Give Thanks

O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; For His loving kindness is everlasting
1 Chronicles 16:34

Relaxing on Cabbage Beach in the Bahamas
I am thankful for vacations and beautiful beaches

I've been slowly making my way through "One Thousand Gifts" as part of my devotions and quiet time.   I've gotten a little off track and have forgotten at times to give thanks and be grateful for all things in my life.

After talking to my sister in Arizona yesterday though, it got me thinking of the book and my lack of gratefulness lately.  Then, this morning I got a text from Tina and she said she was thankful for me!  Isn't that what we are to do in this life, help lift each other up; to support and love?  She reminded me that in all things we are to give thanks.  Well, tonight as I head to bed, I think I will read a little and catch up on my list of things I am grateful for!

G'night

Sunday Drive

Yesterday, Otto and I headed out with the intention of visiting Morgantown WV where my dad grew up.  We headed out after church in anticipation of what this day would hold, camera in hand, and of course Tomya (GPS) as our guide.

Once on the road we talked about what we would see and how it would look.  When did my dad live there, and when did he move to Pennsylvania?  When did Nana's parents die?  Where are they buried? So many questions and things I need to find out.

On the road to Morgantown

Crossing over Cheat Lake, almost there

After we exited at the Morgantown off ramp, we saw a sign for Forks of Cheat Winery, so we headed up the windy road.  Here are some pics of what we stumbled on to.  It was this quaint little winery tucked up in the hills with some very good wines.  Tasting was free we were told, but you couldn't taste everything on the list, just a few.  I'm not really a white wine lover, but they had one that tasted soo good, a little dry but had undertones of grapefruit, we just had to grab a bottle.  Onto the deeper Cabs that I like and it was okay, but not great.  Then, he suggested  the Chambourcin, I don't think I've ever had it before and it was wonderful, give me one of those bottles please!  It's a hybrid grape that is very delicate and temperamental - so they don't produce a lot, but I'm sure glad we got to taste it and get a bottle!

We left the winery after chatting with the owner for a bit and getting a map of Morgantown -- I shot a few pics of the grounds before leaving.  I am certain we will return!

So, after talking to my dad we ended up at the corner of Pleasant St and University Ave.  He didn't remember the address or exactly which shop was grandpa's.  Since it was a little difficult to figure out exactly where the shop was I took pics of things around the area in hopes that I captured it.  I am going to call the Chamber of Commerce and get more info before heading out here again!

University Ave

Buildings on University Ave

Monongahela River 

 I am fairly certain that one of these buildings is where my grandpa's shop was located.

The picture to my left is looking up Pleasant St. from University Ave.  It wasn't clear whether the shop was on the right or left looking up from University.

The picture below and to the right is on the right hand side of the street looking up from University Ave.

I took a lot of pictures of the surrounding buildings too.  We also drove up University Ave where my dad said his address was 321.

I shot some houses, but could not be certain we were even in the right area.  Dad, you are just going to have to come out here and see us so we can take a drive into Morgantown again!

We decided to head to Shinnston, the town where my Nana's family is from.  Still, not too certain of when and where and even who lived here, but thought we would hit the cemetery to see if we could find Nana's parents' grave site.  So many questions, when did they die?  Where were they buried?

We plugged in 'city center' 'Shinnston' and were guided to this spot exactly.  A sign on the side of the road with no town in site!

So, on we drove into the town.  We plugged in Cemetery Rd, don't all towns have one?  It led us to the Shinnston Masonic Cemetery, which was quite large.  We headed to the oldest sections in hopes of finding the Marino headstone.  We had no clue if this was even the right cemetery, and can you believe the office is closed on Sunday?  Well, I guess it is only a town of about 2,000 people!  LOL

Well, we didn't find the grave site but that is okay, we aren't too from home and will make the trip back once I get all the info on the family that I need!

Below are pics of the old Shinnston High School, the post columns say "Class of 1924"

Finally headed home after a full day of driving and oohing and awing over the landscape and sights.  And as Arnold would say "I'll be back"!

Random pictures while on the road!

Back to Reality

I've been absent from the blogging world for a few weeks, so I am catching y'all up today!  I got home last Wednesday, but was supposed to fly out on Tuesday.  More on that later.

Well, my time in California was just awesome.  Spent a week with J, Corynn and Gianna.  Jason had to coach a few of the days so I was able to spend some quality time with Corynn and Gianna - we went shopping one day and met Aunt Robbie at the mall, went to a wine tasting one night and even baked Nana's easter cookies and colored eggs!  J and I were able to run together a few days and we met Kayla for a birthday lunch at BJ's and saw Cameron jump at Cal State LA, and, of course we made it down to the beach for some Crab Cooker chowder! I babysat one night so J and Corynn could go to dinner and my pal, Denny stopped by with coffee.  I was able to do a lot, but one thing I didn't fit in; I was not able to see my dear friend Sheila who is battling cancer, but hope to see her in July - please keep her in your prayers!

I'm such a big girl now

First trip to the Crab Cooker and I'm sleeping

At the beach

Toes in the sand

  

In Huntington Beach, CA

Cameron clearing the bar for 15'3"

Gianna standing up!

