Emily's Halloween Party!

We love you Emily! Thank you for loving us so much and giving so much of yourself to everyone! You are the most generous, loving Lady I have ever known! My family is blessed to have you in our life!






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It's official..

Today we finalized negotiations. : ) Our closing date is November 30th. We plan on opening in January 2009! There is such a testimony to tell. I will begin sharing with you the whole journey as soon as I have some time to write. Thank you everyone for your prayers and support. Joe and I are in awe of our God! IN AWE! Please keep praying for us, and for our future home and restaurant. Please ask God to surround us with his love and care and protection. Please pray for my family. We COVET your prayers! They are very valuable to us. We love you all. S,J,A,L

She's so beautiful.

Alexandra Nicole

"Every day you either live by priorities or you live by pressures. You either decide what is important in your life or else you let other people tell you what is most important in your life." - Rick Warren

"In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness, and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us." - Titus 2:7-8 (NIV)

Nikki

Neshannock Creek Inn Record!

We broke a record at our restaurant this weekend. Without any special events going on we had over 700 customers Fri, Sat & Sunday. Friday was the best Friday we've ever had in 18 years. God is AMAZING! I Praise you Lord for what you are doing in our lives. I tell everyone..in these times of economic woes.. Trust in the Lord with all of your heart and do not lean on your own understanding!
Our restaurant is the busiest it's ever been. People are coming from all over. I am living a miracle. I feel that. I feel like I am living a miracle!
Thank you Jesus.

MasterMind Meeting Friday!

Had another great mm meeting this past Friday. Anne, Terri and I shared life stories with each other. It was wonderful learning more about these two Godly and business saavy women. I know that God has brought us together and we are going to grow and produce wonderful fruit as a group!
I have to share something that came from this group that truly Rocked my World! Anne and I are starting to grow a friendship. It is in it's early stages, but I feel a deep connection to Anne that I want to cultivate. Terri and I just met two times, but after hearing her speak..hearing her "story", I can't wait to get to know her even more, as well.
After our dinner and story telling, Friday night, I told them about a potential problem that I might encounter at work on Saturday. This is a very busy time of year for us at the restaurant, and we need as many employees to work as possible. Two of my employees are high school students. They called me up Friday and told me that their soccer coach called a surprise practice session for Saturday and they wouldn't be able to work.
I told them that they HAD to work!!!! ACK!! This would have been a disaster, if they didn't work..we needed them desperately.
I even called their coach up and begged him to release the girls to work.. (He wouldn't).
So, I told this to Anne and Terri.. Terri, who owns her own florist shop in New Wilmington (Flowers on the Vine)..said, "I'll come help you if you need me to.) I didn't take her seriously..just laughed her off. She was telling me earlier that she was busy because it was homecoming, and she had homecoming flowers to get ready. As a matter of fact, she had to leave our dinner, and go back to work after 10:ooPm!!
Saturday rolls around..and about 12:00...Terri shows up at my restaurant and asked if I needed her to help out!! I was blown away. She hardly knows me. She was willing to be put to work?? That is of God! That is a Godly witness..that is an incredible woman!! Who would do that???? I mean..it's one thing to ask..to offer help..but to really show up!!!! WOAH! Honestly..it rocked my world. It spoke a billion words of that woman's character!
Terri.. thank you for your kindness. You blew me away..and that doesn't happen very often! I am so looking forward to seeing what this group will accomplish!! : ) Susan

