Hot Chocolate by the Fire

Yesterday was National Chocolate Day, so we "celebrated" by having hot chocolate in front of the fire. I like these wide mugs since they comfortably hold at least 3 of Ana 's homemade marshmallows! ;-)

Outside my Window

The Desiring God 2012 National Conference Weekend!

The last weekend in September our family attended the Desiring God 2012 National Conference put on by John Piper's church in Minneapolis MN. It is amazing to look back and see how the Lord worked it all out. Ana first brought up the idea of going in the spring and we prayed about this for a long time.  There were many things that had to be worked out...and sometimes it seemed impossible that it could really happen.  But it did!

It worked out for our friends from Washington state and Mr. and Mrs. J., (friends who live near where the conference was held) to attend along with us!

We were all able to stay with Mr. and Mrs. J. in their lovely home - they were wonderful hosts!  

We had transportation for all of us. 

The weather was beautiful; sunny and warm.  

We all were encouraged in our faith and learned a lot. :-)

  Our home away from home for the weekend!

Amy enjoying their piano!

Friday....

Friday morning we girls went out for a walk and took pictures together. 

On the trampoline! See Dad and Mom in the background? :-)

This year's topic was Sanctification.

 "The action by which we bring our feelings and thoughts into conformity with the infinite value of God's transcendent fullness." - John Piper

The Exhibit Hall - I thought the ceiling was really neat!  There were table and tables of books in the center and around the edge were exhibits from different publishers, mission organizations, churches, etc.

The first session we ladies went to was by Carolyn McCulley.  She was excellent. :-)  I have her book "Did I Kiss Marriage Goodbye?" and it is one of my favorites - in spite of the odd title!

R.W. Glenn...another one of my favorite speakers!
I encourage you to go HERE to listen/watch to his talk entitled "Work and Rest"!

Ready for more good teaching!

Supper break outside. :-)

Fernando Ortega did a session on worship, and then in the evening he and his cello player gave a concert.  It was wonderful!

Saturday....

A view of the Convention Center from the park across the street.

Panel discussion.  From left to right: John Piper, Kevin DeYoung, Ed Welch, Jarvis Williams, Russel Moore, ...and the moderator David Mathis.   This was so good as well!!

Before supper on Saturday we went out for a walk to get some exercise and sunshine.

A fun musical wall!

Beautiful architecture. :-)

Sunday...

Our friend's cute little guy up bright and early Sunday morning!  

Visiting with friends after the Sunday morning devotional by R.W. Glenn.

Mr. Piper giving the sermon...it was really good!!

A pretty tree in the city.

Sunday evening we went to a nearby town along the St. Croix River. The guys went to Mr. J's office to get the boarding passes printed off.  We ladies went down to the river and took pictures until the guys joined us again. 

Dad and Mom and Mr. and Mrs. J

After walking along the river, Mr. and Mrs. J took us all out for pizza at The Grand. Yum! 

The fall colors were very pretty - especially the yellows and golds.

It was a special weekend it was....we all learned so much...and are so thankful we were able to go! :-)

All the talks from the conference are available to listen to (for free) HERE!! 

A Carpet of Leaves

A Lovely Fall Day

A picture I took as we ladies were on our way to Bible study last week. 
It was so beautiful out!

A Fall Day and Wild Grapes

We've had lovely Indian Summer weather the past few days.  These pictures are from last Thursday and already the trees have changed so much.  The colors are beautiful this year!

Our neighbor called last week and said she noticed some wild grapes on her fence line and we could come a pick them if we wanted!  We love wild grape jam...

...so we went over and picked several ice cream buckets full.

And here are the grapes all washed and ready to make into jam!