233 years later

I love history. It is one of those things that fascinates me. It is amazing what our Founding Fathers were able to accomplish. They had to have had Divine guidance to achieve the establishment of a country, that has become a model for all of mankind. July 1776 there were only 2.5 million people in the 13 colonies. Thomas Jefferson headed a committee that composed our Declaration of Independence. Benjamin Franklin and John Adams were also on the committee. On July 4th (it wasn't a holiday then !) the Continental Congress voted on the Declaration. 9 colonies voted in favor, 2 voted no, 1 was undecided and 1 abstained. The Pennsylvania Evening Post was the first newspaper to publish the document. The document was not completely signed until August of 1776. In 1777 Philadelphia marked Independence Day with celebrations, bonfires and bells. The beginning of our 4th of July celebrations.

May God show favor to our country. May all Christians stand up for His Glory. We must protect and continue what so many have given their lives for. Freedom!

Today we are headed in a totally different direction than what our Founding Fathers saw as a country of free men and ruled by the people. We must return to our roots of our Founding Fathers and reclaim our country. May God Bless the United States of America.

Miss Mallory Jane

What fun Jane, Shelley and I had Sunday evening taking pictures of Mallory Jane. She was so cooperative and enjoyable to watch as the three older women posed her. We chose several places around Wabash. We had beautiful weather and excellent lighting for the pictures. The one I liked the best was a place you wouldn't have thought would be nice. It was the place we took the black and white photos of Mallory. I am not sure which of Shelley's other 3 children will be next, but I am sure we will have just as much fun. Little Miss Abbey may be a challenge ! I promised I would share the photos of Mallory.

Wilbur ..... what are you doing?

Wilbur is my squirrel. Well he isn't really my squirrel. There are several fun loving squirrels that eat my 'bird food'. Of course if you know me well, you know that I don't actually feed the birds. I do like the birds, but most of them are sparrows or doves. Nothing real exciting to watch. But...those squirrels are so funny. I am anxiously waiting on the black squirrels to come to our neighborhood. I have dubbed them all to have the name Wilbur. One year we had 3 young squirrels. I named them Huey, Dewey and Louie. They do the such funny things. We bought the bouncy squirrel feeder several years ago. Even the Chipmunks jump up and eat the corn. 'Wilbur' was jumping up to the feeder this morning. He was doing a very good job of it. Here is the video to watch of Wilbur jumping and below is a photo of him on the feeder.

Mother Natures handiwork

'Mother Nature' has a way of creating beautiful scenes. The other morning I had seen on the Doppler that there were storms coming in from the North. They looked to be bad storms on the Doppler. I could see lots of green, some yellows, oranges, and plenty of red. Oh...that isn't good. When I looked out of my office window, this is the view I was greeted with.

Fathers Day

I don't care how poor a man is; if he has family, he is rich

Our family is very fortunate to have such good Fathers.

First there is my Dad. A quiet man. He is one to let you live your life. He is a quiet strength to our whole family. Always ready when needed. We celebrate you on this special day.
Next is my special husband. Through all the years, the adventures, and the wonderful children we have been blessed with, you have given our children a strength to carry forth to the next generation.
Thirdly is our son. We are so proud of the man he has become and the man he is. He puts his family first. He is so much like his Grandpa. A quiet strength, but you definitely know he is there for you always.
Lastly we have our son-in-laws. They were not born into our family, but added by that special bond of marriage. They have stepped in and become a part of our family.
We wish each and everyone a very special Father's Day. We love you so very much.

Dad with Tom, Rick, Kyle and Mark

Grandpa Wagoner with Tom, Spencer, Malia, Alex, Rick, Kyle/ Luke, Rainey and Mark

He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it.

God is our spiritual Father who corrects us, His children, because He loves us (Hebrews 12:5-9).

