There is still time to jump in with us at Heidi's blog, Foxgloves, Fabric, and Folly, for the Vintage Christmas Swap. You have until tomorrow to sign up at her blog. I think this is going to be great fun! I am really looking forward to it!!

This Old Tree

Trees are poems that earth writes upon the sky,We fell them down and turn them into paper,That we may record our emptiness.~Kahlil Gibran

What a melancholy sentiment this,

I scarce can take it in-

to fell a thing of such beauty

for such a task seems amiss.

This tree stands by the bedroom-

Its shade it always shares,

But, oh, it offers so much more than that...

on windy nights when the air is brisk and the

moon is low in the sky

the branches of this lonely tree whispers

its song of life to us ....its lullaby!

I love this old tree!

Pink Saturday

Momma, Dottie, What do you think about getting us some pink doggie bows for Christmas?!? Will, ya, huh? I bet Tiffany and Emmie would like some, too!



You, Betcha!

Beautiful!

Happy Pink Saturday
For more visit Beverley at How Sweet the Sound

My Husband Rocks, Friday

Kay Lin hosts this theme each week and it is a pleasure to post about my life partner! He makes everything we do so much more fun. For example, he has established a really fun tradition. On mornings that I am called to go substitute, he arranges his schedule so we can start our day together by going out to breakfast at one of our favorite haunts, Famous A's!

That just gets the day off to a great start for me because it is difficult to get back into a teaching routine and gives us both something to look forward to, instead of dread! I love him for that..... ain't he sweet?

Friday's Favorite Family Foto

Deborah of Picture, Pots, Pens is hosting more fun fotos here!

Well call me prejudiced but I think this is the sweetest, best looking couple I know! Enough said!

Happy Boo Day!!

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Thankful Thursday

Iris, at Grace Alone, hosts this theme each Thursday. Be sure to stop by her site to see others who have thankful hearts today!

Not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together [as believers], as is the habit of some people, but admonishing (warning, urging, and encouraging) one another, and all the more faithfully as you see the day approaching.
Hebrews 10:25 AMPLIFIED

I am so thankful for our church! I am completely thrilled to finally have church membership there, Lynn and I together, Lynn for his own reason refused to join the previous church we attended for twelve years. Even though we have attended our new church now for a year and a half everyone assumed we;d been members because we were so involved. Involvement is key to living the christian life. Here at our church we have found the place where God would have us serve together as a couple. To reach the valley with His truth together in ministry. We are soon starting up a new round of Faith evangelism classes together. Last fall I ventured into this unfamiliar territory and was soon so enamored with it Lynn caught the vision and desire. Our church has been in a transition the last few months developing its new format of teaching the Christiaan Life Uniniversity (CLU) classes which equip the body to service. Lynn and I just graduated from the new members' class and will start the FE class following the holidays! But there are so many opportunities in the church for

• learning about God
• finding purpose in your life
• making new friends
• growing and nurturing as an individual
• finding a safe haven in a dangerous world

God instituted the church as a place for believers to assemble learn the Word together, to teach, disciple , encourage, exhort, one another and to apply the responsibilities of sharing the gospel together. It is a place of unity and community and it blesses me so much to have the privilege to assemble together without fear of persecution. For today we can still assemble together openly. I pray we never lose this right and privilege.

Call to Prayer

I have been reminded today by my dear friends, Dottie and Lynne, that Monday night at the Sarah Palin rally, Sarah asked us to pray Psalm 27 over her, the election, and our nation! Last week I suggested that when we pray scripture we should pray it aloud- that makes it more effectual!

Psalm 27
Of David. 1 The LORD is my light and my salvation­ whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life­ of whom shall I be afraid?
2 When evil men advance against me to devour my flesh, when my enemies and my foes attack me,they will stumble and fall.
3 Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then will I be confident.
4 One thing I ask of the LORD, this is what I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to seek him in his temple.
5 For in the day of trouble he will keep me safe in his dwelling; he will hide me in the shelter of his tabernacle and set me high upon a rock.
6 Then my head will be exalted above the enemies who surround me; at his tabernacle will I sacrifice with shouts of joy; I will sing and make music to the LORD.
7 Hear my voice when I call, O LORD; be merciful to me and answer me.
8 My heart says of you, "Seek his face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek.
9 Do not hide your face from me, do not turn your servant away in anger; you have been my helper. Do not reject me or forsake me,
O God my Savior.
10 Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me.
11 Teach me your way, O LORD; lead me in a straight path because of my oppressors.
12 Do not turn me over to the desire of my foes, for false witnesses rise up against me, breathing out violence.
13 I am still confident of this: I will see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living.
14 Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.

Word Filled Wednesday

AmyDeanne of the 160 Acre Woods hosts this wonderful theme today so we can honor the Word of God. As we approach the coming election I feel a sense of foreboding. I dont want to be faithless in my belief and I do know that God is in complete control, but I sense that calamity is coming no matter who wins the election! I take solace in this scripture.

