A Birthday Tea Party!

Celebrating merry "Maryanne" memories and moments...CHEERS!

Today is my sister's special day - it's her birthday! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! She's the oldest of the sisterhood and looked up to and admired by us all. If you want a truthful opinion without a lot of fluff or advice she is the one to go to. She has a keen sense about things. She is refined, feminine, classy, fun and sharp (both in dress and mind). She also loves to have a good ol' time and enjoys a good laugh. She has great wit!!!

Some of my fondest memories are going to her house. She is gifted in entertaining and showers you with hospitality. She has a knack for setting a table with fine china, crystal, etc., that could rival those in magazines. You would think you were a queen or something. There is always a pan of brownies (she's a great cook) or some sweet convection around the corner with the coffee pot always brewing or hot water for tea - one lump or two?? She always takes a genuine interest in you.

Our agenda always includes late night chats, laughing until you're crying or sides are about to bust, and fun, lots of fun!!! Of course, we always fit in times to go window shopping and then oohh and aahh over the baked goods at those coffee shops. And then we sit, talk and laugh some more. Oh!! And she also sings like Tweety Bird - tweet, tweet tweet, tweet tweet . . . We love our older sister. She keeps us grounded! Today is her special day and we wish her the most delightful, enjoyable day possible!!!! Love F

Well it's a beautiful day in Pleasant Valley! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the squirrels are scurrying, and everyone is ready to celebrate...a birthday! Maryanne is our blessing and we rejoice with her on this wonderful day that the Lord has made, in her honor. Thank you for being you and for blessing us with your God-given gifts of understanding, wisdom, patience, fairness, beauty (in and out) and love. You are special and highly celebrated today [and everyday]! We love you! Happy Birthday!

BLESSINGS: "Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God hath shined." Pslams 50:2

Princesslissa's Happy Day

Happy Birthday Sentiments from Auntie's and Grandma's...

This little Princess will make some lucky guy a "Queen" someday. You can see it already in the way she cares for Andrew.

Happy Birthday Melissa!

Melissa loves to be included in decorating for parties; she is a great help!! It's fun to see her get all excited and to include her in being a part of the festivities. And when she is done with her part, she comes back to see what else she can do to make this the grandest party of all!

Melissa is smart as a whip and you can't pull the wool over her eyes. She gives you that knowing look with a smirk of a smile or she may shake her finger at you, for you see, she can be a feisty one as well. Melissa has a flair for creativity and comes up with some very unique ideas. We have a little 5-year-old Martha Stewart in our family -- like the fruit loop necklace, or her ideas on decorating that are very novel and all her own. She is also a very sensitive little girl, very observant, and has a great memory. Those little blue eyes are watching and those ears hear more than what we think.

Melissa loves it when you dote attention on her; she has a little brother to compete with you know. She blossoms when you talk to her and include her. She's a little lady who loves pink, flowers, chocolate, tiara's, slippers, bling-bling things, and pretending to be a Princess. She's feminine and sometimes eccentric.

I remember the day when she came in with sunglasses, wearing as many bracelets as could fit on her arm, dozens of necklaces (well, maybe not that many, but you get the picture), and was very colorful indeed, with the aire that "I am the star of the show." You couldn't help but smile and be amused. She's a delight and we wish her a fun-filled, fantastic, birthday with cherries on top!!! We love our little Melissa!!!

Melissa is a happy, smart girl with a determination to reach her goals. She loves her fairies and little pets plus all her stuffed animals on her bed. Dora also gets a special place in her room with a big house, and don't forget Barbie. She has a creative side and loves to make crafts and special pictures and cards. She's always ready to put on a show with her sparkle skirt and high heels and some bling-bling -- a little music and the production begins after she collects all the tickets.

She has a big heart for her brother who has to accompany her on many adventures. She loves her snacks and always makes sure she leaves grandma's house with a special gummy treat for her and Andrew. A good tea party is always on the schedule, too. Outside, she is the leader of the bike parade. When we ride bikes, she takes the lead and we all have to peddle pretty fast to keep up. She's also the ice-cream lady on the scooter with the little bell to let you know its time for a treat.

Another one of her favorite activities is swimming. She took swim lessons this summer and is doing pretty good. She will reach her goal. She loves it when the cousins, Katie and Mady, can join her in the pool or the playroom where their imaginations never end and time always goes by too fast.

Max and Ruby are her cartoon friends and Dora comes in at a close second. One of her favorite things to do is stay home and lounge around in PJ's. This fall will be a big step for her as she goes to Kindergarten. There are many fun and exciting things in store for her this next year.

May Lil Princesslissa have a spectacular year and be blessed with sprinkles of joyful giggles!