Yesterday

Tomorrow is here,

The day

That I feared

Yesterday,

And God

Is still

In control

~Phyllis C. Michael

Up close and full

Up Close:

I was outside this afternoon checking the roses. My roses are over 35 years old. They came with the house. They have the best fragrance. To my surprise while I was looking at my roses, I literally stumbled upon a small robin. I had been walking in the very area the robin was sitting. There is no way I could have missed it when I stepped over to check the roses! When the baby robins were in their nest I would go and talk to them several times during the day. Was this one of my babies? I ran inside to get my camera, hoping it would still be there. I was able to get with in an inch of its face. It didn't have any fear of me, and made no effort to avoid me. I nudged it with my foot, but the little critter just sat there. I proceeded to take my pictures. I was so excited ! The photos are so detailed. You can even see the 'whiskers' on its face. If you wish to see them larger, just click on the picture.

Full:

We have several squirrels that eat the 'bird' food I put out. I should be completely honest, I don't actually feed the birds. I put the bird food out for the squirrels. Yesterday morning, I had eight squirrels. I saw the squirrel below resting on the feeder that my Dad made. It looked like it had been eating and was so full, it had to rest. The animals are so much fun to watch. This morning there was a young squirrel eating. One year I had three young squirrels. I named them Huey, Louie and Dewey! Nature is immeasurable enjoyment.

Graduating. . . .

There is no need to reach high for the stars, they are within you, reach deep inside and you will find them.

Alex's high school graduation was Saturday evening. It was held in the Ford Theater at the Honeywell Center. This was the first child for Stephanie, our first grandchild, and my parents and Tom's first great grandchild to graduate. She was presented with a Core 40 diploma. We are all so very proud of her.

Congratulations to the class of 2009

Alexandra Leigh Mahan

Alex's proud family-Rainey, Mark, Alex and her mother Stephanie

Grandma and Grandpa with Alex

Alex with Great Grandpa and Grandma Wagoner

Great Grandma Mahan (Chig) with Alex

Alex had her Open House Sunday at the Women's Club House on Hill Street. She had a very nice reception. We wish her the very best for a happy, productive and meaningful future.

Now that you've graduated,

Your adventure has begun.

Your schooling has prepared you

For the race life has you run.

We praise you for your efforts,

And send good wishes, too,

For a future filled with happiness,

And your fondest dreams come true.

By Joanna Fuchs

Memorial Day~ It is crowded in here!

Memorial Day

Many cities and towns still have parades and celebrations in memory of the Veterans of our Wars on Memorial Day (Decoration Day). I appreciate the sacrifice that so many young men and women have given in the name of Freedom and the security of our country.Dad was in World War II.
There are people who look forward to Memorial Day Weekend as the beginning of summer vacations. They enjoy camping, boating, fishing, golfing, etc. Others are eager for the Indianapolis 500 Race.

We like to get together as a family and enjoy our time together. Everyone gets to bring their "speciality dish" and the host provides the rest. If I continue on the path that I am on, I wont have to bring a thing. Jane never likes my food... hahahaha....
Jane had an excellent get together yesterday. We had lots of good food, fun for the kids, lots of laughs for the adults (along with some teasing) and a good weather day.

Matthew was so cute. Matthew has Osteogenisis Imperfecta (sometimes known as Brittle Bone Disease-he will have some dwarfism). He will be very short when he matures. He is definitely going to be left handed. He would throw the ball and laugh. It is amazing how curly his hair is getting. Matthew is 1 and wears 3-6 months clothes. We all just love him so much. Click Here to watch Matthew throwing the ball to Auntie Cindy.

Matthew / Grandpa Wagoner in background

Kids playing outside

Malia investigating the flamingo

The Griller and the Ole Griller!

It is crowded in here!

Now... this morning I was checking in on the wee ones. Jeeezzz.....those birdies are really growing. Now they can watch me as I watch them. It is a bit crowded in the nest though. In just a few days they have gotten so big. Of course Miss Robin is not at the nest as much now.

Is Freedom Free?

Although no sculptured marble should rise to their memory, nor engraved stone bear record of their deeds, yet will their remembrance be as lasting as the land they honored.

~Daniel Webster

Remembering those who fought and gave their lives for the Freedom we cherish

Who kept the faith and fought the fight;

The glory theirs, the duty ours.

~Wallace Bruce

* Interested in the history of Memorial Day? Check it out here.