The holidays are now winding down here at home.  We had a WONDERFUL holiday and were so excited to celebrate with Gianna.

Everything started Friday, December 23 with lunch with friends.  A group of us from high school still get together at Christmas.  This year, there were two new babies and one on the way.  It's so exciting getting together with these girls and see where everyone is in life.  Often, this is the only time we see each other all year.

That night, we had dinner with my family to celebrate two December birthdays.  We played BINGO for prizes, a tradition in our family.

Saturday, Christmas Eve, I got up bright and early and hit the grocery store at 6:30 a.m.  I made a prime rib lunch for Randy and I with corn casserole and Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Cranberries from the Pioneer Woman.  In the evening, we went back to my parent's house for Christmas Eve dinner.  This year, dinner consisted of appetizers, which was really fun.  We had buffalo chicken dip, sausage stuffed mushrooms, ham and cookies.  We tried watching a Christmas movie, also a tradition, but Gianna was tired, so we headed home.

Christmas morning, we had Gianna's gifts all set in front of the tree.  Here's the pictures from the day.

The tree with Gianna's gifts.  We got them all out, put together and unwrapped.  She can't unwrap this year, so we thought this would be easier.

Loving her exersaucer.

She kept looking at us and smiling.  It was like she knew it was Christmas and had been given a gift.  That was the best present ever.

 After we opened gifts at our house, we headed to my parent's house for the second Christmas of the day.

Tree and gifts.

Getting ready to open stockings.  The yellow bag next to Randy contains the surprise Ski Doo snowpants I got him.  He wanted them so badly, but I told him I couldn't afford it.  Little did he know, I had conspired with my dad to pick them up.  Unfortunately, there has been no snow around here, so the snowmobiles have been sitting.

Gianna and my mom.

The Cresswells opening gifts.

Julie, Travis and my mom.  This must have been after we opened gifts judging from the mess behind them in the dining room.

After the gifts.

Cooking dinner.

Max playing.

Natalie playing.

Getting tired.

After we left my parent's house, we headed to Randy's mom's house for the third Christmas.  Then we celebrated with his grandparents, sister, dad and aunt for the fourth Christmas.

For four Christmases, Gianna did really well.  She was tired by 7:30 (after having barely a nap all day) but held out pretty well until about 8:30 when we decided it was time to get her to bed.  She slept like a rock.

For New Year's we went to dinner with my parents and then headed home.  We spent some time with Randy's sister, grandparents, aunt and her friends for a bit but, again, Gianna was done by 8:30 and ready for bed.  She did so well with all the activity of the holidays.  She's not much of a napper when there's a lot going on, but she's done so well.  Tuesday I head back to work and she'll go back to daycare.  I've only had to work one day since December 22, so I think that's been pretty fun.

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season.

A few times a year our church does baby dedications.  We choose to dedicate babies instead of baptizing them because we believe baptism is an action you take when you turn from your old life and wash away the sins and walk into a new life with Christ.  Because babies aren't ready to make that decision, we choose that to be a decision made later in life.  We do a dedication because Mary and Joseph took Jesus as a baby to be dedicated.

 On Sunday, November 13, 2011 Gianna was dedicated to the Lord.  It was so much more of an emotional service that I was originally prepared for.



Each family was called up to the stage, and while we made our way up, a picture of the child with their parent's names, birth date and the meaning of their name was displayed on a large screen.  Our pastor had chosen a Bible verse for each child based on the meaning of their name.


We each received a small Bible meant for babies and a chocolate sucker.  We also received three roses; a red rose to reprepsent the father's blood line, a white rose to reprepsent the mother's purity and a small yellow budding rose to repesent the new life that is the baby.


After we were all on the stage (I believe there were eight babies and families) the pastor led a charge for the parents that we agreed to raise the child according to the Lord's will.  Then a different member of the pastoral staff laid hands on each child and pastor prayed for each one.  Within the prayer he called each child and prayed something specific for them.  For Gianna, it was prayed that she would live to fulfill everything the Lord has in store for her life.  I had been praying that specific thing for her since I found out I was pregnant.

After the service, the pastoral staff had a meal and cake for everyone.  We had my husband's mom and grandparents, dad and stepmother.  On my side we had my parents and sister, Julie, attend the service and dinner and with us.

Santa is stopping at Peninsula Pups Doggie Daycare to take pictures with your dog! Peninsula Pups Doggie Daycare is located at 801 West 12th Street, on the corner of 12th and Liberty. Santa will be there on Sunday, December 11 from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The jolly old elf is looking forward to meeting all the good dogs of Erie during his visit.

If you’re looking for a dog to join your family, there will also be dogs looking for forever homes from The A.N.N.A. Shelter, Because You Care and The Humane Society! If you already have a dog and want them to get more involved in the community, Therapy Dogs United and HOPE Animal Assisted Crisis Response will also be at the event. Meet some of their trained dogs and get information on how your dog can help those in need and spread some cheer all year round! Call 814-454-PUPS (7877) for more information.

Happy Thanksgiving to all reading this.  My little family is going to have a busy day.  We always eat at my parents' house which will have 17 people in attendance this year.  It's quite a house full.  Afterward we'll head to my husband's mom's house and spend a few hours there and end at his grandparents' house for another couple hours.  I'm not quite sure how Gianna will take to all of this excitement, so we had a low key day yesterday and are hoping for some naps today.

