Over the River!

Over the river, and through the wood,
To Grandfather's house we go;
The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
through the white and drifted snow.

Over the river, and through the wood -
Oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes and bites the nose
As over the ground we go.

Over the river, and through the wood,
To have a first-rate play.
Hear the bells ring, "Ting-a-ling-ding,"
Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day!

Over the river, and through the wood,
Trot fast, and dapple-gray!
Spring over the ground like a hunting-hound,
For this is Thanksgiving Day.

Over the river, and through the wood -
And straight through the barnyard gate,
We seem to go extremely slow,
It is so hard to wait!

Over the river, and through the wood -
Now Grandmother's cap I spy!
Hurrah for the fun! Is the pudding done?
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!

By: Lydia Marie Child

When I was growing up, we always went to my maternal grandmother's house every Thanksgiving.  We lived near Birmingham in Garywood (Hueytown) and my grandmother lived in the outskirts of West Blocton on Smith Hill.  Without fail, our family would sing this song in the car on our way.  It seemed fitting since we were traveling through more rural country.  Thinking about this always brings back good memories for me. 

We Gather Together

We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing;
he chastens and hastens his will to make known;
the wicked oppressing now cease from distressing:
sing praise to his Name, he forgets not his own.

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
ordaining, maintaining his kingdom divine;
so from the beginning the fight we were winning:
thou, Lord, wast at our side: all glory be thine!

We all do extol thee, thou leader triumphant,
and pray that thou still our defender wilt be.
Let thy congregation escape tribulation:
thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

We Gather Together is a Christian hymn of Netherlands origin written in 1597 by Adrianus Lalerius to celebrate Dutch victory over Spanish forces in the Battle of Turnhout. In the United States, it is popularly associated with Thanksgiving Day and is often sung at family meals and at religious services on that day.

At the time the hymn was written, the Dutch were engaged in a war of national liberation against the Catholic King Philip II of Spain. "Wilt heden nu treden," "We gather together" resonated because under the Spanish King, Dutch Protestants were forbidden to gather for worship. The hymn first appeared in print in a 1626 collection of Dutch patriotic songs, "Nederlandtsch Gedencklanck."

According to the Hymn Society in the United States and Canada, We Gather Together first appeared in an American hymnal in 1903. The hymn gained popularity, especially in services of Thanksgiving.

Gratitude

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

Count Your Blessings

Count your blessings instead of your crosses;



Count your gains instead of your losses.


Count your joys instead of your woes;


Count your friends instead of your foes.


Count your smiles instead of your tears;


Count your courage instead of your fears.


Count your full years instead of your lean;


Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.


Count your health instead of your wealth;


Count on God instead of yourself.

Color

Ever wonder how to create an eye-pleasing look in your decor? Have you ever heard of the "60-30-10" rule? Take a look at a magazine page. Notice that:

60% of the color hue unifies the space.

30% provides visual interest.

10% adds that little spark of bling.

So, when decorating a room remember this rule:

60% - dominant color

30 % - secondary color

10% - accent color

It's not much different than assembling an apparel outfit. For example, take a man's suit:

60% - slacks & jacket

30% - dress shirt

10% - neck tie

Now, just translate the same idea to a room setting:

60% - wall/flooring color

30% - upholstery seating color

10% - accents/floral arrangement/pillow

Hopefully, you found this to be enlightening and useful!

Honoring Our Heroes

"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices." - President Harry S. Truman.

Veterans Day is when we honor our service men for protecting our freedom and our future.  They deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.     

Our nation observes the holiday with no mail, no banking, no school, and no library service. 

Currently, my nephew JohnRay is in Iraq serving in the U.S. Army.  He will get to be home for Christmas.  It will be his baby daughter's very 1st Christmas, he's excited to spend it with her.  He needs our support and prayers.  May God give him health, protection, and wisdom.  And may God bless him for his sacrifice!       

God bless our soldiers!  God bless our great nation!

Sabrina's 24th Birthday!

Today is my daughter-in-law's birthday. She is an attractive, self-assured, and creative young woman. Sabrina is lovely both inside and out. She is a bright spot in our family. We adore her warm and friendly nature as well as her abundance of feminine charm. My daughter-in-law is articulate and has concern for others. Sabrina is a nurturing and supportive wife to my son Jordache and grand-daughter Jazlyn. She is practical and resourceful in running her household. She is ambitious and talented, desiring to leave her imprint on the world. What more could I ask for? So glad you are a member of this family! Happy 24th Birthday Sabrina!

