Birthday Girl

Friday, January 30, was Kaylee's 2nd birthday. Saturday we had a party with a few friends and family invited. Here are some pictures of the fun we had.

The main attraction for the kids were the balloons. What a time they had kicking them around. Sorry ... I didn't get a picture of the group (about 12 kids) playing together.

Kaylee loves anything with Mickey Mouse, so of course, her cake was decorated with him and Minnie.

Mickey and Minnie at the Soda Shop.

Blowing out the candle --- with daddy's help.

One of the rows of tables. Somehow I didn't get a picture of the other row.

Opening some of the gifts. After she opened a couple, she was ready to play with what she had...forget the rest. So some of the older girls opened most of others for her.

One of her gifts was wrapped in a Mickey Mouse bag.

Time to go home. Kaylee and Mimi.

Christmas 2008

Well, Chrismas 2008 is history, and all the anticipated activities are behind us. With the last one ending just this evening (our kids headed back to Tennessee just hours ago), the "let-down" feeling has settled in, and I feel sad! I looked forward SO much to the morning after Christmas when Joy and her family would arrive. Now it's all over.... and we get back to the routine, whatever that may be.

We had a wonderful Christmas. The many activities at church -- banquets, parties, programs, etc. were so much enjoyed. The family times together were appreciated more than ever...the older I get the more I realize how much my family means to me. Thought I'd share a few pictures from the past week.

Christmas eve we had our Christmas with Joel's family. Kaylee loves Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, so she received a lot of things related to Mickey Mouse.

Jayna loves to play games. After we opened all our gifts we played her new game. She really enjoyed it, and so did her Daddy, Mommy and Grandma!

Chrismas afternoon we went to my brother Mark's since all four of their children were home on Christmas morning for the first time in a number of years. Mark and Bonnie have five grandchildren -- all boys. Jennifer is expecting again and we told her it's time now for a girl. I guess we'll have to wait and see!! It was so good to see all of them again. These times together are so very special, and Bonnie remarked how much Mom would have enjoyed this day. I often thank the Lord for the rich heritage I have and for the love of family my parents instilled in us children. I am indeed richly blessed!

Last year Marianne's son Allan was so concerned that we didn't pay enough attention to Jesus when it really was His birthday we were celebrating. So this year Bonnie had a cake made with a picture from a Christmas card on the top, and we sang "Happy Birthday" to Jesus. How appropriate!! It was neat seeing Allan's expression when we sang.

We also sang Happy Birthday to Jesus on Christmas eve when we had our Christmas with Joel's family. After we sang, Jayna asked how old Jesus is. (You never know what a child is thinking.)

Marianne (Slagenweit) Brown with Jonathan's little guy -- Tyler.

David's wife April holding Marianne's son Stephen.

Friday morning Joy's family arrived. Missy loves the Christmas wreath my Mom used to make and she wanted to help me make one. So Missy, Jayna and Ethan all helped. Here we are getting it mixed up.

The finished product -- as you can see Ethan cleaned out the pan.

Sunday after church we got a family picture. John Mark didn't get home for the holidays, but this is the rest of the family. It was great to have at least this many of us together for a picture. Getting all of the children to cooperate and smile at the same time was quite a feat. This is the best we could do!

Grandpa and Samuel. He is such a happy baby and readily smiles when you talk to him.

Samuel in the swing while we were busy in the kitchen.

Missy feeding Kaylee crushed ice.


Jayna and Kaylee lovin' on cousin Samuel


Missy and Kaylee

April and Samuel

Blessings

This has been a week of received blessings. First of all, on Tuesday I met an old friend (well... she's not old, but we've been friends a long time). We met in 1969 when we entered nurse's training in Altoona, and haven't seen each other in probably 25+ years. Over the years we've kept in contact at Christmas and since she lives within an hour of State College and I shop there occasionally, we agreed to meet sometime over lunch. I was indeed blessed to meet her at Eat 'n Park and get "caught up" on the happenings of her life. Her husband (Hiram Westover) retired this past spring from pastoring many years in the CMA church, and she is working part-time for Hospice. Thanks, Phyllis, for making my day special.

Yesterday I was blessed by our daughter and her family. I was in the dining room when I noticed out the window that a van had parked out front of our house. A man was reaching inside the side door, retrieved a beautiful floral bouquet, and headed straight for our front door. When the doorbell rang, I opened the door and he said he had something for us. Tears came to my eyes as I opened the card to read that Joy, Wes and family had sent us these gorgeous flowers. I could hardly see the delivery man for the tears that clouded my vision; I asked him if all women cry when he hands them flowers. Thanks, Joy -- you are such a special daughter!! The flowers look so beautiful on our dining room table.