Yesterday we got her Christmas pictures done, and I was so excited with how they turned out.  They cost more than I had hoped, but that's always expected when you see so many cute poses.

I'm off work until Monday, so I have a few craft projects I want to finish and a few more I want to start.  I hope to post some pictures of those soon.

Until then, Happy Thanksgiving to all from my little family.

On Saturday, November 5, students at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, will host 24 For A Cure. This is a 24-hour fundraiser that benefits THON, Penn State’s IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon—the University’s 46-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon to fight pediatric cancer. THON is held annually in February at Penn State University Park. The event at Penn State Erie aims to increase awareness of the largest student-run philanthropy in the nation and to raise money toward the college’s THON 2012 contribution.

24 For A Cure will be held in Erie Hall and begins at 2 p.m. Saturday. Like THON, 24 For A Cure will feature entertainment and is open to the public. There is no admission fee, but donations will be accepted.

Saturday’s activities include a community event from 4-6 p.m. Get one more wear out of those Halloween costumes, and bring children out to see the dancers. Leadership Unlimited will keep the energy high with icebreakers from 6:30–7 p.m. Students will be clad in Penn State attire for the 9 p.m. tailgate, and themed events will continue throughout the night.

On Sunday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., dancers and organizers will show stories of THON families—a time to celebrate and remember—before the 24-hour no-sitting, no-sleeping event ends.

THON 2012 will be held February 17-19. In 2011, THON raised more than $9.5 million for the Four Diamonds Fund at Penn State Children’s Hospital at Penn State Hershey Medical Center. Since 1977, THON has raised more than $78 million.

A few weeks ago we hit the 3 month mark with Gianna. She's growing and moving, and I love her more each day.



I'm considering buying this dress for G for Thanksgiving



Felt food tutorials

A new take on pumpkin pie

Candy corn pumpkins.  I attempted these and they did not turn out well.  More details to come.

Candy corn dress.  My mom made G one of these.  She wore it yesterday, but I forgot to take a picture.  This one is for sale on Etsy located HERE

Last weekend was completely "fall" weather.  It was kind of rainy, cool and the leaves are changing.

My husband and I decided to make a trip to the local Cider Mill.  Walking in there is like walking into fall; pumpkins, mums, cider, the smell of apples and cinnamon.  We bought some cider along with a couple donuts.  On the way home we stopped by a little roadside stand selling pumpkins.  I'm in the process of decorating and hope to share some pictures soon.

Because it was rainy out, we spent most of the weekend indoors, so I made a couple wreaths inspired by things I saw on Pinterest.

The first was made with tulle inspired by the colors of candy corn.  This one was for Gianna's door because it was more fun.  I can totally see myself making a whole set of these for different holidays.

I used a spool of orange and a spool of white.  I couldn't find a spool of yellow, so I bought it by the yard (2 yards) and cut it into strips.

I tied the strips onto an embroidery hoop in an "X" pattern.  This one goes this way.

Made an X



Keep going until done

 I experimented with going in small segments of colors and decided I liked the larger color block segments better.

The second wreath was more easy.  I just took an old grapevine wreath I had, removed the old stuff and bought a few picks from Hobby Lobby.  I added the letter B for our monogram and hung it up.



The first wreath cost only $7 and the second was $3 because I already had the wreath.  Not bad.

And because I can't do a post right now and not include her:

Gianna all ready to go last Saturday.

The Erie Art Museum is preparing to celebrate one exciting year in the Museum’s history. The Museum opened its doors to the $11 million expansion and renovation project in October of 2010, and an anniversary gala is scheduled for Friday, October 7, 2011, from 8 p.m. until midnight.

“It’s really been an amazing year,” said Carolyn Eller, the Museum’s Director of Marketing and Development. “The new gallery space has made it possible to exhibit pieces from our permanent collection, many of which have never been on display, and showcase several incredible traveling exhibits. We’ve increased our programming, too, and now have a beautiful Multipurpose room where we’ve hosted numerous weddings,
special events, and corporate functions since we opened the new wing, as well as hosting concerts, Open Stage Nights, and films. It’s so exciting to have the capacity to reach and serve the community in so many new ways because we were previously constricted with a space issue.”

The Gala theme of “One Year. One World. One Night” will showcase art from America and around the world. There will be authentic food stations featuring cuisines from around the globe, specialty martinis, complimentary beer and live entertainment by Lake Erie Belly Dance and One World Tribe, who has toured across the country and has performed several times at the Erie Art Museum Blues & Jazz Festival. In addition,
guests can enjoy an outdoor hookah lounge and traditional henna body art in the newly renovated Old Customs House.

The event committee is comprised of Director of Marketing and Development at EAM, Carolyn Eller, VP of Special Events and Event Chair, Abby Lechner, Barb Haggerty, Julia Sullivan-Horan, Cynthia Lillis, Caleb M. Pifer, Nancy Potter, Neala Ferralli, Rebecca Styn, Patty Rich, and Tammy Roche.

Advanced tickets are $65/person or $120/two. Tickets will be $75/ticket at the door. Members of Young Erie Professionals will receive discounted tickets at $45. All proceeds benefit the programming of the Erie Art Museum. To purchase tickets, call 814-459-5477 or purchase online at erieartmuseum.org.

