Chchchchanges

I would like to discipline myself to be more attentive to my blog .... just not sure how to do that. I guess you just make the time!!! I wanted to share these pictures of how much the grandkids are growing and changing. They are so precious and I can't believe Maggy has already celebrated her first birthday :) We are once again experiencing a very busy month of June with graduations (4 nephews) and birthdays galore, throw in a couple of weddings, showers and several reunions and well you get the picture. Hubby who isn't a social nut is trying to hang in there until we get through all of these obligations.

Max is 3

Remember when you were amazed at how fast time flew and your kids grew up almost overnight? Well time goes even faster with your grandchildren. It is unbelievable to me that my little buddy Max is 3 already. How can I possibly bottle up all the sweet innocence and special "silent" connection that we have when our eyes meet. How much longer will he snuggle and say, "You like me Mimi? - I like you" and how sweet when with all of his 3 year bravado he looks out for me and growls at anyone he thinks isn't being nice to Mimi, or might make the mistake of sitting in my chair lol. Watching his brother growing up I know that time is so precious and short where we will be special and of extreme importance in their lives - the time before friends. hobbies and even girls take our place. So I will treasure this time and use whatever influence I have to train them to be strong, God-fearing young men who are gentle and merciful and kind to others. Who know how to stand up for their beliefs and make a difference in the lives of those around them.

My Blog Anniversary

Wow!!! It came to my attention today (because I took a trip down memory lane and read my posts) that I have officially been blogging for one year. After reading the posts from the last year I believe I am re energized and will devote more time and attention to this blog. What an amazing way to share our life memories. I think I will someday publish this for the kids and grandkids - to help them understand me better and hopefully feel my love for them through it. To my friends who are considering blogging or those of you who have recently started - don't be discouraged just write what you feel and about what you like, your hopes and dreams and plans for the future :) The photo I am sharing with this post, of me and my kids and grandkids (pre-Maggy) fits my theme perfect "Humor Me I'm Your Mother". And that is what they do, humor me and fill my life with joy unspeakable.

Happy Anniversary

Sunday, November 14 was our 29th wedding anniversary and we celebrated the way we love to - had about 35 friends and family over for a rib cook-off and Steeler game. My parents got us this amazingly beautiful plaque (photo attached) here is what it says;

To be a family .... is to love together, to cry together, to share the course of our lives

with those who care about us, it is to never face heartache alone, to freely rejoice at

our blessings, and to share in the joy of the blessings of others. It is to learn to relate

to each other, work out our differences, help each other grow and nurture each other's

talents and giftings, it is to hold a hand, share a hug, blow a kiss and know that we are

a part of something larger than ourselves, eternal, and a very special gift of God called

*The Shreckengost Family*

My Favorite Time Of The Year

I just love it, love it, love it! We have had some beautiful weather over the last few days. Let's see if I can get caught up on the last month, I am starting to believe that winter will be the only time when I have the spare minutes to blog my heart out. Spending lots of time with the grandkids the last few weekends (all 3 spent the night at once - whew!!!) Went to a couple games to see my nephews, Caleb and Keaton play high school football. They are such handsome young men and amazing football players. They will most likely finish the season as the 2 high scorers. The Ladies Bible Study has resumed and I am knee-deep into developing my Mary spirit in this Martha body lol. And of course fall is harvest time - we have canned and frozen to our hearts content, this weekend we put up Vegetable Soup and it is the best (sorry to brag) that I have ever tasted. We have also canned Beef Barley and Chicken Noodle Soup. Would like to make some French Onion, Chili and who knows what else in the near future. I am still in the energetic fall cleaning mode (I hope it lasts a long time) so I have been sticking close to home when possible, I put up these new kitchen curtains yesterday and I would surely love to get the kitchen cupboards organized, not my favorite chore :( Our little Maggy was dedicated at church this morning - what a precious little girl and sweet family they are, I consider it the "best blessing" ever to be a part of their growing up years, as our Amish friends say.

