Upset in Massachusetts

George W. Bush started out his 1st year running our country in to the ground and continued to do so for 8 years. So, why is it that everyone expects President Barack Obama to turn things around in his 1st year?

As you can imagine, I was really saddened to see the late Edward Kennedy's Senate seat handed over to a Republican. A Democrat has held that seat in Massachusetts for close to 50 years and to see so much good come to an end is very upsetting. I agree, Martha Coakley's campaign was less than stellar. I think she thought the seat was hers, so why fight for it. However, Martha did not let Massachusetts down, the people of Massachusetts let down their own state. In the end they didn't stand for what they truly believed in. The people of Mass are mad and frustrated over Obama's 1st year in office, but honestly, look at what he has on his plate. It's unreal the number of obstacles this President is having to overcome. He was handed this turmoil on a silver platter, yet we blame Obama instead of Bush Jr.?

It makes no sense to me.

RIP Scott Penninger

William Penninger 'Scott' MOORESVILLE -- Mr. Penninger, 40, joined our Heavenly Father on Saturday January 16, 2010. Scott was born on May 7, 1969 in Charlotte, the son of Bill Penninger and Ginger Stubbs Penninger. Scott graduated from North Mecklenburg High School in 1988. Following high school Scott worked on the pit crew for NASCAR driver Rusty Wallace. Shortly thereafter Scott joined the Hough Family when he wed Wendy Hough in October of 1989. Scott and Wendy welcomed twin girls Meghan Brooke and Brittany Lauren in 1990. Scott was a longtime active member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Charlotte. He had a strong presence in the annual Bar-B-Q. Scott also frequently donated his time to the Urban Ministry Center in Charlotte through programs such as 'Room In the Inn' and the soup kitchen. Scott joined his father in the family business, as a part owner of Universal Voice/Data in 1989. Scott immensely enjoyed surf fishing at the Outer Banks (specifically, ramp 55). Scott also enjoyed playing poker and tailgating at Panther home games. Scott was a wonderful brother, son, husband, father, uncle, brother-in-law, son-in-law, friend and most recently grandfather. He truly enjoyed his family and friends. Scott is survived by wife of 20 years, Wendy Hough Penninger; by daughters Brittany and Brooke Penninger, both 19 years, daughter Bethany Harper, 21, and grandson Lucas Kahne, 2 1/2 years of age. Survivors also include parents, maternal grandmother Virginia Stubbs, sister Robin Penninger McGraw, and brother-in-law Mike McGraw. Scott is survived by loving niece and nephews, Hayden Scott and Cole McGraw, Brandon and Zack Washam, and Kelsey and Trevor Hicks. Lifelong friends Jimmy Hunter and James DeArmon were much more than friends alone, their relationships could more adequately be described as that of 'brothers'. Scott is also survived by a loving family of in-laws, including Butch and Peggy Hough and sisters-in-law Julie Hough Washam, Cindy Hough and Jana Hough Hicks. The weekly Sunday afternoon gatherings and frequent road-trips to the Outer Banks will never be the same without Scott. Scott possessed a unique combination of positive attributes rarely seen in a single individual. He loved to see people laugh and be happy; he was giving, kind and supportive. His love for his family and friends never faltered. Scott was adored by many and will be deeply missed. The family will receive friends Wednesday January 20th from 2 to 4 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church, 6230 Beatties Ford Road in Charlotte. A service celebrating his life will begin at 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to either of the following: Urban Ministry Center, 945 N. College Street, Charlotte, www.urbanministrycenter.org, or, Outer Banks Preservation Association (OBPA), PO Box 1355 Buxton, NC 27920, www.obpa.org. Wendy, along with the rest of the family, would like to express our sincere appreciation for all of the kindness, support and prayers during this challenging time. Arrangements by Raymer Funeral Home Huntersville, NC.
Published in Charlotte Observer on January 19, 2010

Special Mommy Hugs to Savannah from Indiana!

1st Mommy Hug of the year goes to 5 year old Savannah from Indiana. Savannah saved her dad's life by calling 911 after she noticed he was having trouble breathing. Listen to the 2nd clip below to hear the 911 call in its entirety.



911 Audio Only

Is Sarah Palin really Rouge?

Sarah Palin was given a golden opportunity yesterday to take a stand and explain who she was and once again she failed to deliver. Why would you not take advantage of such a platform as being on stage with the Queen of interviewing herself, Oprah Winfrey, and not give solid, direct answers to the questions you're being asked? I don't know any more about Sarah Palin today than I did when she was running for VP. She skirted around the questions just as she did on the campaign trail. She's not even in politics anymore, yet her answers were very scripted, very politician like. I'm curious to see if she'll run in 2012. I hope and pray she doesn't, but I'm a little concerned that it is actually on her radar screen even though she said in the Oprah interview that it wasn't.