Voting Day!

'Twas the night of elections

And all through the town

Tempers were flaring

Emotions all up and down!

I, in my bathrobe

With a cat in my lap

Had cut off the TV

Tired of political crap.

When all of a sudden

There arose such a noise

I peered out my window

Saw Obama and his boys

They had come for my wallet

They wanted my pay

To give to the others

Who had not worked a day!

He snatched up my money

And quick as a wink

Jumped back on his bandwagon

As I started to sink

He then rallied his henchmen

Who were pulling his cart

I could tell they were out

To tear my country apart!'

On Fannie, on Freddie,

On Biden and Ayers!

On Acorn, On Pelosi'

He screamed at the pairs!

They took off for his cause and as he flew out of sight

I heard him laugh at the nation

Who wouldn't stand up and fight!

So I leave you to think

On this one final note

-IF YOU DON'T WANT SOCIALISM...GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!

Happy Hallowe'en

Hope everyone has a fun & safe Halloween this year  . . . especially those of you trading treats for tricks!

FYI:
Juliette Gordon Low, founder of Girl Scouts of America, was born on October 31, 1860 in Savannah Georgia.  "Daisy," as she was affectionately called by family and friends, was the second of six children. 

She brought girls of all backgrounds into the out-of-doors, helping them develop self reliance and resourcefulness.  She encouraged girls to prepare not only for homemaking, but also for roles in the arts, sciences, and business.  Girl Scouts welcomed girls with disabilities at a time when they were excluded from other activities and organizations. 

From the original 18 girls, Girl Scouts has grown to 3.7 million members.  Although married, Juliette never bore any children.  She died of breast cancer in 1927. 

When I vacationed with my sister and friend in Savannah, we got to tour her lovely 1818 Italianate architecture home.  The carriage house in back was the first headquarters of Girl Scouts.

Pink Ribbon Day

Pink for a Purpose!

October is national breast cancer awareness month, please do your part to support the cause.  Since the program began in 1985, mammography rates have more than doubled for women over 50.  Breast cancer deaths have declined.  That progress is encouraging, however, early detection is key.  This includes yearly mammogram screenings and clinical breast exams, not to mention monthly self-examinations.  It just might save your life!  Put away all excuses: unpleasant, embarrassing, happens to others, ...  Come on, be proactive and assertive, don't live in ignorance or denial.    

My mother-in-law, my sister-in-law, my husband's aunt & cousin are all breast cancer survivors.  Would love for there to be a cure before my sweet granddaughters become women.  Pleased that Octobber proceeds from our Bunko group went to help combat breast cancer.  Every little bit helps!   

Thursday Thirteen

13 Reasons Why I Love October!

1. Chrysanthemums. Enamored with filling my front porch with 'mums!

2. Autumn decor. Cherish putting out all my fall items for the season!

3. Pumpkins. Admire the bright orange pumpkins filling up my steps!

4. Starbucks drinks. Crazy about pumpkin spice latte, caramel apple cider, hot chocolate...

5. Fall bazaars. Shopping the craft shows/booths get me into the holiday mood!

6. Caramel apples. One of my favorite treats (good thing I only eat them in the fall).

7. Leaves. Fond of falling/turning leaves: red/burgundy, orange, yellow/gold, brown, ...

8. Butternut squash. Baked with real butter and seasoned with salt, mmmm....

9. Fall t.v. line-up. Wild about watching the new season of my favorite shows.

10. Candles. Nothing like setting a fall mood than lighting candles in the evening!

11. Comfort foods: Love soup, pot roast, mashed potatoes, hot apple pie, mac&cheese, ...

12. Reading. When the weather changes, it's perfect for reading a good book.

13. Halloween. Smitten with giving out candy to little kids in cute costumes!

What are your reasons for liking October?

