HAPPY OCTOBER

The 7 "Ups" for OCTOBER!

1. Wake Up !!
Decide to have a good day. "This is the day the Lord hath made; let us rejoice and be glad in it." Psalms 118:24

2. Dress Up !!
The best way to dress up is to put on a smile. A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks. "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." I Samuel 16:7

3. Stand Up!!
. . . for what you believe in. "Let us not be weary in doing good; for at the proper time, we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good..." Galatians 6:9-10

4. Look Up !!
. . . to the Lord. "I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me". Philippians 4:13

5 Reach Up !! . . for something higher. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path." Proverbs 3:5-6

6. Stir Up !!
. . . one another. "And let us consider one another to PROVOKE unto love and to good works."
Hebrews 10:24

7. Lift Up !! . . . your Prayers. "Do not worry about anything; instead PRAY ABOUT EVERYTHING." Philippians 4:6

Have a beautiful OCTOBER!

Brock Benjamin Godfrey

What a wonderful gift God has given our family with the birth of Brock Benjamin. He is just so precious and beautiful (of course, you can tell the Grandma is writing this!) and has the sweetest disposition. We had the privilege of being in South Carolina just as Rebekah and Ben were coming home from the hospital with Brock, and were able to stay with them for 5 days. What a JOY that was for us! There is nothing quite like the first glimpse of your grandchild! He is so alert and smiles and loves having you talk to him! We took Brock (along with Rebekah) to his first Doctor's appointment, and within 6 days, he had gained 5 ounces! He eats well, sleeps well, and has wrapped his finger around the hearts of his new "Nanny" and "Papa". It was so hard to kiss him goodbye...but we're so thankful that we'll be able to see him in 3 months at Christmas, Lord willing. There will be a lot more pictures coming...stay tuned!

BROCK BENJAMIN GODFREY HAS ARRIVED!

Announcing!!!!

Brock Benjamin Godfrey
7 lbs. 19” long
Tuesday, Sept. 19
4:13pm

Happy parents are Ben and Rebekah Godfrey

Pictures will be coming from Grandma and Grandpa SOON!

30th Wedding Anniversary

Thirty years ago today, God gave me the desires of my heart when I married my best friend! We have had a WONDERUL 30 years together(they have gone so fast!!!). The Lord has blessed us with 4 wonderful children and 3 great sons-in law. I praise the Lord for a husband that not only tells me he loves me, but shows me in so many ways. His walk with the Lord is so strong, and his commitment to our marrige has never wavered! Thirty more years? I sure hope so!!! But if the Lord comes first, that's fine with me - we'll just join hand and go up to heaven together!

Go BLUE!!!!!!

What a game!!!

The score says it all....

Michigan 47

Notre Dame 21

GO BLUE!!!!

MICHIGAN APPLES.............

Apples are grown all over the world, but there aren’t many places on earth that match Michigan’s quality and quantity when it comes to producing apple crops. Did you know that Michigan is third in the United States in growing apples, and is number one in producing Jonathans and Northern Spys? Just a bit of trivia for you today! I love going to the farm markets in September and getting bushels of apples - there's not a better snack around! Michigan Cidar mills are open and busy. What fun to get a fresh glass of cidar and eat warm donuts! M-m-m-m! It's said that "an apple a day, keeps the Doctor away." I hope that's true as we're into eating great Michigan apples!

Kidnapped!

Kidnapping me to go out for lunch ....that's what my friend Deb wanted to do today! How fun that she has now moved back to Michigan from Kansas, and we can get together once in awhile for lunch. We went to a great buffet (all you can eat!) at McGuires, and ate royally. I was stuffed!!!! We just sat and talked, and talked (we couldn't move after eating so much anyway!) and enjoyed the beautiful sunshine and watching the golf course out of the window by our table. Deb also gave me an adorable crystal baby buggy as a " grandma-to-be" gift. It's on our buffet in the dining room, and our new grandson's picture will be right next to it when he finally makes his appearance next week!
Thanks for kidnapping me for lunch, Deb. It's just what I needed today!

Power UP!!!