David and Linda

This past Sunday we had dinner with my Aunt Linda and Uncle David. We had a wonderful time. David and Linda often came to dinner's at my parent's house, while I was growing up. I always loved to hear David and my Dad talk in a way that only brothers talk to each other. What I remember most of all though, was David bringing my dad snacks, every time He and Linda came to visit. My dad loved food and he loved to snack!
Last night, they came to visit My family and...... brought snacks. It honestly made me want to cry. It was a memory...a tradition..being carried on.
I made a traditional Roast Beef and mashed potatoes dinner, and they were so very appreciative. I can not tell you the joy that it brought me to hear them compare my cooking to my mom's or grandmothers. My mom is the BEST cook ..and she always said she learned from my dad's mom. She taught me how to make a good roast, and I will carry on the tradition to my daughters.
David and Linda are so funny! The way they interact with each other is very unique..They are playful together! I watched them. I watched how they interacted with each other, and they may not admit it..but they are deeply in love with one another. They seem to fit together perfectly! They are a good team!
I loved having a family dinner with them. I loved that my kids got to hear another Christian couple talk about Jesus..and their Christian values. My kids listened and got involved in some of the discussion too.
I also loved listening to David and Linda talk about business. They are smart business people. I wish I would have had more time to listen to their advice and wisdom.
Linda, you told me you read my blog, so THANK YOU for sharing yourselves with my family! I love you and David dearly! Susan

God is in Charge.

I know I've posted a lot this morning. I feel like there's so many thoughts going on inside of my head, I just can't get all of them out quickly enough! I did want to say this though.. In less than three weeks there will be an election. The two presidential candidates have extremely different values. It is mind numbing, to know that more than 1/2 of our country shares similar values to one of the candidates. Joe said yesterday, "Christians have become the minority." It is true. Most people believe the things Obama believes in. Socialism. Abortion. Homosexual rights. Spreading the Wealth. Ending the war. Gun control. More Government..less independence.

I remember God saying in the Bible.. "Give the people what they want." I believe He is doing that now. Leaving us up to our own devices. Many people feel we dont' need God. We don't need prayer. They are taking God out of everything we do and stand for in the country. You can bet...God will let us have our way.

But..as I told you in a previous post..I read Romans. In Romans, it says that God puts people in charge in the government. You MUST remember that GOD is in control of everything! He hears our cries, He knows who is good and evil. He lets us have our free will..to do things our way, but that doesn't mean He isn't still in control!
What ever happens in our future.. remember, we are to be in the world, but not of the world. Keep following God! Keep crying out to Him, keep begging him for mercy and Grace, keep loving Him and trusting in Him. Don't give up fighting for what you believe in. Fight for Jesus Christ! Become a warrior. Do you notice that there are many people saying we are living in the last days..the end times? I think all generations think that. Becausee it's true. Remember, time is different to God, then it is to us. With each generation that passes, I do believe we are closer to the end times. I think prophesizers can see it coming. We are getting closer as each generation passes. Have we ever gotten better morally? Doesn't it seem like as each generation comes we get farther and farther away from God? Do we ever get closer as a society?
THink about clothes, language..sex..drugs.. morals..just keep getting worse..and worse..and worse... Imagine what our forefathers would think, if they were alive today? Wow..what a different nation we have become. So far from God..so far from good.........

John McCain brings down the house with this speech at the Al Smith Dinner!

Proverbs and Romans

I read through Proverbs the beginning of the week. I could probably read Proverbs every single day and not grasp it all! That one book alone is so full of wisdom, it's hard to grasp.
Tony Morgan has the absolute best summaries when he writes about his Bible Studies, so I found his summary for the book of Proverbs to post for you! He took one proverb from each chapter and put it in his own words. Enjoy :)