Jan's Lesson on China

Yesterday I visited my parent's church for their senior program and luncheon- the Woodlander's group. The speaker of the day was our dear friend and Amanda's MIL Jan! You may remember that Jan and Kevin treated Amanda to an Asian tour for Joshua's college graduation a few years ago.
Jan met Kevin years ago while she was teaching English in Taipei as a missionary. She continues to teach Chinese Bible Studies today and provides enthralling programs for schools and church functions about her experiences. She shares fascinating artifacts and stories about the Chinese language, peoples, and her experiences. I love how she explained some of the Chinese characters. She explained the character for "love". It is actually made up of three other characters. The character for "friend", "heart", and "roof "over the the top. That is a precious meaning and connotation! It was a beautiful presentation, Jan!

Tempt My Tummy, Tuesday

Lisa at Blessed By Grace hosts this great food celebration! Check out her site to participate!!

This past weekend we celebrated Lynn's birthday and he loves my homemade spaghetti, so I got to simmering it on Saturday for Sunday dinner.

Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

whole red pepper, diced

whole yellow onion, diced

1 1/2 lb. ground sirloin

2 T. Olive Oil

1 cup water

1 large can of petite diced tomatoes

3 small cans or 1 large can tomato sauce

2 cans of t. paste

1tsp. salt

1/4 tsp coarse ground pepper

1tsp. garlic powder or cut up cloves of garlic

2 bay leaves

1 T. sugar

Saute' the pepper and onion in the oil on medium high heat until transparent then add the crumbled ground beef. Using the ground sirloin really cuts down on the fat! I saute it until brown- continually breaking it up with a fork until very fine. Add in a cup of water to facilitate the cooking. Cook down for a few minutes then add the tomatoes and rest of the spices. I find that adding some sugar really accentuates the flavors. Then I turn down to simmer and allow it to simmer for about 3 hours.

Tablescape Thursday

Please visit Susan here for more tablescapes!

One of my favorite things is to entertain- have friends over to celebrate the joy of life! Of course, we are coming up on the most joyous season of celebration so the hospitality juices are flowing!

We Did It!

We made it to see Sarah! What a thrill! I was really iffy about it all day, it promised to be so hard, cold, blustery, crowded, and l-o-n-g! Lynn came home at 4 and we left and got to the venue at 4:30 and there was no parking to be had so we drove about a quarter mile from the entrance to the civic center gate and parked down along side a railroad! I was pretty winded by the tme we got to the parking lot and then when we got to within sight of the football stadium I couldnt believe it! The line wrapped back and forth along a long length of drive 4 times!

We stood in this line for over an hour and then finally made it to the security checkpoint. I only had my camera and got through fine, but Lynn was wanded because his coat looked puffy- he had on so many layers!By this time I was frantic to find the ladies room! And we were told to go to the other side so we hurried around the field and got semi situated. The stands were full and the other side was closed off until the entire field was filled with folks, but I didnt want to go down there. So we stood up by the walk way for about an hour!
We listened to several senators, the Governor, and other officials speak and get us all fired up! It was great! But then a state trooper cleared the area where we were standing so we noticed they were filling in the other stands so we hurried back around to the other side and found a great seat down on the end where Sarah would arrive! We saw the motorcade come in!! Then who should I see but my dear friend, Bible study leader and prayer partner, Lynne, trying to find a warm spot. We both looked hideous by this time, But we didnt care!
Don't ask me why noone told me I still had my sunglasses on! Good grief, Charlie Brown!! And then finally at 7:15 there she was! It was riveting and everyone was ecstatic! Don't tell me sarah has lost her luster! She was shining tonight!
We stayed until the last hurrah and then the walk back just about did me in, but we made it! Lisa from Are We There Yet encouraged me this morning that the wait would be worth it, and it was!! And we far outshined the NOBAMA crowd!

Excitement Builds

GO SARAH!!

Sarah Palin will be in town at 6:30 and we have been on again off again about going and standing in the 30 mph breeze in the mid forties in the huge crowd to see her. I have to say I was sorry to hear they moved the venue to the football field for this evening's event, but they are wanting the biggest crowd they can get and Lynn is still coming home from work early for us to give it a shot. So I am dressed in my "RED" and bundled for cold weather and am sitting by the door to go jump in the car!

Simple Woman Daybook

Click here for more daybooks!

Outside my Window...it is still dark. It has dropped 8 degrees in an hour since I arose this morning to 42 degrees and windy. An Arctic air mass is coming today. My neighbor's lamppost is burning brightly to herald a new day, but the sun is lazy this morning.

