Today 40 people gathered on 40 acres to celebrate 30 years of love and marriage with our wonderful parents.  People came from Virginia, the Carolina’s, (almost) West Virginia, Tennessee, and several parts of Pennsylvania. It wasn’t easy to pull off this surprise with so many people involved, but I think we WERE able to surprise them.  When I showed up with Autmn, then Nate and Chrissy walked in, they didn’t quite know what to think!  But as the hour passed, car after car loaded with food and family pulled into their drive, until John’s kids, grandkids, and great grandkids – and Mom’s kids, grandkids, and great grandkids – all bustled around the house and yard.

My day started at 5am, and by 7:15 we were on the road, loaded down with sun tents, lawn chairs, coolers, drinks, food, games, balloons, streamers, and excitement.  We could have probably fed 40 more people, but I don’t know where we’d have put them! John’s family is much larger – and much more spread out – but what a great representation came to celebrate!

We took the opportunity to get some special photos – Kath and I took all our grandkids (and a few adults!) making a pyramid in the yard.  My family stepped together for a quick photo – one of the rare times we were ALL at the same place at the same time!

All of Mom’s family (except for three!) crowded around Mom and John on the porch for a photo, and after we dispersed John’s family started getting photos, too. We had a wonderful day visiting and playing and talking and eating and catching up – I know we left two tired but happy people behind at the end of the day.

When the crowd started to thin out, some of the group drove over to Lake Erie (Beach 11!) and hit the sand and sun for a few hours, while some were just sort of worn out from having so much fun!

It was very exciting to spend time together, and to celebrate a beautiful marriage and a precious family. 

God Bless us Every One! 

This is my M&M shelf.  I love it.  I just filled it this morning.  Anyone who can open a fresh bag of M&M’s and not grab some and munch is not quite normal (sorry) – even if they are a gizillion weight-watcher points (which they are).

And even more especially if they are the red white and blue ones that aren’t that easy to find.  That’s why I always grab the party size bags when I see them.  Takes me through Memorial day, Flag day, July 4th, Labor day, and any other day I can think of!  So grab some – you gotta do it.  Just sayin’ …..

30 years ago today my mom – Dorothy Crooks Steiner – married John R Graves Sr.  I don’t think he realized he was getting a packaged deal.

Mom had known John most of her life, but life took them down different paths until 1986, when their paths joined in a different way. They were married on a beautiful sunny Saturday afternoon, in a little white country church in Home, PA.  Family and friends from both the Steiner/Crooks side and the Graves side were there to help them celebrate – then Mom moved lock, stock, and furniture to Albion – a 40 acre farm and a three story house.  She went back to her country roots, after being in Greensburg for over 30 years.

And it worked.  We have all watched our parents make a wonderful life together, full of happiness, laughter, hard work, devotion to the Lord, and lots of cats.  I’m sure there were some hard times in there, too – but they were wise enough to know what to do about that.  They have traveled through hardship and plenty, both of their cancer surgeries and recoveries, and lots of cats.  There was gardening and mowing and weeding and lots of cats.  But they loved each other through it all – and still do.

I know from talking to John’s family that Mom has been a blessing to them, bringing them together in a way that helped them grow closer.  And I know for a fact that John has been a blessing to our family – opening his home and his heart and his love to us any time, all the time.  We wish them a happy celebration of their 30 years, and although it may be unlikely that there will be 30 more, we can honestly wish them MANY more, so they can truly say their cup runneth over!  We love you!  Happy anniversary!!

I have been blessed to have two wonderful fathers in my life!  I was born on Father’s day – how do you follow up THAT with a gift??? But I remember my dad – Cliff – as being a fun-loving, friendly, generous, good man.  He created fun wherever he went, and always left people feeling better about themselves when he left. Our adventures took us from Home, PA, (where Mom’s family lived) – where eventually it included a colony of Amish friends – to horses in the back yard and a retail parts counter in our utility room.  I’m thankful to have these memories of a loving dad.

That being said, thanks to my Mom’s gentle heart, Kathy and I gained a second father – John – who has really been a dad to us over the last 30 years.  He has been faithful, steadfast, insightful, supportive, humorous, full of wonderful life stories, a true example of Christ – and most of all, he has loved our MOTHER. He has opened their home to us without question, and enfolded us with love and PATIENCE!  And I believe it has taken quite a lot of patience over these 30 years! 

