We desired as a family to have fellowship with other families that are like-minded and that we can grow and learn from.  We found that encouragement in the Staddon family  as we drove down from Virginia’s historical landmarks  and into the picturesque country roads of West Virginia.

We arrived in the evening of  Friday the 28th of October with the knowledge that we could find ourselves waking up to snow.  We also had the privilege of meeting Donna’s parents that evening as we sat down to a scrumptious taco salad and later a pumpkin pie made with honey as a sweetener.  There was also applesauce which was homemade and also without sugar.  It amazed me how much I think that we “need” sugar in things but find it is quite delicious without it!   Our kids didn’t notice either!

We spent some time talking together in the cozy dining area and then retired to our rooms for the evening.  Donna and her Mom cleaned up the kitchen and I found out that it is a regular event to have her Mom and Dad over on Friday evenings.  That was an encouragement to our family as well.  It is important to work on those generational relationships.  We all need each other!

  The next morning we did indeed wake up to snow softly falling on the ground outside their home.  I noticed it when I went to the van to get something and slipped on the sidestep.   When I came in, an excited little “Hopey” told me it was snowing as well!  It didn’t stay on the ground too long, but we did go our and enjoy it while it was there.

We all had a devotional time together first before breakfast and even before our time in the snow.  Proverbs has so much wisdom to glean from and each time a chapter is read, it seems we all glean something new we didn’t glean before.  I’m sure that is why God’s Word is described as being ALIVE.

For breakfast we had pumpkin pancakes which we all thoroughly enjoyed.  The Staddons had made their own maple syrup that was so delicious!  (If you read my posts, you may find a common thread here.  I seem to always talk about food.  You may get the impression that I like to eat.  I guess I do!)  But, the idea of homemade syrup is impressive to me.  I used to live near a place in Union that sold their own maple syrup and I think I visited  it when I was young.  The thought of that process is interesting to me.  I know the kids would like to see that as well.  Laura Ingalls talks about the process in “Little House in the Big Woods” but it still would be neat to see it live.

Later, Scott went and listened to the input for the book Don Staddon is writing about music.  He learned some things about music and enjoyed that time of discussion.  He enjoyed the music the Staddons played over the speakers.  He found it had a calming effect on his spirit. It made him think about the effect music does have on a person.

  We had a bonfire  in the afternoon  with hot dogs and everybody’s favorite SMORE’S.  Boy, hot dogs taste great when they’re  done over the fire.  We had sloppy joes as well and then we played some games.  “Four on the couch” or “Hat game” is what we played.  Our final game was “Occupation”.  Time was certainly a vapor as we found that it was time for bed.  Church starts at 8:30/9:00 where the Staddons attend so we knew we’d best get some “shut-eye.”

The next day was our trip to church.  It was a bit of a windy drive, but that is the norm in West Virginia.  The sermon was about Jonah and his lack of obedience to go to Nineveh.  The second session was the Sunday School lesson and the one that really made me think.  This text was on the beautitudes in Mathew and caused quite a discussion in the congregation.  The teacher  talked with enthusiam about the LORD and took a stand in his preaching for the LORD.  He really caused you to think about the  words in the beautitudes. 

Our final time was back   at the Staddon’s home for lunch.  We had some  meat, carrots and vegetables, homemade bread and apple butter, and cookies that  Esther had made.  Mrs. Staddon made some tea that she had made herself as well as a ginger tea for me to have with our cookies.  We took a final picture together and were on our way.  Thank you Staddon family for sharing yourself with us and for the time we had building memories with you!