The GATES’ POST

Another Birthday

2012-01-20T06:45:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Elijah!

Love you bunches...

Grandpa and Grandma

Listen to the Birthday Song!

It's for YOU today.

December Riddles

2011-11-29T15:30:00.001-08:00

Q. What do you call a snowman in the summer?

A. A puddle!

Q. How do snowmen greet each other?
A. Ice to meet you!

Q. Where does a snowman keep his money?
A. In a snow bank

Q. Where does a snowman get his information?
A. The winternet

Q. What do you get when you cross a snowman and a shark?
A. Frostbite.

Q. What do snowmen eat for breakfast?

A. Frosted flakes

Q. What do you call an old snowman?

A. Water

Q: What do lady snowmen use to stay young looking?
A: Cold cream.

Q. What happened when the snowwoman got angry at the snowman?

A. She gave him the cold shoulder.

Q. What do snowmen wear on their heads?
A. Ice caps.

Q. What is a snowman's favorite lunch?
A. An iceberger with a bowl of chili!

Q. What do you call a snowman party?
A. A Snowball!

Q: How do you know if there's a snowman in your bed?
A: You wake up wet!

Q. What did the guests sing at the snowman's party?

A. Freeze a Jolly Good Fellow

Q. Why did Frosty go to live in the middle of the ocean?

A. Because snow man is an island.

Q. Why did Frosty the Snowman want a divorce?

A. Because he thought his wife was a flake

Q. How does Snowman get to work?

A. On an icicle.

Q. What do snowmen call their offspring?

A. Chill-dren

Q. What do you call a snowman walking through a jungle?
A. Lost

Accidental Turkeys

2011-11-07T02:42:00.000-08:00

Oops! I accidentally posted this! Oh, well....I've been adding a riddle/joke-a-day in November (except for weekends) on my facebook page. I was going to save them up until Thanksgiving week and post them all at once here...Oh, well. I guess I'll just keep adding.'em until I run out.

Happy Thanksgiving, Friends & Family!

Q: If twenty thanksgiving turkeys told terrible tales, how many "t's" would there be in all? A: If you said "7" you'd be wrong. There are NO "t's" in the word "all"

Q: What do you get if you have Broomhilda on a beach with a turkey? A: A turkey sand-wich.

Q: Why did the turkey sit on the tomahawk? A. To hatchet.

Q: If you call a large turkey a gobbler what do you call a small one? A: Goblet.

Q: What happened to the turkey who got into a fight? A. He got the stuffing knocked out of him!

Q: Why did the turkey stuffing go on strike? Because it wanted a better celery

Q: How do you send a turkey through the post office? A. Bird Class mail

Q: What is the difference between a chicken and a turkey? A: Chickens celebrate Thanksgiving!!

Q.: What happened to the turkey whose feathers were all pointing the wrong way? A. He was tickled to death.

Q: What happened to the turkey that was shot at by an Indian? A. It had an arrow escape.

Q: Why did the turkey go to the movie? A. To see Gregory Peck (You'd probably need a little age on you to "get" this one.)

Q: What sound does a turkey's phone make? A: Wing! Wing!

Q. Can a turkey jump higher than the Empire State Building? A. Yes - a building can't jump at all

Q. What did the mama turkey say to her naughty son? A. If your papa could see you now, he'd turn over in his gravy!

Q. What do you call a bunch of turkeys playing turkey? A. Fowl play

Q. Why didn't the turkey eat dessert? A. He was stuffed!

Q. What sound does a space turkey make? A. "Hubble, hubble, hubble."

Q: Did the little Pilgrims eat their turkey with their fingers? A: No, they never ate their fingers!How do

Q: How do you keep a turkey in suspense? A: I'll tell you at Christmas.

Kids of October

2011-10-29T11:01:00.001-07:00

"E", Newly 3

2011-10-12T18:05:00.000-07:00

First day of school @ age 3...

Something's Missing Here!

2011-10-08T07:19:00.000-07:00

ANOTHER Birthday!

2011-10-04T03:35:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th Birthday, Taniah!

♥ Grandpa and Grandma LOVE you SOOOOOOOOO much ♥

Be sure to listen to the Birthday Song

and DANCE!

Happy Birthday, Emma!

2011-10-02T04:43:00.001-07:00

Grandpa and Grandma ♥♥♥ you!

