Joplin Journal Volume 9-11, Issue 1

From the Editor's Desk:

I'm home alone right now. Some classical music is playing, and I'm wondering how much I can get done before Dad comes back. (He's at a men's breakfast, and Mom & Sarah are at Krista's co-ed volleyball tournament.) But since it's been a few weeks–I think–I thought I'd start with this.

Weather Report:

This week has gotten cold. Nights in the 30s and even some frosts. But it's warming back up and we're supposed to have sunshine and at least 60s. The leaves are taking a little longer to turn and fall this year.

"Genius Burns":

Well, I did write on Monday. I got 564 words written. It was pretty exciting since it had been almost a month since I wrote anything. I've really wanted to write, but I can't. I either have no time, or my creativity feels locked up. Part of that is the state of the house. Too many messes makes me not feel creative.

Project Prognosis:

Not sure what all I have to report on.

• All my devotionals and prompts for camp are scheduled.
• Blog posts written – I really need to get to work on these again. I have most of this month done, but not every week. And December's posts are scheduled but not completed.
• Work on the house – More on this project in On the House.

On the House:

The Sheetrock is hung, the mudding and taping and texturing is done. Dad and I finished painting yesterday. (Well, there are a few drops of ceiling paint I have to paint over on the walls.)

The holes for the lights are cut and now we need to get them wired and up so we can actually have light in those rooms. We're hoping to get the lights up and work on flooring today. I watched some videos on how to install the floor and it doesn't look too hard. I think if it gets started I can do some of it myself.

The trim is painted but not the door jams or the inside of the windows. Still need to prime and paint those.

And paint the door for Mom and Dad's room.

Once that is done, our friend said he'd come over and help get the trim and stuff up.

I'm really hoping and praying we can get it done next week or 9 days, so that we can be moved back into the rooms by Thanksgiving.

Oh, we had some people come and see what sort of shelves we want built and they are supposed to give us a price today. Hopefully they can build them for us. But they are mostly for the hall, so we could be moved back in before then.

Babysitting:

I've been babysitting Kinsley while the others go to volleyball games. It looks like we'll have all the kids next week for at least a day. They might get to spend the night, we don't know yet. They were all here a week or two ago and that was fun.

The Music Stand:

The instrumental ensemble is practicing for Thanksgiving. And the ladies ensemble is too.

Sarah is going to start teaching a Christmas song to the kids in Children's Church, and then I'll help teach the music to it. They'll sing it at the Christmas program.

Bell practice with the kids will start soon too.

KDWC:

Camp is open and going. We have 94 campers. And we added two new countries: Scotland and Estonia to our list of where the campers are from.

Sewing Room:

The orders are picking up for Sarah. She had thought she could help me paint, but she was too busy. I don't know how many orders she has, but she's busy.

Read Another Page:

I'm trying to proof listen to the audio of Hymns in the Hills. So far I've only gotten 2 chapters listened to. But the reader does a good job and even sings the hymns. So, if you've read the book and want to know the tunes, get the audio when it's done.

Teacher's Lounge:

Closed until January. There's no place to teach.

Book Nook:

I've read some books. Once Upon a Dime, To Save a Life, Five Star Spy, Fair in War, Worth a Thousand Words, A Distance Too Grand, Hope. The last book is a collection that has an abridged version of one of my new stories in it. I'd like to read more, but life keeps getting busy. :P

Farewell:

Well, that's about it. Dad's home and it's time to get to work. Mom and Sarah are probably going to be gone a while. Dad & I did go and watch Krista's girl's team play on Thursday evening. They ended up in 2nd place in the championship game. And that's it. I'll write again when I can.