So today, on FATHER’S DAY, I was to express my gratitude for having been nurtured and loved by two wonderful dads.  I wouldn’t be the person I am today without both of them in my life!  Have a great day, John – I’ll give you hugs next weekend!!!  

My parents – Cliff and Dorothy Steiner – waited 18 days for me to be born.  I was due on June 1st.  Mom just told me that even after 18 days, I was not anxious to enter this world; my dad told her he was convinced I didn’t want to live with them!  But on that rainy, Sunday Father’s Day in 1950, I finally decided to show up!

My dad picked my name.  He saw the name Corene in a list of movie credits and had liked the actress in the part, so that was my assigned middle name.  I came into the world screaming and squealing, and according to all documented and recounted memory, I continued to do that for quite a while.  My mom used to have to chase me through the yard to rinse the perm solution out of my hair – Grama thought we were all crazy!

I made it thought my school years, and graduated from Hempfield with my class of 724 students!  I had already been working at Smail Auto for over a year by that time, so I slipped into a full time position in the office and have been there ever since.  So if you do the math, I have been at Smail Auto for 49 years this month!  Whew!

The last 66 years have seen many ups and downs – but I can honestly say I am happy and love where I am at.  My family, my friends – church, my home, my job – are all rewarding and supporting and good.  God has sent me so many blessings! 

Two of these special people in my life – Mary and Joni – baked me a special Chocolate Chip Cookie Cake, complete with purple icing and candy confetti!  Thanks to everyone who – every single day – blesses and enriches my life in so many ways!

Kelly, Matt, Peyton, Logan, Chase, Nate, Autmn and Chrissy popped over tonight with pizza, another giant chocolate chip cookie (they knew their mother!), and a new set of tier lights for my front walk.  Dear family and I love them to the moon and back!  I couldn’t have got where I am without you !  Love you guys!

Last Friday we went to Lancaster’s SIGHT AND SOUND Theater to see their production of Samson!  As is always the case, they did a wonderful job!  Samson and his family, his life, and even Delilah were portrayed so realistically, and they presented the story in a way that I had not thought about before.  The animals that they brought on stage added to the realism, and the actors/singers were excellent.

When the temple came down in the last scene, it was amazingly choreographed.  The huge columns came almost within inches of falling on the Philistines.  Lights dangled precariously from the ceiling above our heads.  It was very realistic! I highly recommend it for any age!

Paul was our chauffeur, as is usually the case, and always does an excellent job getting us around.  We stopped for lunch at a local diner, the Deinner!, which had delicious food at a more than reasonable price.  A huge thanks to my sister and brother-in-law for including me on their outings!

We took time for some photos outside the theater.  After the show, we headed home – with a quick stop to grab dinner on the go.  So blessed to have a loving family, and to have the opportunity to see these great productions centered on God’s word!  You can’t help but be inspired and impressed!

Last weekend the Skunk Hollow Girls had our annual spring outing – this time to the Jimmy Stewart Museum in Indiana PA.  I was delightfully entertained by all the photos, playbills, and displays, depicting his life in the military, in the movies, and at his homes in Hollywood and Indiana. I would recommend a trip there if you get a chance!

We were greeted at the entrance by Harvey, Jimmy’s Puka (look it up!), who welcomed us in.  It was amazing to see how many famous people that Jimmy had been friends with!  Even Robert Wagner (be still my heart!!!).

In the courtyard is a VERY TALL bronze statue of Mr. Stewart, and he agreed to pose with me for this photo.  Me and him, we’re buds!!!

The desk clerk was kind enough to take our picture with Harvey before we left.

We went back to Beth’s house for a way-too-much-food picnic, and then shared the clothes we had bought as a mission project for a local elementary school.  All in all it was a wonderful day, seeing new sights, visiting with old friends (cousins!) and being together.  Thanks, Beth, for hosting.  We had a great day!!!

Yes, a purple door.  And it’s on the main floor at His Place in Pittsburgh. I know it’s a bit fuzzy but it’s a scripture verse.  I need to hire a photographer because I cannot hold the camera steady!  Anyway, my sister Kathy, her husband Paul, my friend Joni, and me of course, go to His Place in Pittsburgh the first Friday of every month to teach elementary girls’ Care Club.  Jesus cares about us, and we should care for each other.

It’s pretty basic, but it’s also extraordinary.  Going to an unfamiliar area, teaching kids that we don’t know well, it’s a big challenge.  One that I know God has called us to do.  And as the scripture says, we do serve the Lord.