On Tuesday, October 4, Gannon University will host a Graduate and Professional School Fair. The Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Yehl Room of the University’s Waldron Campus Center, 124 West 7th Street, and the event is free and open to the public.

Representatives from some 50 schools will have information on more than 100 academic programs, including business, education, engineering, health sciences, law, liberal arts and the social sciences. In addition to Gannon, participating institutions include Baldwin Wallace College, Canisius College, Carnegie Mellon University, Case Western Reserve University, Duquesne University, Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, Kent State University, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Mercyhurst College, Niagara University, Palmer College of Chiropractic, Rochester Institute of Technology, Ross University, State University of New York (SUNY) at Buffalo, University of Pittsburgh and Youngstown State University. A representative from Kaplan Test Prep will also have information on the MCAT, LSAT, GMAT, GRE, PCAT, DAT and OAT.

For more information, contact Gannon’s office of Career Development and Employment Services at 814-871-7680.

There will be a blood drive, food drive, and children’s winter clothing drive to benefit the Community Blood Bank, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania, and the Trinity Center of Erie.

The event will be held on Saturday, October 8 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, 2615 West 32nd Street. At this event, they will be accepting blood donations, donations of nonperishable food, and children’s winter clothing (coats, hats, gloves, etc).

Please come and support this Eagle Scout Project being put on by Shawn McFarland!

Blood Donation General Requirements:
-Must weigh at least 110 pounds
-Must be in general good health
-Must be at least 17 years of age, or 16 years of age with a signed Community Blood Bank parental permission form
-No tattoos or piercings within the last year from a tattoo parlor
**MUST HAVE PHOTO I.D.

The Erie Sports Commission (ESC) has announced that the inaugural Great Lakes Steelhead Expo will take place on Saturday, November 5th, 2011. The event will be held at Rainbow Gardens from 1:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and will feature a variety of attractions and seminars throughout the day.

The Expo will focus on the steelhead fishing experience on the Great Lakes. Top vendors and companies will be on hand to demonstrate the latest and greatest fishing products, guides from regional fisheries will be available, fly tying and casting demonstrations are scheduled, and representatives from various Great Lakes fish and wildlife services will also be in attendance.

The Expo is being managed by local members of the Pennsylvania Steelhead Association, under the direction of Steve Brugger, the Association’s Vice-President. In commenting on the event, Brugger stated: “We are a group dedicated to the preservation of our local Steelhead fishery, which has a great economic and social significance for Erie and the region. When you consider the number of fishing shops, boat dealers, hotels, and more that are supported by the fishery and area fishermen, the financial impact annually is in the millions of dollars. I’d like to thank the Erie Sports Commission and all our local businesses that are helping to make this initial event a big success.”

Ron Sertz, Executive Director of the ESC, noted that “Erie is one of the top Steelhead fishing areas in the nation and, perhaps, the entire world. Local steelhead fishing is experienced annually by thousands of anglers and attracts a large number of visitors to the region, providing a notable contribution to the Erie County economy. We are happy to play a small part in this inaugural event and hope to help to make it grow into one of the premiere fishing expos in the country.”

Over 1,000 fishermen and their families are expected to travel to Erie to participate in this inaugural Steelhead Expo, generating an estimated economic impact of over $250,000 for the Erie region. For more information on participation and sponsorship opportunities, interested parties may contact Steve Brugger at steve@steelheadexpo.com.

The Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA) plans to host a special briefing on right-to-work legislation starting at 11 a.m. Thursday, October 6, at the Association’s Conference Center, 2171 West 38th Street. All media are invited to attend.

The event will feature a panel of prominent speakers on the issue of right-to-work. The panel is scheduled to include Representative Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler); David Taylor, executive director of the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association; Kevin Shivers, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business; Jennifer Stefano, director of Labor and Energy Policy for Americans for Prosperity; and Simon Campbell, president of StopTeacherStrikes. Panel participants will discuss the status and future of right-to-work legislation at both the state and federal levels. Afterward, they will participate in a question-and-answer session.

“Right-to-work has been–and remains–a top priority for our membership throughout northwest and central Pennsylvania,” said Lori Joint, the Association’s director of Government Affairs. “We hope that this briefing will not only bring this issue to the forefront, but make it clear that such legislation is the key to making the Commonwealth a more competitive and business friendly state.”

To register, contact Ann Miaczynski at (814) 833-3200 or (800) 815-2660, or visit www.mbausa.org. Cost is $45 for members, $65 for nonmembers, and includes lunch.

Today starts my last week home of maternity leave.  I go back to work on Thursday (Thursdays start our pay week at work).  I'm looking forward to having a regular schedule again and getting out of the house daily, but I am not looking forward to leaving my Gianna.  She has a great babysitter and I work with the girl's mom, so I know she's in really good hands.  Today we go for her first set of shots, and I'm a little nervous.  Luckily, my husband is getting out of work early to go with us.

Here's some highlights from the week:

We wore our first pair of jeans!  These are not flood pants, I promise.  They just get pulled up when she's moving around a lot.

We also canned several batches of tomatoes.  They will go along with the peaches, peach vanilla honey butter and pears that are canned.