"When you grab all you can get, that’s what happens: the more you get, the less you are."
"Join the company of good men and women, keep your feet on the tried and true paths."
"Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own."
"Keep my message in plain view at all times. Concentrate! Learn it by heart!"
"Enjoy the wife you married as a young man! Lovely as an angel, beautiful as a rose–don’t ever quit taking delight in her body. Never take her love for granted!"
"Sound advice is a beacon, good teaching is a light, moral discipline is a life path."
"Treasure my careful instructions."
"Wisdom is better than all the trappings of wealth."
"Don’t waste your time on a scoffer; all you’ll get for your pains is abuse."
"Sloth makes you poor; diligence brings wealth."
"Without good direction, people lose their way; the more wise counsel you follow, the better your chances."
"Worry weighs us down; a cheerful word picks us up."
"A refusal to correct is a refusal to love; love your children by disciplining them."
"The mark of a good leader is loyal followers; leadership is nothing without a following."
"God can’t stand pious poses, but he delights in genuine prayers."
"We plan the way we want to live, but only God makes us able to live it."
"A cheerful disposition is good for your health."
"Wise men and women are always learning, always listening for fresh insights."
"People ruin their lives by their own stupidity, so why does God always get blamed?"
"After careful scrutiny, a wise leader makes a clean sweep of rebels and dolts."
"Do your best, prepare for the worst–then trust God to bring victory."
"A prudent person sees trouble coming and ducks; a simpleton walks in blindly and is clobbered."
"Don’t drink too much wine and get drunk; don’t eat too much food and get fat."
"Rescue the perishing; don’t hesitate to step in and help."
"Patient persistence pierces through indifference; gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses."
"Don’t respond to the stupidity of a fool; you’ll only look foolish yourself."
"Don’t call attention to yourself; let others do that for you."
"Honest people are relaxed and confident, bold as lions."
"If you let people treat you like a doormat, you’ll be quite forgotten in the end."
"Don’t curse your father or fail to bless your mother."
"A good woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds. Her husband trusts her without reserve, and never has reason to regret it."


Also.. yesterday I read through the book of Romans. One of my waitresses Camille, grew up in a catholic home. She has been asking a lot of questions about Chritianity, and I even told her how to ask Christ into her heart. Yesterday I brought her a life application Bible to read. I didn't get the right chance to give it to her, but I will try again next week. Please keep praying for Camille. She needs Jesus. So..I chose Romans to read, because Romans explains so much about Christianity. I think it's also true about Romans, the way I feel about Proverbs. I could read it again and again and again...and still not wrap my brain around it! Paul reveals so much about theology in Romans. Thank you Jesus for the gift of your words to help us get through life. Without them, we would be so lost.
Here are Tony Morgan's summaries on Romans. He's good, isn't he? : )

We receive two gifts in Christ: 1) the "generous gift of his life," and 2) the "urgent task of passing it on to others." We sometimes forget that urgent part.
"Every time you criticize someone, you condemn yourself. It takes one to know one. Judgmental criticism of others is a well-known way of escaping detection in your own crimes and misdemeanors." Amen.
"God is kind, but he’s not soft. In kindness he takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life-change."
"Recognition comes from God, not legalistic critics." Wouldn’t it be something if Christians considered "am I a legalistic critic?" and then did something about that? Of course, we might have fewer blogs to read if that happened.
"Our lives get in step with God and all others by letting him set the pace, not by proudly or anxiously trying to run the parade." I confess–I’m pretty sure God wrote that verse just for me.
The troubles and challenges I face build passion and patience.
I think it’s interesting that God offered his Son to die on the cross for us, "while we were of no use whatever to him." It’s confirmation that God loves us and wants us just as we are. We don’t have to be perfect to know God. He just wants us to turn directions and begin to follow him wherever we are.
Baptism represents what Jesus did for us. "When we are lowered into the water, it is like the burial of Jesus; when we are raised up out of the water, it is like the resurrection of Jesus."
"Throw yourselves wholeheartedly and full-time [not just on Sunday]…into God’s way of doing things."
"…you’ve started listening to a new master, one whose commands set you free to live openly in his freedom!" Some people think following Christ is about following rules that restrict our freedoms. That’s not what the Bible says.
God doesn’t want me to experience a "timid, grave-tending life." He wants me to be "adventurously expectant." I love the adventure part of my faith.
Nothing can separate me from God’s love. He has embraced me.
"Everyone who calls, ‘Help, God!’ gets help." I’ve tested that. It works.
"Unless Christ’s Word is preached, there’s nothing to listen to." The corollary is unless people are present, no one hears the preaching. "How can they hear if nobody tells them?" I believe part of our "urgent task" is to figure out how we can tell as many people as possible.
Paul focused on reaching the "outsiders." Most churches are only focused on reaching the insiders–those that are already convinced about the claims of Jesus Christ.
I firmly believe God wants our churches to be grow and reach more people. He wants us to create churches that "open things up to all the outsiders so that we end up with a full house."
There are mysteries of the faith that I will never understand. I’m OK with that.
"Don’t become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God." Who is influencing whom? Am I influencing the culture or is the culture influencing me? If I’m not influencing the culture, I think that’s also sin.
"The only accurate way to understand ourselves is by what God is and by what he does for us, not by what we are and what we do for him." True that.
"Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame. Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant. Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder." I have responsibility in this.
God wants me to be a good citizen of Indiana. Rats.
"Welcome with open arms fellow believers who don’t see things the way you do. And don’t jump all over them every time they do or say something you don’t agree with… If there are corrections to be made or manners to be learned, God can handle that without your help." Again, why do certain blog sites come to mind when I read this? "So let’s agree to use all our energy in getting along with each other. Help others with encouraging words; don’t drag them down by finding fault." Funny how we’re quick to point out Bible passages to fix other people, and we ignore the Bible passages that indicate we’re being idiots.

