Our little "Tree Hugger"

Fall is one of my favorite seasons (until the next season comes along of course). Maybe that's because God created all these, and whatever He puts His hand to is always a beautiful work of art. Now, Phil takes a look at all these leaves in our yard and sees "work". Our entire yard looks like this, and the huge trees in the yard still have some leaves on them. I think Phil is going to "start" on this project tonight. Yesterday, we were outside saying good-bye to our son, Seth and his wife and child (who happens to be our delight). Emma decided that it was time to have fun in the leaves. We managed to get a few good pictures of her tossing the leaves in the air, as she was running everywhere. It was great fun. Then, all of a sudden, she just went up to a tree and gave it a hug and a kiss. I did capture this (surprise, surprise). Needless to say, the politically involved family that we are, got a big kick out of this, followed by a huge political discussion. Obviously, we have some training to do here. Maybe it's time to start explaining some things to Emma?! But, of course, she isn't of voting age yet, so we have time. I hope you enjoy the pictures. Happy Fall!!! Most of all, Happy Thanksgiving!! There truly is much to be thankful for!!!

Our Pastor

The month of October was designated as "Pastor Appreciation Month". Just let me tell you about MY Pastor. He just happens to be my middle son, Michael. If I would tell him the following things in person, he would say, "Oh, Mom. Stop it!". So, here goes. MY Pastor is the best in the world. Surprised?? I know this because, I know him. When Michael takes on any responsibililty, he dives in head first. He takes his responsibilities seriously, and He believes that when God commanded us to "go into all the world", it's simple, we must. He takes his role as "Pastor" very seriously. I know that when he delivers a sermon he has spent many hours in prayer and preparation, and then he delivers what God has put on his heart with Love and Compassion. The congregation of our church tried to shower Michael and Ruth Anne with love for the ENTIRE month. I think we may have "smothered" them a little bit, though. They didn't get many "free" evenings. They were invited out many times, sometimes to a fancy restaurant, sometimes to a home and sometimes just for ice cream. They, also received some gift cards, but, most of all, I hope they felt our love and appreciation.

Yesturday morning we decided to embarass them (just kidding) by having them sit right up front where everyone could stare at them. The children had made cards for Michael and Ruth Anne, telling them how much they love them. They told them how smart and pretty they were too (I think they meant Ruth Anne was pretty). Cheryl Watters had some poems that she read and some people stood to tell of their appreciation. Then, as our Pastor and his wonderful wife stood at the front, we all filed by to shake their hands and give many hugs.

We love you Michael and Ruth Anne and we are glad to have your leadership.

Best Friends Evening Out

Friday evening was a rare and wonderful one indeed!! It's the first Friday that I have had off of work in forever. I had missed my best friend's birthday, because I was working, so we (Cheryl Watters and I) decided to celebrate Friday. The beautiful town of Tecumseh (where I live) was having it's official "Turning on of the Lights". They make a great big "event" of it. The shops are open late, you can go from shop to shop collecting recipes (By the way Cheryl, I left mine in your car). and listen to Carolers singing Christmas songs. Just in case you would get cold, which we did, they had barrels on the main four corners with nice warm fires in them. We stood around them and drank our coffee. Well, Cherly didn't, she doesn't drink coffee. She doesn't know what she is missing!! While we were there, we happened to run into her son, Jason and his wife and daughter, Katie. They walked around with us, which was nice, then Jason was my drinking buddy. (You know what I mean. Coffee-drinking buddy!!!) We had a wonderful time. I think our favorite store was the store upstairs, above the Daily Grind. It was beautifully decorated with all Christmas!!!! The Holiday Season is such a fun, wonderful time of the year, isn't it? We can get so busy with the hustle and bustle of it all that we could easily forget the important things in life, such as wonderful friends and family. Thanks, Cheryl, for being my "Bestest Friend" in all the world for the past 20 yrs. or so. Happy Belated Birthday!! You're the greatest!!

Recovering!!!

We do seem to be in the recovery process!!! I didn't think I would ever be able to say it, but it's true. The last time I posted pictures of our house, it was in shambles. If you remember, it was when Becky was packing to go off and leave us. She was on her way to God's Bible School. I thought it was time to let you know that it didn't stay that way. Of course, I don't want you to think that it has taken me this long to clean up the mess, but it has taken this long, it seems, for Phil and me to see any signs at all of recovery. We are experiencing "empty nest syndrome". Don't laugh, it's real!!! Many hours on the phone with our daughter, and many hours on our knees---that's the cure (well, the beginning of the cure, at least). Becky is doing great at school. Do you know how I can tell? Sometimes she really doesn't have much time to talk. Busy, ya know. Thanks for all the prayer and support for our family. We serve a "Great Big Wonderful God"!!!

Happy Birthday Daughter-in-law

Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday to you, Happy Birthday Dear Ruth Anne Arnold, Happy Birthday to you! (In case you couldn't tell, I was singing) Today is the newest member of our family's Birthday. We (The Arnold Clan) are proud to count her as one of us and would like to wish her a wonderful day. Happy, Happy Birthday. We love you.