And most imporantly this week... The Canadians came home!  It's been about six months since my sister and her family came to visit.  This is only the second time we've gotten to meet Aubrey, their daughter.  She's such a little love!

Natalie (Julie's daughter) and Gianna playing

This is Max, my nephew (Natalie's brother).  I think he'd had enough of the girls!

Mandi and Aubrey.  Aubrey's looking a little concerned.

The three girl cousins playing.  This picture makes my heart sing.  I love seeing these little girls together.

Natalie is such a good cousin.  She's always trying to help and play with the kids.  When Gianna is crying, she always comes over and sings her a song to make her stop.  Here, she must be teaching Aubrey how to play with the dollhouse.

Natalie, Gianna, Mandi and Max.  Clearly Max was already sick of babies.

So, our weekend with the Canadians was spent shopping, talking, eating and catching up.  I wish I had taken more pictures over the weekend.  Mandi has already said they'd like to come back for Thanksgiving, and I'm hoping they will.  I love my family!

UPMC announced today that Erie Physicians Network (EPN), Erie’s largest independent multi-specialty physician group, will join the UPMC Physician Services Division and its team of more than 2,700 physicians, effective November 1, 2011. The organization will operate under the name Erie Physicians Network-UPMC. EPN is made up of board-certified physicians and providers from various medical specialties that include primary care, rheumatology, podiatry, gastroenterology, and physical medicine and rehabilitation. These physicians currently provide care to more than 35,000 patients from Erie County.

By joining UPMC, EPN can offer its patients greater access to innovative treatments, specialists and advanced technologies while maintaining its position as a leading community-based health-care provider. UPMC is the only medical center in western Pennsylvania and only one of 17 medical centers nationwide named to the U.S. News & World Report Honor Roll of America’s Best Hospitals.

According to EPN President Philip Cacchione, DO, this partnership strengthens EPN and further enhances UPMC’s commitment to serve the patients of western Pennsylvania. “Partnering with a financially strong, integrated health delivery system, ensures EPN access to sophisticated
resources and technologies and stronger physician recruitment, enabling us to grow and offer more advanced care and services to our patients,” Dr. Cacchione said. “EPN also will benefit from the efficient systems and business practices employed within UPMC, factors that play a significant role in today’s evolving health-care industry.”

Erie Physicians Network also operates three urgent-care centers in collaboration with UPMC Hamot. EPN Hamot Urgent-Care centers offer adult and pediatric facilities which provide medical care for all non-life or limb threatening injuries and illnesses. EPN’s new partnership with UPMC will enable these urgent-care services to grow and offer expanded hours. In addition, all EPN practices will remain open.

My little girl is now two months old.  It's so hard to believe.  I tell her all the time she's the sweetest thing I've ever known and I truly mean that.


This month she has been smiling a TON at us.  Sometimes I just hold her and she smiles and coos.  It's amazing how my heart melts.


I go back to work next week.  I'll have had about ten weeks off which has been amazing.  When I was pregnant I thought I would only get six weeks, but I took some extra time so we could find a good babysitter and I could just be with her.  I'm happy to say she's been sleeping through the night for the past two weeks now, which is such an answer to prayer.

I had a good friend over for lunch last week.  Her little boy is about six weeks old, so they came and visited.  I made this Pumpkin Pie Dip and it was amazing.  I just throught I'd share the recipe here with the fall season approaching... or is it already here.  Hard to tell in Northwest Pennsylvania where it's hot one day and we need jackets the next!

The Erie BayHawks, presented by LECOM, will host two tryouts to give players the opportunity to earn an invitation to the team’s training camp this season. Tryouts will be held in both Erie and New York City, home of the BayHawks NBA affiliate New York Knicks.

The New York tryout is set for Monday, September 26, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Baruch College in Manhattan. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. The Erie tryout is Sunday, October 9, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Family First Sports Park on Oliver Road. Registration begins at 9 a.m. The cost for each tryout is $150 and pre-registration is encouraged as space is limited. Interested players can download registration forms at ErieBayHawks.com or call 814-790-5600 for more information.

Last season, Akron graduate Nate Linhart earned a spot on the team’s roster after attending Erie’s open tryout in Cleveland. Linhart started 41 games for the BayHawks and averaged 10.5 points and 5.8 rebounds in 33.3 minutes per game.

The Erie BayHawks have also named Holly Anderson their new Dance Team coach for the 2011-12 season. Anderson, along with other team representatives, will be selecting new members for this season’s squad during an open audition on Sunday, September 25 at 3 p.m. at Best Fitness, 2147 West 12th Street in Erie.

The team is seeking talented dancers with a passion for performing in front of large audiences and interacting with fans and children. Females age 18 and older are eligible to try out and should submit a completed registration form and headshot photo prior to the day of tryouts. There is no cost to audition and registration forms are available at the BayHawks office or online at ErieBayHawks.com. For more details about the audition, interested girls can call the team offices at 814-790-5600.

Holly Anderson takes over as coach of the dance team after being a member of the squad the past two seasons. She succeeds Stacy Garrastazu who led the team the past three seasons. Anderson is an Erie native and has nearly 20 years of dance experience as a performer, student and instructor. She attended Oklahoma City University to study Dance Management and has performed at numerous high profile events including the 2000 Sydney Olympics and the Oklahoma Centennial Spectacular.

