Sometimes it’s crazy the things that can occur in a short span of two hours.  I was just at work, minding my own (and the boss’s) business, when I got a txt message from my daughter with this photo: 

Kelly and the three boys were on their way home from school when a young lady slammed into the back of the van.  Kelly hit the steering wheel and ended up with a mild but very painful concussion – but the boys thankfully were fine.  The van, on the other hand, is probably a total loss.

So I have been praying for my little mangled family and their search for new transportation and for healing – as well as safety.

I managed to get through my evening, but was delighted when I came home from work to find this on my front porch:  My old little mini fridge quit keeping things cold, so I broke down and ordered a new one – a tiny bit bigger and more of a temperature range.  I lugged the thing around back and got it into the house, and thankfully it was to stay in the family room on ground level – so no stairs.

So now the Pepsi, Kool-Aid Jammers, Mt. Dew, and mini-waters are all chillin’ out in the new fridge, and I am very happy with the results.  I’m still monitoring Kelly and the crazy crunchers but as I can’t really change that situation, I am focusing on the fact that God is taking care of them and knows even how many hairs are on their head (and how many I lost over this event!) and that my little fridge can put a smile on my face – and on theirs the next time they come up and need a cold, refreshing drink – especially Chase and the Kool-Aid Jammers! 

We all had a great time on Sunday celebrating Miss Chrissy’s 9th birthday!  There were about 12 kids there in all, running around the yard, jumping rope, playing games, doing relays.  We had purchased some face paints, and Autmn set up a little spot under a sunshade and was open for business!

After the games, we sang HBTY and Chrissy blew out her candle (the wind wasn’t helping!).  We went through almost an entire cake,(Wizard of Oz: See the yellow brick road???)  plus a bowl of candy and 4 bags of chips!  Once we were done with the food part, Chris opened her gifts. 

She got lots of socks (much needed and funky colors!), outfits for summer, and clothes, etc, for her American Girl doll Isabelle.  Her daddy got her the doll’s camper, and I think her mom ordered the bunk beds.  That doll is more hip than I am!

Everyone had a great time, and it was a fun start to a hopefully wonderful year for my special little Chris!  Many happy MORE!!!!  Love you!

Last night, Smail Acura celebrated winning the coveted ‘Dealer of Distinction’ award for the 10th time.  This is a very prestigious award and goes to only the best Acura dealers in the Zones, all over the United States. 

The employees that specifically work in the Acura store were all honored, and given recognition certificates.  All of us attending the party were given the glasses – 10 Time Winners! 

All the employees – from the lot attendants to the sales people to dealer trade drivers – parts and service people, accounting, even maintenance – were recognized.  Everyone works together for the good of the customers and for the advancement of the dealership as a whole, and I’m proud to be a part of the Smail Organization.

The food was great, and the music was fun – and we even had a special guest!  Nancy’s dog, who often travels in her ‘purse’, sat on the floor and watched the comings and goings.  You just never know what you’re going to see at a Smail party!

Seriously, though, it’s a great honor – the store did a great job, and it’s great to be a Smail employee!

Yesterday my step-father, John Richard Graves Sr, turned 94.  If you followed him around for a day, you would not believe he is 94.  He keeps busy throughout the day, feeding the birds, walking the farm, reading his Farmers Almanac, helping my mom – just takin’ care of business!

I am proud and honored to call this man my father.  He is a strong man of faith, honest, kind, loving, loves to tell us stories, treats my mom like a princess, and is always willing to share his time and thoughts.  I am sure my mom would agree that John is a perfect mate for her, as well as an example and father to his own children as well as Kathy and I.

Have a wonderful celebration of your birth – and your life! – John.  Thank you for loving God, loving my mother, and loving us.  Wishing you a perfect year! 

(Mom on the left, John, and mom’s sister Joan on the right)

This is Jake – the Hancher dog.  He was an official welcoming party of one when Autmn, Chris, and I went down for Logan’s birthday yesterday.  He’s such a prim and proper pup – crosses his paws just SO, and always poses for the camera. We were all glad to spend time together!

After a yummy lunch of burgers on the grill and fresh fruit, Peyton and I took a walk while everyone else was watching Aunt Kimmie put together Logan’s soccer nets.  We stopped at the covered bridge for a quick photo shoot and we were on our way.