There once was a little girl "Goldie Locks" who lived with her Papa Bear and Mama Bear in a cozy house in Pleasant Valley. She loved her Brother Bear and stuffed animals. Painting, drawing, making crafts and swimming were among her favorite activities. Goldie Locks went for walks and bike rides to grandma's house most every week. Papa bear always accompanied her. She had many adventures during the summer, like trips to see three Great Lakes, a ride on Thomas the train, swimming lessons and much fun playing with friends.

Goldie Locks was sad to see the the summer end and nervous about a new adventure awaiting her--kindergarten. However, Goldie Locks knew that she was a big girl now and needed to learn things that would help her become more independent. So instead of running away, she learned to overcome her fears.

BLESSINGS:"...whoso trusteth in the Lord, Happy is [she]." Proverbs 16:20

Happy Choo-Choo To You!

Andrew loves his trains! He knows the names and numbers of every Thomas-The-Train collection. There is Thomas, Henry, James, Percy, and more and he told us the other day the two new ones were Douglas and Donald, which he wants for his birthday. He also told grandpa that grandpa couldn't open his presents. He also loves hockey and his tools (Tool Man), but he still loves Roselli and takes care of her, and he likes his Winnie-The-Pooh blanket.

Lil Andrew is our red-haired cutie!!! Right from the start he wins your heart! He is made of cars & trucks, planes & trains. Oh my! He loves to share because he genuinely cares. He is a July baby that carries a special blessing! He is the first to carry on the family name just like another July birthday in the family who carries on the family name. Andrew is an independent little boy, but it doesn't take him long to warm to those around him. He is a delight and oh so bright! We love our lil Andrew and wish him a fun-filled day full of happy surprises, for nothing more will do for a special little birthday boy!!!! Happy Birthday, Andrew.

Red hair, blue eyes, sweet spirit, and Roselli's caretaker....That's our Andrew! Happy birthday hugz and kisses, Buddy!

BLESSING: "Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven." Matthew 19:14

Sweet B'day Sentiments!

Happy Birthday sentiments to our one and only brother...who loves choco-covered raisins! :)

G - Gracious, Giving, Grateful, Games
A - Absolutely dependable and loyal
R - Righteous, Responsible, Respectful, Reverent
Y - Youthful - The big brother, dad, and uncle we can all depend on and look up to.

Gary is a great brother!!! He's always dependable, will give his last dollar to you if you needed it, is a very hard worker (but he needs to take time out to stop and smell the roses from time to time), and is a good sport. He's also very talented--he sings, leads songs in church & teaches Sunday School (he surprises us from time to time with a creative and fun visual aid). He loves carrot cake, good comedy, and going on vacation to adventurous places, as well as going up North just to take it easy.

He is a very dedicated Christian and loves the Lord! He adores his family - Marcia and Jared - who look up to him as their rock. Us sisters love our brother!!! We like to tease him from time to time, share a good laugh and glean from his wisdom (being the oldest of siblings). As a child he used to give me dimes and I'd run to the store with my neighborhood friends and buy penny candy (what's that???). I'd jump on his back, when he was laying on the bed and he'd give me a ride. He would come home with pockets full of candy (he worked at Fanny Farmer- candy place), and I would help myself with a huge smile (love that chocolate!!!). As a kid, I'd sit and stare in amazement as he ate serving bowls (not a cereal bowl) of cereal and wondered how he could eat so much - HA!!

Since the passing of Dad, almost 20 years now, he has been the Oak Tree in our family!! We love our brother and wish him a WONDERFUL and VERY BLESSED year!!!! Happy Birthday Gary!!!!!

This is a blessing that Aaron, the priest, and his sons were to give to the people. It is fitting that Gary the son of a minister give and receive this blessing:

Numbers 6:23-26 (King James Version) 23: Speak unto Aaron and unto his sons, saying, On this wise ye shall bless the children of Israel, saying unto them:
24: The LORD bless thee, and keep thee:
25: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee:
26: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.

The Lord does not command the priests to bless in their own words but with these exact words saying "thus shall you bless." In other words, this blessing is from the Lord himself and the priests are merely the means of transmitting his gracious will. Blessings to Gary on his birthday. It’s really nice having a big brother.

Our joy is a boy, who we all love; You're our strength and peace, symbolic of a dove.

You're generous and kind, full of joy-despises strife; you're part of our family fabric, and enrich our life.

If we're down-you lift us up, If we're happy-you'll smile, too; If we're sick-you'll say a prayer, you're a gem, and they're all too few.

On this special day, may HIS blessings from above; continue to sustain you, and affirm that you are surrounded by love!