Happy birthday, Emma! Hello, Kansas Kids!

10 - Happy Birthday - 10

2011-09-25T13:09:00.000-07:00

Our oldest grandson
turns 10!

Happiest of Birthdays!

"Don't let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity."

I Timothy 4:12

Love,

G'pa & G'ma

The Smiths go to School

2011-09-03T12:19:00.000-07:00

What a Good Beginning!

2011-09-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

Have a WONDEFUL day at school, Emma!

Grandpa and Grandma L-O-V-E you.

at Taste of the Arts

2011-08-28T16:44:00.000-07:00

You've gotta click on these pictures to make them bigger!
Amazing.
Basically marble like balls started the motion. Then it kept going...

Spinning down notebook springs (can you see them above/)

...rolling through tubes and setting off all kinds of levers and pendulums!
Ordinary materials. Tin cans, a mousetrap, flashlight tube...
Lots of cardboard.

Oh. Did I say I made a hat out of newspapers at an Art Booth?

First Day of 2011-2012 School Year

2011-08-17T18:11:00.000-07:00

A (Grand)Mom's Prayer
for the First Day of School
Here we are again, Lord. Their backpacks are loaded and their faces are scrubbed and their lunch cards are full. And I know you'll walk with them, Lord. You always do. But a (grand)mom still has to ask. Will You walk with them? Will You whisper to them what they need to hear, when I'm not there to whisper it? Will You please, oh please, cover their school with the protection only You can give, and will You keep harm far away? Will You make their minds strong and ready to learn? Will You help them understand that hard work honors the One who created them? Will You guide their teachers, giving them patience and wisdom and creativity and more patience? Will You bless them for their efforts? Will You love all those children there, the ones whose lunch accounts aren't full, the ones who feel alone? Will You teach my (grand)children to be kind and unselfish and to love those who are different from them? Will You point them back toward home just as soon as you can? Lord, I give them to You today and everyday, trusting them to Your care. In Jesus' name, Amen.

The Smiths at Kreager Park & More!

2011-08-06T02:47:00.000-07:00

What a beautiful day it was!

And few better places to be!

Later in the evening, we went across the street to the Harlan Days Festival.

Other Friday activities were finishing the Hugs handouts (below)

and painting the tool box obtained for nothing at a thrift store on Thursday (above).

To see anything you missed about our Thursday,

try THIS post...

C & C, Day 3

2011-07-30T14:06:00.000-07:00

And so much MORE!

C & C, Day 2

2011-07-29T18:25:00.000-07:00

Afternoon of Day 1

2011-07-28T13:46:00.000-07:00

Stopped in the Warsaw/Winona Lake area to eat and find the Billy Sunday Museum.

Kid's Meal at Dairy Queen included a treat!

And this framed article on the D.Q. wall gave us a hint

of some of the history of the Winona Lake area...

Below, grandsons pose in front of life-sized Billy Sunday--

baseball player turned fiery evangelist!

The tabernacle named after him has been razed,

but there is much interesting memorabilia in this small museum

located uphill in Westminster Hall.

I remember the bicycles-built-for-two, rentable,

from when I lived there in the early 60's.

So many changes here. Gary and I will go back

to this beautiful place and take our time "touring" one day soon, God-willing.

Our Kansas Kids

2011-07-16T04:33:00.000-07:00

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Birthday at Riverfest

2011-06-26T09:21:00.000-07:00

Spent a great morning at Riverfest on Abby's birthday!

I think if you click on the pictures--and click again--

you can see some of the fun more clearly!

Seventh Birth Day

2011-06-25T06:32:00.000-07:00

Abby and Sammie whipped up the birthday cake
from the recipe in this book.

They'll enjoy the cake later with the boy cousins & Titus in Rochester.

A trip with Grandpa to the doughnut shop
resulted in "birthday donuts".

We sang "Happy Birthday" and enjoyed the breeze
while the cake baked.

Birthday Eve

2011-06-25T03:09:00.000-07:00

(L to R) Birthday girl Abigail; cousin Sammie, neighbor Shirley. Not pictured above: Sister Taniah, Neighbor Jim,
Grandpa Gary and Grandma Rebecca.

Mother of the birthday girl, below making s'mores.

Eventually we got a wet washcloth. S'mores are yummy AND messy!