The BayHawks’ first home game this season is set for Thursday, December 1 at 7:00 p.m. at the Tullio Arena when the BayHawks face the Maine Red Claws. Season tickets and group tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by calling 814-790-5600.

Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, invites adults who are considering starting college or returning to their studies to attend an adult student undergraduate admissions open house on Wednesday, September 28. The open house will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a one-hour exhibit fair in Roche Hall, located in the college’s School of Science complex. A seminar on admissions and financial aid will be held at 6:30 p.m. followed by an admissions application workshop at 7:30 p.m.

Representatives from student support offices, including admissions, adult student services, the Academic and Career Planning Center and Veterans Affairs, will be available. Enrollment in any of Penn State Behrend’s 34 baccalaureate majors or six associate degree programs is open to new or returning adult students. Faculty members from each of the college’s four academic schools—Sam and Irene Black School of Business, School of Engineering, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, and School of Science—and its nursing program also will be on hand to answer questions and discuss learning and career opportunities.

New admissions applications and Penn State reenrollment applications will be accepted at the open house. Those who attend the event will have application fees waived, a savings of up to $50.
There is no charge to attend the adult student open house and no obligation to apply. To register, call 814-898-6700, e-mail bdadultcntr@psu.edu or visit behrend.psu.edu/adult.

Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, is a comprehensive residential college offering 34 bachelor’s, six associate, four pre-professional and two graduate degree programs. More than 4,700 students benefit from being part of a major research and land-grant institution on a student-centered campus, enriched by more than 110 clubs and organizations, 21 NCAA varsity teams and 19 intramural sports. Penn State Behrend is named in recognition of a donation by Mary Behrend, widow of Ernst Behrend, who founded the Hammermill Paper Co. in Erie in 1898. The Behrend family lived on the 400-acre Glenhill Farm, which is the core of the Penn State Behrend campus today. For more information, visit behrend.psu.edu.

Gannon University’s Schuster Theatre is excited to welcome the Cambridge University American Stage Tour (CAST) for one performance of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The performance will be held at Schuster Theatre, 620 Sassafras Street, at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 14. CAST, a traveling student theater company, will bring Macbeth to stages in seven states in its 11th U.S. tour since 2000.

One of the enduring works in Western literature, Macbeth explores the nature of human existence: love and duty, power and loss and good and evil. In CAST’s production of Shakespeare’s tragic masterpiece, nothing is quite as it seems. Inspired by modern dystopian fiction, the audience will descend into a landscape of broken dreams and bloody ambitions, inhabited by murderers and madmen. Macbeth is the story of a man who releases fear into his world and infects the lives of those around him.

Tickets for the general public are $10. For more information, contact the Schuster Theatre box office at 814-871-7494. For more information on the Cambridge University American Stage Tour, visit http://castonline.org.

The Inaugural Hertel & Brown Memorial Golf Tournament, benefiting the Erin Carlisle Scholarship Fund, will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2011 at Whispering Woods Golf Club in Erie, Pennsylvania.

Mentor, Ohio native and Lake Catholic High School graduate Erin Carlisle was tragically killed on Memorial Day 2011 when the boat she was on exploded, killing her instantly. Carlisle, 25, who lived in Erie, was one of five people aboard a 32-foot Wellcraft at the Erie Yacht Club. The boat was experiencing mechanical problems after refueling that lead to the explosion. Carlisle was the only individual who died from the explosion, although the four other individuals on board, including Erin’s husband Ryan Carlisle, were treated for severe burns at area hospitals. An attendant at the Erie Yacht Club’s fueling station was also injured and treated.

Erin Carlisle, whose maiden name is Gaydos, graduated in 2004 from Lake Catholic High School of Mentor, Ohio, where she played basketball and soccer and made the honor roll several times. She attended Gannon University in Erie, and graduated in May of 2009 with her Masters in Occupational Therapy. Following graduation, Erin worked for 2 years at HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Erie in the Traumatic Brain Injury Unit. Carlisle treated her patients with compassion and a smile on her face that was unforgettable. She often went above and beyond what her job required in order to provide excellent quality of care to all she treated. On May 15th, 2010, Erin married Ryan Carlisle, a Physical Therapist at Hertel and Brown Physical Therapy of Erie, whom she met while attending Gannon. She enjoyed running, spending time with her loving family and working on the couple’s newly purchased home in Fairview.

Following Erin’s tragic death scholarships were created in Erin’s honor at both Gannon University and Lake Catholic High School. The scholarship at Gannon University will benefit a graduate level occupational therapy student who excels in academics and displays financial need. The scholarship at Lake Catholic High School will benefit a girls’ basketball player who performs well in class and also demonstrates a financial need. The Golf Outing will benefit both the Gannon University and the Lake Catholic scholarships.

The cost to participate in the tournament is $125 per person, or $500 per team. There are sponsorship opportunities available to individuals or companies, ranging from $100 to $1,500. Prizes for giveaways or baskets will also be gratefully accepted.

To reserve a team or for sponsorship details, contact Doug Robinson at (814) 873-1513, Ryan Munson at (814) 504-2046, or Shari Robinson at (814) 873-5195.

