Commencments...and a peek into the future!

God bless our 2009 High School Graduates!

Courtney Wes


Alaina

Tonight, Meghan, Sara and I went to the High School commencement exercises with our friends, the William's. This graduation ceremony was thru the PA Homeschoolers, and it was the first one we've ever attended. Meghan and Sara will be graduating thru this agency in 2011 and 2012...so we wanted to check it out. More importantly....some of our dearest friends were graduating and we wanted to support and celebrate with them!

Oh, how teary eyed I was thru the whole ceremony! First, my friend, Krista's son, Wes gave a wonderful speech! What a great speaker he is...and he gave such glory to God and credit to his mom! Then....other graduates either played a musical instrument, gave a speech, some read poems or sang songs...and then my friend, Ranea's daughter, Alaina gave the last speech.....the girls and I were all choked up...she did a great job as well. Then it was time to have the families of the graduates come up on stage and present the diploma to each graduate. It was touching! Especially imagining us doing this in only 2 more years with Meghan! Time is going so fast!

Afterward lots of hugs and picture taking....the 6 of us headed to Pages Dairy for some delicious icecream....then we headed home.

Meghan, Michaela, Sara and Morgan enjoying their icecream!

Meghan, Sara, Courtney, Michaela and Morgan

Proud mom and daughter, Courtney and her mom, Marla.

Another proud Mom....Alaina, and her mom Ranea .

Meghan, Alaina, and Sara

~It was a great night! I was glad that we went...to support and celebrate with special friends, and to see what it will be like in only 2 years for Meghan and 3 years for Sara...off for some sleep before finishing a special graduation gift...and some special goodies for the party! Goodnight! ~Sue~

Old fashioned popcorn tutorial....

This might seem silly to some people to post a tutorial about making popcorn, but honestly, you wouldn't believe how many people try and make this and say "it just doesn't taste like yours...what am I doing wrong?" So I thought it would make a fun post! Part of living simply and healthy (as well as frugally) was re-thinking snacks. We've always loved popcorn, and used to use an airpopper, but I burned out 3 of them....one batch just wasn't enough for all of us and I always over filled it. Then, like everyone else, we had microwave popcorn....until we got rid of our microwave! I remembered loving the popcorn that my mom always made on the stove when I was growing up, so after we tried it one time, we were hooked! Bags of popcorn are cheap, and store for a long, long time...we always have the ingredients on hand. This is one of the main snacks that I am requested to bring to many gatherings! Here is how I make our popcorn:

I only use WHITE popcorn, not yellow...it is a personal preference, but we all think the white tastes so much better! I heat up olive oil in my pot, then dump in popcorn....I don't measure, so generously coat the bottum of the pot with the oil, then generously dump in the popcorn. Put the lid on! (surprisingly, or maybe not so surprising....sometimes I get to doing something else and forget to put the lid on until it starts popping!)


While all that excitement is going on (the house is starting to smell good!)...I melt a little more than 1 stick of butter and about 1/4 cup of olive oil....if you skimp on the butter and oil...it will not taste as good! And....nothing will stick to it, either....better to eat the healthy REAL butter and olive oil! Don't skimp!

Ok...since I am not paying attention ( I might have shaken it once or twice), this is what happens...so at this point, I take it off the flame, dump 1/2 of it in my big bowl, shake it up and put it back on the burner to finish popping....shaking once or twice if I remember. DON'T BURN IT!

In layers, I drizzle a little butter, shake salt and parmesean cheese (the cheap kind), then drizzle a little more, shake a little more...all in layers until it is all in the bowl and coated! The end....it goes so fast! Sorry I don't measure, but you know....a little bit of this and a little bit of that makes it even better! My kids have made variations of this such as : instead of parmesean cheese, sprinkle on cinnamon and sugar....and add honey to your butter! Also, to the normal recipe, add garlic powder and chili powder for a wonderful, chili/cheese popcorn! And there you have it! Bon Apetit! ~Sue~

Sisters in Christ....

"Sisters, sisters...there were never such devoted sisters!"...so goes the famous song from the movie "White Christmas"! We had the enjoyable priviledge of spending time with some of our favorite people yesterday! I got to visit with MY friend, Renee, and the girls had a long overdue visit with 2 of their closest friends, the oldest 2 William's Sisters!

This is Michaela. She is Meghan's age and one of her very dearest friends. These two giggle and talk up a storm! Truly sisters of the heart!

This is Morgan...she is Sara's age! Such a sweet, sweet spirit this girl has! And...she and Sara are very close as well.