We had just crossed into West Virginia when I spotted a little group of May flowers!  I remember playing with those as a child – pretending they were umbrellas or looking for the little apples hiding under the leaves.  I hadn’t seen them in… forever!  Peyton was somewhat unimpressed.

Across the road were the horses – Peyton was sure the one was named Buttercup.  We watched them munch and run for a while, then walked down to the barn.  Peyton gave me a history lesson, as the barn was made of all wood with no metal – quite rare, and very old!

Again, Peyton posed, then we headed back to the house.  We heard the kids on the dune buggy, so we took off at a run – I must say he was faster at it than I was!  But we all (yes, including me – I think I have a bruise on my right hip to prove it!) took a ride, with Matt driving, before going in for ice cream.

Logan’s Dairy Queen cake – complete with candles and motorcycle – was yummy!  I believe he was officially very glad to be eight, and we were glad to help him celebrate.  Have a great year, Logan!

Robins build nests in the most bizarre places.  I looked out the kitchen door the other morning and there was a next in the corner of the top deck.  At that point there were not eggs in it.  Also didn’t see any birds around, ever, so wasn’t sure it was a robin.  We have those chubby love doves hanging around, too, but don’t know anything about their nesting habits. Autmn and I watched them ‘make out’ the other day on the deck bench.  Shameless little things – though obviously in love !  

But I knew I couldn’t move the nest after I found an egg in it the next morning.

I took these pictures on Sunday, and by this morning there were 3 eggs in the nest.  (Opps!  I just looked outside and there are FOUR eggs!)

I have caught the Robin nesting several times, but can’t get close enough the door to get a photo.  Any movement inside the kitchen scares mamma bird off the nest.  I know that as soon as those eggs hatch and the babies take off, that nest is outta there.  Messy little things.  But I won’t uproot them now. I can wait!

Saturday morning was the 5th annual ‘Walk a Mile in Her Shoes’ fundraiser, to benefit the Blackburn Center Against Domestic and Sexual Violence – an organization that supports women facing abusive and violent situations.  In addition, it is to education everyone – especially men – on sexual equality.  It was a very interesting event, and I learned a lot from this experience.

The first thing Autmn and I noticed was the dozens and dozens of signs of those who support this event – and there was the Smail influence!  Smails are extremely supportive of the community, and I always feel an extra presence when I know they are supportive.

Our own team wasn’t large, but the three guys in our group did wear high heels – as did hundreds of other men participating in the walk.  Community political and business leaders as well as men whose family were victims of violence, walked a mile in those shoes.  I was surprised at how well they did.  The entire Seton Hill University men’s football team walked in spike heels as a group – in uniform.  Very impressive.

Autmn and I took a ‘selfie’ just as we were starting out.  We talked a little about the reason behind the event, and I used the opportunity to enlighten her on just how subtle sexual inequality could be, and what its effect was as a whole.

It was a great experience – Do some research – Reach out and support.

I know this is posted on my ‘Where I’ll Be’ page, but thought it worth mentioning here, as well.  On Friday May 29th, from 3pm to 9pm, there is a Civil War Festival at the Connellsville Junior High School.  Plans are firm with re-enactor groups, live music, impersonators, drills, booths — wonderful event!  Be sure to check out the details and plan on attending.  You won’t want to miss any part o this event!  I will be there with several friends selling books – Of course I will have Letters to Mary with me! See you there…

It’s been a busy week, and life does not stop for holidays!  That being said, we had a great day here on Easter Sunday with my family.  After a yummy lunch of Ham and all the traditional foods – including mini-pie dough cinnamon rolls requested by Chase – the big kids (Matt and Nate) help the Easter Beagle hide the eggs in the yard.  Then the younger kids (Chase, Logan, Peyton, and Chris) went in search.  Autmn was not there yet, so Kelly pitched in a scooped up a few eggs for Autmn.

Once the four had tracked down all visible eggs, they held up their bags as evidence of their spoils.  I believe they will be spoiled by the time they eat all the treats inside the eggs!

Autmn got there in time to sit with the kids on the deck and empty all their eggs.  There was a lot of candy-bartering going on – trading Twix bars and Sixlets for gum and Reeses.  In the end, everyone was happy with their treasures, including gift cards to Sweet Frog Frozen Yogurt for the girls and Coldstone Creamery for the boys.

What a wonderful day to celebrate!  And I am feeling blessed!

I believe this says it all.  Happy Easter.