Where are you going?

Both my girls are going with friends tonight! Ally with old friends..Lauren with new! The girls have been doing well in their new school. Lauren is adjusting very well. She fits in there beautifully. Ally still wants to go back to New Castle. We don't know what we will do. If she can hold out until next year, we will probably let her go to New Castle and graduate with her friends. She will be driving, so she can drive herself to and from school.

Life is a journey. It's not an easy ride. Along the way there are potholes, bumps, bends, hurdles, barriers and many other obstacles. There are also other people on the journey to spur you on, to make the ride more enjoyable, to keep you company. There is a destination we are driving to.We have a road map and an instruction manual to help us arrive at the right place!
Which Road are you on? What kind of music are you listening to? Who are your companions? What are your obstacles? Have you encountered many potholes? Has it been a good journey? Have you spent enough time laughing? Do you have enough fuel? Are you going fast or slow?
Think about it ...

Meeting of the Minds!

Tonight..I have a MasterMind Group Meeting! Once or twice a month I meet with a group of women business owners to share information, give and receive advice, brainstorm and to give and lend support. I think this Mastermind group will be like fuel for my business soul.

Your Story

Last night Joe and I went out to dinner at the New Castle Country Club. I love social events. I love sitting at a table with people I've never met before. I love to hear people's stories. One of the men that sat at my table, told me about himself and ended his long talk with... "And that's my story." We all have a story to tell don't we? What's your story? Where do you come from? Where are you going?

Jesus doesn't just LIVE inside of my heart! He's in there DANCING!

Food Show @ Seven Springs!

Joe and I spent Monday night @ Seven Springs Resort and attended a food show on Tuesday. We had a fantastic time! We sampled so many different foods, honestly my stomach became bloated!! Reinhardt rolls out the red carpet for it's clients and we always enjoy ourselves. We came back with some great ideas for the Tavern! : )
I love spending time alone with my husband. After 19 years, I love holding hands while we walk, and giggling over silly things. I love riding in the car with him and singing 80's songs together. He's still my man : )
Here's what we liked the most.


FRIED GREEN BEANS! Some of you might have tried these at T.G.I.Fridays! We never have. But we tried them at the food show and loved them!! WHo would have thought??FRIED GREEN BEANS????
We also found some great new side dishes and sampled a lot of meats. We've got to start working on our new menu!!!!!!WOOHOOO!

I am exhausted! I am bloated! I will tell you why.. next time I post! Off to bed!
zzzzzzzz

I feel like this today

Love Feels So Good!

A Winner is A DREAMER who NEVER quits!

