Yeah, today I’m not going to write about hurricane Irene or the health issues that have overshadowed the past four months of my life. I’d like to take another peek at some of the cute, fun and happy moments shared this summer.

As seen in the latest Wordless Wednesday post, Savannah is a water dog or something like that. She enjoys splashing around.

Savannah loves her pool...

...and barking for more water.

Kitty has some other plans…you’ve seen he loves to play and get into things. He still enjoys paper balls and plastic balls.

...And snoozing about..so cutely.

And well enough about the pets. I was determined to spite the rain that I was going to go to the beach and relax. Well I made it there twice but all in all it is one of my favorite places to be. It is so calming (even with kids randomly screaming and having sand wars next to you), the crashing waves and sounds of the water are so calming, that you literally get lost in place and time. Just like the waves “of grace” wash away the junk that clutters your life. The reminders of renewal, change and sanctity that the beach offers helps so much.

Sorry, no videos of Irene, just slightly hazardous and powerful waves at Island Beach State Park, NJ – August 7th, 2011.

It’s been a fun summer and there are more stories to follow. But for now signing off and getting ready to prepare for a maybe hazardous storm ahead. Be prepared, be safe and brave the storm ahead.

Emmaus, Pennsylvania is a great place to live. Why? It’s small, its quiet, quaint and it has been on CNN’s Money List of  Top 100 Best Places to Live  for three years now. That is just AWESOME. There is tons of culture in Emmaus – to spite what Money Mag has to say. Family and community is getting lost in all of this party hard culture that we live in. I can’t think of a better town to live in where you can walk a block to see a great parade, or a few blocks to the square to hear music, walk your dog, and just walk around town.

Mom and I, Emmaus Halloween Parade 2010

 Yes, just a block down from our house – is part of the Annual Halloween Parade route – which winds around to main road Chestnut Street where is makes its end at the Triangle. There is just something about the organizations, schools, clubs and people that make up this Halloween Parade and every other event that happens here. Though, I was born here, but not raised – have to give Scranton, PA (love The Office btw 🙂 ) that honor – you do feel at home in this little town.

Seriously, in this little radius of 3 miles you can walk literally anywhere, it is safe, there is a sense of community, welcoming atmosphere, cohesiveness and community support. Check out more happenings on the Borough website and the Emmaus Main Street Program – next up is the Old Fashioned Christmas Celebration.

Yes, it is a tractor club....

...don't laugh....I'm sure it takes skill to drive a tractor plow....

...support our farms and farmers, with pride...

...Proud to be born and raised in Pennsylvania!!!!

God puts you where you are for a reason and so you CAN make a difference. Love and Blessings!

Simple joy, simple treasures

Okay so life has been just too serious and too stressful as of late. Details are really not necessary just know that life, as we know it, can get in the way of our joy and our graces. Previously, I talked about how the winter seasons and life’s quirky situations leave us feeling lost and weary – Springs bright colors and new life brings the joy and hope back into our lives. And our God does NOT forget about us, but shows us how to be at peace and joyful. I thought after all the stresses of the past weeks it was time for a fun post about a great day of simple fun with friends :-).

Simple Joy
So my friends Amy and Sarah and I, decided to head to the local Emmaus Book Sale. We weren’t expecting an overly fun filled day but were looking for some time away from tasks, chores and “life”. The first thing we hopped upon were the flowers outside of the LMMS (Lower Macungie Middle School). We were probable the only ones who stopped to “smell the roses” or look at the tulips – but they were so bright red and attractive to the eye and why not enjoy them. Besides, Steve, gave me this awesome camera for Christmas and why not photograph the things I see – capture the moments, laugh, reminisce and (blog :-))

Simple Pleasures
So we headed into the book sale, not too sure what we’d expect – I mean a lot of kids and books I guess. See the Friends of the Emmaus Public Library was having a book sale. So we headed in to see what we could find. Well we discovered that not only did they have some great books on sale but some awesome nutritious lunches, snacks and beverages.  We browsed around a bit, gathered together, laughed, ate, drank and were, “merry”. I was even more merry at the sight of the bean bag veggies and the Veggie Toss Game. I am a (former and hopefully again) preschool teacher so I love kids games, books and fun. 

Simple Treasures
In any event, were totally psyched about the neat event that was put together. We were able to find a few cool books, a pizza lunch, refreshing iced tea, ice pops, ice cream and snacks – I even scored a sample of thie awesome chicken corn soup and the recipe. After which I played and lost the veggie bean bag toss game and entered a “BASKET RAFFLE” maybe one of us will win. But all in all the afternoon was a great get away. Laughter and friends some great prizes and snacks.

No one was worried about the stresses of our life outside of the book sale. No one was worried about the stack of mail waiting on the desk back at home, no one was worried about the challenges that awaited us after. No. No God allowed us these simple moments of peace, joy and harmony. He allowed us the opportunity to gain a bit of ourselves back in this crazy turmoil that has been tearing away at our joyful souls. We basked in his beauty of nature, his fellowship, community and allowed us to be kids again…

A photo opp. with foodie friends :-)

A photo opp. with foodie friends 🙂