Labor Day Weekend

And what a weekend it has been. Adam & Salena made it home Friday night, we always stay up and visit until the wee hours then we took them out for breakfast. Salena, Katie, Mom and I went shopping on Saturday. Sunday was a very busy day, church in the morning then Raymond's 7th birthday party at our house. He had friends in the afternoon and they were a wild group of kids - so much fun to watch. Then the family came for supper and we had a houseful. The major excitement of the day was when he rode his brand new bike down the hill and realized he didn't know how to stop and bam right into the gas grill! Thankfully no serious injuries other than the small heart failures that the grandparents suffered. A wonderful time with good food and fun for all. Now we are enjoying a quiet Monday morning and then a fire later on, everyone can come and go as they please and appreciate the extra day of rest ☺

Three Weeks Old

Miss Maggy was 3 weeks old on Thursday. Here is Aunt Katie holding her at Vacation Bible School. We had the privilege of watching her while Mommy went with Max to his class. Working in the kitchen all week gives me a new appreciation for cafeteria workers. But it also allowed us the freedom to keep our little baby doll. She is such a sweet baby. Doesn't cry unless she is hungry or has a tummy ache. She is more alert everyday; watching everyone and following voices. Her hair is getting lighter and she has the palest blue eyes. I have been trying to figure out who she looks like - actually I see both of her brothers and features from many family members so I believe she is going to look just like Maggy ♥

Baseball, Sunsets and Sad Eyes

The weeks continue to fly by - 2010 is going so fast. Our sweet girl will be here soon, three weeks from tomorrow is the day, but we really expect her a little early. Life has been tremendously busy as always. We went to Raymond's first T-ball game on Friday night there were lots of laughs and fun for all. Raymond smiled so big when he went up to bat the first time and the Coach says "hard hitter" to warn the kids in the outfield. Then on Saturday night we took our good friends, Scott and Lori to Starberg and showed them around - we were hoping to see a bear but ran out of time. I did catch this picture of the beautiful sky at sunset. And today the kids came up after church and this picture captures Max's sad eyes (aren't they beautiful) he wanted everyone to know that he has a boo boo from falling down the porch steps yesterday. What another blessed weekend ♥

What A Weekend

Finally found time to get on the blog and share what we have been up to. Friday night started off with an 18Th birthday party for our nephew Vinny. He has grown so big and strong and actually has broken 2 school records at Brookville High School this spring in track. The high jump of 6'5" he made broke a 37 year old record. Everyone was able to attend and we had a wonderful evening. Saturday was the "Surprise Baby Girl Shower" for Sara and what a joyful time we had - more baby girl clothes than I have ever seen at once. We are down to 4 weeks until the blessed event and very excited. And today after church we ate a quick lunch then packed everyone up and headed to "the Berg" as the kids call it. Made some plans on where to put the camp and shed we will be starting soon. Momma doesn't care as long as there is a massive front porch for rocking my babies. Papa and I took Raymond on a hike down to the beaver dam - industrious little critters they are - they have pretty much abandoned this one and spend most of their time at some other ponds on the property which are now massive, thanks to the beavers handiwork. Now here it is Sunday evening and we sat on the porch enjoying the thunderstorm and watching the lightning. Hope everyone has a great week!!

Site For New Camp

Well I guess you can say we are going to blog our progress for the campsite at Starberg. Adam is home on leave so he and hubby spent some time out there getting the campsite ready. We chose the spot more than a year ago, now I would like to think of an appropriate name for it. The location is probably two miles or so from the main highway, hidden beyond a rock quarry and around a bend in the hill is a perfect cove - hidden and protected on three sides by hills and trees. There is a beautiful view and the grand kids can explore forever. So far they pulled all the bushes and small trees and and have mowed it a couple of times to soften the grass up. Adam built the fire ring and weather permitting we are planning a picnic soon. Our plans are for a very old-fashioned wood cabin. We want this to be a restful retreat for the whole family to enjoy. Ray even mowed a couple of extra spots in case any friends want to come out and camp with us.