The evening was cool.

The fire was delightful!

Our Fortieth

2011-06-05T16:11:00.000-07:00

After church we celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary day

at The Back 40 Junction in Decatur, IN.
40/Forty.

We're looking forward to a trip to Buffalo, NY

which we'll tag onto a business trip in July.

We hear there are many beautiful gardens throughout the city

that are open to the public all summer.

Thanking God for His faithfulness to us, our marriage, our children...

and wondering where the 40 years have gone!?!

Saturday morning at the Park

2011-05-30T07:40:00.000-07:00

Donuts with Dads

2011-05-16T10:09:00.000-07:00

Donuts (well, Danish) with Dad this morning.

Dad said, "I'm proud of my son."

I (Grandma) said, "I'm proud of MY son, too!"
(I'm also very, VERY happy to have a phone plan
that allows me to get & send picture texts...
and SKYPE to have visited
with our Kansas grandchildren last night!)

Blasts from the Past

2011-05-14T04:52:00.000-07:00

Since we have TEN grandchildren, I know that I'm taking a risk in only posting these four...but I was going through some old files and couldn't help myself! I don't know where the time has gone. Seems like only yesterday that these pictures were taken!

What They Left Behind

2011-04-24T14:48:00.000-07:00

The Easter Egg Hunt!

2011-04-23T13:49:00.000-07:00

At 2:00 sharp, the kids were sent off to gather eggs. Between 1300-2000 eggs had been filled with candy pieces. Dwayne & Carole are great hosts! The kids emptied their candy and returned the eggs to be used for NEXT years' hunt...

The Easter Bunny arrived in a horse drawn cart. Titus got brave and had his picture taken with the Easter Bunny.

After eating some hotdogs, the kids got to fish. Abigail caught the first fish (see below) and a second one (a bass). Then Dwayne and Titus fished until Titus hooked a big catfish, too!

a day at Science Central

2011-04-22T13:36:00.000-07:00

Thursday morning

2011-04-21T08:41:00.000-07:00

Grandparent's Day with Carson

2011-04-12T02:18:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, John!

2011-03-27T09:04:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday, John!

Be sure to listen to the birthday song!

We love you SOOOOOOOOOO much.

♥Grandpa & Grandma

Invitation

2011-03-14T18:16:00.000-07:00

"Come, Grandma, walk with me...
help me to be the best kid I can be.

Take me here and take me there...
show me now how much you care.

The many hours we share together...
will be the times I'll remember forever."

~author unknown

Pool Time in the Winter

2011-03-03T18:50:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Titus!

2011-02-26T17:24:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to You!
BE SURE TO PLAY THE SONG ON THE PLAYLIST!
IT'S FOR YOU, GRANDSON.

Enjoy your birthday - ALL day!

He's 5!

Happy Birthday, Gary!

2011-02-06T02:32:00.000-08:00

He spent yesterday "warming up" for his birthday by shoveling snow from the second story rooftop!

Today, we'll enjoy dinner with friends after chuch

and then settle in for the SuperBowl.

Gary shares a birthday with the late Ronald Reagan. It would have been his 100th today.

Gary was born in 1950, so it's rather easy to figure out how old HE is...

'sNO Fun!

2011-02-02T09:41:00.000-08:00

Here

There! (Eureka, IL)

And in Ohio, Grandma Zimmerman's birthday!
Happy Birthday, Mother/Grandma/Great-Grandma!

64 Years and Going Strong!

2011-01-26T05:25:00.000-08:00

We celebrated last night. Hal, Suzie & Stephanie were here, too.

In fact, the hats are because we also were celebrating Hal's 50th birthday!

Happy Birthday, E!

2011-01-22T03:39:00.000-08:00

Birthday #1.

Remembering...

2011-01-17T17:07:00.000-08:00

Haven't seen ANY of our grandchildren since Christmas, so I went into the "archives".

I didn't remember this sweet picture of A. celebrating her 6th birthday last June...

I'd no more than posted the first picture
then I received THIS one via email.
She is our newest granddaughter, arriving just before Christmas.
We haven't met her face-to-face yet.
You can imagine how eager we are to see her.

Wrapping Up Christmas

2010-12-30T17:06:00.000-08:00

We missed these grandchildren at our recent family gathering. How good to see their smiles!