Two groups of sisters....sisters in fact, sisters of the heart and sisters in Christ!

It is so wonderful to have sisters in Christ! Kindred spirits, who are walking the same path, loving each other with His love, supporting and encouraging each other...accepting each other exactly the way God made them....exhorting each other and holding each other accountable sometimes as well...being cheerleaders when needed, and sharing all the experiences thru growing up and growing in Christ! These particular girls have now known each other for over 10 years! Can't believe they are all growing up so fast! I count it a priviledge to spend time with my girls, and also their friends!
After an afternoon snack of popcorn (tutorial coming tomorrow), visiting, a yummy dinner of crockpot buffalo chicken lasagna and salad...a ROUSING game of 'catch phrase', homemade pudding for dessert, it was off for some shopping at Joann Fabrics, then a stop for Frosty's from Wendys and good conversation before taking the William's girls home. Thanks for a great visit, Girls! See you Thursday for commencments! ~Sue~

Father's Day 2009

My husband....my hero! Happy Father's Day, Honey!

Ron loved his presents! The new 'Tony Dungy' book, " Uncommon", and biography of Bruce Springsteen, a stuffed bear, new CD/DVD and a kids woodworking book....for him to do with Ronnie. (can you guess who gave him the bear?!) He was even more touched by the cards and letters that were given to him!
Me and my Dad....(my mom is blond and blue eyed) can you tell who I take after?! We almost lost him a few years ago to bypass surgery...we're very blessed to have him with us and healthy!
My sisters and I take any opportunity that we are all together to take "sister" pictures...and we always try and get one of all of us with my mom or dad....my dad thought this was funny!
My tired crew back home from my sister's house for the day! Doesn't he look like a happy dad?! Here are some quotes about Fathers that I liked and wanted to share. Please, scroll down and read the beautiful tribute that Meghan wrote about her dad! ~Sue~

A father carries pictures where his money used to be. -Author Unknown

There is no more vital calling or vocation for men than fathering. -John Throop

Blessed indeed is the man who hears many gentle voices call him Father! -Lydia M. Child

Children's children are the crown of old men and the glory of children are their fathers. -Proverbs 17:6

My father gave me the greatest gift anyone could give another person--he believed in me. -Jim Valvano

One night a father overheard his son pray, "Dear God, make me the kind of man my daddy is."---Later that night, the father prayed, "Dear God, make me the kind of man my son wants me to be. -Anonymous

Just a little tribute to my Dad

The song 'Butterfly Kisses"(along with another one) has always been mine and my sisters' "Father-Daughter" song. :) I'm sure some of you have heard it but it's so special to us and makes at least Dad and I cry 'happy tears.' He got all choked up and teary eyed this Father's Day reading his letters...as he does every year. He has such a sweet, tender heart and has a very special place in his heart for all his daughters. The sweet and tender lyrics to this song are posted below.

Every year we all write or type (in large print!:)) a nice card or letter for Mum and Dad on their respective days: Father's Day, Mother's Day and birthdays. I told Dad in my letter to him today a phrase that he couldn't finish without crying and hugging me tight:

Though I joyfully anticipate the day when I'm married, I also somewhat dread the time when you have to place my hand into my husband's.

Dad is such a great example to me of a Godly, loving and hardworking man and there are many qualities in my Dad that I want in a future husband. On a Duggar episode, one of the younger boys mentioned that, "Well, you know, boys look for someone like their mom...and girls usually look for someone like their dad." This is true for me. :)

I have to go get ready for bed and make room for Mum to write a long picture-filled blog post about our day so...Here's the lyrics to the song Butterfly Kisses by Bob Carlisle-mine and Dad's song:

There's two things I know for sure:

She was sent here from heaven and she's daddy's little girl.

As I drop to my knees by her bed at night

She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes and

I thank God for all the joy in my life

Oh, but most of all

For butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer;

Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair;

"Walk beside the pony, Daddy, it's my first ride."

"I know the cake looks funny, Daddy, but I sure tried."

In all that I've done wrong I know I must have done something right to deserve a hug every morning and butterfly kisses at night.
Sweet 16 today

She's looking like her mama a little more everyday

One part woman, the other part girl.

To perfume and make-up from ribbons and curls

Trying her wings out in a great big world.
But I remember...

Butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer; sticking little white flowers all up in her hair.

"You know how much I love you, Daddy, But if you don't mind I'm only gonna kiss you on the cheek this time."

