Joplin Journal Volume 9-3, Issue 1

From the Editor's Desk:

Good morning and Happy National Oreo Cookie day! Did you know it was National Oreo Cookie day? Well, now you do. Are you going to eat an Oreo? I might, but then again, I might not.

Right now the sun is shining and the sky is blue. It's still cold outside but the frost is melting away and it's supposed to be in the 60s. Maybe Sarah and I can go walking later. If we're not trying to get things done before the kids come.

Weather Report:

Winter has finally moved on and we've had lovely early spring weather! Sunshine, temperatures in the 70s a few times, but at least in the 60s often. Yesterday we got a bit of rain. Not much, but some. Our crocuses are blooming. the daffodils are starting to have some buds on them and the maple tree is budding. (It always buds early though.) And the birds are singing earlier in the mornings.

"Genius Burns":

The writing continues for "Phil Wood". This week I've almost written 9k words! Last week I didn't even get to 5k. I don't know if my brain was just tired after 3 weeks with 7k or more words written each week, or if it was distracted by other things. But now I'm just writing and wishing my brain and fingers didn't get tired. This book is nearing the end. I'm almost at 28k words for the story (goal is 30k) and the ending is just around the bend. I think I know what is coming up. However, when I started writing "Phil Wood" I wasn't expecting to find a bunch of chickens in the story. ;)

Project Prognosis:

• Widows' Luncheon – We finally had it! [read Widows' Luncheon for details]
• Children's Church – I got to teach the story of David and Goliath. We even taped yardsticks together and measured how tall Goliath was. He almost didn't fit in the room!
• Working on cleaning out my computer files – I could probably do more cleaning out, but I've been busy with other things.
• Blog Posts – March is done, April is almost done and I need to start work on May's posts.

Widows' Luncheon:

We ended up having to postpone the luncheon a 3rd time because a funeral got scheduled by the family for Saturday morning at church. So . . . we decided we'd have it on Sunday right after church. It was a much smaller group, but it was still fun and those who were able to come enjoyed it. Here are a few pictures.

We had old postcards from around the world and paper dolls from other countries on the table along with hearts cut out of maps, and chocolate, and the suitcases.

These suitcases were the name cards. Each one opened up and had chocolate kisses inside. Aren't they cute?

This was our centerpiece between the two food tables (we have them in an L shape). Since we had to have the luncheon down in the gym, we were able to pin postcards on the walls.

And here is our whole group. We were missing 6 widows and 9 secret sisters.

The Music Stand:

Plans are in the works for some more specials at church. The ladies ensemble is planning on singing a song for Easter, and then the violin+flute ensemble is planning a special for the next Sunday. Stay tuned for updates.

Babysitting 101:

Last Thursday evening we had all the kids over. It was a fun time of playing and reading stories. Kinsley is walking now and it was fun to see her toddling all over the house. She'll still get down and crawl at times, but she likes walking. And she's a collector of baby dolls. If she sees one, she wants it even if she already has one or two. :)

When we finished eating supper James got to open his birthday presents since his birthday was the next day. He was excited about his book, metronome, and things for his airsoft gun.

After the kitchen had been cleaned up, I went upstairs with Krista to help her brainstorm ideas for the short story she has to write for school. It will be interesting to see how she does.

Babysitting 102:

Yesterday morning we had all the kids over except Kinsley. Krista and James had some school to do, but the other boys got to play with the upstairs lego (something they don't usually get to play with unless they are spending the night). Sarah did stickers and such with Kailyn and Grant, and they had a wonderful time digging in the sticker box and covering their pages with stickers.

Since it was Lucas's birthday yesterday, he got to open his presents on his actual birthday. He loved the stuffed golden retriever puppy we got him, as well as his puzzle book and his "Encyclopaedia Brown" books. (Anyone else remember reading those books?)

Babysitting 103:

Since tonight is Lincoln Days Dinner, we get all the kids again. Lucas got to pick what we were having for supper tonight. And then we are having peppermint brownie sundaes for dessert to celebrate both James's and Lucas's birthdays.

Read Another Page Publishing:

The final TCR audio book is nearing completion! I proof listened to it and just got word that my producer has finished the few corrections. After a quick check of those, I can approve the book! Then it can go to ACX for the final proof before it is released. Yay!

Book Nook:

I have read some. Sometimes I feel like I haven't been reading much lately. It's nice to have my books all on Goodreads so I can look back and know that I have read some books. I've read Sandhill Dreams, The Inheritance (by Louisa May Alcott), Ginnie's Babysitting Business (childhood memories here), Mystery of the Old Thorndike, and my own book Gift from the Storm.

Farewell:

Whew! That took a while. And it's kind of long. I'm sure I forgot something I was going to tell you. But I'm going to end this because it's already taken longer that it should to write, and I do have other things I need to do. :)

I hope you lovely readers have a delightful weekend! Perhaps I'll write again next week.