Easter Continues!

Therefore we thank Thee for our little light, that is dappled
with shadow.
We thank Thee who has moved us to building, to finding
to forming at the ends of our fingers and the beams
of our eyes.
And when we have built an altar to the invisible Light,
we may set thereon the little light for which our bodily
vision is made.
And we thank Thee that darkness reminds us of light.
O Light Invisible, we give Thee thanks for Thy Great glory!
T. S. Eliot

Our celebration of Easter continues this week as the Kellers and Stauffers from INDY arrive and join us here with the Ackermans from across town. We will celebrate the Resurrection with food and family. And for entertainment we will attend the Spring Musical performed by the Students of Memorial High school.

There will be the usual ham, sweet potatoes, veggies and pie. We will chat and laugh and eat way too much. The kids will giggle, the dogs will beg at table and there will be meaningful and not so meaningful conversation.

Then it will be off to the high school for this year's performance of Annie. It is always a thrill to watch kids sing and dance and this year will be no different. Kellie is a sophomore and part of the cast (we have been entertained by the students here since Kellie began as a wee extra when she was 4). Neil her brother is an extra. What fun we will have.

The traditions of the Church allow us to celebrate this Holy Season for fifty days, not just one. We are to "party" through the Ascension of Our Lord and into Pentecost and the arrival of the Holy Spirit. We are to celebrate who we are!!!!! We are the Body of Christ!

So everyone!!!! Do it!!!! CELEBRATE!!!!! We do have a lot about which to rejoice. Continue to worship and commemorate Our Lord's glorious resurrection for this is our legacy! Alleluia! Alleluia!!!

~~^j^~~
Thanks be to God!

