After All, It's Fall

The folks in Tennessee start celebrating autumn right after Sept. 22. I'm surprised since y'all don't even have fall temperatures yet! Jesse got this recipe from his mom and now it's a family favorite:
Holman's Pumpkin Coffee Cake
3-1/2 c. flour
3 c. sugar
1-1/2 t. salt
2 t. soda
1-1/2 t. cinnamon
1 t. nutmeg                   
Combine all dry ingredients in large mixing bowl. Make a hole in the center, beat together:
4 eggs
1 c. oil
1 can pumpkin
1 t. vanilla
Combine all together to make stiff batter. Add nuts after mixing:
1 c. chopped walnuts or pecans
Pour into a 13x0" pan (or divide between two 8-inch or 9-inch pans).
Topping:  
2 c. brown sugar
2 tp. cinnamon
2/3 c. chopped walnuts or pecans
Bake at 330' F for 45 min to 1 hour or until toothpick comes out clean from center.

Wednesday Bible Study on Campus

Meggar told me about her evangelization efforts a couple of weeks ago. I'm happy to brag here about the work of the Holy Spirit on her campus. For He deserves all the glory. Meggar did many good things to mentor/guide the AGD girls during her sophomore and junior year as the Vice President of Member Development. She organized study partners, sisterhood bonding, STD speaker, Thanksgiving potluck, etc. etc. But one of her unfinished goals was to compile the times of church services with a list of the girls who already attend there, so that new members could make the college transition on Sundays more easily. We know "the apple doesn't fall far from the tree," and Meggar still wanted to finish her spiritual "to do" list even though she is no longer the VP of MD. She began this semester by mentioning the All-Greek Bible Study which was starting up again. She had attended all last semester and really enjoyed it but was the only AGD there. Meggar spoke up and encouraged girls to attend *with* her, and right away one AGD came to tell her she would go to it. Six more girls texted her in the following day that they were also interested! By Wednesday night, there were 16 sorority sisters who came to the first Bible Study. With a total audience of about 30, Meggar was pleasantly overwhelmed by the AGD participation! The following week there were at least 12 AGDs who came to the Bible Study again, and once again they comprised at least half of the group in attendance. This was so encouraging to hear, as I am afraid that the college environment is overly secularized.

Government Shutdown Affects Philly

We tried to visit the historic sites in Philadelphia, even though they are currently closed for the government shutdown. There is still a great feeling to be on the "outside looking in" at famous places from the Revolutionary War period. Here we are at Washington Park, Liberty Bell, and Benjamin Franklin's gravesite. We look up to Benjamin and George, wherever we can "meet" them and study more about them. We saw re-enactors, geo-cachers, and the important places filmed in the "National Treasure" movie too.

 

Now a 13-hour drive back to Nashville.

Columbus Day Hockey

We had our final game of the Super Series this morning. It went down to a shoot-out and Winger scored! Unfortunately Polar Bear missed in the 3-shots allowed, but yesterday his shoot-out goal was the 3rd one and went in to win the game! Exciting hockey all around. I even got a few good photos.

Hockey in Philly

Heck of a drive. Luckily Captain is a good navigator around D.C. in the rain.
The twins were excited to face their rival Belle Tire from Detroit, who beat them last month in overtime. It was our only loss so far. Today they played like a machine. Polar Bear had the goal to tie the game in 3rd period. Thunder managed to score in overtime and win! The whole team went out to EAT steak dinner to celebrate.

Church Musings

Oldest to Youngest...
*Meggar was here for the funeral so Spencer called her after mass to say how he hates going without her because her good singing covers up his "bad voice," and the people in front of him turned around and gave him a dirty look. His dry humor is so appreciated among my boys!
*Dorito told us how he goes to Sunday mass every week with Josh (senior) and Eric (sophomore -pledge dad) at the Newman Center. Afterward they try to find the cheapest dinners in town. I heard Dairy Queen has a $5 special on double cheeseburger with fries, drink, and ice cream cone!
*Twins went to first HAWC group this week and wish it were more frequent than twice a month. HAWC stands for Honesty, Accuntability, Willingness, and Chastity in the Fraternus organization. These groups are only for the high school boys to facilitate discipleship through mentoring. Jimmy and Adam are cool 20-somethings who invented Bosco Ball, loved my sweet green beans, and are on fire with the Holy Spirit. Winger opens up easily so the meeting must have been super because Polar Bear also wanted to share what was on his heart concerning patience!
We are blessed.

This Is The Day the Lord Has Made

Psalms 98:1-2 Sing to the LORD a new song, for he has done wondrous deeds; His right hand has won victory for him, his holy arm. The LORD has made his salvation known: in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice. He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness toward the house of Israel.