The Good, the pure, and the lovely

Yes, it is the week after Thanksgiving, but I'm still thankful.  Today, I'm remembering that I'm thankful for our police department(s).  Every day, they put their lives on the line to protect me.  I am grateful and humbled by their sacrifice.  Two weeks ago (I'm a little behind on my blogging), my dad (aka, Grandpa) took us to the Police Museum.  We had a personal tour from a local retired officer.  It was such a blessing to see my children so fascinated.  We had a great time.  Most importantly, we had great conversations with the kids about the people who serve and protect us every day.  I want to say "Thank You" to every man and woman who has chosen to live in service to others! Look at those! Not quite as comfy as I thought they'd be! So many have served. Great respect is due to those that choose to wear the uniform.  This is how they used to communicate.

Dear Grandpa, Memories of you span my lifetime. They begin in early childhood with your many visits to our home. I have memories of my visit to South Carolina when I flew down, ALL BY MYSELF, to visit you for A WHOLE WEEK! I remember visiting you in Conneaut as a teenager on the shores of Lake Erie. You came to my graduation to see me walk down the aisle and receive my diploma. I remember brining my fiancée to come meet you. I remember you at my wedding, as I took the most important steps of my life. Then, I have brought each of my children to share my grandpa . . . their great-grandpa with them. What most strikes me about each and every memory I hold of you is the ever large and wonderful hugs that you have given upon each and every visit. You have squeezed me and loved me and told me I was special. You embraced and loved my husband. You have squeezed each of my children and loved them too. Thank you Grandpa, for all the hugs! Love, Christine

Happy Friday!  Today, I am so glad that Friday is here that I am sharing my very favorite Fall Photo with you.  Have a lovely weekend!

Here is a thought for you: "Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." ~ Galatians 5:1 This thought follows a little farther down in the chapter: "For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.  For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; T HOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR AS THYSELF ."  ~ Galatians 5:14-15 OK, maybe I said these thoughts were for you, but they are really for me!  As a side note, thank you for your encouragement and prayers this last week when my little guy and I were sick.  We are both recovered from a case of bronchitis.  We are looking forward to getting back to "normal".  Thanks again for the prayers and encouragement!

My youngest is sick.  I am now sick.  I didn't post yesterday and I wasn't posting today .  .  . until I read this: http://crazycreativemag.blogspot.com/2011/11/picture-for-us-girls.html Hannah, over at Crazy Creative Magazine is my dear friend and today she made my day with her post.  Now, you can go visit and find out why.  Have a great day, and enjoy the blessings that friends can bring!  Thanks, Hannah, for the blessing of your friendship.

So, I was telling you yesterday, Dad/Grandpa took us to a local orchard.  When we went inside the building, our eyes feasted on an abundance of apples.  No food makes me quite as happy as apples in the fall  (. . . .well, one can't compare it to chocolate - that's just not fair). As you can see, my love for apples runs deep! How do I love thee, apples?  Let me count the ways. I love thee when thou art red, I love thee when thou art green. I love thee when thou art shiny. I especially love thee when thou art Fuji!!!!!! Do your eyes deceive you?  No, this is a pear.  I love thee, too!  (Even though your name isn't apple, you are just as sweet!) Corn, why are you here?  Oh, you're pretty.  That's right.  You're only here for your looks, and the fact that this is my last orchard post, and you were just to pretty to leave out!  Oh my, now you've all seen how silly I can be....

My dad (aka, "Grandpa"), took us to a local apple orchard.  The first thing we saw when we pulled in was a vast array of pumpkins. There were orange big ones, little white ones, little striped ones, and funny shaped ones! And oh, did I mention . . . the ugliest pumpkins ever! Now, a pumpkin that ugly - you've just gotta pick that one up for yourself!

Here is the last sixth and last verse to memorize from Romans Road: "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." ~ Romans 10:10 I have my work cut out for me this week, because I did not finish memorizing last week's verses. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.  For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." ~ Romans 10:9-10

When the leaves are crunchy and the air is crisp, there is nothing better than some outdoor exploration. Little man loves to "borrow" the mower from next door. The outdoors provide so many adventures for a one-year-old!