Wisdom is the sharing of wise experiences and knowledge, but a lot of it is common sense. The difference is how we apply this common sense - we all have the ability to keep going even when we face challenges in our lives - basically it comes down to your attitude. We can have a positive attitude towards life, or a negative attitude. We can focus on the good or we can focus on the bad. Keeping a positive mental attitude is one of the keys to success.
The choice is always up to you!

Visit

Nikki's has a best friend. Her name is Visit. She is a cat that comes to our house occasionally to... Visit! They have the sweetest relationship! They rub up against each other and chase each other all around the house. We'd never let visit come in, with Sarah here..but now that Sarah's gone..we let visit inside to play! She stays about ten minutes and then goes back home!

Bringing someone to Christ!

Everyone..Please pray for a friend of mine! Her name is Camille, and she comes from a Catholic Background. She was asking lots of questions today and I got to share the gospel with her!I am soooo excited!!! I told her how to go home and ask Jesus Christ into her heart. I told her that she has to tell God that she's messed up and needs forgiven for her sins! Please everybody who reads this... Please pray for Camille. She needs Jesus. She is looking for Jesus but didn't know how to find Him! Wednesday, I will bring her some books to read. She is searching! I know just what she is looking for!!Iknow WHO she is looking for!!! WOOHOOOOOOOO! GO CAMILLE!! She is about to have a life changing experience! JESUS..I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!! Thank-you for Camille! Oh Father, please draw her to You Lord! She needs you! She can touch sooooo many lives and bring so many other poeple to Your Kingdom!!!! Please give Emily and Brenda the right words tommorow to help her along in her journey. Please help me find the right books for her to read..the right words to tell her too Father! Oh God, I want to see Camille in Heaven!! Please help us all help Camille! Thank you LoRD!! And Thank you friends for praying! Don't stop praying!!!

My life is my message. -Mahatma Gandhi.

Meet Laur!

This is Lauren's character that she draws often! I am so proud of you Lauren! Your art skills are amazing! YOU are AMAZING!

It's 5:45 am and I am wide awake!

God is surrounding this journey to New Wilmington! I shouldn't be amazed..because I am a Christ follower. But...honestly..every step I take, it seems as though God has gone before me, or is there, all around! Really..not just this journey to New Wilmington..this whole journey..my life..since I gave up my life to God..I've been on a journey. I've been living for Christ and trying to obey Him in everything I do!

I wrote previously, that I have been studying Daniel, and God keeps pointing me to Daniel over and over again! I keep wondering if I'm going to get thrown in the furnace because I keep hearing that story again and again! Is God going to test me? Am I going to have to prove my faith? I have incredible faith! I worry so very little in my life, because I know God is my leader and as long as I follow Him and trust Him and LISTEN to His direction I will be fine. I will be more than fine.. I do listen. I pray on everything I can. I listen for God's voice. I want to do what is right with God. It's not always easy. There are people that oppose things I do in my life, and that is very difficult for me, because I am a person that tries my hardest to do what is right. I can't stand to do wrong. It used to eat at me, if I felt I was wrong. I'd have to make things right.
But those chains have been broken. God has healed me from that burden of trying to make everything all right. I've laid my will down, and ..well have you ever heard of the phrase "Let Go and Let God" That's what I've done.
"Keep following Me" is what God says to me. "Keep your eyes on the prize" "Look this way..don't look down, or backwards or beside you..just look at me."
I love you Lord, so very much. You are my Daddy. My Father who gives me so much love, it makes me feel like I will explode sometimes. Honestly..that is how big my joy is. I have love. My Father's love. In my Father's eyes.. I am wonderful.
That feels good! : )
Okay..I am ranting..it's early in the morning and I am praising God. See..i can't help it. His love pours from me!
I hope you have a wonderful day today! Make it wonderful!
His Daughter, Susan L. Hougelman

Look what I found!

I was sending a my space message to a friend of mine. SHe's a young girl that used to work for me. Her boyfriend just left for the navy and I was pointing her in God's direction to help with her feelings.