Yesterday was also John's birthday. We wanted to spend the day (or part of it) with Rahn and Trudy, but since she was in Florida helping with the household duties of their daughter-in-law after her back surgery, and didn't plan to fly home until this morning, we decided to "celebrate" the guys' birthday a day late. So we met them this morning at the Cracker Barrel in Harrisburg for brunch. What a lovely time we had! Happy 58th, John and Rahn! Only 2 more years until the big 6-0! Again, we were made aware of the rich blessings of family as we spent this time with them. We indeed are abundantly blessed!!

Memories

I have a facebook page and enjoy keeping in touch with friends and family who don't blog, but have facebook. Yesterday there was quite a buzz with some of my cousins over some pictures that 2 of my cousins posted. For those of you who don't facebook, but check my blog, I am posting 2 of the pictures (of course, the 2 in which I am included). When I look at pictures of the past, it invokes many memories. I realize now how swiftly time passes and the importance of making the best of each moment as it presents itself. I guess I posted this more for myself than anyone else....it gives me a warm, fuzzy feeling looking at family and remembering the great times we have had, the rich heritage we share, and the great debt of gratitude I owe my Saviour for placing me into such a wonderful family.

This one was taken at my Uncle Andrew's house and includes 8 of us cousins who are about the same age. For those of you who are interested, it includes -- beginning at the lower left (the profile) and continuing clockwise around the table; Marilyn Slagenweit Leclair, Daryl Climenhaga, Fred Slagenweit, Carol Slagenweit Hendershot, Pat Slagenweit Smith, Faithe Slagenweit Keefer, Doris Slagenweit Swope, Mary Alice Slagenweit Willard. Aren't we cute???

This one was taken at a Slagenweit reunion several years ago. Of the 27 original cousins, 19 of the 24 living cousins were present. Will it ever happen again that as many are together for another picture? That would be great if it did. Anyway, the idea was to line up in Birth Order. The oldest is in the back row, far right with the youngest in the front row, far left.
For posterity's sake the names and birth dates are as follows: Arlene (6/1/32), Rosalee (7/16/38), Paul Alton (1/22/39), Harold (9/4/41), Joan (3/4/43), Gerald (2/2/44), Judy (4/21/44), Donna (2/13/45), Dorcas (7/17/46), Sylvia (7/6/47), Carol (12/12/48), Fred (2/25/50), Doris (12/10/50), Faithe (2/5/51), Mary Alice (10/13/52), Mark (1/12/55), Faye (11/19/56), Dwight (1/23/57), Andrew (7/18/59). Not present are: Linda (5/16/41), Pat (6/24/49), Daryl (5/30/50), Marilyn (10/11/50), Denise (6/8/57).

I trust I have gotten all the birthdates right. If not, I'll correct them as I am corrected. My apologies to any of the cousins who may not want your age known. I guess it's too late now!!

This winter my brother and I plan to spend a day and go through a few boxes of pictures and things of Mother's that we haven't gone through yet since her passing over 2 years ago. I'll probably be posting more memories in days to come!!

Thanksgiving Recipes

Recently we had guests and I tried 2 new recipes. Both of them are suitable for the holiday season, and turned out very tasty. The cake is very moist, and seems to be even more moist after several days in the refrigerator. Enjoy!!

Cranberry-Pineapple Salad

1 can (20 oz.) crushed pineapple
2 pkg. (3 oz.) raspberry jello
1 can (16 oz.) whole berry cranberry sauce
2/3 cup chopped walnut pieces
1 medium-sized apple, chopped

Drain pineapple, reserving juice. Add water to juice to measure 2 1/2 cups; pour into saucepan. Bring to boil. Add to gelatin mixes in large bowl; stir 2 min. until completely dissolved. Stir in pineapple, cranberry sauce, nuts and apple. Can be poured into one serving dish, jello mold, or 24 paper-lined 2 1/2-inch muffin cups. Refrigerate until set (overnight is best). Unmold and serve on lettuce leaves if using jello mold or muffin cups.

Pumpkin Sheet Cake

1 can (16 oz.) pumpkin
2 cups sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
4 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cups all purpose flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. salt

In a mixing bowl, beat pumpkin, sugar and oil. Add eggs. Mix well. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, & salt. Add to pumpkin mixture and beat until blended. Pour into a greased 10" x 15" x 1" baking pan. Bake at 350* for 25-30 minutes or until cake tests done. Cool completely before frosting.

FROSTING:
Beat 8 oz. cream cheese and 1 stick of softened butter or margarine until smooth. Add 2 cups 10x sugar, 1/8 tsp. salt, and 2 T. flour and beat well. Add 1 tsp. vanilla and beat until mixed in. If frosting seems a little stiff, add 1 Tbsp. milk. (Nuts can be sprinkled on frosting if desired.)



