Last night four of us had the honor and pleasure of attending the Action For Animals fundraiser at the Latrobe Country Club.  It’s called ‘Love is in the Air’, and as far as the animals are concerned, there certainly is!  Smail’s are a corporate sponsor for the annual event, and we enjoyed representing them at the function.

Action for Animals needs $1500.00 PER DAY to house, feed, and vet the animals under their roof.  That is a daunting task, and takes amazing effort to meet those needs.  They never turn away requests to rescue animals if there is room at the facility, and along with helping take care of the animals, they provide assistance when necessary to adoptive ‘animal parents’ who need help keeping and caring for their animals at home.

Their mission is to always stay full; no space is empty for long after a pet has been adopted.  All the animals have names, and they are all happy and well cared for.  In fact, they routinely have to call pest control to prevent rodents from being a problem.  The cats are so content that they ignore the mice and just co-inhabit!

If you’re considering a pet, consider adopting a rescue dog, or cat, or even a rabbit.  Get in touch with Latrobe (PA) Action for Animals and be a foster mom or dad!  Later this week I’ll tell you about Penny, the therapy dog that was rescued and adopted through Action for Animals.  Penny is an amazing animal, doing amazing work in her own humble way.  I’ll share some of her story later….

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I just get the feeling that life is hard and things are just frustrating to deal with.  Everyday life seems to pull me down just because I’m tired or bored or ill or lonely (for the second!).  But this story should make you feel joyful and happy and thankful and humble – at the same time lifting prayers of hope and encouragement to a family that is up against their last hope. You can see a little of Nevaeh’s story on KDKA-TV’s video from last night’s news.

The young lady in the photo is 8-year-old Nevaeh Griffin.  She had an aggressive form of cancer that has reached a treatment level that offers no future improvements.  Nevaeh is Autmn’s cousin. 

Last Monday I received a txt message from Autmn, saying that they stopped treatment on Nevaeh and she was probably going to die.  That is a terrible thing to have to face, but I am comforted by the fact that she followed that with: “I prayed for her five times already today.”  For someone so young, such profound comfort and truth. 

Nevaeh and her family, however, have not given up.  They are going to California to seek aggressive and innovative treatment there, and are hopeful that an answer will be presented. 

Please pray for Neveah and her family.  I don’t know all of these children, but I know:  Little Kevin, ?, Autmn Rose, Summer, Katylina, Penny, ?.  God has the answers.  Thankfully.

Well, that crazy Punxy Phil saw his shadow.  So that means 6 more weeks of winter.  Why is it that from Feb 2 to Mar 15 is 6 weeks???  Strange.  Anyway, this post is not about that crazy rodent!

We may be in the midst of winter, but summer is on its way.  That’s what keeps me going.  That, and getting my ‘spring’ cleaning done while I’m stuck inside the house.

I just felt inspired by this summer photo, taken when Kelly and Matt were dating back in the early 2000’s.  The quaint little covered bridge is the main way to the Hancher home, which for now houses Matt, Kelly, Matt’s Mom (Ma), Peyton, Logan and Chase.  They are hoping to build next summer – but in the meantime it’s cozy there to say the least!  But even though this photo is inspiring, the picture that Kelly sent me Saturday morning gives the current story: It’s a picture post card!  I almost expect a horse and sleigh to come through there. 

Summer or winter, the bridge is inspiring and inviting.  Happy winter, says Phil!!!  Happy winter!

It was my job to buy the present! 🙂  My daughter Kelly, her mother-in-law Ruth Ann, and I went together on a gift for a mutual friend.  And although the decision was made on their end, I was closest to the store.  So be it.  Labor of love! (No pun intended.)

Trent and Michelle are expecting their first child in March.  We are all excited for them!  Trent is my ‘personal banker’ (thanks, Trent!!!) as well as a family friend of my son-in-law’s family.  Helping to celebrate was an honor and a pleasure.  It was wonderful to have ‘dad’ included in the celebrations, to help make all the guests feel welcome and to open gifts with Michelle.  I think Trent had more fun with the toys than that baby will!

It was also somewhat rare that they did not want to know if their baby would be a girl or a boy, as stated on the cake.  We’ll all be excited to fine out the answer to that mystery once the little one makes an appearance.  I love baby names – can’t wait.

Congrats and good luck to the soon-to-be parents.  We’ll all be your prayer warriors as you embark on this wonderful life-long adventure of family-hood!   God Bless! 

Life is what happens while you’re making other plans!  I worked late tonight, then had all intention of catching up on all the things I didn’t accomplish during the week:  laundry, paying bills, groceries, cooking real food (!!!), online orders, errands.  Well, I no more than made it through the door when I had a call to order!

My younger granddaughter was home with a fever, and her dad had to take the neighbor to work.  Could I sit with Chriss?  Of course!  So I changed my shirt, pulled on snow boots, grabbed my grocery list, and headed over.

Chrissy’s head did feel warm, and she did have a headache.  She tucked herself on the couch under several blankets, watching TV.  It wasn’t long until the Tylenol kicked in, and she was pushing off the heavy blankets.  That was when the cat, Tigress, decided it was time to cuddle.  The cat jumped up on Chrissy’s tummy and just got comfy.  They buddied up the rest of the time I was there.  They seem to have an appreciation for each other.

I’m glad to see they have a friend in each other.  I’m sure Tigress was a great comfort to Chriss, and Chrissy knew exactly which ear to scratch!  Rest well, my little buddies – you’ll feel good as new in the morning!

It’s incredible how time flies.  Just last Wednesday I was celebrating Autmn and her 12th birthday.  Now today we celebrate Kelly.

