The Haircut....

It all started well at Bob's Precision Haicutters and Psych Shop as Eloise came in for a cut......

..........so far........so good........UNTIL.........

.........that intimadating black cape............

....and finally....

...it's over......

............she begins to recoup her composure........

............and finally the beautiful finished product!

Skybus Awaits....

.........and so at 4 AM I pick up Meg and the girls for the early morning trek to Port Columbus. Efficient Meg has everyone packed, boarding passes purchased and stands in line to check baggage.

Hailey and Alyssa have their own monogramed travel bags.

..................so off they go............

We had a wonderful time, Meg. Having all four kids together gave us a lot to be Thankful for.

Supper and Christmas at the Weavers....

The family gathering moves from house to house. Here the family gathers at the Wes Weavers to enjoy a meal and Chrismas celebration while th out of State/Country visitos are here. Above....Mel, Heather and Eloise enjoy time together.

.............then Seth and Eloise....

....Claudia....... a fireplace hanging......................

.............Meg..........French salt and pepper..........

..............Uncle Bob..........A French Cheese Board in the shape of...............you guessed it.........FRANCE!

........Sam....a new shirt....a new girly pink shirt.......OK ...Maybe Not!

........Eloise.....a new animal book.....

......and the queens of cute!

Last Evening The Kids And I Were Invited To Wes's Domain For Some Ping Pong

..........Wes is the most up to date Ping Pong Guru among us...... He heads up a Ping Pong Club as an extra curricular High School activity. He plays extensively and keeps his skills sharpened.........

........It was fun to just hang out together and battle it out in a favorite family sport..........

............Seth possesses a fierce backhand and tenacious concentration.......

.........Mel.......has amazing timing and a love of competition.......she gives us all we can handle.........

...........Sam........backhands.....forehands.......spikes.......the full package.............

Fierce Competition Prevailed....

....and in the end.....

......my wife discloses to me last night before retireing that one of these boys......who will remain nameless but can be seen in this picture .........and resides in France.....said to her before going out the door to play......"I'm going to kick Dad's butt..."

......needless to say....

............HE (NOR THEY) DID NOT!

The Gathering.....

For those of you who are regular blog followers but not family members.....I beg your indulgence......THIS IS ABOUT OUR FAMILY.....well.....mostly my Mom's side, actually. What I would hope you would see through these moments caught on.....well....not film.... : } ....digital memory..... is the SPIRIT OF WHO WE ARE! My Grandmother Miller was the GLUE! She instilled through her love and prayer a sense of the imporance of .....GATHERING..... She had an unconditional love that permeates down through us in ways that I can only explain through these pictures.. She would be so proud we love each other....and still.........GATHER.....

......We do this every year about this time ..........but it was very special this year because Sam and Mel and Eloise were here from France.....Becky from Colorado....Megan, Hailey and Alyssa from Virginia Beach.......Jennifer from Heath...etc.

.....My Mom had four brothers......this is Jerry....my uncles Ed and Don (all three WWII veterans) have passed away.....

..........and this my aunt Jane. I realized that in all the pictures I took I had not a one of My uncle John....which seems ironic because he is so the "silent one" but like the apostle John of the Bible......much beloved! For the family members unable to attend....I hope this allows you to enjoy "being here" through pictures. For the rest.......... well........it's just......us!

My Sister Ruth and Family

.....this is "one for the ages...!"

Cousin Love....

As The Crowd Looks On......The Birthday Girls Enjoy Their Cake......

A Study Illustrating The Words Of The French Queen Marie Antoinette......

".........LET...........

.........THEM (her).........

.......EAT........

...........CAKE......!!! (and she did!)

Birthday Gifts Abound As......

......................cousins assist cousins......

.........Hailey opens a gift.........

........Grandma reads a card.......

...........and quarter of a century old Heather gets something from Ubee and AC!

Eloise Receives Some Gifts.....

......the New York Times best selling, "Eloise Goes To The Beach...."

........and a special pair of shoes.........

..........from Uncle Bob and Aunt Claudia......

Alyssa Has A Way of Putting Smiles on Everyones Faces!!

There Are Just Tender Moments That Need No Words.....The Pictures Tell It All!

The Evening Ended With Zoe Asking Me To Accompany Her To The Sanctuary To ......

......listen to her play the piano......

..........which for some reason.......

......took on a beautiful tone for both ear and eye.......AND HEART!

Misc Shots of Eloise....

.........looking out onto Bill's Botanical Gardens through the kitchen window......

.....bathing.........

........after bath glow......

..........shredding up tissues........ I just love watching her busy hands and focused attention!

On A Cold Moonlite Friday Night In Ohio, USA.....

.....the Weavers ply their way through the darkness to Paul Brown Stadium in Massilon for the State Semi Final Division III Championship and a chance to play for the state title......

.......thanks to Pat who watched little Eloise and with Mel fixed goodies for our pregame tailgate party....

.............we were able to enjoy each other and some delicious chips, salsa, chicken sandwiches and coffee............while Wes enjoyed a gormet buffet in the warm pressbox.......a perk for being the Principal of the State Div III Semifinalist Team!

