In a galaxy far, far away – several (??) years ago – a little bundle of blessing came into my life – and she has indeed been an immeasurable blessing!  I am unfortunately not very computer literate so I couldn’t figure out how to scan and drop photos into the website, so I don’t have any ‘young’ photos.  But Kelly has been a delight since the hour when she was born and turned over in her little bed at Jeannette hospital!  I have watched her grow through years of directing dance productions in the basement, teaching the neighbor girls how to twirl her colorguard flags, being an invaluable nanny to miss Leanne, being a valued editor of Messiah college newspaper the Swinging Bridge, traveling France and Europe, helping as a youth sponsor, and bringing joy and smiles to my life.  She brought Matt into our family in 2002, and added precious time and love to her first little niece Autmn Rose (pictured) and then Chrissy.

The year Peyton (her firstborn) was a baby her and I took Jacob and Autmn to Presque Isle for a weekend vacation. She was the ‘planner’ and the reason that the little ones had so much fun!

Thankfully she accepted the position of spray director for the kid one August afternoon, or all of us would have been soaked!

Before I even realized how is happened (although I do know how it happened!!!) she had 3 little boys to love and care for, and of course share with me! Peyton, Logan, and Chase are stars in my heaven! I am so thankful for the lovely woman she has become, the wife, mother, and daughter that she is.

She completes our family – one that was special and important from the very beginning – even when she made her brother crazy.  But I think he’s gotten even for that many times over !! 

The year that Autmn could not be at the Easter Egg hunt, she picked up a bag and gathered eggs to share with her.

I know I could go on and on – about her place in the community, in the school where she works, with the sports teams that Matt and the boys are part of, her in-laws, her friends, her church, her faith — they all speak of her life as a daughter of Love and Peace and Light – and I’m proud that she’s mine.  So my little girl – even though you aren’t little any more – you’ll always be my little girl and I love you to the moon and back!  Have a great celebration of you!  And thanks for being you!

We have definitely had a winter adventure tonight!  I’ll admit that it wasn’t (or isn’t) really a blizzard, but we are certainly dealing with some snow.  This is probably the first significant snow we have had this season.

Predictions were crazy from one end of the scale to the other.  Someone posted on facebook that the forecast was a possible 1 inch to 2 feet.  I guess we’ll know when we know.  It started to get a little dicey just before I left work, and the roads were not clear;  traffic was tangled and there were cars everywhere.  Part way home I noticed my ‘door ajar’ light on.  Now how had that happened?  I obviously couldn’t stop on Route 30, so I waited until I got off the West Newton Street ramp and pulled over.  The back hatch was not secure.  I had tried to open it before I left work, but as the doors were locked I didn’t get it.  But I guess I DID get it open; thankfully it stayed closed until I got it tight again.

I was glad to pull into my garage, and thankful I didn’t have to go back out.  I called Nate to see if Chrissy was coming over.  I didn’t want to drive and I suspected he didn’t either.  I got my answer about 20 minutes later.  They were on their way:  WALKING!!  It’s not as bad as it sounds; his place is 1.27 miles as the crow flies.  So they bundled up on their end, I bundled on mine, and met them part way.  We gave hugs all around in the middle of St. John’s Church Road, then parted ways. Once at my house, Chris stood near the heater to warm up, then had a chocolate chip cookie.  That, my friends, cures all ills, including the chills!!!

We waited until a little after 8pm then bundled up again.  This time with more layers as we would be out longer.  It’s so much easier to clear the driveway and walks a little at a time, and there was already several inches, drifted higher in spots.  Immediately Chrissy grabbed her snow saucer and went flying down the driveway.  I must say, the sled traveled well, and she was laughing with delight.  So I shoveled, she sledded, and I had to do some fancy steps to avoid the flying granddaughter down my driveway!  I regret to say that she made quite a solid path.  I’m hoping that by the time I have to get the Mazda out we’ll have enough tread to make it to the top! 