Proof of Life

I spy!

~~~~~

Kelly at Musings is offering us a chance to share moments in our lives when children cause us to pause and reflect on the impact their lives have had on us. So from time to time I will be going into my picture archives and bringing out those pictures that have caused me joy, laughter and love, proof of life. I will even endeavor to leave only a short title for the picture! So go visit Kelly and share in the fun!

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Thanks be to God!

Countdown to Thanksgiving with Maxine...

Thanksgiving has never been that stressful for me...It's always the same menu. The family expects it. Easy. It's Turkey, Aunt Marjorie's stuffing, candied sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry salad and pumpkin pie! I'm full just thinking about it!

Thanksgiving will come
The family will all be there
And no leftovers!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

A Grand Weekend of Celebration

Click here to view these pictures larger

Yet another great weekend here for the Keller Family. After we worked at Mother Teresa's Treasures we met Wes, Roy, Neil, Ainsley, and Lindsey at the Evansville Museum for Astronomy Day. The kids got to see some of Grandpa's meteorites on display and then it was out to dinner at Hacienda.

This morning we celebrated with Kellie as she made her Confirmation. What a joy!! I had to delete some pictures because they were blurred. Sometimes it's hard to take a good picture through the tears of joy! Later we gathered at the Ackerman house for a traditional Grandy's buffet and wonderful cake and cupcakes.

What a wonderful day!!!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

The Simple Women's Daybook

I had such a wonderful weekend that I just wanted to share it with you all. After you visit here please visit Peggy at The Simple Woman and journey along the path of life we all share.

~~Outside my window...it is dark, but cool.

~~I am thinking...what a week of anticipation this will be.

~~I am thankful for...my best friend and husband, Ron. We had such a wonderful date Saturday night. I'm still smiling.

~~From the kitchen...homemade chili in the crockpot. Did I say I really love to cook in it?

~~I am wearing...robe and nightgown.

~~I am creating...prayer card for Kellie's Confirmation on Sunday.

~~I am going...to get ready for the family gathering this weekend here in Evansville

~~I am reading...(continue) The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri J. M. Nouwen.

~~I am hoping...the weather continues to be so glorious.

~~I am hearing...mostly quiet with occasional cricket. It is lovely.

~~Around the house...dust bunnies are growing and spider webs and being created, so dusting is in order.

~~One of my favorite things...is watch NCIS and the new season starts on Tuesday!

~~A few plans for the rest of the week: 1) Work on my vacation journal;2) prepare for the arrival of Wes, Annie and the girls on Friday noc; 3) Work at Mother Teresa's Treasures on Saturday, 4) Attend meeting of Adult Formation at church; 5) Bible Study on Thursday, 6) and most importantly attend Kellie's Confirmation on Sunday.

~~Here is picture thought I am sharing...

God' Eye
North Posey High School
September 19, 2009

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

The Simple Women's Daybook

I had such a wonderful weekend that I just wanted to share it with you all. After you visit here please visit Peggy at The Simple Woman and journey along the path of life we all share.

~~Outside my window...is a glorious blue sky (it's 5:00 p.m. I decided to do this Sunday evening instead of very early Monday morning when it's dark outside.)

~~I am thinking...Thank God for Grandparent's Day. Neil invited Grandpa and me to go to Grandparent's Day at the Evansville Children's Museum. We had a grand time!!!

~~I am thankful for...All my grandchildren. Real treasures.

~~From the kitchen...the crock pot has a pork loin in it cooking for dinner tomorrow.

~~I am wearing...capri pant with matching jacket.

~~I am creating...[still working on] The Book of Wit 'n' Wisdom for Jimmy and Kelly's Wedding

~~I am going...to have a restful week in which I can work on my summer picture album with all the pictures of our great adventures this glorious summer!

~~I am reading...The Return of the Prodigal Son by Henri J. M. Nouwen.

~~I am hoping...the weather continues to be so glorious.

~~I am hearing...kids playing outside in these wonderful days before Autumn begins.

~~Around the house...Ron is spraying the weeds in the garden and Sam and Duchess are lazily napping.

~~One of my favorite things...is to do eat out with family and we will be celebrating Roy's birthday tonight at the Olive Garden!

~~A few plans for the rest of the week: 1) Work on my vacation journal; 2) continue to progress with Jimmy and Kelly's Book of Wit 'n' Wisdom.

~~Here is picture thought I am sharing...

"The Pied Piper of St. Charles"
The Festival of The Little Hills
St. Charles, MO, 2009

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Nevada Holiday

Click here to view these pictures larger

There is a wonderful Chinese Proverb that I read today the really touches the essence of our time with Tom and Kathleen.

One generation planted the trees,
and another gets the shade.

So it is that Ron and I will be indebted to friends and family for the opportunity to "sit in the shade!"

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God

The End of the Road...Bad Haiku Friday

Carson City's the place
I'm still amazed and in awe
Travel this time by air

I promise this is the last travel Haiku until December...when we'll be off for the wedding. Now I know what it means to be a vagabond! Who knows maybe staying at home will be a treat. Since the summer began, Ron and I have traveled to Charlotte, NC; Billings, MT; Loveland, CO; Atlanta, GA; St. Charles, MO and Indianapolis, IN. The last trip on the itinerary is Carson City, NV and Lake Tahoe. Whew!!! What a ride it has been! Loving every minute of it!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!!!!

The Simple Women's Daybook

I haven't' done this in such a long time I think perhaps I might give it another try. I had such a wonderful weekend that I just wanted to share it with you all. After you visit here please visit Peggy at The Simple Woman and journey along the path of life we all share.

~~Outside my window...it's dark, for it is only 5:00 a.m.

~~I am thinking..."Glory be to God, it's a grand morning!"

~~I am thankful for...Family near and far!

~~From the kitchen...I can hear the kettle boiling for my tea.

~~I am wearing...My robe and nightgown

~~I am creating...The Book of Wit 'n' Wisdom for Jimmy and Kelly's Wedding

~~I am going...to Carson City, NV this weekend to visit brother, Tom, and wife, Kathleen.

~~I am reading...Zapped by Carol Higgins Clark

~~I am hoping...the weather continues to be so glorious.

~~I am hearing...the humidifier running. The humidity is still 75%.

~~Around the house...Ron is putting up the molding on the stairway finished last Fall.

~~One of my favorite things...is to do counted x-stitch. I have a project I trying to finish now.

~~A few plans for the rest of the week: 1) Send out the letters to participants in Christ Renews His Parish on 9/12/2009; 2) have laundry finished by Wednesday so I can pack for the trip; 3) attend group, share and pray with dear sisters in Christ.

~~Here is picture thought I am sharing...

Glorious Color
From
A Friend's Garden

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Praise God!

Today I have much to praise the good Lord for. This weekend was again glorious. Please journey to Jennifer's Chocolate Heart and share in the "praise."

1) The weather was grand for the Festival of the Little Hills in St. Charles, MO. (Often referred to by the family as the "Sweating of the Little Hills." It was an absolutely wonderful day to walk the streets of the city and peruse the stalls and eat the wonderful food with John, Rhonda and Ron!

2) Praising God for John and all his work in investigating some of the hotels in St. Louis for the upcoming Stubbs Family Reunion in June, 2010.

3) Praise God for breakfast with Rhonda, John, and Ron on the Blackstock screened in porch. August seldom offers us such a treat. It's always soooo hot there.

4) Praising Him for the opportunity to acquire ingredients needed for the rehearsal dinner in December. UMMMM Key Lime Pie!

5) Praising God for His Mass and Communion today. Left me full of joy and gladness!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Bad Haiku Friday

Puzzle day was fun
Keeps the mind working and playing
Next week's puzzle is ready

Antelope
Rocky Mountain National Park

Here is next week's puzzle picture. I had a great time and hope you will join in the fun next week. Know that when you put the puzzle together it is not mandatory that you put together the number of pieces shown in the puzzle. The site allows you to change the number of pieces you use to complete the puzzle. And ignore the clock...It's not a competition. If you get stumped you can always restart the puzzle. I just want you to relax and have fun!

Today we trek to St. Louis to visit family and go to the Festival of the Little Hills in St. Charles (in years passed dubbed by Ron as the "sweating of the little hills because of the heat and humidity). Weather seems to be cooperating as it will be cool according to the weatherman...I will HOLD him to that!

Wishing all a cool, delightful weekend. Enjoy!!!!!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Sensational Saturday~

Glorious, yes it is! Sensational! It's the 1st of August in Indiana and the sky is clear and the air cool! Sensational! Today is a day to glory in the goodness of God!

Today is the day I cultivate family! How? Well, shopping for Marianne's baby shower with Laura and Kellie, because I can.

I'll pay the bills with a smile, because I can!

I'll dust and clean with a song, because I can!

If you wish to share your Sensational Saturday, please do!!!! All are welcome! Enter have a seat and enjoy the conversation!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Continuing The Adventure...

We're off to CO today on the next leg of our journey. Must say good-bye to Mother and the rest of the family. It's always sooo hard for I won't see them for another year. Perhaps, that is why I appreciate these gifts of family sooo much.

Wishing you all wonderful visits with your families!!!

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

The Columbine

Columbine
Salvation
the flower of the Savior
Wisdom and Strength

The columbine is said to have grown at Adam's feet in the
Garden of Eden. Through the Middle Ages. Monasteries and castle
gardens featured this flower. Originally blossoms were thought
to represent the eagle's claws but those with gentler natures said the
petals looked like a dove. Presenting the Columbine to a
loved one shows a great deal of respect. Salvation is implied, ranging
from the salvation of the soul to an attempt to ward off an evil
eye, which could otherwise sap a beloved's wisdom and strength.
~Loves Me, Loves Me Not~
The Hidden Language of Flowers
by Peter Loewer

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Soon and very soon we will be going to the land of the Columbine. We're off tomorrow evening for MT to visit Mom and brother Phil and family for several days. Then on the way home we will visit Ron's sister in CO. I can hardly wait. John Denver had it right!!! It's a "Rocky Mountain High!"

I'm not sure how much access I will have to a computer. I will make every effort to post and visit. Know that I will be thinking of all of you! Will be gone for about 10 days all told but do hope to visit with you all soon.

