Jenn and Deb gave me an adorable statue with 2 cute birds saying "Welcome!" Alicia sent me a e-mail card that was hilarious and Jon and Jeanne sent me a JibJab that I put up on my website, "Vogelbird." Thank you to all my wonderful and caring children for giving me the best Mother's Day! I love you all!

Down the Primrose Path!

Here we go down the primrose path again. Every year they pop up beside the patio and brighten up the yard. Last year I entered them in the spring flower contest through the Altoona Mirror and added little Hazen's green face to one of the leaves. It won first place through many votes and Hazen's help. So, I thought that was a wonderful event. I won a Mp3 player, a gym bag and a zipper carrier that would be big enough for a lap top computer. But I keep my MacBook safely ensconced in a heavy padded brief case. Thank you for the help Hazen and Betsy! I found my Mp3 in one of my totes and if you would like it, it is yours!

More Spring Beauty!

Yesterday, Bob suggested that I take some pictures of our blooming flowers. We have the famous primrose that won the CU contest last year. So I shot some photos of the primrose, Dustin's little pine tree and some violets growing in a cluster by our front stoop. Greybaby and Blinky keep looking out at the birds flying around and getting ready for their new babies. The Blessed Mother sits patiently surrounded with new lilies of the valley guarding her.

Spring Pictures!

Tulips by Betsy

While visiting in VA, we stopped to take a picture of Betsy's gorgeous tulips.

Spring Arrives!

Today the birds are singing, the sky is blue and flowers and trees are in full bloom. I am taking my trusty camera outside to explore the scenes and take some shots. Then you can see the wonders of God in our little town.

Alicia sends photos!

Today, we got some fantastic photos from Alicia. An artist photographer, friend of Jessica, caught her beauty and grace, dancing and swirling.