Once Chrissy was completely tired of thoroughly packing down the snow on the driveway, she chucked the sled and declared she was going in.  My admonishment to put the sled away, pick up the discarded scarf and hat, and throw her wet clothes in the dryer, was short lived.  The next thing I know she was outside in her sock feet, flying on the sled down the drive again!  Oh, brother.

She grabbed her boots and gloves again – -plus the extra shovel – and challenged me to a race.  She’s strong and quick and her side was cleared before mine was.  I could say my side was wider, I could say I’m older than she is, I could say her shovel was bigger.  But, she beat me.  I finished the sidewalk while she threw herself in the yard to make a snow angel, one glove totally missing — but that hand wasn’t cold.  ???  We put everything away, closed up the garage, and got Chris into a warm shower.  She is now eating ANOTHER chocolate chip cookie, this time as a reward for a fun adventure in the snow. 

I’m pretty sure we’ll have to do this all again in the morning.  But don’t worry, Daddy.  We do have both gloves.  You can relax!!! 🙂

On January 21, 2003, Autmn Rose Stairs-Burke entered this world at Westmoreland Hospital, wrapped in a pink blanket and snuggled in her daddy’s arms.  We were so excited for Nate and Jaime as they presented the grandmothers with their first grandchild.  What a blessing!

It didn’t take long to see that she would take after her paternal grandmother in the gardening department, and was soon digging and planting right beside me. Gardner in training!
I could not believe how fast she grew – and soon she was running about the yard, laughing and looking for eggs that the Easter Beagle had hidden.  These days, she helps him HIDE the eggs, rather than looks for them.

I’ve watched her grow from playing with dolls to showing ME how to enhance my text messages and change my computer settings.  She loves lime green, listens to 96.1 (unlike her Y108 grammy!), keeps and collects everything she can get her hands on, likes to help teach Sunday School with me in the 4’s and 5’s class, and still wears a size 7/8!  She loves the fact that she used to live with me, and can recite her genealogy (all branches!) without batting an eye.  She likes being by herself sometimes but also likes all her brothers and sisters — step, half, or otherwise!  

I thought she looked so grown up last year-  but now she’s 13.  I can’t wait to see where this year will take her – and I’m so glad to be the ‘grammy’ that’s there for the ride!   Love you Miss Autmn!!!  Happy birthday!!!

After several weeks of delays, Kath and I finally made it up I-79 to Albion to visit with our parents.  We made our customary stop at the Edinboro Walmart for Kitty food and pulled into the drive at about 8pm. It’s always so great to see them smiling and looking so good!  Hugs all around!

We lugged the luggage to our bedrooms, then settled down to have Christmas.  It’s so fun to watch the paper fall away and see the reactions to what was inside.  I think the biggest ‘hit’ was the huge coffee-table book that Santa left for John.  It was all about tractors; their history, their pictures — just fun!  He poured over the pages as if they contained buried treasure – I’m convinced they did!

A fairly new addition to the family is the kitty –  he showed up one September day, hiding under my car and then burying himself in the blackberry bushes beside the garden shed.  The stray that couldn’t stay is now an inside cat, entertaining my parents with his antics and worming his little way into their hearts.  He sleeps on a rag-rug on the table by the washing machine in the basement, and likes to take naps on the air-conditioner in the dining room. 

Fred did NOT warm up to either Kath or I, even with a steady coaxing effort of tiny treats.  Maybe he’ll eventually relax and let us scratch his ears, but in the meantime he hides under the TV stand or dashes around the table if we get too close.

After a super-yummy lunch of Lake Erie Perch (caught by John’s son-in-law!), John turned on the basketball game and lost himself in the baskets and referee whistles.  Mom, Kath, and I sat around in the parlor and talked about family – Mom’s parents, grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles.  We love hearing stories about these people that we barely remember but are part of our ancestry! 

The hardest part is always backing out the driveway to head home.  Today it was even a little harder, because as we turned right onto Route 6N, a little icy mix greeted our travels.  The roads were slippery, and we took extra time to get to I-79 South.  Thankfully the remainder of the trip was clear and safe, and we arrived home in good time, tired but happy, with great memories and hearts full of love and the blessing of a cherished family.  AND…. the happy thoughts of the next trip as soon as we can manage it!   Love you!!!

