new classic children's books

This is freakin' awesome: "When Mama Bear decides it's been too long since they've attended church at the Chapel in the Woods, the Bear family works to get back in the habit. It isn't long before the family remembers what a wonderful place the church is and finds that going to church is something they look forward to every week."

This one is a close second:


Each of these a mere $3.19 from Cokesbury.com. Go, support my pension. You know you want to.

The fact that I'm getting excited about children's books is probably an indication that I've been working on my ordination paperwork too long (and that I felt our little girl kick this evening :) Yipee!)

change in the air

Thought some of you who don't see us often might like to see a picture of pregnant Amanda. As you can see, I'm "showing," as Peter likes to call it whenever I'm whining, "Oh my Gaw, I'm soooooooo biiiiiiiiiiig!" It's strange to me now that strangers are asking me about it - it was so long that noone could really notice, or at least not enough that they thought they could talk to me about it. At least 3 or 4 clerks/cashiers/random strangers have commented recently.

Thing are rolling right along. I've decided this year, this being our third year with Peter serving as a pastor, that October, and to an extent the first part of November, is the busiest and craziest time of year for pastors, at least United Methodist ones. Between finalizing year end budgets and meetings getting ready for charge conference, and planning the stewardship campaign meetings, plus all the regular stuff, there were weeks he had a meeting every night of his work week (Sunday - Thursday). Maybe things are slowing down on that front now that we are approaching the holidays.

Hope everyone has been enjoying the beautiful fall colors - this picture was taken at Mt. Cheaha last weekend.