Grandson #2 and other thoughts

Every time I look at pictures of my grandchildren, I want to stop what I am doing and hold Leah, play with Ella, and make cookies with Luke so he has more to get into! Just found out this week that we will have another grandson joining us in June. Here is his picture at 21 weeks. Wonder what his name will be and how anyone could ever intentionally take the life of a child at this age. I can't wait to hold him in my arms as well!

Oh, Brain, Wherefore art thou?

Ever have one of those times when you feel the brain has left the house? My brain has been checking out frequently during these cold winter days. Last weekend I tried to make coffee without a filter in the machine (clogged it up royally). Then I lost our symphony tickets between home and the symphony – found it down the side of the seat where it was almost impossible to retrieve.

Today I took some newsletters to the District Office in a building just down the hill from the high school. When I got back into the car, I noticed a bag of balloons and ribbons which reminded me that I needed to go to the party store for more of same. I drove to the party store (5 miles into town), and talked with Sharon on the phone while driving. Once I arrived I realized I had not taken my purse with me, since I was only going to the District Office down the hill. Then I remembered that I paid in the library for the Super Bowl luncheon next week and had $4.00 in change in my pocket. I decided to chance it. 8 balloon ribbons and 20 balloons later, I had change left over! The clerk gave me the ribbon and only charged $.15 each for the balloons. My lucky day! And then I got to tell the office ladies my story and make them laugh…one of my favorite things to do!

My disagreement with the NEA and PSEA

Last summer it was brought to my attention that as a teacher in South Middleton School District I no longer have the option of NOT belonging to the teachers union. For several years I have elected not to join based on the position of the National Teachers Association. Their resolutions are rife with a social agenda that is totally contrary to a Biblical world view and my personal faith. Today I finished my letter to PSEA explaining why I object to being a member of the union and requesting that my money be sent to a non-religious charity. Fortunately, the state of PA allows for such a challenge to the union. If you would like to read a copy of my letter to PSEA and my local school board, I would be happy to send you one. I decided not to take up space on my blog to publish the entire letter. This issue has managed to raise my ire - and I am in a fighting mood! It felt really good to explain in detail why I object to the NEA and what exactly I believe and why. Let me know if you would like to read the letter!

New Year's Meal - 10 days late!

On Sunday we finally had sauerkraut and pork for New Years. This has been a tradition in our family since as far back as I can remember. I think it comes from the PA Dutch background of my mother. Matt and Heather and their children, Robin, Drew, Peter, and Isaac, came for a visit on their way to the Farm Show in Harrisburg and had dinner with us Sunday evening. Rich made his fabulous version of pork and sweet sauerkraut with apples, brown sugar, onions, fresh herbs, etc. Matt commented that it was the first time he finished all the sauerkraut on his plate - and he had seconds!!! Now we are set for the New Year. Can't believe we are almost halfway through January.

A day's outing

While we were visiting Laurel and Lars and Luke and Leah, we had the opportunity to meet with friends who spend a couple of months in CA each year with their daughter and her family in San Clemente. With a free car rental from Hertz, complements of Travel Zoo, we were able to meet them at Tustin, CA, for the price of gas on Friday, January 2. We also met their daughter’s in-laws. Rich was stationed in Greece with the U.S. Army at the same time Phil was stationed there with the Air Force. They swapped quite a few stories throughout the afternoon. It was fun to spend time with Nancy and Bob. They are in our fellowship group at church. We are also in a class called “The Truth Project” (http://www.thetruthproject.org/) with them as well as in a Precept Upon Precept Bible study working through the book of Romans.

Susan, Rich, Nancy, Phil, Nancy, Bob