Sunday school was a bit of a challenge this morning, but we got the lesson across and the kids had fun. Jackson was excited to get his puzzle together in record time! His mom said that Jackson and Cody talk about Miss Mary & I all the time – they love class! And Max came flying into the classroom with a little gift for me. After the trying week I had it almost made me cry! He was SO excited to give it to me!

Todd introduced his sermons for the rest of the year – December sermons will be HOME FOR CHRISTMAS. I’m excited to hear them! Today’s topic was UNITY- we forget that Satan is the enemy, not each other’s opinions. We need to remember that 1) We need each other. 2) Always share what you stand FOR, not what you are AGAINST. Believe the best in people and situations. 3) Love like Jesus loved – we are not always right but we should always be loving. Sort of like my favorite quote: It’s better to be kind than to be right.

Gen posted a picture of her granddaughter Hadley – who lives in Denver – running her first 5K. GIRLS ON THE RUN. Her dad (Gen’s younger son Daniel) was her support coach. Good job, Hadley!

I had a bagel for lunch, then rearranged my living room. I did not like the layout – it was crowded and made navigating the space tricky. So now it’s back to open spaces and easy access to the stereo – which is vital!

After that I put on my leaf-raking clothes and went out to clean up the small bit of leaves in the yard. I only filled one additional bag.

Although I have been intimidated by my baking and some cooking capabilities, I mixed up a batch of Candy Cane cookies. Disaster. They do taste just fine, but the kitchen was a total mess and the cookies look like they were trampled by an elephant. I tried to use red sugar left over from the peanut blossoms but that didn’t actually work. So half way through I switched to regular sugar which worked better. They are tucked in the freezer. Two more kinds to make before the holidays – but not this week!

Almost a scripture:

Quote:

TOMORROW November 13th is:

World Kindness Day; National Indian Pudding Day.

See! Kindness is SO important! Be kind to someone tomorrow – and every day. God bless…

THANK YOU to all the veterans, all their sacrifices, all the time they spent away from their homes and families. We have the freedoms that we do today because of all of them. From George Washington, Lafayette, General Grant, Eisenhower, MacArthur, Westmoreland — to my uncles and friends and of course my dad, who was in Korea. THANK YOU!!!

Kathy and I went to Smicksburg this morning. The day was cool and cloudy for the most part, but we were plenty warm and comfortable. We looked around at our favorite stores, bought cheese and chocolate at Donna’s store and at the Amish bulk food outlet. For lunch we had hot dogs from Donna’s, Smicksburg Country Store.

Colleen was working at the store, and so was her cousin Michelle. We also saw our cousin Allen’s son Bob and his wife Jody. It’s always so fun to see family on our trips to Smicksburg. We also saw LOTS of horses in the pasture across the street.

The Farmhouse Finery had a really pretty display of blue and white snowman. Gave it a very festive and fresh look!

Kathy made the remark that the street looked like something out of a Hallmark movie! It was very busy and all the stores were crowded. We had a good day shopping and catching up.

I stopped back at Miller’s Crossing on the way home and got the shelf. The measurements were exactly right – I was able to just take the old shelf and mirror down and put the new shelf up. Then I coated it with Lemon Oil. Gives the bathroom a new look!

Since we ate lunch in Smicksburg I took the time to melt down the block of chocolate I bought at the Amish store and did an entire bag of pretzels. Autmn mentioned being hungry for them, so I made some for Thanksgiving and will do more (the holiday shaped ones!) for Christmas. Maybe tomorrow I’ll do a batch of cookies.

GODWINK CHRISTMAS is on the Hallmark channel so I am listening to that while I type. Then I’ll grab something for supper. Still have ironing to do and two checks to write out!

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TOMORROW November 12th is:

World Pneumonia Day; National French Dip Day; National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day; National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day.

I’m not going to get pneumonia to celebrate – I’d just have to make chicken soup to get better! I’ll take a low key day tomorrow. God bless…

My thoughts/brain/mind was on fast forward all night – it seemed like my eyelids were spring loaded. It was well after 3am when I fell asleep and was up twice before 7am. I hope to sleep well tonight!

Started my day with laundry and checking a few items off my ‘to do’ list before going to pick up Autmn and Cameron. She had her 5 week follow up for her C-section. All was well and as long as she doesn’t over do it she can resume normal activity! We grabbed food for her (Cameron was up most of the night, too!) and then came here. The two of them snuggled up on the couch for naps and I was able to get the leaves raked in front.

After Noah picked them up I swept the floor, had a quick snack, then sat down to work on the Word Garden. Kathy and I are going to Smicksburg tomorrow for the Christmas Open House weekend. That always makes my heart happy! So I want to grab supper and get to bed sort of early so I’m perky and alert!

Kelly helped with the 4-H awards banquet last night. Logan received recognition and a third-year award for excellence in cooking projects. The Creeks club and Shooting Sports club both got Blue Ribbon Club recognition, which is the Highest club award (they are Kelly’s clubs that she runs). Peyton was surprised to receive Youth in Action Award as a Civic Engagement Pillar. He is very active in the leadership of the clubs he participates in. So proud of them all!