Easter Sunday

Is there a better way to celebrate Easter and the sacrifice of our Savior, than to share it with the ones we love? Although there is a gap in our family circle again this year because the military does not consider Easter a "major" holiday - we missed you Adam & Salena. Youth Group made breakfast before church mm mm good. We had perfect weather and lots of good food and an amazing Easter egg hunt. Max is so much fun this year at 2 yrs old and Raymond is growing up way too fast and loves making goofy faces for the camera. From the photo of Sara's tummy you can tell we aren't far away from meeting Miss Maggie ♥ We had some family come for lunch and company in the afternoon - all in all just a perfect day:)

Pencil Tree - Chapter 3

Easter - What an important holiday, really the most important holiday of all and it isn't even recognized as a national holiday. One good thing is that is hasn't been totally ruined by commercialization. I do like to decorate some and make a fuss so here is the Easter Chapter of the pencil tree saga. I sure hope the weather holds up for an egg hunt for the grand kids. It is so nice to share holidays with loved ones and when we need to be reminded of the solemnity of this holiday watching "The Passion" is a sure way to make us aware of our Lords sacrifice.

Extended Family

Wow, when I think of all the family we have been blessed with I am awestruck. We often joke about how difficult it was for our kids to find dates because they were related to everyone in town. And in the case of my 2 daughter-in-laws there are people they are related to twice now because of this, not by blood of course:) We have 8 nieces and nephews on hubby's side and 8 on mine. Over the last few years we have been blessed with great-nieces and great-nephews also. Until Grandma Doc passed away in 2006 my grandson Raymond had 14 living grandparents - amazing huh! And him and Max still have 13. My hubby was talking to an older friend the other day and he asked Ray how our kids seem to be so well rounded, and Ray told him because they have been exposed to so much- they have had grandparents and aunts and uncles and extended family beyond measure involved in their lives. All people of different occupations and interests who have shared their knowledge and experiences with them and taught them so much more than we could have on our own. What a blessing for them! This is a picture of my newest great-niece Addison Nicole who I had the privilege of babysitting this afternoon and she is only eight days old. I hope I can contribute to her life in the same way others blessed my own children.

♥ Bundle of Joy ♥

Well here is the ticker to count down for granddaughter #1. Since Sara is such a well behaved daughter-in-law I know we won't be too far off from the May 24th due date. It kind of dashes my hopes for my birthday present on May 10, I really don't expect her that early. However, the chances of hitting another special day are pretty steep. May 17 is Mommy and Daddy's 7th anniversary, May 20 is Aunt Katie's birthday, May 25 is Uncle Adam's birthday and May 29 would be her Daddy's birthday - now how special would that be! As you can see May is a fairly busy month in our family. What a special blessing grandchildren are, for the first time ever we were able to see our little bundle of joy through 3D or 4D ultrasound (not sure which it is) so I feel like I already know her. Her Mommy has had a couple of issues along the way and is scheduled for an echo cardiogram next week - but I trust completely that all will be well. I think of her often and pray for her safe arrival daily - if her personality is anything like her two big brothers we are in for a treat!

How precious new life is - the following excerpt from Psalm 139 says it all;

13 For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place.
When I was woven together in the depths of the earth,
16 your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me
were written in your book before one of them came to be.

Sandwich Generation

They say my husband and I are part of the sandwich generation which is people who are still caring for their children and have become caretakers to their parents, but that is not how this generation applies to me. How blessed Ray and I are that our children are all grown and independent and our parents still have their health and independence too!! I probably could write a book about my parents and still would come up with things I feel the need to share, there are so many memories. Describing them in one word: Constant. Constant in their faith, their love for us and most of all each other. My sister, Missy and I often joke how we had such a great up-bringing and were so smothered with love and security that we weren't prepared for the "real world" as adults. Such great examples they were - when life is tough - you get tougher!!! And there were no illusions, truth and honor and integrity and hard work is what God requires of us and so did Mom and Dad. Forgiveness was taught AND demonstrated in our home, an attitude of service and not selfishness will take you places in this world. Their love and devotion to each other for almost 50 years is a constant example to all. Our family has so much to be thankful for that it should far outweigh anything the future throws at us.