Gianna is just getting so big; she started crawling and pulling herself up to a standing position the week before so she kept me busy chasing her all over.  On Saturday night Jason barbqued steaks, John (Corynn's dad), Lorielle and Gabe and Robin joined us for dinner.  That Sebastian is something, always busy! After dinner we sat around, had some wine and enjoyed some good conversation before going to the Van Dieren's for the night.  Robbie and I stayed up pretty late chatting and watching Long Island Medium and Toddlers and Tiaras - what a hoot!

Easter cookies

First easter eggs for Gianna

Sebastian pulling apart the alphabet mat

On Sunday the Chamberlains, Van Dierens, Dad and Sharon, Christian, Tucker and I all went to the Long Beach Rescue Mission to serve lunch to some needy families.   I was overcome with joy at the sacrifice made by the teens in our family to serve some less fortunate families on this glorious day!  I hope this may stir something in their hearts and they continue to volunteer in some way in the future.   We made it a fun day as we joked and shared smiles and some love as we served others.  The staff at the mission said we served over 900 people on Easter.  Wow!  After volunteering at the mission, we headed back to the Chamberlain's for lunch - we watched the Master's, several baseball games and then had an awesome game of Taboo with teens against adults.  Hilarious is all I can say!  We had some serious deep belly laughs!  I was able to meet my godson's girlfriend, Lauren and she jumped right in and played games with us - what a trooper.  She's a keeper Tris!

At the Long Beach Rescue Mission after serving
Back Row: Tyler, Me, Robbie, Cameron, Christian, Scot, Tree, Tucker
Front Row: Joe, Kayla, Sharon, Gpa-Dad, Tristin

At the Chamberlain's on Easter Sunday

The luncheon spread

Taboo

Sunday night, Robin and I spent the night at Tree's and headed out along with Tristin, Tyler, Tucker, Tony and Tree to Bixby Village golf; a nine hole course in Long Beach.  We piled out of the cars, late of course, hustling to pay, get balls and proceed to the first tee without too much commotion  An almost impossible task with this Olivito group.  And, before we were able to tee off while chatting with a golfer in front of us we were able to get him to give us a cigar (gar) to share.  His comment when he saw us later on the course was "it's nice to see you ladies enjoying a good gar" LOL  Good times, good times.  It was a blast playing with the siblings and boys - did we have some laughs or what?  Good deep belly laughs for sure!  Be sure to try the new Dixon balls, k?

Golfing with the siblings - 

So, Monday after golf we headed to Robin's, got In n' Out for dinner, played cards for a bit and after a jacuzzi sadly headed to bed; it was after all, my last night of vacation or not!

When I got to the airport I found out they oversold the flight and needed several people to 'give up' their seats.  I didn't volunteer at first but when they made the second call I thought "why not?"  Because I agreed to fly out the next day instead of later that day, I picked up a $500 voucher!  Otto was really sick and had come home from work early to sleep before he was supposed to get me.  I left a text and tried to call, but I  he was sleeping.  I was hoping he would be happy that he didn't have to drive to the airport feeling like he did.  When he finally called me, he sounded disappointed but glad I was coming home the next day.  I guess I forgot I had been gone for 18 days already, so I guess he missed me!   I called Robbie up and she cheerfully (at least I think!) came back to get me.  We stopped at J's game on the way home and watched a few innings of him coaching, said hi to Kevin Bowler (J's old high school coach) and then headed back to the Van Dieren's.  It was Robbie's bunco night, so I joined her and Janet and met up with the others for a fun night of dice!  I actually WON most wins!  I was able to see Wendy, who walked with Tree and I in the first Avon Breast Cancer walk back in 2006.  

Well, that about sums it up, I did get on the plane the next day and made it home safely Wednesday night after a delay in Phoenix and some flying around a major storm somewhere over the midwest.

I had a wonderful time and am grateful that I was able to see my family and be away from my hubby for so long.  Life is Good!

Change of Climate

Today is my final day in Eden Prairie and this evening I head to California for a little climate change.  The weather here this past week has been cold, cloudy and at times wet, but that didn't stop us from having some great fun.

Makenzie is recovering well, does her exercises 3x a day and can even put quite a bit of weight on her leg and hasn't experienced much pain.   She goes today for her second PT appointment this afternoon.

This week has flown by so quickly but we have lots of memories to recall at a moment's notice.  We've enjoyed worship at church together, shopping, baking, family games, Wii Just Dance and Resort Sports tournaments, Harry Potter, Shark Attack and Good Luck Charlie marathons along with some great belly laughs!



Our bracket for the bowling tourny!

One of my favorite things from this week has been sharing some great meals and family time at the dinner table.  The kids are growing up so quickly, and the discussions about current events and conversations about their day has been a highlight.  They can be quite the comedians as well and we've enjoyed some deep tummy laughs at their stunts and jokes too!

Gillie making her chocolate chip oreo cookie cupcakes

Friday morning, we hit one of our favorite breakfast joints, the Original Pancake House for some granola, pecan, strawberry, banana and of course, chocolate chip pancakes.  I tried the granola for the first time and now they are my favorite, only until I try another type next time.  We headed to the movies after to see the Lorax; mixed ratings on this movie from all.  On Saturday morning, Jared headed out early to get us maple bacon donuts!  Yummy!  Then we headed to Gillie's horseback riding lesson.

Gill riding Cashew

After church yesterday, we headed to Minnehaha Falls and out to lunch in downtown Minneapolis.  This morning Gill and I made some flower head-bows and now I'm going to play cribbage and have some coffee with Lani before the big girls wake up!