So that was it for my day. It was full and busy and a little tiring but I did get some quality family time and some baby snuggles! So that’s a blessing!

Not-quite-a-scripture:

Quotes (2 today):

God gives the strongest soldiers the toughest battles.

TOMORROW November 11th is:

National Sundae Day; Veteran’s Day.

Celebrate the veterans in your life, and give thanks for all of those who gave so much to insure our freedom. God bless…

Even though it started out raining this morning the sun is shining now and bringing out the few colors that are left on the trees across on the hills. It will be dark soon.

After work(s) I drove to Irwin and walked around Miller’s Crossing Fleatique. The ladies were switching the window display from Fall to Christmas. There were still several booths that had fall and even Halloween items out, but a lot were featuring Christmas and winter items. I found two little wooden shelves that might work in my bathroom, but I needed to come home and measure the space before I decide.

After a lunch of a grilled cheese sandwich I mixed up peanut blossom cookies. I fancied them up to look like paw prints and used red sugar to make them festive. They will go in the freezer for the holidays.

I forgot last week to post a picture of Logan and his girlfriend trick or treating in her neighborhood. They had a good time!

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TOMORROW November 10th is:

National Civic Pride Day; World Net Cancer Day; National Vanilla Cupcake Day; National Forget Me Not Day (supports returning injured soldiers); United States Marine Corps Birthday.

Tomorrow for me is Take Autmn to Appointment day! Then we will come back here and maybe do more cookies or rake leaves! Enjoy! God bless…

Today was a typical Wednesday (except for a pretty major bump in the road) so not much to report. Everything calmed down and was settled within the hour so we’ve moved past it. I did my cleaning, laundry, but also did some trimming back of dead yard growth.

I also took all the leaf bags up to the road – there was only one small bag with trash so it didn’t take long.

THE CHRISTMAS TRAIN was on while I worked downstairs, and it always makes me cry at the end. But a good cry.

Once everything was done for my normal chores, I made potato soup. I had a small taste but will have some after I post this and answer a few emails. I am currently listening to CHRISTMAS TREE LANE – which stars Alicia Witt. She is a musician and songwriter and her original scores are in the movie. Tomorrow is work!

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TOMORROW November 9th is:

World Adoption Day; World Freedom Day; National Louisiana Day; National Scrapple Day.

I love being free! But are any of us really totally free? Except – freedom in Christ! God bless…

I got up a little bit early this morning so I could stop and vote on my way to work. The polls were not crowded at all and the ballot was fairly straightforward. So I was at work in plenty of time.

I did one deal in Jeannette, stopped to pick up two greeting cards, got gas for the car, and then went to Greensburg. They were really busy but I didn’t have a lot – I’m guessing they will have deals for me by the end of the week. Autmn asked me to pick up Cameron’s prescription at Walgreens, which wasn’t ready yesterday. This is a picture of the distant mountains on the way down the hill!

Next I stopped at Shop n Save to pick up two items for making Christmas Cookies and potatoes to make soup. I had a call from someone who needed a title notarized so I stopped and did that on my way home. Had a quick piece of leftover frozen pizza then headed down to get Autmn and Cameron. Autmn had a follow up appointment to have her blood levels checked for the iron count. All the nurses were excited to see Cameron and he entertained them for a few minutes.

Taco Bell was right down the road so we stopped there and got her lunch and I had a diet Pepsi – I was so thirsty! I stayed at her place and helped a little around the house and then feed Cameron while she ate her tacos. She put him in his little baby seat – I never saw anything like it. Check out my facebook page to see it demonstrated!

After everything was settled at Autmn’s, I headed home. It was about 4:30pm when I got there – only a tiny amount of daylight left. I turned on all the floodlight and raked the leaves. Ended up working into the dark, but got most of it done. It’s to rain tomorrow. I was thankful for the motion light on the shed – no tripping down the hill to put the rake away!

My friends Ginny & Glen – old neighbors from Mohawk Drive – were walking their poodles Gracie and Charlie and stopped to say hi. Nice to chat with old friends! Now it’s time to get dinner, I guess.

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TOMORROW November 8th is:

World Radiography Day; World Urbanism Day; National S.T.E.M/S.T.E.A.M Day; National Parents & Teachers Day; National Cappuccino Day.

Here’s to all the parents who homeschool, and the ones who invest in the future by nurturing and raising their children to be strong loving adults! God bless you!

Another beautiful day! Mostly, though, I spent it at work or in the car. Now it will be dark in about half an hour – evening comes earlier now. The biggest issue today was helping Mike P – he had so many errors! And he gets mad at himself when he does that and the air turns a few shades of blue! (Glad it’s not focused at me!) But we got it all straightened out.

Right now I have Countdown to Christmas playing in the background. Haul out the Holly just came on. It makes me laugh! Christmas movies on TV and the neighbor is mowing the leaves in his yard!

Before going to get Autmn and Cameron I dropped off the laundered kitchen towels at Hanna’s Town – Also picked up my extra milk and will hopefully make potato soup tomorrow afternoon.

