Christmas Shopping

I have been picking up gifts here and there for Christmas, to try and save some money. I have a lot done actually. I went to Borders, Family Christian Store and Hobby Lobby with coupons today. Lots of good sales too. I am not one for big crowds and lines, so buying ahead is the way to go for me. I can't list the gifts, because certain people may see this:) hee hee.

Chilly

Ok, I was REALLY, tempted to turn on the furnace this morning. We persevered and made it. I did turn on the space heater in the family room to take the chill off for a bit. We may not make it, which wouldn't be a big deal. Just silly!

Flannel sheets

I have a thing for flannel sheets and vellum blankets. I put them on all the beds yesterday. We all slept snuggly warm last night too. Joe and I have this thing where we don't turn the heat on until at least Nov. 1. Gets a little chilly in the morning, otherwise I harp "put a sweatshirt on", "grab a blanket". The reason we do this foolish thing you ask?

1. We are nothing if not cheap

2. We like silly games

3. It makes us all appreciate the warmth of our furnace when we do turn it on

4. I really hate the smell when you first turn on the furnace, and I like to prolong it as long as possible.

All of the above are correct.

Here are some pictures of the kids sheets and the boys cool matching quilts I told you about. (remember, the ones I got on clearance at Walmart?)

Brown County

Here is my first attempt at pictures on the blog. I hope it works. I got the pretty pic of brown county from the Internet, it wasn't as pretty in real life this time. Next week will be better. We had a lot of fun hiking the trails though. There is just something about being outside on those trails that does you good. The kids instantly get a long better. They fought like crazy the whole way there, they start hiking and laughing and it is amazing. It was chilly when we started at 945 am, but when we ended at 1245 we were sweating and our sweatshirts were off. Fun for all. I will show you a few pics, just 'cause I can!

Creed

Another favorite Rich Mullins song for you.
Creed
I believe in God the Father almighty Maker of Heaven and Maker of Earth And in Jesus Christ His only begotten Son, our Lord He was conceived by the Holy Spirit Born of the virgin Mary Suffered under Pontius Pilate He was crucified and dead and buried
CHORUS: And I believe what I believe Is what makes me what I am I did not make it, no it is making me It is the very truth of God and not The invention of any man
I believe that He who suffered Was crucified, buried, and dead He descended into hell and On the third day, rose again He ascended into Heaven where He sits at God's mighty right hand I believe that He's returning to Judge the quick and the dead Of the sons of men
CHORUS
I believe it, I believe it I believe it I believe it, I believe it
I believe in God the Father almighty Maker of Heaven and Maker of Earth And in Jesus Christ His only begotten Son, Our Lord I believe in the Holy Spirit One Holy Church, the communion of Saints The forgiveness of sin I believe in the resurrection I believe in a life that never ends
CHORUS
I believe it, I believe I believe it, I believe
You can watch the video and hear him sing it on youtube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHWoDwxyKUE

Fall Break

No menus this week. Amy made pigs in a blanket last night and I am making potato soup tonight. We start our fall break tomorrow night by taking our niece Tori out for her 19th birthday. I remember standing in my dorm room at Purdue as a freshman packing up a gift for Tori when she was born. Seems like yesterday. Really scary thought, I remember what the gift was. I am so weird. Anyway, I can't believe she is 19! She is at Indiana University-ughh! jk of course. We are then staying in a hotel, not camping as previously posted. We talked Daddy into it. It would be out of the way, waste gas, and I got a deal on priceline. Free breakfast too. Yippee! We will then hike at Brown County state park all day , have a picnic lunch and enjoy the beautiful scenery. We had fun hiking last year. Aaron has requested we try the "Rugged" coarse this year. We will see if Mommy survives it. I have to work on Friday, so we will be back Thursday evening.

Pendleton

Last Easter (2007) we had an amazing service at our church. Pastor Dave really challenged us to "get in the game" and make a difference. Without recalling the title or even the message that he spoke I felt God move in my heart to challenge me in a distinct way.

To use basketball to make an impact on those less fortunate or who have made poor choices. While playing ball in college we use to in the fall travel to Pendleton and Michigan City to play against the inmates. As a 20 year old, I knew this was a bit abnormal however I really enjoyed each experience. Why couldnt we as a church play ball over in Pendleton again? We have a very popular basketball league and bunch of guys that get together on Monday nights. To make a long story short... we have went into the Prison I think 5 times now to play against the inmates. Remind me to share sometime how God brought this together... it is an encouraging story.

We are going in again today, but today is different. Ray (the rec leader at the prison) is a believer in Christ. He specifically asked me to prepare and share a devotional with his team. Now, those of you that know me understand that I have done this type of thing a lot in the past. However, not as much in the last 5 years. Lots of reasons and a few excuses. Nevertheless, pray for me as we visit.