Hurry Hill Farm Maple Museum will open for the 2011 Fall season on Sunday, September 4 from 2-5 p.m. This museum is a great place to visit for both young and old. There are activities for children, antiques and history for adult visitors, maple products for sale (including maple sundaes!) and a special exhibit dedicated to the memory of Virginia Sorensen, author of the Newbery Award-winning children’s book Miracles on Maple Hill. The Newbery medal also is on display.

The Hurry Hill Farm Maple Museum will be open each Sunday from 2-5 p.m. during September, October and November. The museum is located at 11424 Fry Road in Edinboro and is handicapped accessible. From I-79 Edinboro exit, take 6N east, then in 1/4 mile turn left (north) on Fry Road. Museum is located on the left side of Fry Road with large parking area in front that can accommodate buses. Combine a visit to the Hurry Hill Farm Maple Museum with an outing to buy fresh cider, apples and pumpkins at farm stands in the area. It’s a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, is now selling Berkey Creamery ice cream—cones, dishes, sundaes and milk shakes—on campus for students, employees and the public.
The Berkey Creamery, as it is now known, is the largest university creamery in the nation.
Creamery ice cream is so fresh that, on average, only four days elapse between the cow and a newly dipped cone.

The coffee shop at Bruno’s Café, located on the second floor of the Reed Union Building, will stock eight flavors and will offer new, evening hours to accommodate Creamery ice cream fans in northwestern Pennsylvania. The coffee shop’s regular hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily. The shop will re-open Sunday through Thursday evenings from 6 to 10 p.m. Ice cream, bakery goods and Starbucks coffee will be available any time the shop is open.

Current ice cream flavors are peachy Paterno, death by chocolate, bittersweet mint, butter pecan, strawberry, chocolate chip cookie dough, cookies and cream, and WPSU coffee break. A cone or dish is $3, milk shakes are $3.25 and sundaes start at $4. Penn State Behrend’s coffee shop also sells Starbucks favorites, including lattes, mochas, caramel macchiatos, cappuccinos, Frappuccinos and steamers.

You have only a few remaining chances to catch the Gem City Bands in concert this summer season. The concerts are always free and open to the public, so come out and catch a show.

The remaining concerts for the month of August are:

Friday, August 26, 2011
7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Gem City Jazz Ensemble
Colony Plaza Customer Appreciation Evening
2602 West 8th Street, Erie, PA

Saturday, August 27, 2011
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Gem City Concert Band
Erie SeaWolves Opening Entertainment
Jerry Uht Park
110 East 10th Street, Erie, PA

Tuesday, August 30, 2011
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Gem City Concert Band
Outdoor Concert
Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church
4701 Old French Road, Erie, PA

Don’t forget to “Like” the Gem City Bands on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gemcitybands!

Today is the one month birthday of my little girl, Gianna.  We took some pictures this morning and it's pretty much like every other day around here with the sleeping, eating, burping and diaper changes.

I've been working on a small quilt for her.  We hit the quilt shop a few weeks ago and I picked up some charm packs of Bliss and we're working on this Whimsy quilt.  Here's my progress:

All the blocks are done, I just need the time to put them together.
We've also been trying new recipes from How Sweet It Is.  Here's a few we've liked so far:

Red Velvet Brownies
Crispy Honey Lime Tilapia

So, we're moving along well here.  We're still working on getting Gianna on a schedule, but we're trying.  She's such a sweet little girl and a pretty easy baby.  Usually if she's crying it's because she needs a diaper change or nursed. 

Here's a cute little story.  Now, I know they say when babies smile it's because they have gas.  That being said, last Friday night I was getting ready to put her down for the night.  She was asleep (or almost asleep) and I said to her, "I'm your mommy and I love you."  She looked up at me and smiled.  I'm not even kidding.  It was the sweetest moment.

Hope you're enjoying your summer!

Take the next step while taking care of today’s needs. Grow your company, create effective competitive strategies and gain management skills with the Executive Leadership Academy (ELA) at Penn State Erie, The Behrend College. The ELA is an eight-month course that offers a practical, executive-level business education in leadership, finance, law and human resources in easy-to-digest half-day sessions.

The final ELA information session will be held on Wednesday, August 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. in the Jack Burke Research and Economic Center, room 237, at Penn State Behrend.
The program content, time commitment and facilities will be reviewed and faculty members will be on hand to meet prospective participants.

Classes begin Monday, September 7 and continue through April 2012. The course consists of 11 primary topics, each taught by faculty members in the college’s Sam and Irene Black School of Business. Course descriptions and instructor information can be found at behrend.psu.edu/ela. The Black School of Business is accredited by AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, which is the leading accrediting agency for bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs in business administration and accounting.

To register for the information session or for more information on the Executive Leadership Academy, contact Continuing Education at 814-898-6103 or Behrend-CE@psu.edu. Reservations are encouraged.

Penn State Erie, The Behrend College, is a comprehensive residential college offering 34 bachelor’s, six associate, four pre-professional and two graduate degree programs. More than 4,700 students benefit from being part of a major research and land-grant institution on a student-centered campus, enriched by more than 110 clubs and organizations, 21 NCAA varsity teams and 19 intramural sports. Penn State Behrend is named in recognition of a donation by Mary Behrend, widow of Ernst Behrend, who founded the Hammermill Paper Co. in Erie in 1898. The Behrend family lived on the Glenhill Farm, which is the core of Penn State Behrend’s 854-acre campus. For more information, visit behrend.psu.edu.

