Wearisome week

This last week has been pretty tiring. Not that good things haven't happened in it, because they have, but the last week of October is ALWAYS especially busy for us, and this one was no exception.
This past Wednesday was my precious Leah's 11th birthday. Where have the years gone?!?!?!? Is it really that long ago since she was an infant and fit just so perfectly on her daddy's left shoulder? (Still her favorite spot!) She is such a joy to my heart. Keep loving Jesus, Leah, people fail, but He never will.
Then yesterday was our church's annual Hallelujah Party. But we don't keep it just to our own church--we throw a carnival for the entire community as a safe alternative to trick or treating. Some kids come dressed up, some don't and its all perfectly fine! We have a cake walk, fishing booth, plink-o, duck pond and much more that kids can play to win prizes, mostly candy and toys. The Christian kids' music is on loud and clear--lots of Veggie Tales--and it's all held in a brightly lit indoor track facility. It has grown by leaps and bounds over the years, we started out with it in a small old gymnasium and had about 250 kids come the first year. The next year it was about double that. We have had it recently that one literally could not move because of all the people who were there. God is good, and has blessed our efforts. We are thankful.
Last night Leah played hostess to 3 friends for a slumber party in honor of her birthday--yeah, I questioned the sanity of that one too, towards the end of the evening, but it all worked out just fine. The girls had a blast, were fairly quiet through the nigh, and enjoyed the traditional sleepover breakfast at our house of daddy's famous pancakes.
Then today, which was one golden opportunity of a day--Mark had the day off and it was beautiful weather--we got the yard winterized. Leaves cleaned up, perennials trimmed back, yard mowed (hopefully for the last time this year) and all the miscellaneous toys that have been scattered about are now either in the garbage because they were ruined or in the garage for the winter. I was hoping to also get the garage cleaned and stuff re-organized for the cold, but we ran out of time and out of steam. The kids were good sports, and helped a lot. We're glad, because we have a pretty big yard with lots of mature trees in our neighborhood!
Now, I'm thankful for my anticipated extra hour of sleep! Woo-hoo! So if you're reading this on Saturday, November 1, be sure to fall back with our clock tonight so you're not late for church in the morning!