This is our Christmas Wrap-Up!

from Zimmerman Christmas @ Heritage Inn

2010-12-29T04:03:00.000-08:00

Swimming, making bags for the treasure hunt, fun times with cousins, good desserts, jelly beans, games and singing...

Fun on Saturday

2010-11-27T12:13:00.000-08:00

We started the morning with a brisk walk to the donut shop! Abby got her Bavarian creme filled donut and Titus chose Christmas sprinkles on his.

Then we spent some time setting up the farm.

Grandma even figured out how to build a Lincoln log cabin!

Our farm has 26 cows (including 19 milking cows), 3 ducks, 6 pigs, 4 dogs, 5 chickens, 2 cats, 18 sheep, 13 horses and 1 bird--for a total of 98 animals! We also have 4 people.

We went to Pizza Hut for lunch; then tried some thrift store shopping. Our favorite was closed. The other two were crowded and messy. Now back home, we have some books to read & some presents to wrap!

Grandpa at the Football Hall of Fame

2010-11-13T06:02:00.000-08:00

Maybe most recent display! October 2010.

Slide Show!

2010-11-05T03:15:00.003-07:00

All of these photos were taken by C & C using a spare (old) cell phone camera! Grandma tried her hand at making her first slide show! ENJOY! (And forgive the spelling mistake.)

It's YOUR Birthday, Taniah!

2010-10-04T04:25:00.000-07:00

We love you bunches!
Be sure to dance to your Birthday Song.

Grandpa and Grandma
XXX
OOO

Future Sports Writer/Caster???

2010-10-03T09:08:00.000-07:00

Our grandson (the one on the far right in my blog header) wrote this report. It was selected to appear on the Scholastic Website! We are very proud of him. His father did a report on Jackie Robinson over 20 years ago. I REMEMBER!

The Life of Jackie Robinson

By: Caden G.
Illinois, Age 9

Jackie Roosevelt Robinson was born in Cairo, Georgia in the year of 1919. He was the youngest of five kids. After Jackie was born his father left the family and they moved to Pasadinia,California.He went to high school and college in California.Jackie Robinson played in the Negro Leages before he took a try out with the Brooklyn Dodgers.After the try out the Dodgers choose him to be the first African-American baseball player,but because he had dark skin,he couldn't always eat at the same restaurants sleep in the same hotels,and worst of all,he couldn't ride the same bus as his team.Halfway through his rookie season he married Rachel Isum.At the end of his first season he won MLB's first ''Rookie of the Year Award.''Jackie Robinson died Oct. 24, 1972.He was introduced into the Hall of Fame a year or two later.Jackie Robinson is famous for breaking baseball's ''color barrier''.

Happy Birthday, Emma Rose!

2010-10-01T02:39:00.000-07:00

Grandpa and I LOVE you, Emma. Sure wish we could celebrate your birthday WITH you.
We're sending a birthday song for you. Hope you like it!

For Abigail

2010-09-29T06:50:00.000-07:00

Skirt I found for Abby...

See the tiny pocket INSIDE the pocket?

The Bible holder Linda Stubbs made.

That's a little notebook covered in blue and placed in pocket on the outside!

(The skirt colors in the last two pictures are more accurate.)

Aaaaaaaaaah!

2010-09-18T08:12:00.000-07:00

Missing our big brother!

She Starts School Tomorrow!

2010-09-06T16:20:00.000-07:00

Our oldest granddaughter begins school TOMORROW. We had great fun together TODAY!
Click to see closer up.

School Daze

2010-09-01T08:28:00.000-07:00

Our grandson (on the left) and his buddy. First FULL day of kindergarten...
... and his brother and a friend on their first day of
preschool.

Happy Birthday, Amy!

2010-08-26T04:51:00.000-07:00

For who you ARE,
for all you DO,
for all you SERVE,
for your pure HEART,

I am SO thankful.

I'm proud of you and love you more than I communicate

and more than you know.

Love, Mom

Back to School I

2010-08-19T02:37:00.000-07:00

Four of our grandchildren started school this week - two in kindergarten one in first grade, and one in third grade! Have a great year, kids! John, buddy, Grandpa and Grandma are SO proud of you! You look FANTASTIC in your Bears shirt with your new tote bag!