I had time to come home and get organized, then left again. Cameron took his appointment in stride – he gained over a pound and is now 21 inches long! He’s a good baby!

Autmn asked if after we left the doctor’s office we could pick her sister Summer up at Seton Hill – which was only a few blocks away. It was fun to drive up on the hill again – haven’t been there in years! Summer is a writing major, and wants to be a TV or movie script writer. So we had a great time talking ‘writing’ – and I wish her the best! She’s smart and a good student so I hope she continues to do well on the ‘Hill’!

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TOMORROW November 7th is:

International Merlot Day; National Retinol Day; International Day of Medical Physics; National Canine Lymphoma Awareness Day; National Bittersweet Chocolate with Almonds Day.

I’ll go with the chocolate – that’s always a good choice. Tomorrow Autmn has a follow-up appointment in Mt. Pleasant so I’ll do that. So my day will be full. God bless…

I know we are supposed to get extra sleep when we turn our clocks back, but I was pretty tired last night and went to bed at 9:45pm. Which actually was 8:45pm! I was wide awake at 5:30am, which was 6:30am and not that extraordinary. So now I am running out of steam again but determined to stick it out.

Sunday School went well; JJ was not feeling well so Courtney stayed home with him. We scooped up her class and brought them into ours. Gracie put a big puzzle together and was excited at the size. We had two extra students but they blended well with the smaller kids and helped them with projects.

Todd completed his sermon series on Anxiety. What is draining your thoughts? The idea is to not clear your mind of fear and anxiety, but fill it with with whatever is valuable and good and worthy (Philippians 4:8). Focus on feeding good thoughts – because you put ‘garbage in’ and ‘garbage’ takes over. Fill your mind with God’s word. Remember this: C – celebrate God’s goodness. A – ask God for help. L – list things you are grateful for. M – meditate on what is good in your life (Scripture). Celebrate the valuable!

I had a small grocery list that I have been putting aside since Thursday afternoon. So I stopped at Aldi, and unfortunately did not find many items there I needed. Popped into Walmart and got most of everything else. I was excited to find a few items on my ‘Christmas necessity’ list: Holiday M&M’s, JOY Oreos, and Holiday shaped Utz pretzels. Those are for making chocolate covered pretzels.

It’s about 5:40 and is already pitch black. Feels like it’s already time to finish up for the night! But I’ll finish up a few chores for the evening, including a word search from a current newsletter! Mom loved word searches.

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TOMORROW November 6th is:

Job Action Day; Color the World Orange Day; National Nachos Day; National Saxophone Day.

Orange is OK on leaves, or nachos! Happy new week – and God bless…

Got up just a little early this morning to get a few things done before leaving for Hanna’s Town. I was greeted by a beautiful sunrise! My friend Tom posted a beautiful one, as well. Beautiful fall day at Hanna’s Town, too!

Priscilla and I arrived at the same time, and set about putting the huge stock pots of water on to boil. We kept them going all day as we were serving tea all day! Louise was our early morning tea hostess and set about putting the tea together with Roxann.

Becky and Roxann did a wonderful job making everything look festive for fall.

So many people spent countless hours baking and creating the best of the best for our guests.

Our volunteer staff worked hard all day – from 9am until after 4pm. They did a great job!

So glad to have another successful event under our belt. Keep your hears and eyes open for what’s next.

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TOMORROW November 5th is:

World Tsunami Awareness Day; National Love Your Red Hair Day; National Donut Day; Daylight Saving Time Ends.

Donuts would be fun. And yea for an extra hour of sleep. It will take a bit of getting used to – having the evening be so much shorter. Enjoy! God bless…

I was up early, stopped and got the milk for tomorrow’s tea, and was the first worker to arrive for set up. We got started right away on the prep, putting table clothes, napkins, and place settings out.

The flower ladies were doing a fabulous job on the decorations. They weren’t done yet when I left, so I’ll have better pictures tomorrow. We all have our instruction and know exactly what our responsibilities are!

Autmn and Cameron were here when I got home. Her appointment went well and they were pleased with the results. It had meant an early start for her, and she only got a few hours of sleep. So I ate some cauliflower and ranch dressing, then I took Cameron and let Autmn nap. He’s really a good baby, but now and again he gets tummy stress and can be fussy. I fed him and held him and burped him and sang to him and just let him sleep. He even napped in the pack ‘n’ play for a while.

Once Autmn was awake and had eaten a good lunch I changed clothes and went outside to work in the yard. The leaves needed done, and I wanted to get at least some of them bagged. Noah came early, and he helped me rake and bag. That was a huge help! After they left I cut the grass and mulched what leaves were left. Now the yard looks nice – for a few days, anyway!

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TOMORROW November 4th is:

National Play Outside Day; National Bison Day; National Candy Day (Shouldn’t that have been Halloween??); National Chicken Lady Day. (?)

Semi-annual Hanna’s Town Victorian Tea! And that’s enough for me! And anyway, I played outside today! God bless…