Anyone who knows me, knows I am far from being a supporter of Sarah Palin or the Republican Party. However, I did go into the interview with an open mind. I wanted to see who Sarah really was. I wanted honest, direct answers and I didn't get that. Take for example the question about Levi being invited to Thanksgiving. That's a simple yes or no question and doesn't require much if any explanation. We all know what kind of person Levi is, so just answer the question, YES or NO! Not, "Oh the thought of that is just so lovely"? Huh, lovely how?

Now, with all that said I do have to give her credit for even doing the interview with Oprah. Her supporters and non-supporters were not too thrilled that she was even going to do it. However, I do think Oprah was very respectful as was Sarah regarding each others political views and choices.

Did you see the interview and if so, what are your thoughts? Supporter or not, are you going to be reading her book, Going Rogue?

How Could This Happen?

My thoughts and prayers go out to the father of Shaniya Davis, whose body was found yesterday near Sanford, NC. To this day, I can not understand how anyone can harm a child. If the allegations are true, that Shaniya's mom has any responsibility for her murder I hope they throw her under the jail! We're not supposed to harm our children!

Question

Who will be watching the Oprah Winfrey interview today with Sarah Palin?

Busy, Busy, Busy... Now Relax.... AHHHH

The last few weeks have been so busy and I've not had a chance to blog. Oh, how I've missed it!

Let's start with 4 weeks ago... we started the Saturday (10/17) out at a fall festival with Lisa and Wyatt. Wyatt and Laura had a great time playing in the pumpkin patch and picking out their pumpkins. Laura and I had to leave a little early this year so that she could go to her friend, Crystal's Birthday Party. The party started at 4:00, but lasted into the night. They all had such a good time together and had a hard time when it was time for the parents to disburse.

That next week Laura and I stayed pretty busy preparing for her Birthday Party, which was 10/24. Her theme this year was Hello Kitty, so we had to get all of the supplies; cake, balloons, napkins, plates, goodie bags, etc. ready for Saturday. She wasn't too thrilled with the planning part of it, all she wanted was the actual party itself. I was very surprised at the kind of party Laura asked for this year. Tim and I take her to this place near our house and it has bowling, laser tag and gaming machines. Well, that's what she wanted to do this year. As girly as she is, I was surprised she wanted to have it there. But, I have to say all the kids seemed to enjoy it. Because Laura's Birthday was actually during the week, we decided to go ahead and give her the big gift before the big day.Now Tim and I both thought we would get a much bigger reaction than we did. Tim showed up with Laura's new puppy, Lilly, that she had been asking for all year and her response to Lilly was just "Hello". Are you kidding me? We thought there would be jumping and screaming and all we got was "hello"? Oh well, I guess you never can tell how they're going to react, can you? Laura and Lilly were able to spend a little bit of time together and then it was off to her party.They all seemed to have a really good time, and the boys really enjoyed the laser tag . I think that was the highlight for all of them.

My Parents always come in for Laura's Birthday, so the week they are here I try and find fun things for them to do. One of the Keener traditions is going to Dewberry Farms so Laura can pick out another pumpkin from the pumpkin patch. So, we headed there for our Sunday afternoon. This year, now that Tim's Dad and Stepmother live in Katy, we ended up having a larger crowd - me, Tim, Laura, Grame, Pops, MawMaw and PawPaw. Now that Laura is older we decided to do the Corn Maze this year. That was a lot of fun and will be a new tradition at Dewberry from now own!

The next week seemed to be a little hectic. Laura's dance instructor gave them all permission to wear their costumes to the Tuesday class but before Laura could wear hers, Grame had to do some alterations. Luckily Grame came through and had her outfit all ready for her when we got there Tuesday afternoon. The rest of the week we were all getting ready for Halloween and Tim and I actually got a few date nights in. What fun! It's nice to be able to get out and have adult nights from time to time. One of our date nights was a movie night. We saw the Michael Jackson movie, "This Is It". It was really good!! We both enjoyed it. The movie seemed to be a little long, but all in all it was nicely done. It's hard to imagine putting together a movie about MJ's final dance/dress rehearsal, but they did and did it well!

Saturday rolled around, which happened to be Halloween (10/31). I had gotten tickets for me, Laura and Grame to see the musical, Mary Poppins.Laura thoroughly enjoyed it. It was fun to watch her expressions during the show. At times you'd see her little hands go up in the air when Mary was singing in a higher octave and when the orchestra played, it was like she was the conductor. Too funny!