This was an advertisement on AIM! American Online's Instant Messenger! SWEEEEEET!
Just click on the pink words!
jesus2020

Louis Farrakhan calles Obama "The Messiah"

From the very start..this video gave me the creeps. What do you think?

Chicks Dig it!

Did you know that my husband was an actor?

My day of rest : )

I feel so much better now! Yesterday could not have been any more satisfying then it was!
I started off the day @ 7:00 am walking with my friend Tracy. That may not seem restful to some, but I love walking, and I love mornings and I love my friend Tracy! We walked for 45 minutes, breathing in the cool crisp morning air! It felt wonderful! After I came home from walking, I stripped and jumped back into bed! The girls didn't have school yesterday, so they were still sleeping. We have this incredible down comforter on our bed, that keeps us so warm and snuggly. I buried myself inside of the covers and guess what? I slept until noon!!! Joe woke me up to say good-bye, but other than that I was snoozin'! It felt so good!

Ally came into my bed at noon, and we discussed our plans for the day. I wanted to go to the movies. (By the way..if you didn't know it, Westgate Cinemas has five dollar movies all day and evenings on Mondays AND you get free popcorn! It's a great deal!) The girls decided they'd rather stay home and relax, so I made a run to Dunkin Donuts and bought us coffee and pumpkin donuts! I also ran to the store and got some groceries to make a special dinner..thanking my girls and husband for working so hard this weekend! They did such a great job at the restaurant, I wanted to show them my appreciation. So I bought a pot roast, and apples to make apple pie and some sparkling juice..(THEY LOVE SPARKLING JUICE...It's their version of champagne!)
So all afternoon I cooked!It was pleasureful to listen to music and take my time to make dinner.. We set the table with our fancy dishes, and we had pot roast, mashed potatoes and gravy, brussel sprouts, corn, salad, hot rolls and homemade apple pie for dessert! mmmmm! We toasted our successful weekend and filled our bellies up!
After dinner, Lauren said, "Mom, aren't you going to the movies?" I said, "It's too late, I have to clean up from dinner."
Ready?
She said, "GO MOMMY! I'll clean up!!" *faint* WOAH!!!!! I went! I fled! I was joyous! I saw Nick and Norah's infinite play list.. *Hated it* Loved the music though! and then Joe met me at the theater (looking very handsome and smelling very fine!!) We saw An American Carol.. GREAT MESSAGE, but too much stupidity!
When I got home the kitchen was clean!! Yeah!
Also.. after we got home, the girls were in a really silly mood! Lauren came downstairs with a funny hair style and that's all it took... Here are some pictures I took of the GOOFY People that I can't help but to be in love with!! : )




Those are ALly's hair extensions Joe has made into a mullet!! lol

Ally's Homecoming 2008!

rest

I'm glad the weekend is over. I know I promised to write and update, but I am honestly too tired to even write. I will post homecoming pictures when I can.(Ally looked beautiful but homecoming is so overated..I hate that I fall into the trap of spending a ridiculous amount of money for one night) (I'm sorry but it IS ridiculous!) Today I am taking my girls to the movies and we are going to sit and eat popcorn and enjoy a movie marathon! Talk to you soon.

I'm late..I'm late..for a very important date.

Friends, family, email buddies...

I have about two minutes to let ya'll know that I'm here!! I'm sorry I haven't responded to emails the past few days! I honestly haven't had even two minutes..until now..ONE MINUTE LEFT!!! : ) I'm going to take a break on Monday and do NOTHING but catch up..so please hang on until Monday! I love you all and I pray that you have a beautiful weekend! Please pray for Ally to have a safe homecoming, for us to have a smooth pumpkin festival and for Sunday to go well. We have 55 people coming for dinner and my girls and I are going to be the servers! Yikes!
Love you all! Susan