The Smiths Go to Michigan

2010-08-14T08:41:00.000-07:00

While the Obamas vacation at Martha's Vineyard (and the Gulf Coast), the Smiths are in Michigan enjoying a retreat with the student leaders from Moody Bible Institute where these children's father is employed...

Have fun, kids!

Water, Water, Everywhere

2010-08-11T03:26:00.000-07:00

There are waterparks in Kansas, too!

I didn't realize the title I used for this post came from The Rime of the Ancient Mariner...

Day after day, day after day,

We stuck, nor breath nor motion;

As idle as a painted ship

Upon a painted ocean.

Water, water, everywhere,

And all the boards did shrink;

Water, water, everywhere,

Nor any drop to drink.

Saturday Pleasures

2010-08-08T15:35:00.000-07:00

Saturday morning. T was ready with his basket to collect candy thrown from floats and other paraders!

What's a parade without a band? Here's Woodlan's!

In the afternoon we went to watch the Grand Prix Corn Crate race. Here, Grandpa & T look over the entrants prior to the race.

In lieu of Saturday night baths, T chose the fountains at Headwaters Park in Fort Wayne.

What a great way to end the day!

The Kansas "Krew" Rides and Reads!

2010-08-05T09:53:00.000-07:00

At the library...

Love to see you guys wearing those helmets!

Wish we could read with you.

Tuesday with Two

2010-07-02T14:43:00.000-07:00

A stop at the downtown library held many surprises including this space ship with special reading modules!

Picnic at Headwaters Park was followed by a romp in the fountains!

We stopped in to visit cousins and Great-Grandparents...

...before a trip to Auburn to see thirteen life-sized statues!

Later, at home we made s'mores. A perfect end to a wonderful day.

Grandparenting Fun!

2010-06-27T18:53:00.000-07:00

'Tis the end of our first (partial) day. We met the boys & their parents about 1/2 way between our two homes.

The boys played a travel game in the backseat a lot of the way home! We had a hard time finding a dog, a ladder, and a few other things that we thought would be easy!

Once home, we soon were playing some games - Stay Alive, and a couple of new card games Grandma taught us. "Slap" was one of them...

We each selected a napkin ring to identify our napkins to be used for a few meals.

Dinner included cantaloupe, strawberries, grapes, celery with Ranch dressing dip, and hamburgers in whole wheat sandwich rounds.

After a walk, we had some blueberry/strawberry fruit smoothies that Grandpa made (above).

Then we played the Corn Hole game on the driveway.

Bedtime followed after Grandpa read some books. (They were almost ASKING to go to bed!) The end of a wonderful first day!

Look Who's 6 Years Old!

2010-06-25T04:25:00.000-07:00

Happy 6th Birthday, Abigail! Grandpa and Grandma L-O-V-E you!

Almost Birthday

2010-06-17T13:35:00.000-07:00

I've furnished the rooms of the doll house we're giving our granddaughter for her birthday this weekend with extra pieces I have on hand. The scale is not quite right, but there are enough pieces to keep her busy. She loves to arrange and rearrange the furniture in the doll houses we have here. The exterior of the doll house (before and after) can be seen HERE. The attic room is the nursery/toy room.

Before and After

2010-06-02T06:49:00.000-07:00

Our oldest granddaughter got a haircut! Doesn't she look like her American Girl doll, Kit?!

Sunny Sunday Afternoon in Chicago

2010-05-23T17:36:00.000-07:00

Baptism Eve

2010-05-15T17:43:00.000-07:00

Grandma traveled from Indiana and met 4 of the Smiths in El Paso, IL.

All five of the kids swam. The water was COLD, so they frequently retreated to the warm shower!

After swimming, we had dinner at McDonald's next door to the hotel. Then we returned to the breakfast room to play Uno and Skippo. Great fun!

Amber & the three Smith kids are sharing a room at the hotel with Grandma. Tomorrow morning we'll meet up with Josh and family and go to church where Caden will be baptized. What a special day!

Feeding Ducks

2010-05-05T04:22:00.000-07:00

Feeding the ducks on a clear Kansas evening...Grandma wishes SHE was there!

Pictures from the Kitchen Table

2010-04-29T10:29:00.000-07:00

We don't get to see our Kansas grandchildren often enough!