After the musical, we had to hurry home to get dressed up for Trick-Or-Treating. Laura ended up being a Hollywood Starlet. This was the first time we've ever let Laura wear "dress-up" make-up. I have to say, she looked so pretty. Looking at her all glammed up, made me think about 10 years from now, when she's getting ready for her prom. Oh, time is just flying by so quickly. Lilly also got dolled up for the festivities. She went as a Princess Pup. Too cute!! By the time we got both Laura and Lilly home, they were pooped from the day.





Sunday, Mom and Dad had to head back to North Carolina. That day always seems to be a hard day for everyone. We all get a little sad that we wont be seeing each other for a few months. So, I had planned earlier in the week for Laura and Wyatt to get together and go to the park for the afternoon. I think that seemed to help a little bit, but even when we left the park the tears came because Grame and Pops would not be there when she got home. Now that she's older, it seems to affect her more.

Now, fast forward to the next weekend (11/6). For Tim's Birthday (in September), I surprised him by flying his best friend from childhood, Chad along with his wife, Joanna down for a weekend in November. This would be that weekend. They got in around 6:30, just in time for dinner. We all went to Pappadeaux's and it was wonderful. This was one of the first restaurants I visited after moving to TX and have loved it ever since. After dinner we headed back to the house to get ready for an adult night out. Laura was having a sleepover with MawMaw and PawPaw. We ended up taking Chad and Joanna to see a local band that Tim and I really like, Lounge 4407. We had such a great time. The band was, as always, fabulous! Tim really enjoyed catching up with Chad and it was so nice to hang out with his wife. They were both so nice and great to hang out with.

Now after a month of being busy and on the go and what seemed to be nonstop, we finally had a calm, relaxing weekend. This past one was one of the first in quite some time that we didn't have anything planned. I got so much done around my house. Don't get me wrong, I still have a ton to do (my piles never seem to go away). But, we had a great time. Last night we ended up having movie night so Tim and Laura made homemade pizza's. Earlier in the day, Laura asked if she could open up a concession stand and sell popcorn and candy at the movie. So, she and I had gotten some things for her to "sell" at her concession stand. She had such a great time doing that. She charged me a little more than I would have liked to have paid for a candy bar, but to her it was so much fun.

Ah, I think I've rambled on long enough. Hope everyone is doing well. Just think, in a few more days it will be Turkey Day. YUM YUM!!

World Series - Game 2

It was great to see the Yankees win last night in NY against the Phillies, especially on a night when Jay-Z and Alicia Keys performed their hit song, Empire State Of Mind. How I would have loved to have been in NY to see it.

Michael Jackson's final curtain call, "This Is It"

Tim and I went to see MJ's movie, "This Is It" last night and I have to say I was quite impressed. I have new found respect and admiration for his creative talent. The only negative I have about the whole movie was the length. It could have been about a 1/2 hour shorter, but all in all it kept my attention the whole time. That was a great feat in and of itself, being that we went to the 10:15 movie and I am normally in bed by 10:00. It was great to see the King of Pop in action. The way he moved, made it so very hard for me to believe he was 50. He moved like a teenager and kept me dancing and singing the entire time. Watching the movie also made it so hard to think that MJ is actually dead. I really believe he was taken too soon. I was not a fan of MJ as a person, but his music and dancing abilities were like none other. Genius, pure Genius!

What are you giong to be for Halloween?

Miles Brown on Ellen Degeneres

Check out this little cutie shakin' his groove thang on Ellen. Isn't he so adorable?

RIP - Ashley Jewell

I'm a "Housewives of Atlanta" follower and was stunned at the news of Kandi's ex-fiance, Ashley Jewell, AKA "AJ", being killed over the weekend. My thoughts and prayers go out to AJ's family and friends, especially his children who are left behind.

Question

What does it mean when you open a fortune-less fortune cookie? That's what just happened to me.

They grow so fast!

Laura's School asked that all the kids wear their favorite college t-shirt today (or the one they would like to attend) and she has already decided she wants to go to Texas A&M to pursue her degree in Veterinary Medicine. A few weeks ago when they told her about the college t-shirt day, she came home and asked us what the best Vet schools were. Luckily one of the top 5 showed up in Texas, Texas A&M as well as our home state of North Carolina, NC State University. I have to keep in mind that Laura is only 5 years and 11 months and things may change down the road, but I don't think I was really talking about what I wanted to do at that age. Heck, I'm still trying to figure it out!

Tim and I have been so proud of Laura this year. Even though Laura had gone through a Private Kindergarten class, she could not start 1st Grade in the public school system because of her age. We new she was ready, but she had to prove that to her new teachers. Well, after testing the first 3 weeks of the school year, Laura was promoted into 1st Grade. Her teacher as well as the testing teacher and Principal were so pleased with what all Laura knew. They said she was already cable of reading, writing and had math skills of that of a 2nd grader. I can not tell you how big our smiles got when they said that. We knew she seemed very smart for her age, but until you have someone else who verifies it, it doesn't sink in. Tim and I both hope and pray that she'll continue down this path and like school as much as she does now.