We’ve been able to get things into a workable routine, greeting the girls as they come in and getting them settled to hear the Bible story, which Kathy teaches.  They are like little sponges, absorbing the Bible words and learning the lessons God wants them to know.  Even when we think they aren’t listening, they amaze us with the right answers and surprising insight.

This week for one of our craft projects they tied a fleece blanket to give to someone who is ill.  The lesson was about being part of the Church, and we learned about Dorcas making clothes and giving them to those in need in the community.  This blanket is an outreach of their being part of the church, to give and love.

We have work pages, and arts and craft (which is Joni’s specialty!), and of course the evening would not be complete without snacks!  Usually we have healthy snacks, like cheese and fruit and pretzels and crackers.  We also have cookies and chips sometimes, and always end the evening with little M&M fun size snacks for each of the girls (that’s MY specialty!).  Songs and a prayer circle ends the evening as we send the little ones back out into the world. Rick and Deb are the directors, and believe me, that’s THEIR specialty!  A big thanks for all the effort, love, and prayer they put into all the kids, all the time.

Last Friday was our last class until October.  I wish the girls a fun, healthy, safe, and God-filled summer, with lots of programs at His Place.  Looking forward to seeing you all in the fall!  Enjoy!

Tonight we honored a very special person!  I have known Don Wassel since 1967 when I started working for Smail Auto.  He had been there about 4 years and was in the sales department, promoted to sales manager shortly after that.  He was a go-getter, a great salesperson, and lots of fun.

In those days there were about 30 employees; now there are over 450.  But some of that original group was there tonight, and we had a great time talking about those ‘good old days’ and catching up with each other.  Pictured are John Hampton, Don, and Bud Smail. 

The snacks were so cute – if you can’t read them, they were: twizzlers (jumper cables), trail mix (nuts and bolts), chocolate donuts (spare tires), and chocolate covered pretzels (dip sticks).  Also, cardboard cars with popcorn in them as centerpieces! There was tons of food, lots to drink, oldies music, and great people.  There’s something about having a long history with people that just makes the evening magic.

Even the cake had cars and a little road.  I know Don will keep busy, and never really stay away from the dealerships totally.  But the most emotional moment of the evening was when he handed his keys (53 years worth of office keys!) over to Bud at the end of the evening.  I can’t imagine how he felt doing that.

People were asking me if I was next, as I’m right behind him in length of service.  I’m not ready to turn in my keys, but cutting back hours sounds better and better.  I’ll keep everyone informed – and let you know my plans to retire…. the day AFTER I actually do!  In the meantime, best of luck and happiness to my friend Don and his wife Sharon as they take that road to the rest of their lives!  Love you guys! 

How thankful I am to have the opportunity to remember those who have done so much to secure our freedom, and to give us this great country to call our own.  I was inspired this morning on my walk in the early morning, seeing this brand new flag in a neighbor’s yard.  I decided to take a few random photos to show our expressions of patriotism.

In addition to the flagpoles, lots of houses had little flags lining their driveways and sidewalks. There were also banners on fences and railings, and even on porches. This flag happens to be hanging on my sister’s porch, and this banner is on my back deck. Note the 1776 flag, as well.

I even had a Snoopy and woodstock banner out front, and red/white/blue lights lining the back deck railing.

There are lots of ways to show our love and support for our country, for our grateful thanks to those men and women who – since the beginning of our great nation – have given so much.  Flags and banners are just a small demonstration.

This morning Kathy and I went to the service at Westmoreland County Memorial Park, and the speaker there was from the Pentagon.  She brought a flag that was raised half-mast, and that flag had flown at the Pentagon.  The heart of her speech, which was very moving, encouraged us all not to express our appreciation to our fallen veterans in words, but in giving back to our communities, states, and country, helping families make better lives for themselves by our service.  Well said.

After the service, Kath and I walked around the cemetery, stopping to honor our dad and to ‘visit’ our family members and friends buried there.  We paused for a photo shoot with President Kennedy before going on our way.

We came home to make ‘blue’ (??) popcorn, eat Jello/pretzel salad, and listen to old 45rpm records from the 50’s and 60’s.  So it truly was a day of remembrances.

But above all, again, it was an honor and a privilege to pause in our busy lives, and remember those who have fought, and those who have died, and those who are missing – the ultimate sacrifice for the land and the people they love.  Take some time out of your busy schedule, and be truly thankful.  And be blessed.