With all that I've done wrong I must have done something right to deserve her love every morning and butterfly kisses at night.

All the precious time

Like the wind, the years go by.

Precious butterfly.

Spread your wings and fly.

She'll change her name today.

She'll make a promise and I'll give her away.

Standing in the bride-room just staring at her.

She asked me what I'm thinking and I said "I'm not sure-I just feel like I'm losing my baby girl."

She leaned over...gave me butterfly kisses with her mama there,

Sticking little white flowers all up in her hair

"Walk my down the aisle, Daddy-it's just about time."

"Does my wedding gown look pretty, Daddy? Daddy, don't cry!"
Oh, with all that I've done wrong I must have done something right.

To deserve your love every morning and butterfly kisses-I couldn't ask God for more, man this is what love is.
I know I gotta let her go, but I'll always remember every hug in the morning and butterfly kisses...at night

First...Grad party!

Another full day...and the first of our graduation parties!

Dawn, Matthew, and Tom Marasco

My very dear friend, Dawn's, oldest son, Matthew, graduated this year. Matt is the oldest of 4, and he will be going into the field of computer science, specializing in computer programming and/or security....very smart kid! And just look at his smile!

Anna and Dawn's youngest son, Luke are only 6 months apart...and they had so much fun playing together!



Yes....I even played volleyball...and in my long, "gypsy" skirt, too!

My cousin, Kim...she and Dawn are cousins....and when Kim is around....WE LAUGH!

Kenna, Briana, my Sara, Maria and Julia....all cousins! Meghan was playing photographer, and successfully avoided being in any pictures!

Ronnie played volleyball with us...along with many other games he was into today! What fun we all had! They had a snowcone machine that everyone thoroughly enjoyed, along with all the great food!

Anna and Maggie, who is Kim's youngest daughter. Anna loves Maggie and follows her around whenever we are together.

Dawn, Kim and I

~We have so much fun when we are together! Dawn was instrumental when I first became saved...discipling me, praying with me...then when she started homeschooling as well, we had even more in common.

We three gabby girls get to have another get-together on Wednesday night...to gab and laugh while the kids swim and hang out....we're all looking forward to our visit! Off to bed....another full day tomorrow, for Father's day! Congratulations, Matthew...and God bless you! ~Sue~

The 'Simple' life...and good friends!

We made a trip to 'Amish country' yesterday! Meghan, Sara and I are intrigued with the Amish way of living, have read many,many books about it and have adapted some of those ways for our lives. So....after Autumn visiting with us all week, we met her parents, our friends Mike and Jolyn in Sugar Creek, Ohio for a day of seeing the sites, shopping, visiting and enjoying time with our friends. First, the weather held off on the rain until we drove home, so we had a beautiful day to site see. Driving past and around Tappan Lake was gorgeous! It is so beautiful there! Entering the country, the gently rolling hills, farmhouses and barns were so peaceful and beautiful...we enjoyed the drive immensely! We met Mike and Jolyn at Heinis Cheese Factory for our first tour!

This was an interesting trip for me, as I was here with Meghan and Sara 10 years ago...and I spent the day remembering our past trip and seeing things thru new eyes. My reaction 10 years ago was awe....and a lot of wishing I could live in a similar manner and do a lot of the things that the Amish do.....now, it was interesting to me as we spent the day yesterday, thinking to myself..." I now DO a lot of this" and looking at the different crafts, quilting, and food that yes, I can do these things myself....am I an expert? No...especially in quilting, but I can do it! I've learned so much over the past 10 years....about living simply, enjoying the simple pleasures of life, enjoying simple, old-fashioned living and home arts , cooking and baking from scratch (I have chocolate chip/walnut biscotti in the oven now, smelling up the house!)....and I think the Lord has led me to study the Amish way of life so much over the past 10 years, to learn from them.....to not be concerned with what the 'world' or 'society' deems "normal" or "in"....to live in the world, but be as separate as we can, and to live humbly, simply and gratefully!

Here are Autumn, Mike and Jolyn reunited after a week away from each other....they were so happy to see each other!
Our gang touring the cheese factory..it was so neat to see how everything was made...then to eat all the samples! Of course, we brought some cheese home with us!
Jolyn and I....seems the Lord is deepening our friendship very quickly, and drawing our families together as well.

My guys...of course, they had to wear their Penguins matching shirts and hats!

Autumn and Sara....what a pair! They are very much alike, and had a wonderful time together...we're already planning future get-togethers....and at least once a month visits for our families!