~~~^j^~~~
Thanks be to God!

Gold Fever Part I

This last weekend we spent Father's Day in North Carolina with David, Kelly, The Boys and Maddie. I cannot tell you how much fun it was for us. It was a weekend full of fun and surprises. The first surprise came Saturday morning when David announced we were going to Reed's Gold mind. Ron's eyes lit up and his ears turned red.

Background: Ron is a '49er! Born too to late but a '49er non-the-less. He has dredged for gold in Colorado instead of attending classes at Colorado School of Mines. He has dredged for gold in California, from the American River to dry creek beds on the Monterey Peninsula. He and his children, all, have panned for gold in Indiana at Gold Creek. (no kidding...that's the name.)

So, you see when David told his dad of this adventure, Ron was up and ready to go. The following are videos of Dad/Grandpa panning and instructing.




"There's gold!"

Grandpa teaches them how!

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It was a glorious day.

Thanks be to God!!!

Bad Haiku Friday

Haven't done this for awhile so thought that I'd use it as a preview for what is to come on our travels this weekend.

We're off to Charlotte Fun,
Family and play
Happy Father's Day!

Wishing all a grand weekend of family and friends. ENJOY!!! Will be back Tuesday!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

What's In a Name?

A reflection I came upon today. I wish to share it with you as we begin the weekend.

[After healing and teaching many people the disciples, whom Jesus had sent out,] came back in great joy. "Lord," they said, "even the demons obeyed us when we gave them a command in your name!" ~Luke 10:17~

An American tourist was walking down a deserted rural road in Germany. She came upon a shepherd grazing sheep. A dog was diligently guarding the flock. "What's the dog's name?" she asked.

I'll spell it for you," said the shepherd. "I don't like to say it out loud unless I have something for him to do."

