Whew!

October has just begun and I feel like I need to come up for air already! These are some of the things that took place last week!

Mom2Mom

Our first meeting was Tuesday evening with over 40 moms and then we repeated it Wednesday morning with over 50 moms PLUS almost 50 children in the nursery from infants to kindergarten!

In the kitchen with Mary Ellen, Caryn, and Jen.

Some of our morning moms.

We made lavendar sachets and also had a table with bottles of marvelous scents that we could spray on our bookmark ribbons. Our topic was how to create the best aroma in our home - not just with "smelly" things, but how our lives are to be a sweet aroma to God.

Taste of Newton

Thursday was "Taste of Newton." Downtown Main Street was closed for several blocks and food vendors of every type for service clubs and churches were lined up down the middle of the street. It's very festive with entertainment at various intersections.

This year I entered the local newspaper's recipe contest with a recipe I received from my dear sister-in-law, Nancy. It's called Sweet Potatoes Rumba. I was one of eight finalists! Winners to be announced in October 14 newspaper. I won't be in town, so perhaps some of my local readers can keep their eyes open for the news! Win or lose - it was very fun!

Here's the recipe, if you would like to try it! I'm a sweet potato lover!

Sweet Potatoes Rumba
4 cups cooked, hot, lightly mashed sweet potatoes
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/3 to 1/2 cup half and half (I usually use less than 1/3 cup)
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger (can use nutmeg)
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons coconut rum

Topping:
1 tablespoon melted butter
1 tablespoon grated orange rind
Chopped pecans to cover

Combine first seven ingredients. Use just enough cream to make light and fluffy. Turn into buttered (or sprayed) 1-quart casserole dish. Brush top with melted butter. And orange zest. Add pecans to cover top. Bake at 375-400 degrees oven, 30-40 minutes or until top is golden brown.


What could be more fun than bumping into grandchildren with bags and mouths full of cotton candy?!?!?

Moira is in the Newton Community Children's Chorus and they sang several numbers. It was her first choir performance and she loved it. Then on Saturday they also sang at Bethel College's Fall Fest.

Mo is on front row, just right of the director's shoulder.


Birthday Celebration!
We celebrated Isabel's 6th birthday on Sunday.

Fall Flourish!

We have absolutely loved the fall weather! Reminds us so much of California! The garden has put out a flourish of color.

Rich took these photos last evening. The sky was so dark in the east, but the trees were catching brilliant rays of the sun. Gorgeous!

To everything there is a season.....