Our trip to Cincinnati Oct. 19-26, starting with Joplin

 We got to Joplin and had supper with Tim, Brenda, and Charissa.  I was so happy that she remembered me from my quick trip there in August when I helped Randy and Joy move to Colorado.  That meant a lot to me.

Everybody had a turn reading Charissa her favorite books.

 Beth and Brenda

 Emily and Charissa

 Janet and beautiful sister, Sherry

 Living room Sunday afternoon visiting scenes at Janet's parents' house

 Mother (Wanda Scoles) and Tim

 Tim, Brenda, Charissa, Janet and Rowen

2013 JHS Quilt Show 10-12-13

 I am very slow in getting any pictures on of our quilt show.  There is no way to put all of them (158), so I chose a few.  This one won Viewers' Choice 2nd place.  It is a memory wall hanging with old pictures of the quilter's ancestors.

I loved the irises on this one.

 These colors were so vivid.

 These fabrics were all flowers.

 This was called "Lost Socks"--not a mate in the whole thing.

 The interwoven red and blue strips made this so interesting.

 This is Beth's quilt, Beth's design that she started in 2011 and finished this year.

 This is my 2012 Facebook Block of the Month quilt that I gifted to our dear friends and family doctors, the Browns.  They graciously allowed me to show it in the quilt show.   It has a throw pillow to match.

 Cathedral window quilts have always been fascinating to me.

 These are made with tiny hexagons and appliques by probably the most creative woman I know.  She makes intricate pictures like this every year.  Be sure and click on the picture to see it bigger.

 We had lots of visitors who loved looking at the quilts and reading the stories behind each one.  We provide white gloves for them to wear so they can touch the quilts.

 Randy got to help with the set up the night before.  It's been a few years since he had that opportunity!  The whole family came to see the quilts.

 The next two pictures are taken from the top of the folded up bleachers to get more of the quilt gym perspective.

 We had a program called a "Bed Turning" by our quilt appraiser.  We had this old fashioned bed with over 15 of her antique quilts on it.  The helper ladies held up each quilt as she told the history of the quilts.  She has over 600 quilts in her personal collection!

 The quilts she showed were all from the 1800s.  This quilt has a mistake in it.  Can you find it?

 A silly picture in front of a very "loud" quilt.  Emily called my name and I wheeled around.  I didn't have white gloves on, so I was keeping my hands from touching any of the quilts.

 My latest quilt, which is for sale, email me if interested!!

 The first place Viewers' Choice winner.

 Quilt Show is always a lot of work, but it is a good fundraiser for the Historical Society.  People tell us that we have one of the best shows in the area.  I'm always glad when we live through it! :)

City on Fire Book Review

City on Fire by Tracy Higley was a fascinating read.  I have long been a historical fiction fan.  This novel of Pompeii is set in 79 A.D. in the period before and during the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius that buried Pompeii.

Quintus Cato, his mother, and younger sister had recently moved to Pompeii from Rome, at the urging of Cato’s married sister.  Cato was involved in politics in Rome, but as a man of integrity, he was unable to turn the tide of corruption there.  His hope was to settle down, be a good businessman, and leave politics behind.  However, he soon discovered that a ruthless, arrogant, corrupt man named Maius ran the city of Pompeii.  Soon Cato was approached about running against Maius for the leading office.  As soon as Maius knew a man of integrity hoped to unseat him, he began attacking Cato, trying to destroy his livelihood by fire, his sister’s marriage and reputation, and even hired thugs to assault him.

A gladiator troop came to Pompeii.  Most of the citizens found violence very entertaining.  Some of the fare of the arena included lions killing Christians.  A young Jewish girl, who had joined the gladiator troop to escape slavery to a wicked master in Rome, lived disguised as a male gladiator.  Ariella was in danger of losing her life in the arena when Cato rescued her.

Both of them became involved with a Christian group who was instrumental in leading them to faith in Jesus as Messiah.

Higley visited Pompeii twice.  Her research has enabled her to portray the society of Pompeii as well as the Christian sect as they likely interacted in history.  As depraved as that society was, the Christians show that through God’s grace, God’s people can live godly lives in the midst of a fallen generation.  That fact should give hope to Christians in our day.

One-fifth of the book deals with the volcano eruption, its stages, and the effects on the townspeople—in slow motion.  I was gratified by the way the Christians responded with compassion and grace even toward those who had imprisoned them for their faith in Christ.

I felt Higley handled adult situations very carefully, but because some of the gods and goddesses worship is alluded to, I would not want my juvenile readers exposed to it.  The Word List at the start of the book was very helpful and I referred to it frequently.

I received this book for free from Book Sneeze in exchange for my honest review.

Baptismal Service 9-8-13

 September 8 was a beautiful day for the baptismal service.  The next day all the rains started that caused flooding in Colorado.  We were blessed to have this beautiful day before the storm!

 Jonathan giving a wave!

 Randy helped with the baptism of Joy and Katie.

 Steve was teaching Quil and Micah how to make a reed whistle.

Micah trying the whistle.

We had some scripture and a few songs, led by Rev. Marvin Mosley.

 There was no rain, thankfully, but the sun was bright, and umbrellas were handy.

 Janet, Beth, and Jonathan enjoying the shade of the umbrella.

 Three of the Lucas children were baptized:  Sammy, Carrie, and Crystal

 Our daughter-in-law, Joy was baptized.

 The Lucas children after being baptized

Rowen's cousin, Katie, being baptized

 Several older ones preferred the pouring method of baptism.

 Rowen, Katie, and Joy

 Afterwards, we were invited to the Lucas home for food and a time of sharing music and testimonies.

 It was a wonderful day of the Lord's blessings!

Emily getting braces!

On September 5, Emily got her braces!

Our favorite orthodontist, Dr. Richter, (who did Jeffrey's braces), had a Facebook contest in July for someone to get free braces.  Our friend nominated Emily, and many, many people "voted" for her.  She won the contest!  So on September 5, Nicole is attaching the braces to her teeth.

Dr. Richter came to check Nicole's work, and put a few of the brackets on.  It is called the Damen System, and only requires visits and wire changes every two months.  The wire has a memory, and is always trying to get back to its original shape.  In this way, the teeth move.  Every wire change will be to a heavier gauge wire until the end when a different wire is used for "tweaking".  The brackets are different from the old method, because they have little doors that are opened for wire changes, then shut.  No more colored bands to hold the wires on the brackets!  Emily is required to wear a rubber band on one side, which is supposed to be correcting her midline.

 Emily was very brave, even though she felt like she was gagging continually!

 A picture of Emily and Nicole after the job was complete.  We are very thankful for this opportunity for Emily to have braces for free!  God is good!