After our cheese factory tour, we drove to Berlin...parked and walked amongst all the shops! Of course, our favorite shop was little used book store! (the girls and I could have spent hours in there!) Mike and Jolyn were such gracious hosts...always waiting while we 'oohed and ahhed' over things...wandering thru the craft shops, and quilting shops. From there, we headed to a huge indoor Amish flea market! Wow! It was huge! Tons of craftspeople selling their wares...we all had a great time! Funny....10 years ago I would have bought so much...but now, I got lots of great inspiration to make my own!

On to our last stop....an Amish buggy ride! Ronnie and Anna wanted to do this all day! They loved it! Our horses name was "Shirley" and she would speed up on certain places and the little ones would squeal! We talked about if we only road in these instead of cars, how we would have to live relatively close to everything, and everyone...relatives would have to live close to visit, or they wouldn't see each other very often. Not like our trip yesterday....hop in a car and drive for 2 1/2 hours!

At the same place, we wandered thru a large antique mall...Meghan was in her glory! (I could have spent hours there, but NOT with little ones who want to 'touch and hold' everything!) The little ones saw the animals and saw 6 tiny new kittens. (Of course, Anna wanted to bring them ALL home with us!) Sara and I made a quick stop at a quilt shop (could have spent time there as well, if everyone wasn't starving!)....again, I got some great inspiration from the quilt shop as well.

On to dinner! We went to an Amish restaurant called Der Dutchman! The girls and I had eaten there with my friend, Stephanie, 10 years ago....and it hasn't changed! Incredibly good food!!! It did NOT taste like restaurant food....everything was homemade (of course) and delicious! We were served family style...with chicken, roast beef, mashed potatoes, stuffing, creamed corn (it was so good!), and fluffy homemade warm rolls....with wonderful apple butter! At the end of this delicious meal...everyone could choose a piece of pie. We were so stuffed! Mike insisted on treating all of us....what a generous spirit he and Jolyn have! We were truly blessed! (we hardly ever go out to eat, all 6 of us....it just is not in our budget!) The weather held off until we were done....then the heavens opened up! Jolyn's son, Michael, called to tell her that there was a tornado warning! The wind was incredible, and the sky was green with the rain coming down in buckets, sideways!.....we ended up following the storm most of the way home...sometimes driving in it, sometimes behind it. We saw some gorgeous lightning strikes lighting up the sky...and some very cool cloud formations as well! Once a homeschooler, always a homeschooler...no matter where we seem to be, there is something really cool to learn!

Ron, me, Jolyn and Mike

~This is the end of our visit...while the storm was raging around us! Thank goodness they are coming to stay with us on the 4th of July (Ron's birthday!)....and go to Ty's first birthday party the next day and spend some time with the rest of the family! I feel so very, very blessed that the Lord saw fit to unite our families! My children are all calling them Aunt Jolyn and Uncle Mike....and we are planning on many, many get-togethers in the future! We are planning a trip in August to Ohio, to spend a few days with my friend Stephanie and her family, then driving down to spend a few days with Jolyn and her family....I THINK that Ronnie and Anna will be having a special adventure of their own , staying with Grammy and Buppy overnight for a few days while we are gone.

~Now....it's off to finish the biscotti, and get ready for a graduation party today. We have to finish some Father's day surprises for tomorrow as well!~ Sue

Recipe: Canadohta Lake Chicken

I wanted to post a picture to go with the recipe for this dish....but the pot got scraped clean!!! I can' t believe it! This is a recipe that I modified from my friend Marybeth...and after taking it to Canadohta Lake a couple of years ago, that is what Sara named it...and it's one of her favorites! Here you go:

~Canadohta Lake Chicken~

In a little butter and olive oil, saute as many cut up boneless chicken breasts (seasoned with season salt and garlic powder) as you like (we don't eat a lot of meat, so 3 breasts fed 7 of us) until golden brown. Dump in some homemade chicken broth (or canned), then add cut up zucchini, onion, lots of mushrooms (if your family likes them...we do!), onion, tomato chunks and fresh spinach on top.....put the lid on and simmer until chicken and veggies are done. Oops! Forgot...add basil! Then...take more chicken broth mixed with cornstarch and thicken dinner. We serve this on top of brownrice spagetti, and put shredded mozzerella cheese on top! Delicious!!! This is a great meal to take someone who needs a meal...sometimes, I'll leave the chicken breasts whole , put them on top of veggies and sauce and sprinkle with cheese. Bon Apetit! ~Sue~