Grandparents' Day 2010

2010-04-21T17:35:00.000-07:00

While we waited for the time to go to school, Grandpa played outfield while Carson practiced batting.

After arriving at school, we found Caden's class. He showed us some of the story he was reading and gave us poems he'd written. Grandma Roth was there, too.

Before we knew it, it was time for lunch. Spaghetti, peaches, tossed salad, bread and margarine, and chocolate milk!

Recess was next. Caden played tether ball and then ran down to the playground equipment. When the bell rang, he and Grandpa walked ahead of the Grandmas to line up to go inside.

When we got back inside, the grandparents had to take a timed math test. Grandma G did pretty well, huh, Caden?

Then he interviewed us using ten questions and writing down the answers. We also saw some slide shows about the butterfly festival, gingerbread house making, and the visit to the apple orchard.

After all that, we went outside to watch gym class. We were really proud at how fast Caden ran. (The girls started out ahead of the boys. Caden never stopped running the whole two laps!)

Then the kids got in groups of four and tossed a frisbee.

Before we knew it, gym was over and it was time for us to go back to Indiana! We had a great time. Thanks, Caden, for inviting us.

Good Advice

2010-04-15T16:48:00.000-07:00

Don't get into a habit of giving your children expensive gifts and clothes. Your children only want to feel safe and secure. They want to spend time with you and to feel loved - that is the most precious gift available, and it can be given every day.

For more great advice about building financial security, read this post: Simple Living in Your 30's . I couldn't have said it better myself!

Happy Easter, Dear Grandchldren!

2010-04-03T05:18:00.000-07:00

Up from the grave He arose,
With a mighty triumph o’er His foes,
He arose a Victor from the dark domain,
And He lives forever, with His saints to reign.
He arose! He arose!
Hallelujah! Christ arose!

I didn't get you any candy this year, but here's something fun to do! Have your Mom or Dad take you to this place. Then see if you can arrange this play house JUST the way you'd like it! Have fun!

I serve a risen Saviour,
He's in the world today;
I know that He is living,
Whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy,
I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him
He's always near.
CHORUS
He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives
today!
He walks with me and He talks with me
Along life's narrow way.
He lives, He live, salvation to impart!
You ask me how I know He lives:
He lives within my heart.

These are two of Grandma's favorite Easter songs! I hope you know them, too!

More Spring Fun!

2010-03-29T14:27:00.000-07:00

Saturday afternoon - picked up sticks and burned them....

First picnic of the season...grapes, cheese, crackers.

Then came Sunday,,

Sunday, rain completely obliterated Easter Egg hunt. We went to Burger King & kids played in the playland.

We had some indoor egg hunts when we got home.

Monday we went to Ohio to visit Great-Grandpa & Grandma Z.

The children enjoyed looking at old photographs with G. Grandpa & Grandma. They treated us to McDonalds, a trip to their church with its indoor play area, and then home for ice-cream cones.

Some Saturday Morning Fun with Grandkids

2010-03-27T09:46:00.000-07:00

New game...Pen the Pig!

Together time. Arranging the dollhouse.

The "Broom Brigade" - Helping Grandpa clean up outside.

Crafting. Safety pins and beads.

Happy Birthday, C!

2010-03-16T03:39:00.000-07:00

A Birthday Riddle

Grandson 2, Look at you!

Six you are and growing.

Strong and happy, fast and smart--

WHO knows where you'll be going?

(Clue: Job 34:21)

Email us the answer when you know it!

Four Minutes of Your Time. PLEASE!

2010-03-07T04:28:00.001-08:00

Whatever else you remember of me as mother and/or grandmother, know this song is the expression of my heart--AND the desire of my heart for each of you. Many, many times I have failed to demonstrate this passion. Forgive me.

Please make Him YOUR passion today.

It's Your Birthday!

2010-02-26T08:49:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday, Titus!

Leaving your threes and starting your fours...

You're full of stories and music and more.

Ideas abound; enthusiasm, too.

We can't wait to see how God will use you!

What Are YOU Reading?

2010-02-24T15:25:00.000-08:00

I wonder what our OTHER grandchildren are reading? Send me your picture reading your favorite book! Grandpa and Grandma are reading, too!

Simple and Sentimental Craft

2010-02-16T12:24:00.000-08:00

Here's a craft idea for you, Moms! It reminds me of a Christmas wreath one of our daughters made in third or fourth grade. I laminated it, cut out the center, and hang it proudly every Christmas. Be sure to date these little hands!