I am thinking...I am very disappointed-we were so excited about going to see Sarah Palin today. I stood in line last week to get the tickets but today the news is so drear about having to go at 10am and stand in line until 3:30 and possibly continue standing until 7:30 pm when she makes her appearance to see her and continue standing throughout the event. I just cant do that. But yoiu know what- I wouldnt pt it past the media to be making this all up to keep folks away! I am so dismayed by all media these days!

I am thankful for...so many things it is hard to pinpoint one thing this morning- I am thankful to still have both my parents and they are doing so well. They bless us so much!! I never want to take them for granted! Also, I am thankful that Amanda told me last night she had completed 60 % of her thesis which she defends on November 20. That was really good news!

From the kitchen... the aroma of savory spaghetti still lingers. But it is mixing with fresh brewed coffee!

I am wearing...a comfy yellow tee, nice well worn loden green knit pants and my green suade scuffs. I believe in comfort, not beauty! HAHA!

I am reading...Northanger Abbey. I hae sort of gotten behind, but I also need to spend time in my new Bible study workbook- Priscilla Shirer's Can We Talk? This is wonderful!!!

I am hoping...to have a very profitable meeting with Pastor Chip tomorrow as our prayer team discusses plans for organizing and administering the new prayer ministry and developing the prayer chapel for the church!

I am hearing..Edgar Meyer and Yo Yo Ma! Was there ever a more well suited duo?

Around the house...I have some housework planned for this studio. It is getting out of sorts! Argh!

One of my favorite things... is writing these daybooks. I look forward to Monday to just get to write these up. They're fun!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...working on BS homework today, Bible study and then immediately come home and meet with my parents to attend their senior group and luncheon at their church- Amanda's MIL, Jan, has tomorrow's program., Bible Study Wednesday at my old church and new members class Wednesday night this should be our last night for this, Thursday night trunk or treat hot dog supper at church and Bible study- Believing God, and I believe the rest of the week is up for grabs. We will probably turn out the light downstairs and pretend we're not at home for Halloween. We dont have any kiddies anyway- The manner in which our home is situated from the street doesnt work well for kiddies and all the ones we have treated in the past have grown up. Besides, I'm not one to promote halloween.

Here is a picture thought I am sharing with you...

Amanda gave her dad a kitchen Aid coffee mill to grind our own coffee beans. I believe that is what Lynn is doing down stairs right this minute! Yum!! I can't wait!

Our Red letter Day

What a day! First of all, we have been attending a new members' class at church with the intention of joining....soon, but today Pastor Chip preached in the Family Life Center downstairs so we decided to worship there as well. Besides most of our SS class worships there. Lo and behold there was another couple who was with us in our members' class and the next thing you know we all decided to join together- on the spur of the moment- just like that! I cant believe it. I mean we have been attending now a year and a half and I've been dying to join but Lynn has to be SURE! He has to be moved to do it. Granted, I knew it would be sometime in the coming month, but it happened today ! I am still just so excited.
Also, I sang in the choir tonight for the first time as a member of the Senior Choir. That was such a joy- I love the leader, the group, and the whole thing, especially that the music is written for seniors- large print! HAHA!. We meet every other week and sing only once a month or so, although we go next month to sing at the nursing home. The best part is Amanda and Josh were here to see me sing. That was really great! They came down this afternoon to help celebrate Lynn's 59th birthday. A real RED Letter Day!

Ok, I have to say that no pumkin pie is safe in our house! That is Lynn's one great temptation! , Oh, well, that and pecans!

Sunday School Fellowship Dinner

We had the best fun tonight at church. Our Sunday school class got together and had a Mexican dinner. One of our teacher's wife, Fran, did the cooking. It was muy, muy Bueno!! We had all kinds of appetizers, then all kinds of enchiladas and taco fixins. I loved the chickien enchiladas and the corn pudding! YumYUM!! She made 3 different desserts- amazing. We are all stuffed like an enchilada!
Edith decorated the tables using fall goodies- here are some of the tables-


There were about 36 of us there! We had a blast. We had Tres Leche Cake for dessert! To die for!
Here is the recipe!
Ingredients
french vanilla cake mix
3 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/3 cup oil
1 cup whole milk
12 ounces evaporated milk
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
8 ounces whipped topping

Directions
1-Bake cake as directed on box.
2-While cake is cooking, mix together 1 can sweetened condensed milk, 1 can evaporated milk, & 1 cup whole milk with a whisk. Set aside.
3-Immediately when cake is finished cooking, use the end of a wooden spoon to poke holes in the cake. Whisk your milk mixture once again, and pour slowly over the entire cake. Put the cake in the fridge for 4 hours to set flavors.
4-After 4 hours, spread whipped topping over cake.
5-This makes a beautiful cake. Must be kept refrigerated. You can use various flavors of cake mix. Many people love to put sweetened coconut in the whipped topping. You can also make a lower fat version by choosing low sugar cake mix, fat free sweetened condensed milk, fat free evaporated milk, & skim milk.
6-Enjoy!