BLESSINGS: "The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace." Numbers 6:24-26

Happy Birthday, America!

O beautiful for heroes proved

In liberating strife.

Who more than self their country loved

And mercy more than life!

America! America!

May God thy gold refine, Till all success be nobleness, And every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream

that sees beyond the years

Thine alabaster cities gleam

Undimmed by human tears!

America! America!

God shed his grace on thee, And crown thy good with brotherhood, From sea to shining sea!

BLESSINGS: "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is FREEDOM" (2 Corinthians 3:17).

Gift of The Father

Pillar. Strength. Legacy.

Fathers are a gift from our Heavenly Father! Through him we form our identity, by him we are encouraged to take the leap, in him we find authority, wisdom, and strength, and because of him we walk in the shadow of his legacy.

Fatherhood is a tremendous responsibility that can make or break a family; exude light or darkness; restore or destroy; and, discipline or doesn’t care. If led by The Father, a father is our example, leader, light, and encourager.

I am grateful that I have been raised by a God-fearing father, and surrounded by a brother, brother-in-law, and nephews who are awesome fathers. May you feel special, be honored, stay blessed, and glory in the fact that you are indeed a gift to us from The Father. You are loved and honored!

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

Blessings: "Every Good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from The Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." James 1:17

Sweet Giggles!

Welcome to the Town of Gigglesville where sweetness rules the world. Yes. That's right! All of the citizens are named after sweet pastry items. Why? Because we are in the land of Sweetness and unlimited giggles, remember; The clouds are made of marshmallows, the sunshine smells like an orange, and it rains lemon drops. whee!

Now, before we continue, may I introduce you to the Mayor of Gigglesville.....Mayor Maddy! She is a giggly miss who whips up her sweetness whenever she sees your face. So, hop on your fruit roll-ups (kinda like roller-skates) and merrily roll along the SIX stops of Mayor Maddy's Sweetland Neighborhood.

First stop: Strawberry Shortcake says sweet things and wishes you "a berry nice time in Gigglesville." Of course, she is full of spunk and tends to be a protective Mommy to all the Gigglies (those are peeps who live in Gigglesville.) She entertains you with little, silly tunes, too. tee-hee!

Second stop: Orange Blossom brightens your day and blooms with laughter. She likes to pull little pranks, like, when she yanks your pony-tail and runs away giggling, of course. Orange you glad it didn't happen to you? ha-ha-hee-hee!

Third stop: Cupcake and Custard always count their blessings. They are happy, cuddly, soft and warm. Well, just like fresh-baked cupcakes filled with yummy custard-filling right outta the oven. Now, that is a great blessing! :)

Fourth Stop: Huckleberry & Honey Pie hunker down and make sure that their pies fill the windowsill for all the Gigglies to enjoy. They keep busy and find the "fun" in the boring stuff. They have prolly made every kind of pie imaginable....very creative are Huckleberry and Honey Pie! Yippee!

Fifth Stop: Apple Dumplin' amuses and invites you in for an apple-licious time! She dumps all her toys on the floor and keeps her guests entertained for hours. Everyone loves going to her house! yay!

SIXth Stop: Ginger Snap and Angel Cake snap to it and are on the go. They enjoy hopping on their fruit roll-ups and making their visits in the neighborhood to all the other sweet friends in Gigglesville. Of course, Angel Cake is always in conversation with someone because, well, she is a guardian angel. Hugz!

Whew! That sure was fun. But, I found something very interesting during my Sweetland Neighborhood Tour.....Ms. Mayor Maddy would disappear at every stop until it was time to visit the next neighbor. Surprisingly, all of these neighbors, well, looked just like Mayor Maddy.

Strawberry Shortcake was sweet, Orange Blossom bloomed with laughter, the Pie's made all boring things fun, Cupcake and Custard were warm and cuddly, Apple Dumplin' was amusing, and Ginger Snap and Angel Cake were lively, lovely and gingerly energizing!!!!

Hey! Wait a minute! They all WERE Mayor Maddy!!!! And, we made SIX stops. That's how old Mayor Maddy is today. Well, isn't that a co-inky-dink! (aka coincidence.)

I'm feeling like I have been sprinkled with lotsa Great-Auntie blessings for having Maddy in my life. She is sweet, blooming with laughter, fun, cuddly, amusing, and gingerly angelic. Happy Birthday to a sweet little miss who can create fountains of sweet giggles for all! You are loved.

BLESSINGS: "Then was our mouth filled with giggles, and our tongue with singing; ...the Lord hath done great things for my friends." Psalms 126:2 (Six-year-old amplified version) :)