I know I've really dropped the ball on keeping crafts on my blog. I guess that's why I didn't give my blog a crafty name though so I could write about whatever... and I do love to write!
I've had some emails asking about Mama. Thank you all so much for caring.
Mama was released from rehab last week and was able to go home. Yeah! You know her and Daddy were so very happy about that.
She still has to go to therapy, but that's minor.
She was actually able to go to church Sunday. It must have felt so good to get back in touch with her friends and get back on a routine again.
Daddy posted some pictures on Facebook I wanted to share with you. I have such a fun family.
Our church (and when I say "our" I simply mean the church I grew up in - started by my grandfather 6 generations ago) must have had some sort of Fall Festival from the looks of the pictures Daddy posted. They really made me smile, and I wanted to share them with you too.
This is my Daddy dressed like a cowboy for the church festival. He's such a fun guy.
This is my brother, Eddie, and one of his daughters, Aubrey. You may not be able to tell, but yes, my Daddy has red hair, Aubrey has red hair, and my brother has a red beard. No, I don't have red hair, but our daughter, Kati, does (when it's not chemically enhanced.)
This is a covered wagon they had in the church parking lot. Don't know what the story is here. I guess they were letting little darlings Trick or Treat.
This is part of the front of our church. Looks like they were having a Magic Show or something. Do you see that little Bumblebee? So cute!
IN OTHER NEWS...
I'm not going to mention any names, because I don't want to embarass anyone, but I do want to ask you to be in prayer for a precious family who is expecting their first child. They are really struggling financially. I know they are going this week to apply for Food Stamps to get some help with that.
MILITARY MEMBER UPDATE...
Our son, James, is currently on a mission in Iraq. That's all we know. Of course he can't give us any details. I ask that you continue to pray for him and all our military whether they are overseas or not. They are risking their lives every day and every night. They don't just talk about America and Freedom and what they believe in... they live it and fight for it.
PRAISE REPORT...
I'm so thankful for all of you and all our friends. God has blessed us in many ways. He is faithful even when we are not. He knows how to give good gifts to His children. He gives us healing and mercy even though we disappoint Him so often.
Today I just want to be thankful. I want to be thankful for the food in our pantry and frig.
I want to be thankful that we have four strong, healthy children and we have a relationship with them. We know where they live. We keep in touch.
Today I want to praise God that He has never abandoned me even when I searched for Him and couldn't see where He was in the midst of struggle, pain, and turmoil.... but looking back I have more understanding.
I'm so thankful that all of our family - extended cousins, aunts, uncles, etc. - all of us are blessed enough to have clothes, and shelter, and income. None of us are run-aways and lost. None of us are homeless.
Do we realize how blessed we are? All God would have to do is say, "Enough! I've had it with you. No oxygen for 5 minutes." But He's not like that. He is full of mercy and full of grace.
I pray for you. I pray you have food; an income; shelter; clothes; family relationships; and healing in all areas that you need it.
May God pour out His blessings on you this day and you remember to tell Him thank you.
Hugs,
Janis
Book Cover
Pocket for Stanley says: "Flat Stanley Presents"
"Thank you for sharing Flat Stanley with us in Anchorage, Alaska! He said he was ready to go back to Lexington, South Carolina where it is a little warmer. Plus he said he really misses Dakota! 
Flat Stanley arrived at our house in Anchorage, Alaska on Friday, October 16, 2009. He was so huntry that he jumped into the box of Rice Krispies Cereal!
Since Flat Stanley had been in an envelope for several days, he really wanted to go outside and get some fresh air. So we put on our coats and headed out. We let Flat Stanley push the elevator button (he liked that). He said the elevator made his tummy go "whoosh."
At first walking on the wooden bridge made Flat Stanley afraid. He was worried there may be TROLLS under the bridge. We let him look down between the boards to see for himself that there are no bridge trolls in Alaska. (It's too cold for trolls here.)
Flat Stanley liked watching the river flow under the bridge. He also liked climbing on the side of the bridge.
Flat Stanley had never seen trees before like we have here in Alaska. He asked if he could climb one. He thought that was really FUN!
Flat Stanley had fun feeding bread to the ducks. He even jumped in the lake to swim with them. He said the water was very, very cold.
Flat Stanley had so much fun at the hockey game! He ate French fries and drank coke. His favorite part was the Zamboni! Oh, and that our team WON!
Flat Stanley had a ton of fun at the Winter Sports Expo. He even got to sit on a snow machine!
Flat Stanley went on lots of hikes while he was here and visited lots of parks. One park he liked a lot was "Earthquake Park."
Flat Stanley made friends with lots of animals in Alaska. One friend he made was in downtown Anchorage. His name was "Carhartt the Moose."
Here is Flat Stanley by the Talkeetna River. The rocks here were so special that he brought one home with him to share with Dakota.
This is my Daddy dressed like a cowboy for the church festival. He's such a fun guy.
This is a covered wagon they had in the church parking lot. Don't know what the story is here. I guess they were letting little darlings Trick or Treat.