The Gem City Bands have a busy gig schedule for the month of August. Come out and enjoy one or several concerts–all are free and open to the public. The Gem City Jazz Ensemble is especially pleased to be included in this year’s EAM Blues and Jazz Festival, taking place this coming weekend. They will be the opening act on Sunday, August 7th, from noon to 1:30 p.m. Bring your chairs, blankets and coolers and make it a full day of live jazz at Frontier Park.

Saturday, August 6, 2011
4:00 – 5:30 p.m.
Gem City Jazz Ensemble
Dan Rice Days
Main Stage – Girard, PA

Sunday, August 7, 2011
12:00 – 1:30 p.m.
Gem City Jazz Ensemble
Erie Art Museum’s 19th Annual Blues & Jazz Festival
Frontier Park, Erie, PA

Saturday, August 20, 2011
5:30 – 6:30 p.m.
Gem City Jazz Ensemble
CelebrateErie
Perry Square Gazebo
Downtown, Erie, PA

Friday, August 26, 2011
7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Gem City Jazz Ensemble
Colony Plaza Customer Appreciation Evening
2602 West 8th Street, Erie, PA

Saturday, August 27, 2011
6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Gem City Concert Band
Erie SeaWolves Opening Entertainment
Jerry Uht Park
110 East 10th Street, Erie, PA

Tuesday, August 30, 2011
7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Gem City Concert Band
Outdoor Concert
Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church
4701 Old French Road, Erie, PA

If you haven’t already “liked” the Gem City Bands on their new Facebook page, please visit www.facebook.com/gemcitybands and click “LIKE” at the top to stay up to date with what’s going on at Gem City Bands, including the concert schedule, gig photos and the latest Gem City news.

Last Monday, July 11, my husband and I welcomed our sweet little girl into the world.  Gianna Mary-Lynne was born at 5:27 p.m., 5 pounds 7 ounces and 18.5 inches long.

She was born early.  We had our 36 week sonogram which revealed that she was not measuring where she should be.  We had a repeat sonogram at 38 weeks.  After the sonogram, the doctor came into the room and said, "Well, I think we need to pick a delivery date."  Basically, she still was not measuring where she should and there was some concern because her head was only measuring in the 5th percentile.  We were told they tend to worry when any measurements are outside the 10 to 90th percentiles.

So, we were given the option of Monday or Tuesday (this was a Friday appointment), and we chose Monday.

We could not be happier.  Despite her small size (she dipped down to 5 pounds at her lowest), she is otherwise healthy.  This is a huge answer to prayer.  When the doctor said we needed to induce as soon as possible I was so worried something would be wrong with our little girl.  Stories of other babies that did not make it came to mind and it was an intense weekend for me filled with worry and prayer.  But, I gave her to the Lord when I first became pregnant and trusted that His will for her life would always prevail. So, I had to stop worrying and, here she is, beautiful and perfect.

Thank you for all the prayers for those that knew what we were going through.  We're excited to start this journey through life with her.  More to come... when I get time!

I'm officially in Week 37 of my pregnancy which means the baby is considered full term and I could go into labor at any time although I'm thinking it's going to be a few more weeks.  At our last sonogram we found the baby was on the small side, we are having a repeat sonogram this coming Friday.  I love sonograms because we get to see the baby, but please keep her in your prayers as she's only in the 18th percentile for growth.  The doctor said they want the baby between the 10th and 90th percentiles, so technically she's in the range, but she's toward the bottom.  Our tiny little one weighed 5 pounds 7 ounces last Friday, so I'm looking forward to seeing how big she is now.

Major picture alert below.  We finished the nursery Memorial Day weekend, but I have been putting finishing touches on things, reorganizing and decorating ever since.  I'm not completely done with everything I want to do, but I can post more updates later.  Since our home is our apartment and we are hoping to purchase something soon, we didn't paint the room or do anything permanent.  I have so many ideas for her "real" nursery when the time comes which should be soon.  So, here we go with the pics.

This is one side of the nursery.  Her dresser is straight ahead and her cradle is right in front.



This is what's above her cradle right now.  There's a shelf with some sonogram pictures, a wedding picture of my husband and I and a sign that says Family.  On the wall is the quilt her for cradle bedding which will stay there until we get a real baby quilt from my mom (cough cough, wink wink mom).  We purchased the quilt at Pottery Barn Kids.  Hanging with it is her tutu that my sister, Mandi, made.  G B are her initials.  And the big shadow on the wall is her chandelier which I forgot to take a picture of.



We decided to use a cradle for now which is the nursery.  We opted to save the crib until we're in our house.  I'm not sure yet whether the cradle will stay in the nursery or be moved into our room.



Some new friends waiting for her in her bed.



Closer picture of tutu and quilt.



I could not get some of these pictures to rotate, so turn your head on its side.  This is a better picture of her shelf, quilt and tutu.  The first frame has sonogram pictures, the second has a glittery G in a frame I  made and then is our wedding picture and the Family sign.  The votive holder was from my baby shower.



This is the changing station and dresser.  Her changing pad has a pink cover with white polka dots, a lamp, candle holder and a wipe warmer.  Above is a shelf with Beatrix Potter books (my grandmother got my sister and I the same set when we were little) and more candle holders that I made.