My daughter – my firstborn – came home from the hospital on a snowy day, so bright and sunny that everything glistened.  In those days before the required carseats, I held her bundled in my arms for the trip home.  The only thing peeking out of the bright red blanket-sack were her little round eyes, also bright and shining, alert and taking in her new world. (picture above is Kelly with Autmn, 2003)

The neighbor kids had shoveled the driveway, and the sides were piled almost as high as the car.  I felt like a queen – royalty! – stepping out of the Jeep with that little bundle.  From that day forward, my life was never the same.  She has brought her own sunshine and happiness to my world, and since that day, to quite a number of other lives as well.  Her favorite song was always ‘You are my Sunshine’, which her daddy would sing to her as he played his guitar. 

There is so much to say about my daughter, and the joy that she has brought to me, and still brings to me, but I’d have to write a book.  And although it’s about time I started another one, it’s not going to be today!  I will just say that I am proud of her and the life she is living.  She is a wonderful wife, mother, daughter (and -in-law!), a blessing to her friends and co-workers.  She serves willingly and joyfully in her church and give 100% to any project she tackles. She is a beautiful young lady, inside and out.

My birthday wish for her is health, happiness, success, faith, and family.  And the icing on THAT birthday cake would be love.  Love you, my sweet daughter!  God bless! 

Some people are born into families, some become part of your family.  Some are just simply FAMILY.  Ruth Ann is family. And today, we celebrate the anniversary of her birth.

In 2002 my daughter Kelly married her son Matt.  They made their home in West Alexander, not far from Matt’s parents.  When three little boys were born within only several years, Matt’s parents – Wayne and Ruth Ann – were there every step of the way.  I was there as often as possible, but being an hour away left a lot to be desired.

I for one am so glad that Ruth Ann (Ma to the family!) is there for them.  She teaches them strength and determination, compassion and sensitivity, hard work and how to have fun.  She has shared her life, her home and her love with all of them, and these lessons will live on in the boys through their entire lives.  But most of all, she has shared her faith, let them see God in her own life, and taught them Jesus.

These boys love and idolize their ‘Ma’ – I jokingly (but actually sincerely!!!) have tagged her as Saint Ma! – and they are by far the most blessed little boys that I know.  There is no doubt that they will grow into Godly young men, serving along side their parents in home, community, and church. And she, most definitely, has played a huge part in that. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for giving from your heart, and …..

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY, RUTH ANN! 

Autmn and I had a great time last night at the theater!  She was all dressed up in her new dress from Jen, and had her earrings and ‘faith’ necklace on that Miss Dianne gave her for her birthday.

  Jen came up after school and helped Autmn with her makeup and did her hair.  Jen is a great family friend to the girls and they really enjoy each other.  Autmn looked great, and so grown up!

BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (Disney) was very fun, and we knew all the songs and characters.  My favorite was Lumiere, but Autmn of course liked Belle the best. The BEAST was very believable and we both loved seeing his transformation into the prince!

After the show Autmn was able to get her picture taken with the star.  It was definitely a highlight!

We left the theater just as it was starting to snow, but headed to Sweet Frog (Frozen Yogurt) anyway.  Such a yummy treat!  Way too many toppings to choose from.  My favorites were M&M’s and Brownie bites.  Autmn chose marshmallows and gummy bears!  ???  It was snowing pretty hard by the time we made it home, and we were thankful to be tucked in our warm beds.  A great celebration of a milestone in Autmn’s life – Happy Twelve, Autmn!!!

Twelve years ago today a little lady named Autmn Rose Stairs-Burke entered our world in the afternoon.  I had just got to the hospital when they told me she had arrived.  She is my first-born grandchild and that day changed my life.

I have watched her grow, shared her joys and sorrows, taken her shopping and to the doctors and to church every week that I could.  I want to see her grow strong and happy in the Lord, knowing His will and His peace and His direction for her life.

She is a smart student, a happy girl – but a definite ‘live wire’ that gives us all a run for our money.  But if she uses that determination and spirit to achieve great things, then the path she follows will be blessed.

Friday night we are going ‘out on the town’ – to see Beauty and the Beast at the Civic Center. Then after the play we will hop on over to the Sweet Frog yogurt shop and have way too much sweets!

I love you, sweet Autmn!  Have a great year being twelve! 

This weekend Kathy and I went to Albion to visit Mom, John, and Sparky.  This cat – notice the half-missing ear! – at one point would not even come near the house when we visited.  Now he sits on our laps, eats treats out of our hands, and talks to us to get our attention.  Sparky was originally an outside cat – but now is inside more than out.  He sleeps in the basement in a chair on one of John’s old shirts, and loves to sit on John’s lap and rub noses; then they both fall asleep cuddled in the recliner.

Even though is was only 12*, Kath and I braved the temps and went for our morning walk.  Setting a brisk pace kept us warm, and we enjoyed chatting and looking at the scenery.  We saw deer tracks, rabbit tracks, and some tracks that we couldn’t identify. The sun was shining despite the cold, and the farm looked beautiful in the early morning quiet.

You can see the house in the background, and the barn and outbuildings to the left.

It was wonderful to be home for the weekend, for this place feels like home, even though we never actually lived there.  Because home is where the heart is, and our hearts are warm and welcomed in the presence of these two amazing people, a mom and dad who mean the world to us.  We love you, miss you, and asks God’s blessing on you both daily!  Stay safe!

(Just to explain, our parents are masquerading as Skunks.  Please don’t tell them you know who they really are!!! 🙂