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

2010-02-06T12:55:00.000-08:00

Besides a telephone call with Happy Birthday sung to him by John and Ross, Grandpa received several things in the mail (or hand-delivered, in the case of A & T's card).

The paint on C's painting seemed to sparkle! It must be a special kind of paint. Grandpa loves the color blue, by the way!

This card said it all!

Happy Birthday, Grandpa!

Celebrating a 31st Birthday at Das Essenhaus

2010-02-02T16:53:00.000-08:00

Amber and Brenton, relaxing after dinner...

while Grandpa doled out pennies to...

spin in the spinner!

The animals were lovable...

large, and tame.
Das Essenhaus, Middlebury, IN. A wonderful place to eat and shop. It is a half-way point for us to meet our children and grandchildren. We have celebrated Amber's birthday here for several years!

Have Your Cake and Eat It, Too!

2010-02-01T07:49:00.000-08:00

Moist, delicious and a gorgeous shade of pink - perfect for Valentine's Day!

Easy Valentine's Day Cake

1 box (18.25 ounces) white cake mix
1 package (3 ounces) red Jell-O powder (Strawberry, Raspberry, or Cherry flavor)
1 cup milk
1/2 cup butter, melted
3 large eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Buttercream Frosting (recipe below) or you can use prepared frosting
Assorted candies for decorating (optional)

*Preheat oven to 350 degrees Grease one round 9-inch cake pan and one square 9-inch cake pan and dust lightly with flour; set aside.
*In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, Jell-O powder, milk, butter, eggs, and vanilla. Beat with an electric mixer on low speed for one minute. Increase mixer speed to medium and continue beating for another two minutes, until batter is smooth and well blended.
*Divide batter evenly between the two prepared pans. Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until very lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool cakes on wire racks for about 10 minutes; remove from pans and cool completely.
*When cakes have cooled, create a heart-shaped cake by turning the square cake so that it looks like a diamond. Cut the circle cake in half to make two semi-circles; place one half on each of the top two sides of the "diamond" to make a heart.

Buttercream Frosting

1/2 cup butter, softened
3 3/4 cup confectioner's sugar, sifted
4 tablespoons milk
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
liquid food coloring (optional)

*In a large mixing bowl, beat butter with an electric mixer on low speed for about 30 seconds, or until light and airy.
*Add the sugar, milk, and vanilla. Beat on low speed for one minute; turn the mixer to medium speed and continue beating until frosting is fluffy, about another minute.
*Add food coloring, a couple of drops at a time, and continue beating until desired shade is reached. If frosting is too thin, add more confectioner's sugar (about a tablespoon at a time) until desired consistency is reached. If frosting is too thick, add milk using the same method. Use immediately.

Organizing Kids' Papers

2010-01-26T17:10:00.000-08:00

You can find more about this here - hers contain hanging file folders made out for each grade (?) I just really liked the decorative way she personalized the crates! Isn't it clever?

Two Grandsons

2010-01-25T13:46:00.000-08:00

EXCITEMENT!

Contemplation.

Happy Anniversary, Great Grandpa & Grandma Z!

2010-01-23T13:59:00.000-08:00

January 24, 1947 is the date they got married!

This is them 63 minus 1 day later!
(There are more pictures on the Life and Godliness blog.)

Driving Micky Mouse

2010-01-18T11:21:00.000-08:00

R, E & MM!

Shopping never was more fun!

No Cure for Curiosity?

2010-01-11T07:57:00.000-08:00

The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.

(Dorothy Parker)

I WISH AND PRAY for....

2010-01-07T17:39:00.000-08:00

I found this in the form of a New Year's Wish on one of the blogs I visit occasionally. It so aptly sums up my prayer and desire for the lives of each of our children and eventually each grandchild (and certainly for myself).

A mind - Open and creative

A heart - True, receptive and soft

A spirit - Energetic, with a heavenly direction

A soul - Full of praise and thanksgiving

A body - Healthy and well cared for

A faith - Steadfast, with glory to God

Emotions - Stable and filled with love

A desire - To do God’s will

A will - Set to accomplish God’s purpose for you

A memory - That God has made you very special

A satisfaction - That you have done your best

An attitude - tolerant, understanding and forgiving

A determination - to make the world a better place

A love - That knows no bounds

A joy - Giving you peace of mind and happiness

A blessing - To sustain and keep you.

