I spent the week-end with my little Batman and Robin and then tonight I met up with them again. They are soooooooo much fun. The only disappointment was that the weather dictatated that our little pumpkin stay home with Daddy. Now that Halloween is over I'm looking forward to the REAL holidays. Halloween is not my favorite but the little ones make it fun. Papa tried to buy his favorite candy (Smartees) from Robin for a dollar but it didn't work. He's very protective of his candy. I came home with my treat from my daughter for watching the kids - coconut flavored malted milk balls from Pittsburgh!! Thanks Kerri! Looking forward to starting my Christmas shopping this week.

When I survery the wondrous cross
on which the Prince of Glory died,
My richest gain I count but loss
and pour contempt on all my pride.

Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast,
save in the death of Christ, my God;
All the vain things that charm me most,
I sacrifice them to His blood.

See, from his head, his hands, his feet,
sorrow and love flow mingled down.
Did e'er such love and sorrow meet,
or thorns compose so rich a crown.

Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far too small;
love so amazing, so divine
demands my soul, my life, my all.

We are home and we had a good week-end with family from Oklahoma. It was nice to see Eric and meet his new love. She was very sweet. I'm really tired but tomorrow will be a day to clean up the house from the re-modeling done while we were gone. My aunt will be in for just a very short time on Tuesday. Then I need to start thinking about Christmas shopping. It doesn't seem possible that the holidays are almost here. The sale at my mom's house is next week-end and it is getting a little emotional for me. I saw a video this week-end of Christmas, '81. I was pregnant with Mikey. When my Dad came on the screen it was a very weird feeling. That "dad" isn't here anymore. I had forgotten how it was like when he was young and vibrant. My parents were about the age I am now. Scary. Oh well, time marches on and there is absolutely nothing we can do about it except live every day to the fullest. Here's to another beautiful holiday season!!

Well, I guess there's no way around it. I'm off to beautiful downtown Highpoint N.C. tomorrow for furniture market. Back in about 10 days.

Everyone needs to get a copy of the Faith & Value section of the Dispatch or look it up on the net. At the bottom of the first page is an example of missional living in every sense of the word and I have had the privilege of knowing this man since I was 5 yrs old. I love how he is described by one man as being immaculately humble, and an excessive servant. He was my optometrist for years, I even worked for him for a while. I still attend church with him. He has used his gifts to the fullest and is always ready to give what he has. He is a true inspiration and I am a better person for knowing him. I have been thinking lately of the blessings God has given me by the people that have been placed in my life. The people in our lives play such a role in making us who we are and I thank God for surrounding me with some of the very best.

We had some wild weather tonight. Our deck was covered in almost golf-ball size hail that piled up probably an inch thick. We have dents in our cars and holes in our siding. Thankfully there weren't any tornados and we are all safe and sound. My parents live on the second floor of their building and so does Mikey. I'm always glad to see a storm end with everybody safe. Tomorrow I will get ready to have our very good friends over for dinner. I love doing that. We are going to talk about what we have come up with for a trip together in Jan. or Feb.
I heard a new song this week that really expresses some things I have been thinking about lately. The good Lord didn't bless me with the talent to put my thoughts down on paper so I'm glad some other people are able to do that for me. Sometimes I wonder if I have made a difference. Sometimes I wonder how people will remember me or even if they will. If I am remembered, this song talks about how I hope that will be.

I don't mind if you've got something nice to say about me
And I enjoy an accolade like the rest
You could take my picture and hang it in a gallery
Of all who's who and so-n-so's that used to be the best
At such'n'such... it wouldn't matter much

I won't lie, it feels alright to see your name in lights
We all need an "atta boy" or "atta girl"
But in the end I'd like to hang my hat on more besides
The temporary trappings of this world

I want to leave a legacy
How will they remember me?
Did I choose to love? Did I point to You enough?
I want to leave an offering
A child of mercy and grace who blessed Your name unapologetically
And leave that kind of legacy

I don't have to look too far or too long awhile
To make a lengthy list of all that I enjoy
It's an accumulating trinket and a treasure pile
Where moth and rust, thieves and such will soon enough destroy

Not well traveled, not well read, not well-to-do or well bred
Just want to hear instead, "Well done, good and faithful one..."