Trunk or Treat in Stevensville!

It's on!!!

joey d. & Belinda watch the action

Greeting a princess

Great pumpkin!

Ready for action

Yea!!!

We had a LOT of fun tonight at the Stevi UMC "trunk or treat" event!  We lost track of how many children came through the church parking lot but it must have been close to 200!! 

Stevensville had some rain this afternoon but it cleared just before the start of the fun at 5pm.  The temps stayed warmer, low-40s which made for a delightful evening of fun, fellowship, and community spirit!

Great Halloween Party at Belinda's Office

L-R:  "Judge Judy" (Irene), Busy Bee (Belinda),
"Biker Chick" (Tammy)

Happy birthday, Belinda!

Wesley takes an afternoon stroll around the yard

Happy birthday, Belinda!

It is wonderful to be here in the Bitterroot Valley in the fall!  As October comes to a close, we are so thankful to have been able to make this place our home.  Friday will mark the start of our fifth month here in Stevensville!!  What an amazing journey these past four months have been for us, and now, we look forward to the coming winter with great anticipation!!!

Today was Belinda's birthday, and the "Wesleyan Way" study group celebrated with her with a yummy cream pie, two-bite chocolate cupcakes and cards to go on our mantle!  Happy birthday, Belinda!

(P.S.  What a birthday week it has been for Belinda!  Loving folks have showered her with birthday cards, gifts and delectable treats.  One lady even shared her birthday cake with Belinda, since their birthdays fall within the same week of one another!  What a loving and supportive community of folks!  Thanks be to God!)

It's been a chilly week so far!

It's been a chilly week here in southwestern Montana, it was 17 this morning as Charles set off for Missoula to officiate at the funeral of a 29-year old Marine.  Charles had been contacted because the family, all with a Marine Corps connection, wanted a military chaplain to officiate.  As Charles had been a Navy chaplain, and had spent two of his tours in the Navy with Marines, he was more than happy to do this.

Belinda has been hard at work this week in Hamilton!  She really enjoys the commute, such a pretty drive with mountains framing the Valley.

Wesley had a quiet day on Tuesday which we learned late in the evening today was National Cat Day!  As can be seen in the photos, he took the news in stride by taking a nap.

Something to ponder ...

 

We have this posted over our front door -- to inspire us.  If you place your mouse over this picture and click once over it, it will get larger and be easier to view.  After viewing, depress the escape key (Esc), and you will return to this screen.

 

Wonderful Sunday!

Amazing Montana artwork!

Bill and Charles consider the next button project

One never knows where Wesley will turn up next

Today was such a delightful day!  A chilly morning gave way to a pleasant afternoon, and now we're enjoying the wind whipping through the trees.  The forecast for tonight looks like this.

Tonight:  Windy. Light rain... mixing with snow overnight. Low 32F. Winds NE at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of precip 60%.

We had a treat this evening, when a dear church member stopped by with a house-warming gift.  It is an original metal art piece made by a Stevensville artist.  It has taken up residence above our fireplace, and it looks wonderful!

Thanks be to God for the gift of our life here in the Bitterroot Valley in western Montana!

Reformation Sunday

Today is Reformation Sunday (the Sunday closest to October 31) which observes the start of the Protestant Reformation in 1517.  We enjoyed a wonderful morning with our Stevi UMC family followed by an almost equally wonderful nap this afternoon! With the chance of snow tonight (not much is expected, but still!) it is nice to have a warm home!

Sunny day in the Valley

Canada Geese on the way south

It was a delightful Saturday for us, soup to nuts!  Belinda was up early this morning to take part in an academic meet taking place at the high school.  Charles also took part in the judging in the afternoon.  At lunchtime, Belinda helped with feeding the work crew at the Stevensville Habitat for Humanity home.

This evening, Charles took advantage of the last 'warm' day for awhile (or so it would appear) to rack up the leaves in the front.  It looks nice.  Come on, snow!

Speech Tournament at Local High School

Both Belinda and Charles enjoyed judging at the local high school's speech tournament today.  There was a flurry of activity at the school.  The atmosphere was electric.  The youth were energized to "do their very best" in all sorts of debates and dramatic readings.   

It as a very enjoyable day, indeed! 

Last of the warm Fridays

Leaves piled up in front of our neighbor's home

 

Wesley enjoys the morning light from basement window

Ready for "Trunk or Treat"

Sleepy kitty

Time to play!

We enjoyed a delightful Friday afternoon after a rather chilly start to the day.  The weather forecast is calling for a high on Monday of 35F and low of 18F!!!  It won't stay that low for long, but it is a strong indicator of the coming of winter.

Checking in

St. Mary's Peak peeking through the trees

Two dolls made by Charles' mother for the UMW Bazaar

Wesley playing with his new beanie-baby!

Another glorious day in the Bitterroot Valley is in the books, and what a day it was!  We enjoyed our respect work places today, and Charles made another trip to Missoula.  Wesley, in the meanwhile, kept an eye on the home-front and showed his enjoyment of the new toy Belinda picked up for him!!

A wee bit of an adventure

Out on a limb!

"What was all the fuss about?"

With the amazing weather we're enjoying this week we decided to give Wesley a treat with some outdoor time today.  He checked out the apple tree and discovered the way the squirrels make it onto the roof.  Charles had to climb up the tree and get our boy!

Sunny Monday!

Charles spent the afternoon today tackling the last of the backyard projects.  It has taken awhile, but the end result looks great!

Celebration Sunday in Stevensville

Early morning light

Charles visits with the children

Enjoying the 103rd birthday of a church member

Belinda and Wesley enjoy the afternoon sun

We have had a delightful day with lots of activity at the church and at home!  Today was the Stevensville UMC's celebration Sunday, and it was such fun!  The weather too was cause for celebration, as it was warm and sunny, which made everyone happy, especially Wesley!

It's Fall, Y'all!