The shepherd's comment reminds us of how personal and powerful a name is. People in biblical times held names in extra-special reverence so it's no surprise that Jesus' name--when invoked--had power over demons

How aware am I of the power of the name of Jesus? How reverently do I use Jesus' name?

The Name of Jesus is honey for the mouth, music for the ear and gladness for the heart. ~Saint Bernard of Clairvaux~

from Vision 2000
Praying Scripture in a Contemporary Way
by Mark Lind, S.J.

We're off to INDY this weekend to celebrate Lindsey's 5th birthday early and deliver baby crib and nursery items to Marianne and Eric. Everyone have a grand weekend.

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!!

Sweet Anticipation

This song, a long time favorite of Ron's and really a Keller Family theme song, always heightens my excitement and anticipation for the journeys to be traveled.

Today I was reminded that, starting in June, we will begin one of the busiest vacation summers we have ever undertaken. It will be so busy that we didn't invest in potted summer plants this year because we didn't want the house sitter to have to be responsible for all the plants, too. It is exciting to contemplate these adventures. Yes, indeed, adventures!

Itinerary:

6/5~~To INDY for Lindsey's "Victorian Birthday Tea."

6/19~To Charlotte for Father's Day with the NC Kellers

6/27~To The Woods for Sister Dorothy's 50th Jubilee

7/3~~Off to Montana and Colorado for 10 days visiting Mom and family
Traveling by auto to see this glorious country

8/5~~Flying to Carson City, NV to visit brother, Tom.

I fully intend to cherish this precious time. I am privileged to have this time and I will not waste it.


And so I will close with my "Bad Haiku Friday" offering.

With the journey to begin
The visits soon to be shared
Life filled with goodness

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!!

Training of Children, Job Description

The Keller Kids

I never fail to be surprised when I have been lead to a reflection. One that draws on so many memories, that there just doesn't seem to be enough time to take it all in. My children have been and still are a tremendous source of pride. I am surprised this time by a quote by Bishop Fulton Sheen.

Home life is the God-appointed training ground of human character, for from the home life of the child springs the maturity of manhood, either for good or for evil.

The Quotable Fulton Sheen

What is he saying? What he says to me is most important. My children have been given to me for the purpose of bringing them home to the Father. I have been charged with the training of these "special deliveries." Their father and I are charged with their care, nurturing and training. We are to be guides in the path of right and wrong.

These children are treasures! They have given us at times disappointment, anxiety, happiness, and joy. They are a never ending source of growth for me. They have brought me to maturity. I can only hope that the path we have traveled will bring us all to the same generous, compassionate, loving Father.

Now I have grandchildren. They, too are a source of pride and joy. But this time, I can only counsel, not mold or teach...Oh, my how difficult it is for me to keep my observations to myself sometimes. But step back I must for I am not the MOTHER this time.

I know you all have similar stories. Take time to reflect on those memories. They can be fulfilling. They may cause us to regret decisions we have made in the past. But if we can REALLY reflect on those times I truly believe you will be aware of the Holy Spirit's guidance. Though things don't always work out for us and our children the way we'd like, I know the source of strength of parenthood comes straight from the Wisdom of the Spirit!

~~~^j^~~~

Thanks be to God!

Please visit NC Sue at IN HIM WE LIVE AND MOVE AND HAVE OUR BEING. She has a wonderful story about a "Cracked Pot." It is grand!!!

A Saturday in INDY

Reitz Memorial High School Winter Guard
3/2009

Is it possible that when you are a grandmother you are more sensitive about watching family members perform? I don't remember tears in my eyes when I watched Laura or Wes perform at solo and ensemble. I didn' t even cry when Wes sang Bridge Over Troubled Waters at his high school graduation. But yesterday watching Kellie (3rd from the left) perform her teams winter guard performance tears did indeed well up in my eyes. Perhaps that's the reason I succeeded in getting only one good picture! They were disappointed in their performance, but when all was said and done they were 5th out of 35 school. Quite an achievement!

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Earlier that morning, Ainsley, my 6 year old granddaughter, and I had a chat. She jumped on the sofa and said "Grandma, I'm so excited!"

GM: What are you excited about?

AK: Aunt Mimi (Marianne) is going to have a baby and I am so excited. I love family.

GM: I love family, too.

AK: It is so much fun to have us all together and now you know there will be 12 of us.

GM: Yes, I know and it will be fun.

AK (With a twinkle in her eye): That means that along with Maddie you have another one of us to put on your sweatshirt.

And with a giggle she was off. You know she's right! It is fun when we are together! Family is a wonderful treasure given to us by the Father. Oh my, how fortunate I am.

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Thanks be to God!