The Side of Anthony that NOBODY but family and 1 or 2 friends ever see...

While waiting at Dave's parent's favorite diner in Pennsylvania, Anthony found
a box of glasses that people had donated to a charity. Not thinking of the potential germ hazard, he proceeded to put us all into fits of laughter as he produced different poses.
I only wish I had sound!!!!

He'll kill me so this is probably my last blog!

Sad Week

This has been a difficult week -- after the "high" week of VBS I have hit a major low -- and for me that's saying a lot!

Although I did not know Randy and Heather Loper well, I did know and enjoy their children from my interaction with them at Franklin Bible Methodist, Kidz Adventure, and Heartland Camp. Today they watched the funeral of their father. I watched on-line after having attended the viewing yesterday and was heart broken for them and Heather. If only I could help to carry some of their pain!

Today we received what we thought was a reminder for Christi to see her orthopedic Dr. to determine what foot treatment we should pursue. The first lines read "It is with deep sorrow that we must inform you that Dr. Robert L. Cooper passed away suddenly on Sunday, June 14th. He had been treated for a rare type of leukemia which was complicated by pneumonia." We were all shocked!!! He had performed David's bunion surgery last May, had discovered Anthony's foot and ankle issues and worked diligently to give him the best treatment, had helped Christi ... we had no idea that we would never see him again! He was great and loved his work...in his 40's and with pre-teen/early teen children. My heart is broken and unlike Randy, I am not sure of his final destiny...so then the question arises...did I say and do enough to faithfully share with him the gospel? I could have done more!

Tomorrow morning bright and early we leave for a very busy and exhausting but in a crazy way -- super fun -- week. AYC is just around the corner - it's a week of giving, loving, and laughing.
We will also visit with Dave's folks. That will be fun too but it hurts to see them growing older and having to deal with so many aches, pains, and medications. On the other hand we'll enjoy Philly pretzels and Rita's Water Ice --- MMMMM GOOD!

And so ... I say good-night -- rather Good Morning -- it's almost 1:00 AM and have almost finished my "to-do list" -- blogging not being one of them -- just had to write, this mood is not something I'm comfortable with --- rather foreign actually. But, now I feel better....Good Night!

Kenwood Kidz VBS 2009

This year we are headed to Rome to visit Paul and the Underground Church.
The kids are divided up into Roman families and visit the marketplace, Paul, the Underground Church, participate in games, enjoy Extollo and of course, munch on a snack.

Drama takes place in the marketplace... a slave is set free...

A Roman Family

My girls help put down the finishing touches on the stage.

Young men enjoying the metal working shop.

Mrs. Wingham is in charge of the toga shop.

Christi and Abbey in the carpenter shop.

Alicia and Brooke help the kids learn caligraphy in the Scribe's booth.
The kids love this - especially when they seal their "document" with wax and and a stamp.

Outside Games

Meeting secretly in the underground church.

A shop .... waiting for visitors

The underground church ... lights on...when the kids arrive it is dark and lit with "candles"...but not dark for long...little ones can only handle so much...

I love the aqueduct

Center stage...I think this is so cool looking!

I was not a big Bigg's fan until ...

I have never liked Bigg's -- I'm a Kroger person almost 90% of the time but last week I was wooed into the store with the bait of double and triple coupons up to $2.00.

I left with a huge smile on my face even though I had to spend extra time finding the stuff in the unfamiliar aisles.

Here's what the receipt reads:

Advertised Savings : $1.50
Manufacturer Coupons: $37.25
Store/Dbl/Triple Coupons: $46.15
SRP Savings: $49.87

You saved a grand total of: $134.77
That is a savings of: 77%

Total spent: $40.94

Yes, Yes, Yes!!!!

Plus I signed up (free) for their gas card program and can save 18 cents a gallon on my next fill-up at a Sunoco station. Not bad!

David eats a Fish

You can order fried trout anywhere in the world but David was hoping for
a fish that really looked like a fish...
he got his wish!

After commenting on how delicious it was and enjoying the main portions
he decided to taste an eyeball!
I'm "grossing out" and telling him he's disgusting, his grandparents are amused...

Here's what's left...and yes, he did eat an eyeball, but only one...
"squishy, a little sour...think I'll just eat one..."

Thanks to Nellie, I enjoy my fish cooked this way!!!!
It was delicious!

The People of Romania

One of my reasons to visit Romania with my parents was to meet the people they love and that love them in return. I was in constant amazement of the deep friendships they share.

We stayed in "Mama Ghita's" home.
Here she and her sister posed for a picture...sweet women...

Tinca Church Children

Another David

Lifting "weights" with Cristi

This dear woman prays for my parents every morning and evening.

Daniel and Roxanna -- love these kids!!

Gypsy Children I had the privilege of teaching.

A Wonderful Christian family -- so many things I could say about our time spent with them.
Maybe later...

This family lived down the street from my parents in Solanta. Let's just say they were VERY EXCITED to see Mom and Dad show up unexpectedly!!!! We received royal treatment!!

A dear lady - Eva - that works in the orphanage.

One of the two birthday cakes that dad received while there.

David and Cipiri see each other after 4 years. This isn't the picture that shows their happy faces but I'm too lazy to change it.

All the children couldn't get enough of playing with David!

David meets a new friend, Josef. Here they are discussing the rules of baseball - a very uncommon game in Romania!! Soccer rules there.

This woman was sitting outside her gate when she spotted us. Her kiss says it all.

The children from the church in Batar.

These girls have lived at the orphanage since they were very young.
They were so happy to see "Grandpa and Grandma" again and could hardly say good-bye.

The neighbor from down the street...sooo happy to see the "big" David.

Graduation!!!

The pictures loaded backwards but here's a few...
Unfortunately this one isn't great but it's the only one we have as a family!

2nd Generation Graduate of God's Bible School

Justin and David...they call each other "brothers"

Nathaniel Davison gets an Associates...these guys have been friends for about 14 years...
I'm sure they have lots of stories to tell!

Headed down the aisle to get a diploma!


Not much time to write...

David and I are headed to Romania in the morning around 7:00 AM with my parents.
I am soooooo excited...God does give us the desires of our heart!
Will return June 2nd if all goes as planned...

Pray for us and pray for Dave and the children...this is all new for us!

Pics coming later!