Sorry for the flash, but the picture was pretty dark without it.  I made several of these candle holders mostly because I wasn't sure in the begining how to decorate the nursery.  I took large holders (or vases), added pink vellum and got these embellishments from Michael's.  I think there are three in the nursery total.

Another sideways picture.  This is her bookshelf with very few books at this point.  I like everything in baskets or put away neatly so that's why every shelf pretty much has a basket.

The top of the shelf has a framed sonogram picture- this was the first one we received.  Next to it is a frame where my hsuband and I put our pictures on either side and the baby in the middle.  It still has the "model" babies as I haven't found good baby pictures of us yet.  The two bins contain baby supplies.  One has all the toiletries and the other the receiving blankets/burp cloths.

The rest of these baskets have stuffed animals, bibs, toys, pacifiers and wash clothes.  The large on on the bottom has things we'll need later but received as gifts like spoons, bowls, etc.  One shelf has all the blankets and afghans.  Next to the shelf on the left is a white hamper and on top is her diaper bag (filled for the hospital) and my bag for the hospital.  On the right is the Diaper Genie and closet door.



And here I am at 36 weeks.



Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott recently declared June to be ‘Smith’s Ox Roast Month’ and the Community Blood Bank and Smith’s Provisions have teamed up to celebrate and help save lives at the same time. The first 60 donors on Tuesday, June 21 will receive a 1 & 1/2 pound package of Smith’s wonderful ox roast. Donors all week will be entered to win the grand prize; a Smith’s Grilling Basket that’s full of all the Smith’s favorites. Just in time for the July 4th holiday!

This past weekend saw continued heavy blood usage at local hospitals keeping the blood supply well below safe levels. Extra donors are needed to secure a safe blood supply for next weekend. There is currently a serious shortage of type O+, O-, A+ and A-, so if that’s you, now’s the time to get down to the Blood Bank.

“We all love Smith’s Ox Roast,” said Dan Desrochers, Director of Marketing at the Community Blood Bank. “This is a great way to celebrate a local favorite by saving lives locally.”

The Community Blood Bank is located at 2646 Peach Street and is open Monday to Friday 8 am to 6 pm and Saturday from 9 am to 12:30 pm. No appointment is needed to save a life, but you will need proper ID.

Volunteers from all over the state will converge on Emerson-Gridley School and Gridley Park tomorrow for a day long playground build, and you can help! Just click here to sign up. No experience is necessary, and there are jobs for people of all ages and abilities. A light breakfast, lunch and beverages will be provided. Volunteers are needed from 8:00 a.m. through 2:30 p.m., when a ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place to dedicate the new playground. Gridley Park is located south of Emerson-Gridley Elementary, 816 Park Avenue North.

The new playground, which was planned by children during a Design Day held on April 27, will be built by more than 400 volunteers, including mayors and city officials from across the state in conjunction with the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities 112th Annual Convention. The 4,891-square foot playground will feature activities for all children, including an inclined cliff hanger, a rope climber, swing sets, a slither slide, a tic-tac-toe activity wall, a triple racer slide and much more.

The playground will be made possible by contributions from the City of Erie, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, the School District of the City of Erie, the PA Department of Health, the Erie County Department of Health, and the Pennsylvania League of Cities and Municipalities.

The 34th Lost Hounds Horse Trials (LHHT) Annual Ultimate Horse Challenge will be hosted on June 18 and 19, at the Erie Hunt and Saddle Club, with benefits supporting the Lost Hounds Pony Club (LHPC). The event marks one of two of the ultimate horse challenges to be held in Erie County, with the Fall event as the second oldest registered continuous horse trials in the country. The horse trials, also known as eventing, are an equestrian challenge comprised of three events: dressage, cross-country and show jumping. It has its roots in a comprehensive cavalry test requiring mastery of several types of riding. The horse trials start with the elegance and seriousness of dressage, ridden in the 33’ x 66’ low white fenced ring, and then proceeds with the agility and speed of show jumping over painted fences,
followed up with the exhilaration of the cross country phase, where horse and rider gallop through the fields over solid fences made out of timber, stone and other natural materials.

The LHHT have historically drawn notable national competitors, such as Sue Williams and Abdullah, the late great Trakehner stallion, who went on to win the individual silver medal in show jumping at the 1984 LA Olympics. This year, riders are expected from Ohio, New York, West Virginia, Indiana, Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, Kentucky and Canada.The trials are run by volunteers; many have supported the event for over 25 years. Some are parents whose children have been brought up in the Pony Club, others are Erie Hunt and Saddle Club members. The proceeds from the LHHT will fund activities, programs, educational events and competitions for the LHPC and its members, who range in age from 6 to 21.

The community is invited to attend this FREE event – spectators, riders, grooms, and/or volunteers. Start time each day is 8 a.m. and the event runs through the final rides of all competitors each day. Bring a lawn chair for viewing the dressage and cross country. Bleachers are available for show jumping. The Erie Hunt and Saddle Club is located at Old State and Eureka Roads in Franklin Township, Edinboro, PA. More information is available by calling Peggy Hull at 814.734.3764 or Jean Kuhl at 814.438.3595 or online at www.ehsc-lhpc.org/EHSCCompetitions.html.