My Three Sons

Snips and snails and puppy dog tails .......... let me tell you what boys are really made of, perpetual motion! Even though they are grown men now, when I see them together it brings back all the memories of years gone by; of how every activity can be a competition and "tough guy" contest. Spending every waking moment possible outside building tree houses and cabins and playing games. Backyard football could be more intense than the Superbowl (without pads) Hunting and fishing until it was too dark to see. Tearing bikes and battery operated vehicles apart then reassembling them for more speed and power. And using their sister as a crash dummy or paintball gun target. Memories of broken bones, stitches and wounds galore!! I thank the Lord for these three young men who at times I thought would send me to an early grave with worry. Now here they are; a school teacher (Ray) a telephone lineman (Tyson) and a Marine (Adam) This picture of them setting up a canopy for a party was so funny - it became a tug-of-war and he-man tough-guy contest! Little boys really never do grow up ... and that's just the way I like it!

Mother of One Daughter

Sugar and spice and everything nice ..... that's my girl - NOT!! She is a tough one, had to be -remember she was the crash dummy and target for my three sons. Katie is a unique girl, she decided to wait until she was 25 to choose what she wanted to be - an architect. She attends PTI in Pittsburgh and lives with the love of her life - her dog Petey. She says she is not looking for a perfect man just the perfect man for her. Hm - smart girl! She loves outside more than inside but seeing that she is accident prone that makes her life very interesting. Speaking of accidents you should see her poor little Dodge Neon - dents and all, she truly believes it is an animal magnet (several deer, possum, a raccoon and one porcupine) have had encounters with the Neon. One thing for certain you usually don't need to try and guess what Kate is thinking she is quite willing to inform you:) I love that we have reached the point where we are friends now not just mother/daughter. I thank God that in this house full of testosterone He sent me an ally!

Scavenger Hunt

OK - maybe that title is a little formal for what I do, cleaning out the basement and closets etc.... but when you have lived in the same home for 26 years and during each of those years collected some things that you stashed away - well what else should I call it. I found this cute little hand painted slate that hung by my Grandma's kitchen door for as long as I can remember. I was excited when I found it! The most amazing thing is I keep finding things I have totally forgotten about. Now I will try and track down where and who it came from - there may be a little family history that goes with it. I hung it in my "work" room and every time I sit at my table in there I look up and see it :)

My British Heritage

The most amazing thing happened to me on Friday evening, I received a Facebook friend request from my cousin, Diane, in England. Sharing a little bit of history with you: My parents met in England while my dad was stationed there in the Air Force - talk about love at first sight - he walked into a little diner with some service buddies and he spotted my mother and he told his friends "that is the girl I am going to marry"! And marry her he did. They were married in 1962 and the following year I was born. I was nearly a year old when Dad was discharged and we came home to the states. In 1974 we made a trip over and spent six weeks with our Grandparents who had never met any of my siblings. Two of my uncles, George and Eddie, have made the trip over here, but other than that I haven't had much contact with my extended family. And out of the blue Diane accidentally comes across me on Facebook. We actually chatted over the weekend and I am so excited. I have been sharing pictures and info with Mom in Florida (she has a hard time navigating the computer - but she is trying) I know it made her cry this morning when she saw the photo. Can you imagine- 17 years old and married to an American and leaving everything you know to start a new life in a foreign land! Anyhow - it sure has made my weekend and hopefully plans will be in the making for a reunion - sometime, somehow. In the meantime we will play catch up on the good old Internet!

Max is 2

Birthdays are so much fun when you are young! We celebrated #2 today with Max. I wanted to cry as he sat in his little blue chair and opened his gifts. The baby is quickly being left behind - he was acting so grown up! It really freaked me out - here is my "Mimi's boy" acting like a little man, although his favorite word is still NO. It was so adorable when we would ask "who's birthday is it Max?"- he would say Melmo. His favorite character is Elmo from Sesame Street, he actually got to go backstage and meet him at Sesame Street on Ice a couple of weeks ago. He really enjoyed the party and even took time to call Uncle Adam and Aunt Salena and chat for a few minutes:) Can you see the 'sleepy eyes' in the last pic? He was wore out - time for a nap!