God's Promises for Tough Times

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble." Psalm 46:1

"I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears." Psalm 34:4

"The Lord is good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and He knoweth them that trust in Him." Nahum 1:7

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.  In all thy paths acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5,6

"But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19

"The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want." Psalm 23:1

"Humble yourselves therefore unto the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you." 1 Peter 5:6,7

"Ye shall have a song, as in the night when a holy solemnity is kept; and gladness of heart, as when one goeth with a pipe to come into the mountain of the Lord, to the mighty One of Israel." Isaiah 30:29

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31

"Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Thee: because he trusteth in Thee." IS 26:3

"Fear thou not; for I am with thee; be not dismayed, for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee, yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of My righteousness." Isaiah 41:10

"When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee," Isaiah 43:2

"Be careful for nothing; but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made know to God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:6,7

"In God I have put my trust: I will not be afraid what men can do unto me." Psalm 56:11

"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and He shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord." Psalm 27:14

Friday Fill-ins

1. _______ is my favorite month.
2. _______ scare me.
3. Leaves are falling all around, it's _______.
4. My favorite horror movie is _______ because _______.
5. _______ = good memories.
6. It was a dark and stormy night _______.
7. As for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to _______, tomorrow my plans include _______, and Sunday I want to _______.

1. May is my favorite month (I'm actually a "spring" kind of gal).

2. Mice scare me (to death!).

3. Leaves are falling all around, it's time to break out the hot apple cidar!

4. My favorite horror movie is The Ghost of Mr. Chicken because it's funny vs creepy.

5. Disney World trips = good memories (enjoyed 3 different trips with the boys).

6. It was a dark and stormy night as I hunkered down with a good book to read.

7. As for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a date with Dale, tomorrow my plans include shopping/pumpkin-carving/poker night, and Sunday I want to "eat out"after morning church service.

Like a Pumpkin

Being a Christian is like a pumpkin.

First, God picks you from the pumpkin patch
and brings you in from the field.

He then washes all the "dirt" off the outside
that we received from being around all the other pumpkins.

He carefully removes all those
seeds of doubt, hate, greed, and fear.

Then He carves you a new smiling face
and puts His light inside you
to shine for all the world to see.

The Bible says He selects us out of the world. We are in the world, but no longer of the world.
All the outside influences of our former life must be cleaned up. Old things are passed away and all things are become new. After Jesus is invited inside, you begin to experience the changing
power of God's love in your life. This pumpkin now reflects the light from inside out. So too, when Jesus, who is called the Son of Light, lives inside of us, He shines through our life for all to see. We can let His light reflect through us to reveal His presence. "Let your light so shine before men that they may be able to see your good works and glorify your Father, who is in heaven."

So you see, we Christians are really like this pumpkin! We will never be the same with Jesus inside of us. We can say like this jack-o-lantern, "Thy presence, my light!"

Columbus Day

In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue
He sailed & sailed & sailed & sailed
To find this land for me and you!

Do you remember this old grade school song?

Today we celebrate the anniversary of Christopher Columbus's arrival in America. The voyage took place in October 1492. Italian-Americans observe today as a celebration of their heritage.

Columbus was a navigator, colonizer, and explorer. His aspirations led to his awareness of the American continents. His exploring was funded by Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand of Portugal after being rejected by Spain. They were willing to equip three ships to search for a western route to the Orient. They agreed to make Columbus "Great Admiral of the Ocean," appoint him governor of land discovered, and give him 1/10th of all revenues from the lands.

Although he wasn't the first to reach the Americas, he did initiate widespread contact between Europeans and the natives. He severely underestimated the circumference of the Earth. When he landed, he assumed he stepped on East-Asian soil. He referred to the natives as Indios.

Christopher Columbus was born in Genoa, Italy to a middle-class family. My husband's grandfather was born in 1892 and raised in San Fior, Treviso, Italy near Venice. His name: Ettore' Giovanni, means Hector John. He immigrated to Canada first before entering the U.S. He was married at age 23 in a Catholic church in Fernie, B.C. He founded a town in British Columbia: Natal, which means birth in Italian. He traveled to Great Falls, Montana by caboose. Eventually, he made his way to Puyallup, WA in 1925. He loved to sing opera in his "Caruso" voice. He raised grapes and was an excellent pruner and grafter of fruit trees, a skill he learned from the "Old Country." He built a home on a 5-acre farm in Edgewood that was custom fitted to their stature.

With the surname "Perozzo," our family is proud of its Italian inheritance!