(J. Walker Whittle)

Hot Food for a Cold Day!

2010-01-07T09:24:00.000-08:00

It's healthy, it's easy to make, it's meatless, it's economical (especially when I bought the beans, diced tomatoes and tomato sauce at Sav-A-Lot)! The recipe is on my "health post." Hope you like it. Let me know.

LOVE

2010-01-04T08:47:00.000-08:00

"We are not held back by the love we didn't receive in the past, but by the love we're not extending in the present." ~ Marianne Williamson

Oh, how desperately I need to remember this! (And while I rightfully credit Ms. Williamson for this quote, I do not endorse all of Ms. Williamson's writings. Just so you know.)

More at Heritage Inn

2009-12-30T12:58:00.000-08:00

(Not the best picture I have taken of my parents, but it is because of their generosity that 33 of us gathered again for our annual Christmas reunion.. We were missing my brother's family which would have added 11 to our number.)

Holiday at Heritage Inn (Archbold, OH)

2009-12-29T05:05:00.000-08:00

And more to come!

Last night was Quiddler - the game. Great fun!

Harlan Christmas Celebration

2009-12-28T04:34:00.000-08:00

2009-12-25T03:29:00.000-08:00

...nieces and nephew with Grandpa Z.

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.

~Burton Hillis

Presents!

2009-12-24T10:34:00.000-08:00

And MANY more!

Some Things to Look for When You Come

2009-12-13T04:24:00.000-08:00

A few things you'll see when you come to Grandpa & Grandma's!

Guess Whose?

2009-12-05T09:20:00.000-08:00

Reflections of our 2009 Thanksgiving Gathering

2009-11-30T05:43:00.000-08:00

While the Thanksgiving table was being cleared, two men had a serious conversation.

We moved to the living room to play "Four on a Couch". (The fourth person sat on a chair beside the couch.) But here, father and his two daughters sat side by side. The women won both games, by the way.

T. found a great friend. This was taken either during the "couch" game or while we played Thanksgiving Alphabet...

Great Grandpa took time to communicate one-on-one with most of us. He's a great encourager.

We celebrated his 83rd birthday a day early.

Many others were here, but the photographer sadly found herself distracted and separated from her camera. Thus no picture of the turkey and ham platters and an absence of pictures of the entire group. An incredibly delicious meal complete with multiple desserts exceeded our appetites. Games were played; conversations abounded. We missed those who were unable to be here, but recognize the realities of distance and juggling multiple family commitments. We thank God for our family and blessing us with each other.

Abigail Decorated our Dollhouse

2009-11-26T13:14:00.000-08:00

2009-11-25T14:06:00.000-08:00

Wednesday was full of games, books, visit to Grabill Library and Schmuckers' Produce Store.

Titus helped Grandpa clean the shed.

We made eggs in a bag and after it was dark took a drive to see if any houses were decorated for Christmas!

Pew Manners

2009-11-20T06:35:00.000-08:00

It's a long article, but I believe it is extremely practical. Too many children have not been trained to sit in church (and other public meetings). Many of these ideas may help in that training. It takes patience and intention on the part of parents, but the rewards are worth it--for family peace and the benefit of those who sit ahead of, behind, or next to families with young children. There is nothing more beautiful than well-trained children. I SO respect families who have made this aspect of child-rearing a priority.

There. I've said it.

I REALLY HOPE YOU CAN SPARE 2 MINUTES TO SEE THIS!

2009-11-19T03:49:00.001-08:00

"Thank" If You Love Jesus!

2009-11-18T07:43:00.000-08:00

What are YOU thankful for?

Even though we'll be scattered on Thanksgiving Day, I want you to know how thankful I am for you, my dear children and grandchildren.

Thank you, Heavenly Father, for the gift of Jesus Christ and the salvation you provided for us. Thank you for eternal life! Thank you for food on our table, beds to sleep in, toys to play with, and all things beautiful. Thank you for your creation. Thank you for health. Thank you for the freedom we enjoy in the United States of America. Thank you for church families, pastors and teachers. Thank you for your Word and for many translations and copies of the Bible in our homes.