Tonight starts the first night of our 2006-2007 AWANA Club year. We are excited for another great year.
Our night begins with a "praise time" for 15 minutes, where all the clubbers and leaders "make a joyful noise to the Lord!" I love leading this time! I have 4 teens (3 boys and 1 girl) that make up our "praise team" and help by holding up the words to the songs, or helping to motivate the kids to sing and use motions. After our opening pledges and prayer, the "confusion and fun" begins...as we have 3 different large groups going in all directions! One group goes to game time, another to book time and one stays in the auditorium for Bible time.
Our theme this year is "Power UP!" We're ready to roll.........

As we Remember.....

Today we have reached the 5th anniversary of 9/11.
Many families and lives were changed that day in a matter of minutes.
We never know when it will be "our time" to leave this earth, but that should give us the desire to live each day in such a way that we can meet Jesus with joy, hearing Him say "welcome home."

Which "Tater" are you?

THE TATER PEOPLE

Some people never seem motivated to participate, but are just content to watch while others do the work. They are called "Spec Taters".

Some people never do anything to help, but are gifted at finding fault with the way others do the work. They are called "Comment Taters".

Some people are very bossy and like to tell others what to do, but don't want to work with their own hands. They are called "Dick Taters".

Some people are always looking to cause problems by asking others to agree with them. It is too hot or too cold, too sour or too sweet. They are called "Agie Taters".

There are those who say they will help, but somehow just never get around to actually doing the promised help. They are called "Hezzie Taters".

Some people can put up a front and pretend to be someone they are not. They are called "Emma Taters".

Then there are those who love others and do what they say they will. They are always prepared to stop whatever they are doing and lend a helping hand. They bring real sunshine into the lives of others.
They are called "Sweet Taters".

Back to School.......

"My doggy ate my homework
He chewed it up," I said.
But when I offered my excuse
My teacher shook her head!

"He scrambled up my science notes
with eggs and bacon strips,
Along with sauteed spelling words
And baked potato chips.

"He then took my arithmetic
And had it gently fried.
He broiled both my book reports
With pickles on the side!"

My teacher frowned, but then I said,
As quickly as I could...
"He covered it with ketchup
And he said it tasted good."

"A talking dog who likes to cook?"
My teacher had a fit.
She sent me to the office
And that is where I sit.

I guess I made a big mistake
In telling her all that -
'Cause I don't even have a dog,
It was eaten by my CAT!

One of these days......

Announcing!!!!

A baby boy is coming…
A precious gift God
sends from above -
A blessed little bundle,
To Ben and Rebekah with love.

We are the excited grandparents!!!

Labor Day Parade.........

The Labor Day parade brings thousands of people from all over to our little town of Manton. For over 22 years, Bob and I have walked with our Awana float in the parade. This year, our theme was "Follow the Shepherd" --we had a lot of "sheep" in a pasture, and our little Sparkies were the "shepherds" - complete with shepherd uniforms and staffs. There were a lot of adults, junior varsity kids, and teens helping us pass out candy and fliers. Many kids rode bikes, dune buggies, and our twins were even in their stroller. It was a perfect day for a parade - sunny, a few fluffy clouds in the sky and 78 degrees! Perfect!

Harvest Festival Hymnsing and Dinner on the Grounds....

This weekend is our "Harvest Festival" here in Manton. It all begins with our town having amusement rides, craft fairs, old car shows, alumni dinners and lots of friends that get tegether once a year! At church we have our annual "Harvest Festival Dinner" after the morning service. There were well over 200 of us that enjoyed a "carry-in" dinner! YUMMY! Then in the evening, we host a "community hymnsing" at our church. There were about 150 of us there. It was great having Elizabeth home to play one of the piano's along with Judy Nichols.
Monday is ourLabor Day parade - and what a gorgeous day it was for that! More about that when I get the pictures! Stay tuned.....

Oh, what a WONDERFUL day....

Saturday was a great day at the Lanning home ... Jason, Elizabeth, Daniel & Candice were all here! It's always a joy for us when our kids come home- even for one day. Thanks for coming...it was soooooooo good to have you all here!

Sunday we had such a full church and following the service we had a great carry-in dinner. Sunday night at 6pm is our community hymnsing. It's wonderful having Elizabeth here to play for that!

Monday is our Labor Day parade...more pictures are coming!!!!