Today reminds me full force why I love the Midwest.  Earlier today, Emily and I were sitting on my neighbor's front steps (I love the front porches in our neighborhood, and take the opportunity to enjoy them whenever presented).  Suddenly, the sky darkened, the temperature dropped, and big, fat raindrops started falling. We giggled and laughed and enjoyed the rain.  Until the thunder and lightening started. Then we went home, and all went inside.

Now, I hear the rain falling in sheets outside my door. Soft thunder rolls through the sky at a tempo that sounds like a symphony. The scent of the air Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...sweet and wet. I dozed on the couch. It's so cozy!  Sleeping's gonna feel good tonight.

Last night was the annual Gallup Fall Bash. We had a blast! This year, we had a chili cookoff. Based on the number of entries, and the creativity of the chili, and the fact that everyone begged for us to do it again, we're probably making it an annual event.  The funny thing about yesterday...I had invited everyone for 6:00, but had it in my mind that it started at 7:00. WHOOPS! I ended up not showering by the time everyone came. The house looked good, though, and everything else was fine, so I guess it all worked well LOL

But back to this year. We had a total of 10 entries,with 28 participants. We had a great teamwork session in our kitchen. I'd fill little numbered cups with chili, and my helpers, ages 7-9, would pass them out to the adults. Each adult then had 2 votes. Because I know all those who MADE chili, wanted to vote for their own.

In the end, we had 2 grand prize winners, and a second place winner. Donna and Jim won the grand prizes, an Domenec won second prize. Congratulations to all!  The chili was awesome, but the fun time was better. See you next year!

More completely happy news...Pattie's hubby is HOME from Iraq! We've been praying for this for weeks. I know they missed him. He missed some exciting things, too. His sister got married, his wife drove cross country (well, across enough of the country to wear ME out) TWICE, he's being published in a military Bible...lots of change. But hopefully they're enjoying their special time together. He has to go have a battery of tests on base tomorrow, but after that, he is FREE to be Dad and Husband for 2 weeks. I know they are looking forward to that. God bless, my friends!  Enjoy!

We have Love and Logic tonight. I love that class. I'm looking forward to it every week.  Mission money is also due today. Emily and I came up $211 short. We're still taking donations by PayPal. Drop me a note if you want to help. For every donation we get, you will get a photo slideshow of us at work building the home. It has beed requested that there is a shot of me up on the roof of the home in a tool belt; now I'm in charge of building the roof! Everyone who donates $15 will get a deed for 1 square foot of the Mexico home.  So, if you have a few bucks to share, Emily and I, as well as the family in Mexico, would greatly appreciate it.

Until next time, adieu!