I got up Saturday morning and walked all through the house.  Not a creature was stirring.  There was not a string of lights, a garland of tinsel, a jolly Santa, a cherished crèche….  It was all packed tightly in 37 (yes, I said 37) totes in my garage.  The Christmas Cookies were packed up and sent over to Nate’s where they would be out of my temptation’s easy reach.  The leftovers are either eaten or tossed, and the Snoopy shelf is back to a colonial display.

The only little bit of visible holiday cheer left is the poinsettia basket that was a gift from the Smail family.  It is still bright and blooming and will deck the halls for many more weeks (if I remember to water it!). 

At the bottom of the steps in the family room, where there used to be a twinkling evergreen topped by an heirloom angel there is now just an antique child’s school desk displaying an Amish village.  No lights down the staircase, no snowmen climbing the ladder, no cow singing Christmas Carols.

In the kitchen, in front of the toaster, there is a cutting board with my initial, also a gift – from Bud and Ellen.  Ironically, it has HIS initial too!  I’m certain they didn’t consider that when they purchased it!  Just a little addition to remind me that yes, Christmas really did happen!

Christmas may be tucked away for another year (or eleven months, to be exact!), but the thoughts and meaning and memories and family and celebrations will live on.  As Ebenezer Scrooge is so fond of saying, ‘I will honour Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.’  That’s really not so hard to do; it’s just staying focused on the Reason for the Season in the first place.

I do have to admit, however, that I REALLY miss the lights and glitter!  🙂 Can’t wait to do it AGAIN!!!!  After all, it IS 2016 already!!!!

It was our last day of vacation – up early and a long walk through the historic section of Colonial Williamsburg.  The morning was cool and overcast but the rain was gone.  After a shower, breakfast, and packing up the Mazda, we headed back to Route 64 and then to I-95 toward D.C. 

It wasn’t as hard as I thought to get to Mount Vernon – the home of our first U.S. president.  We really enjoyed the preview film about his home and his life, and the tour guide inside the home was very informative.  George Washington was truly a brave, intelligent, successful patriot.  I loved seeing the rooms, and the furnishings, and getting just a small glimpse into his life.

We walked out on the veranda and the view across the Potomac was beautiful!  I didn’t realize the house was so close the river.  I accidently learned how to use the panoramic setting on my camera and was able to take this photo – imagine sitting here having breakfast, or entertaining friends on warm summer evenings.

After I took the picture of the Potomac, I turned around and took the photo of the front of the house.  There were porticos on each side connecting the outbuildings. Once we finished the inside tour, we were on our own for the outside.  There were gardens and kitchens and stables and a vista in all directions.  We could have stayed there delving into the history of the house and man for hours – but alas we had miles to go before home.

As we left, I took a photo of the house as you first see it, as you would have seen it from the entrance gates in the 1700’s when the Washingtons entertained and lived there. 

We headed reluctantly back up I-95, tangled with all the expressways and ramps and bridges and beltways and I was sincerely just praying for the RAPTURE so I could just let go of the wheel and be out of that mess!  Finally, the sign for I-70 popped up, and some of the tension drained from me as we headed toward home and the Pennsylvania turnpike.  We never did find a place to stop for dinner, so we ate cold, left-over pizza from Monday’s lunch and chips from a quick-mart when we got gas for the car.

We had a wonderful trip, with history and Christmas all around, learning and laughing and looking at so many amazing things!  VERY thankful to my FAVORITE sister for being such a great traveling companion, friend, and program director – in addition to praying me around the beltway!  I can’t wait for our next adventure –  Love you, Sis!  And by the way –  Happy Birthday!  (12/29) Couldn’t have asked for a better sibling! I’m proud and honored to be able to look up to my baby sister!  God bless!

To my delight, we started Sunday (and the next two days as well!) bundling up and walking the 3 blocks from the Governor’s Inn to the historic section downtown.  How fun it was to walk the nearly deserted streets just as dawn was breaking, and seeing the town start to come alive.  It was a great way to begin each day!

