what's happening

There is so much happening on a daily basis that is just regular life here at the Shay household.  In an attempt to get back in the groove of regular blogging, I thought I'd razzle dazzle ya'll with normal life shots.

Some of you know that we've had visitors galore as of late!  The Earles were here a few weeks ago.  Good times as always.

 Me and my sweet friend, Jonalee

Love this family!  Thanks for making the "big" trip.  Ha!  Since our recent move, they are so much closer.  Love that we'll get more visits in now.

 I seem to meet the sweetest elderly ladies here.

 Occasionally, I spend some time here.

I am really quite domesticated here in H'burg.  Been cookin' up meals like a crazy lady!

The Perrys came to visit over New Years!

 We went to Hershey Park.

Great times with great friends.

 Mom (Dinie Shay) brought Aunt Edith and Uncle Clyde for a visit.  It's her big sister.  What a joy to have them here for the day!

 We took a day trip to see my mom and Jaime.  They are in the process of downsizing in the hopes of moving soon.  So we came home with few goodies!

Joseph at his Advanced Hoops Training

This is Elijah.  He does whatever Joseph's class does.  On the side lines.

He and Titus have Advanced Hoops Training at a separate time from JB.

 I've been volunteering in Titus' class a few times a week.  I love doing this as I actually get to work with the kids.  So much fun!  I'm cherishing this opportunity since they don't require this kind of help in the older boys' classrooms.  boo.

 He's caught somewhere between shy and proud.  tee hee.

 The awesome and amazing, Miss Post!

 Then it snowed.  Finally.  The boys were thrilled.

Mom came out again, toting another Murphy.  This time, cousin Debbie!

 Ain't she purty?

 The boys played in the snow most of the day.

 While my feathered friends fluffed up themselves and prepared for a feast...by me.  I filled up their feeders the night before the snow came.

 Elijah felt it necessary to climb all over Shawn's van to clear the snow.

 Mom, seriously, thanks for continuing to bring a steady stream of loved ones out to see us!

 Smooth

 Basketball. Everyday. Whenever they can.

 Alone.
Or
with
friends

... it all depends on the day.

Sometimes, tho rare, they sit and play.

 Lunch with Jen - YUMola!

 Reading.  I know strange.
After dinner, the boys asked Dan about the HS Reading Program.  One thing led to another and soon enough, four boys were reading around the table!

 The weekend that Yogi, Forrest and CJ were in town, we took in a Susquehanna HS boys basketball game.

 Titus cried himself to sleep the night CJ went home to NC.  CJ was his Sunday School teacher when we moved.  He's the bomb.

 Although, Mr. Yogi scored some serious points by initiating a boys/men only sleep over.

 Yogi and Forrest took a turn at the building blocks.  Yogi was a natural *wink*

 Forrest, we love you!!  He was Joseph's Sunday School in NC at the time we moved.
We were thrilled to have you all come up and help us with a ministry project.
Can't wait to see you all again.  Forrest, thanks for the goodies!

 The Hirschbergs came out the same weekend too.  We really enjoyed having them join us in ministry!  Such a blessing to work side by side with family.

 Sadie loved being with all the kids.

 Maggie and Gracie enjoyed meeting our friend, Lizzie.
I think they're all bffs now, or so I hear.

 Uncle Shawn could not get enough loves from lil Sadie.  Precious.

Cayte just couldn't help herself.  She's a Shay.  She was demonstrating so old family dance styles.
tee hee
 I just love that girl!

After volunteering in his class, we stopped at Giant on the way home.
He's a great helper.

 Yay!  My big sister, Lynn, came to visit for the day.  So nice having here since the last time she came out was moving weekend.  What a blur!
She shared all the pictures she had from Lauren and Mariano's wedding.  Filled me in on all the details so I could feel like I was actually there.  We talked. We went to lunch. We talked some more. We walked around Harrisburg. Talked some more.  She got to see the boys and Shawn.  We talked some more.  Then had to say good bye...or see you later.  Love you, sister!
But should we really trust Elijah to take our picture next time??

 Yes, I think we can trust him with the camera.

 Later that evening, we took Dan and headed to the Midtown Scholar for the Good News Cafe.
It did not disappoint.  What a blessing this production is!

 They had to make up a story using song titles.  Pretty funny!

As always, a great turnout.

If you made it this far in reading and looking, congratulations!

I'm pretty sure you just read the world's longest post.  Or at the very least, the longest post I've ever written.

I am vowing to get back into the groove of posting more regularly.  It's therapeutic at best.

Be back soon.  Real soon...