Laura is not only into school, but she also loves to dance. Around the time the school year started, we joined a new dance studio. The one Laura used to attend was through her daycare and they came to her once a week. She seems to really enjoy her new class and loves her teacher, Ms. Erika. In fact this past week, Laura was chosen to go in the front of the class with the teacher as a helper. She seemed to do a really good job and had fun doing it, as you'll see in the picture below.

Help Little Luke

I came across this story while surfing the web this morning and was so taken back by how quickly our lives can change. I thought about how heartbreaking this would be if it happened to me and about the mother and father having to live through this nightmare.

Here is what transpired... "On Wednesday, September 2, 2009, little four-year-old Lucas Holko was sitting with his parents, Chad and Nicole at a Mahoning Valley Scrapper’s game. He was sitting on his father’s lap chatting with his mom when he was struck in the back of the head by a line drive foul ball. Luke underwent immediate surgery at St. Elizabeth’s hospital to remove the piece of fractured skull that was depressing his brain and spinal cord. He has since been transferred to Akron Children’s Hospital where he remains in critical condition. The family requests continuous prayer for this strong little boy who is so precious to them."

The picture you see below is Luke just minutes before he was struck. I'm hoping those of you who read my blog will help Luke, monetarily or through prayer. I'm attaching the link to his website where you can send Luke an encouraging email or donate to help Luke and his family.
http://www.helpluke.com/Help_Little_Luke_Holko/Help_Luke.html

Birthday Weekend

This past weekend, Tim and I celebrated our Birthdays in Dallas, TX with our little one, Laura. For Tim's Christmas present, I had bought tickets for the NHRA Race. Tim has been wanting to go since we got here, so I thought it would be something fun for all of us to do. Unfortunately, I think Laura was too little to enjoy being at the races. She did not get in to it at all. At the beginning, she was ok as you can see in the picture above, but the mood quickly changed once the Top Fuel cars started to race. Even though Laura wore protective head phones on her ears, it was too much for her. Every time the cars would start their burnout, Laura would just cry. I ended up getting her down from the stands and she and I walked around to all of the vendors and to some of the little "shops". We ended up getting her another stuffed animal, like she doesn't have enough, and that seemed to work for a while. Then it got so hot and once again the tears started because all she wanted to do was leave. Needless to say, we weren't there for the whole day but Tim did get to see some of his favorite cars.

We also got to see Ashley Force Hood, as well as her dad, 14-time NHRA Funny Car National Champion, John Force. That was the highlight of my trip. If you don't know them for drag racing, you may know them from their reality show "Driving Force". It's one we never missed an episode of.













After leaving the track, we ended up having a relaxing afternoon and headed home Sunday after having lunch with one of Tim's old bosses, Sam and his wife Fran. If you're ever in Dallas, you must go to Babe's Chicken. We go every time we're there and it's well worth it.

Overall, we had a good time and if nothing else... next time we know Laura will not be happy at the drag strip.

Patrick Swayze dances "One Last Dance" with wife, Lisa Niemi

Patrick Swayze (1952-2009)

Every time I saw the ending of Dirty Dancing, I got chills up and down my spine. It's one of my all time favorites. Patrick Swayze will be missed.

Dirty Dancing - The Final Dance

Happy Anniversary Honey (09-09-09)

It's amazing to think we married 9 years ago today. Yes, it was Tim's brilliant plan to get married on the 9th month on the 9th day in the year 2000. That way he would always remember our Anniversary. Well, today is an even more significant year. It's the 9th month, the 9th day in the year 2009 and we've been married 9 years. I've had a great 9 years years and look forward to many more of them.

We've had our ups and downs and neither one of us has been perfect, but we've hung in there.... together. We've remained side by side and I'm so glad we did. I'm married to my best friend, to the one that's there to listen to my trials and tribulations, to make me smile when I need it most. Many of you don't know this, but Tim does everything for our family. I mean that when I say it. Everything! He doesn't hold the same belief that most husbands do, that a woman's job is to cook, clean and take care of the children. He's better than that, he does it all. Yes, he cooks, he cleans, he does the laundry, he does the grocery shopping and the best thing I know that he does, he looks after Laura and I. I'm so appreciative of everything he does. I don't say it enough but I'm so appreciative. Here's to another 9 years... I look forward to them all! Love you Babe!

So Sad

Back in May of this year, I blogged about Frank and Anita Milford celebrating their 81st Wedding Anniversary. They are the oldest couple on record to make it 81 years. Unfortunately, I've learned today that Frank has passed away, ending their 81year romance. My heart goes out to Mrs. Milford!

Original Post: http://behindthewallsofvanderwilt.blogspot.com/2009/05/congratulations.html