Daniel and ICorinthians

I finished my study on Daniel! How incredible are the prophesies that God showed Daniel? I started reading 1Corinthians and it has shaken me up! Go and read the first few chapters with Paul telling the church that they shouldn't allow sinners in the church! What do you think about that? That goes against everything that I've been believing these last few years. I've felt that we are all sinners and all need forgiven. No one is better than another person. "He who is without sin cast the first stone." But Paul says that we shouldn't allow sinfulness in a church. For example if a church couple is living together and not married, we should kick them out of church until they stop sinning! wHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT THIS???? It's been driving me crazy thinking about it. Have we been being disobedient to God by allowing sin to occur all around us? Don't we all sin???? Is one sin worse than the other? Should we kick out all the obese people, because they are obviously comitting the sin of gluttony? Ack... this is disturbing! I need a pastor to explain it to me! Susan the student of the Bible

Pumpkin Festival!

www.volantshops.com

It's the pumpkin festival in Volant this weekend! If you don't have any other plans come out and visit us in Volant. Autumn Pumpkin Festival
Saturday & Sunday, October 4th & 5th
Saturday Shops open 10am - 6pm Restaurant open until 8 pm!
Sunday 10am - 5pm

Activities include:

Saturday and Sunday all day events:
Hayride at Northwest Savings Bank 12 - 4pm
Behind Northwest Savings Bank in the grassy area see the Bee Keeper and Miller's Harvest Market. Come sit, relax, and enjoy eating at the Outdoor Barbecue.
Crafts for all including tin punching, pumpkin decorating, bracelet making, and ecorating trick or treat bags
Also try your hand at pumpkin bowling
Make a corn husk doll at the summer kitchen
Enjoy a Hand Dipped fudge apple from Attic Treasures
The Kitchen Shoppe will be selling pumpkins, gourds, and apples on their porch
Pie sale in front of the Depot Shops 10 - 5pm. Pies will be provided by the Dumplin Haus

Saturday events include:
Chili Cook-Off at the Fire Hall 11 - 4pm sponsored by The Kitchen Shoppe proceeds benefit Volunteer Fire Dept.
Al- Ray Combo Polka Band on the deck at Bulk Foods & Candy Co. 1 - 4pm (weather permitting) sponsored by Bulk Foods & Candy Co. and Volant Merchant's Assoc.
Visit Amish baked goods sale in front of Volant Mills
See apple butter being made in the grassy area behind Northwest Savings Bank
Cookies on a stick sold in the upper Depot lobby proceeds to benefit Hospice
Roast some marshmallows in the public gardens behind The Blue Heron Art Gallery

James Creek galleries will be taking and printing pictures of families and couples n front of their store

Sunday events:
Fall Tea serving sweets and savories and a variety of teas. Tea etiquette and history will also be explained. Reservations required by Sept. 26 please call 724-533-2450.
Baking contest at The Kitchen Shoppe 12 - 2pm prizes at 2pm. Pie baking demonstrations at 12 & 1pm, free recipes, and Sample gourmet pumpkin foods.

An auction.

Joe and I took the day off today to attend a reataurant auction! Eppingers restaurant in Portersville was liquidated today. We got some good deals on some equipment for our new restaurant. Yeah!! We got a donut display case, some beautiful new soup bowls, a table and a grill! Joe was most excited about the grill. I was most excited about the donut display case :)
We saw some friends at the auction.. Kevin and Mary Lee Green. Kevin is the director of the City Rescue Mission in New Castle. WE first met Kevin and Mary Lee about 6 years ago, at First Baptist Church. They have followed our dreams of planting a church, and that was the first thing MaryLee asked me about when she saw me. It made me smile. I just love people!
Then we talked about the mission. They were at the auction hoping to get some good deals for the City Rescue mission's kitchen. Unfortunately the bids went pretty high on the items they were interested in.
The rest of the week is going to be equally as busy. It is the pumpkin festival in Volant, Ally's Homecoming is on Saturday, and we have a busload of guests coming for dinner on Sunday night!! Joe said to me yesterday, "Do you think we'll ever have peace again?" We haven't had much peace lately. But life has been fun and exciting!!