When we were fully clothed and in our right minds (??) we drove down to the parking lot next to Merchant’s square.  It was worth paying for parking to be so close.  We picked up our blankets and lawn chairs and headed to the other end of Duke of Gloucester Street and set up our places in the front row by the Capitol building.  Being assured by Paul (whom we had never met but who was planted beside us in the row) that they were safe there, we took off for our day.

We started at the blacksmith’s shop, in honor of Dad.  He loved his horses and had a great friend who was a blacksmith, and we enjoyed standing inside the smoky building, watching the smith work on pounding out the iron, pumping away at the billows and keeping the coals burning.

At 11am we had our DECORATIONS OF WILLIAMSBURG walking tour.  Our guide was very knowledgeable and had us from one end of the town to the other.  There is an annual contest that both the CW Foundation (professional) and the private residents host every year, vying for top prizes for the most creative display.  The one pictured of the deer was a private home, Miss Deb’s house, and she was a first place winner. The horse was created by a private resident, as well, and was very clever.  I will never look at the wreaths and arrangements the same again. They were creative and beautiful, and each business used articles that tied the wreaths into their crafts.

We signed the waiting list outside of Chowning’s Tavern for lunch, and were entertained by two ‘locals’ who bantered with the crowd through the open second story window.  At one point they advised the Good Citizens of Williamsburg to pay respects to those ladies in purple, because purple represents royalty and one can never be too careful!  Of course, I was one of those ladies in purple.  How WOULDN’T I be?

We were seated upstairs at a table for four, and soon another couple was seated with us.  Who would have THOUGHT that George and Martha Washington would share our table?  As we talked, we discovered that they were retired teachers from Connellsville and Mt. Pleasant, just miles from our home!  They were currently living in Florida, but traveled all over the United States as George and Martha, speaking at schools, civic centers, historical societies, and special groups.  We really enjoyed their company (as well as our meal, which was a poor second to their presence!).  It was a delightful treat that we could not have planned for had we even tried!

 After lunch we just walked up and down the streets, joining in events and popping in and out of the buildings that were open.  The bridge is one of our favorite spots, behind the Printing Office and beside the book bindery.  A kind gentleman offered to take our picture together.  He suggested we climb down in the stream as that would make a lovely setting!  It’s so fun to come across people that have a sense of humor and can make the day even more special for their kindness!

Finally it was time to settle in for the fireworks.  The crescents were lit, the sky darkened, and the night exploded with light and color.  Fireworks were set off at three sites simultaneously – the Capitol, the Courthouse, and the Palace.  We could see the highest ones from all three across the treetops.

It was a perfect day, and as we finally tumbled into bed about 10:30pm, we had nothing but great memories to talk about and re-live.  I love this place, and my sister for sharing with me!

Last weekend I was so blessed to be able to travel with my sister (NOT pictured!  Ha!) to Williamsburg for their annual Grand Illumination.  Our stop in Breezewood before heading south provided the photo shoot with this friendly elfish Santa.  Nice guy!  The trip down was easy and safe, and even included a quick lunch with a Big Mac – something I eat only once every year or so.

It was a major thrill to see the welcome sign as we exited Route 64.  We’re here!

After checking into the Governor’s Inn, we headed to the visitor’s center for our photo passes and to view THE STORY OF A PATRIOT – how it all started in Colonial Williamsburg. We walked past New Generations Plantation to the historic district, just in time to see the illumination of the palace green.  The crescents were lit, a gun was fired, and the fife and drum corps provided accompaniment.  This was in front of each of the houses near the palace, and included a bit about each home and who lived there. 

This is George Wythe’s home, a good friend and tutor to Thomas Jefferson, and a signer of the Declaration of Independence. 

The late evening program was CHRISTMAS TIDE AT HOME, with snapshots recreated of Christmas over the ages in the city.  It was honestly stepping back in time through the centuries.  We finished the evening by walking back to the visitor’s center for the car, even though our hotel was a closer walk!  What a great beginning to an even greater trip! (Thanks, Sis! – love you!)