P.S. I enjoy pumpkin roll but seem to have so much trouble with the cake part cracking when I roll it up. This recipe tastes a lot like pumpkin roll, but is much easier to make, and isn't quite as sweet. It is a "hit" with my family!!

This 'N That

I figured it's time to share a few more photos.

Jayna is enjoying kindergarten and is learning so many things. Every time she's with us she amazes us with how much she's learned in such a short time. April had her first parent-teacher conference and we're so proud of how well she is doing. The only problem is a family trait that's been passed down (from her grandma) ....talking too much. I remember only too clearly how badly I wanted to be the study hall monitor when the teacher left the room. When I questioned why I was never chosen, he told me that when I could keep my name off the list (of those who had been talking while he was gone) for a week, then he'd consider me .... I don't ever remember being chosen.... so I must have never had a good week. UGH! Anyway, back to Jayna, the teacher is pleased with her overall behavior and attitudes, etc. Way to go, girl!!!

Jayna's kindergarten picture (What a young lady she's becoming!)

Helping grandpa rake leaves..... well, after grandpa had raked them, she jumped in the container.

Kaylee LOVES Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Every day she wants to listen to it over and over again. At the end of each program they sing the "hot dog song." I was in another room and heard her lustily singing along with it. When I checked on her, she was at the keyboard singing right along. What a girl!

VACATION IN MYRTLE BEACH, SC.

On October 30 we left for Myrtle Beach for a week's vacation. Friday evening, Saturday morning and evening was Gaither Fest at the Convention Center. There were quite a few singing groups/individuals there, and Ken Davis brought a stirring message Saturday morning. We had reservations at one of our timeshare units in Myrtle Beach and friends from Indiana joined us. It was 3 years before (to the day) that we had met Bob and Diane Cooper on the Singing at Sea cruise. We thoroughly enjoyed our time together and made many memories.

This is the condo where we stayed. Looking at the back side (from the beach).




Looking at the beach from our balcony





Walking the beach





Sunday morning before church


Sunday morning before church




Bob & Diane brought binoculars. We enjoyed looking out over the ocean and often saw cruise ships and fishing boats on the horizon. Looks like Diane is using one lens and Bob the other!!





We went to an Imax theater one day. Here we were just outside the building.





Yes, we had to don the 3-D glasses. Don't we look chic???





This is our kitchen. It was a very lovely unit, with 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms.



Bob and Diane brought their "Sequence" game along. We played many rounds throughout the week. Sometimes it was the women against the men; sometimes one couple against the other. What great fun we had, with a lot of laughs!!!





On the way home we got into a bit of rain, then the sun came out. I spied this rainbow and took a picture with my cell phone while we were traveling. It was so beautiful.

Now we're back home and back in the groove of normal life.....whatever that is!

We're Back Home Again

We arrived home Friday evening from our wonderful trip to Tennessee. After prayer meeting on Sept. 24, we decided to leave and drive until our eyelids wouldn't stay open any longer. (Not safe driving, I know!) But we were too excited to sleep and I, for one, don't look forward to 14 hours of straight-through driving. So..... we drove about 4 hours and slept in Harrisonburg, VA. Left there around 8:00 AM Thursday morning and arrived at Joy's around 5:30 PM (their time). Our days were FILLED with great times together and we accomplished some work while we were there. Unfortunately, I left my camera at home --- (I know, I know -- grandmas should NEVER forget their cameras when going to see the family!) But grandmas have a way of forgetting things, no matter how important they are! Just wait -- you'll see!!!!!

While we were there they had a baby shower. This is Joy holding up the cake.

Sunday evening just before we left for church.

John did Samuel's baby dedication Sunday evening. Afterward, we took family pictures. This is Wes's mother and her parents with Wes, Joy, Darren, Missy, Ethan, Samuel and John and me.

Grandpa loving on Samuel

Ethan loves his baby brother and stays close by.

One of the jobs we accomplished was to paint Melissa's bedroom. What a transformation. It is so cute with the pink bottom and yellow top divided by a girlish border. She was really pleased with the end result.

We also painted the kitchen and put extra shelving up for Joy's teapot collection. However, that wasn't totally finished until the last day we were there, and with our packing up, etc., I forgot to take pictures of it. Hopefully, Joy will post that part of our project. Check her blog's link on my sidebar or go to http://wesjoymcdonald.blogspot.com/

One day we went shopping. (A day of shopping is always a must when we are there.) SpringHill is close to Nashville and has a WONDERFUL Goodwill store. I got all kinds of goodies for our cabin, and Joy found this dress for Missy's dress-up collection. At another Goodwill Missy found this cute porcelain doll, so I HAD to buy it for her. She is obviously pleased with our purchases.

I had the privilege of giving Samuel his bath.

We had a great time and miss them already!!! Tennessee is JUST TOO FAR from Pennsylvania. We're already counting the years until retirement so we can spend more time with them.