Book review...

This is the best book I have ever read. I was hooked reading the forward. While it is a fictional book, it will make you think. We spend a lot of time with closed hearts. We don't volunteer at animal shelters because it breaks our heart to see them come in abused or have to be euthenized, we change the channel when they show starving children and turn a blind eye to the homeless. This book will help you open your heart and understand that giving really is better than receiving. After you read The Shack you will want all of your friends and family to have a copy.

Game time...

When I was growing up as an only child I spent alot of time playing games by myself. And you may find it hard to believe...but I played honestly (boy did I lose alot of games). I come from a long line of card players. Unfortunately, we "kids" weren't allowed to play...still aren't, and I'm 39. (no really, I am 39) So I made a vow to myself when I was young I would always make time to play games with my kids. And while it's not as often as it should be, we play often, more when the weather turns cool. We usually pop some popcorn, heat some water in the kettle and grab a game or two.

Tonight it was Sorry and Sliders. Jonathan has been playing Sliders in Science class. How do you play sliders you ask? Each player has a different color slider (in this case Sorry pieces), you take turns sliding then to the end of the table and whoever is closest to the edge gets a point. How does that relate to science? I'm sure it has something to do with how fast, how much force, etc...

I enjoy this time with the kids. It's a relaxed time to chat, heckle and just "be" with the family. Dad doesn't always join in, but that's ok, because he always wins. Drives me nuts!!! But we certainly enjoy when he joins in on game night.

If you don't have family game night you should. Wether you play a board game, dice or cards. Wether it's with family or friends. Game night is a great excuse to slow the everyday pace down, share stories and, of course, eat some yummies. Enjoy!!

Autumn is here...

It's quite nippy here in Ohio this evening. Granted, this same temperature in February will feel like spring and we'll all be sick from going outside with no coats. But tonight...it's down right chilly. After going out to check some trees to cut down for firewood Jonathan and I decided to build a fire in the fireplace. The kids put their electric blankets on their beds so their tootsies will be warm tonight. Hope your warm where you are tonight!

Grandma's screen door....

How many of you had a screen door on your house when you were little? I was blessed enough to spend much of my younger years living on the same property as my Grandparents. That's where I learned the joys of standing over the coal furnace vent to warm up in the morning before school, eating fresh chicken and goose eggs (yes goose eggs...mostly double yokes and the size of the "panty hose" eggs) and last, but certainly not least, the slamming of the screen door. Don't ask me what the door looked like...was it stained or painted...did the screen have snags or holes...I don't remember. But that sound!!! I absolutely love that sound! That was one of the selling points when we bought our house. The back door is a screen door...complete with hook and loop closure. Our house also has a horseshoe driveway and clothes shute...but that's a whole other love affair.

What a week...

This has been the strangest week of my life! As so many people throughout the country, Ike hit our area and left us without power for several days. Now while I do not claim to have dealt with anything close to those poor people in Texas, I've come to realize I cannot live without water. Namely...a shower! But there were some good things (I try to look at the the good side of everything)...I didn't have to cook, our whole family was together each evening (all evening), and there was a full moon so we could find our way to the grill for our hot water in the morning. We also got to "visit" with friends when we arrived with clothes and shampoo in hand to borrow their shower. My husband greated everyone by saying "Hello, the refugees are here." Crazy I tell you!!!

When our power returned life picked right back up at it's break neck speed. Friday night football game, racing, Homecoming dance and the band played out. And of course trying to catch up on laundry, cleaning and finish those peaches I was in the middle of canning when the lights went out.

Homecoming is of course why my daughter is so dressed up. Doesn't she look beautiful...not that I'm biased or anything. My Aunt is a beautician and she always takes care of Mo's hair...didn't she do an amazing job?!

My Family...

We were spending the day at the lake just relaxing and enjoying the last days of summer. I was snapping pictures and decided to zoom in. Boy was I excited with the images that appeared on my screen. I love looking at beautiful pictures and it's even more special when they are of my wonderful family.

Fun at the Fair?!...

The kids and I went to the fair and had a wonderful time. Morgan talked Jonathan into going on the G Force. As you can see by their faces, Mo (as we call her) was having more fun than Jon. And while Jon shook for a bit after the ride he went on again later...must be the adrenalin (sp?) rush!

When we first arrived my children had switched sides. Usually J wants to ride and Mo wants to walk through the animal barns...they were the complete opposite today. And while we kept on a budget and didn't indulge in the usual fair foods, we enjoyed the displays...like the 1000+ lb pumpkin, the kids rode lots of rides and we saw several people we knew.

This year Morgan & I had the opportunity to "man" the Hospice booth. We started volunteering with Hospice a little over a year ago. Hospice is the most amazing organization ever founded. If you have a loved one with a terminal illness, please contact Hospice. They offer nursing, doctors, clergy and volunteer help. They focus on keeping the patient comfortable and allowing them to pass with dignity. I put the Hospice scrapbook together, complete with obituaries, pictures, letters and cards. The stories are all unique with one common thread running thru them...how much Hospice meant to them and their loved one in their final days.