..........and Mel was able to enjoy her first ever live American football game........and a classic it was.......

From The Opening Kick Off......

........by Vince German........

.....the game was so tough and evenly played! The Valley defense kept the Cougars in check. Except for allowing their best player a 90 yard touchdown and some untimely penalties....Valley SMOTHERED their offense.......

......they in turn put some pretty tough licks on us such as this hit on our quarterback, Nick Phillips.........

............but as is often the case.......the game boiled down to toughness and LEADERSHIP...... Coach Baughman has an innate ability to raise the level of competence and character of those around him.......to make the right calls.......to inspire trust and confidence while taking very little credit. He's the real deal both on and off the field.......and tonight......he and the Panthers.....were ON THEIR GAME!

Then.....With 25 seconds To Go And The Score Tied....

....and for the first time this season.......... with both Bailey and Klein in the backfield.......with 65 yards to get to the endzone.......and everyone in the stadium expecting Valley to run out the clock to go into overtime.....Josh Bailey......the one who was within a hair's breath of having knee surgery after an injury earlier in the year.......BREAKS LOOSE .............over left tackle........

.............aludes........one final tackler...............

..............to sprint into the endzone.........to secure the Valley win...........

..........and take us into the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME.......next Friday night....SO .......stay tuned!

For video highlights go to:

http://www.whizamfmtv.com/video.php?articleId=19801

To: Those of You Who Follow This Blog.....

As I consider those things for which I am thankful I include YOU who check in from time to time on the adventures at Pleasant Chapel. Thanksgiving is FOR ME the best holiday! It brings me to a place of focus on those blessings God in his providence has so richly endowed. I'm thankful for you blog friends who enrich our lives.....sometimes with comments....but at least with your interest.

Waiting For Arrival.....

....Uncle Bob and Aunt Claudia joined us Thanksgiving morning at Columbus airport for the much anticipated arival of Sam, Mel and Eloise. They were flying in from a week's stay in LA, their home before moving to France.

......Claudia and Alyssa.....TWO BEAUTIES......

It IS True...."ABSENSE MAKES THE HEART GROW FONDE"

........as can be clearly seen in these shots of the.......... "Moment of Arrival" .......the long absence....and.....anticipation of reconnection........

......and first views of little Eloise.......

.....bring great delight..........

..........to a Mother......(and Father behind the camera's) HEART!!! ...........WELCOME HOME!

.....And Finally.....After 3 Years....HOME!!!

It was just so.....comfortable......to have Sam and Mel and Eloise return to us after three years apart......well ....at least geographically. Although we connect with them via blog and Skype.....there's nothing like just having their presence in the room!

.....and to look directly into those beautiful eyes.......

.......and enjoy her antics.........This is a very special Thanksgiving indeed!

Fun With Eloise....

.............Sam helping her "launch"..........

....just getting her wheels......

.....she does this little cute "nose noise".........

...........and to tide her over to Thanksgiving meal.......

Thanksgiving At Dave And Kims

From the earliest years of our marriage we have traditionally celebrated Thanksgiving at Pat's Aunt Fran and Uncle Kennys home until they passed away. Dave and Kim have graciously continued the tradition in what is now their house. This was a very special gathering with Meg and the girls and Sam, Mel and Eloise able to join the family circle. This is Sam on the phone talking to Chelsey who joined us by phone from California.

....Heather takes a break from becoming a nurse to greet our Parisian visitors.

..........while Sam........fast becoming a Domestic Dad....checks for.......well......daughter doo doo!

Uncles, Cousins and Giving Thanks....

Fascination With Eloise

.....she already knows how to calculate pie R Square......

......cousins......

....Hailey enjoys getting Eloise to "talk."

.........."Cousin Love!"

Duck Duck Goose....

...did you ever play this game??....Alyssa runs around the circle........

......taps someone on the head........

........and they have to chase her around to fill the empty spot while we wince and clap!

Reading With The Girls

....such interest....

........such a cute story....

The book, "The Toy Circus" was illustrated by friend, Tim Bowers. The kids loved it!

Saturday Morning Walk Through Black Hand Gorge

Dave Hile, Licking Valley Superintendent, and I spent Saturday morning walking and talking our way through BHG. We shared ideas about the value of the history and nature of the area for the teaching possibilities it holds for staff and kids.

..........we saw this evidence of the work of beavers throughout the Licking River valley......

.........and this evidence of being busy as a beaver................

As We Stood Here Contemplating Life Adventures

.....along came these two Newark High School seniors........... Their reason for being here was to prepare themselves for a summer hike on the Appalachian Trail. Corey and Joe inspired us because of their enthusiasm for nature and passion for their goal to hike the Appalachian. We hope to see them there!

.....one of the highlights of the trip was when we were standing across from Council Rock (picture taken earlier this summer) and.....not one......but two....bald eagles flew from right to left through this gorgeous scenery.

Seth and Heather Pay a Visit

Playing in the Hallway...

Grandpa Gets Some Lovin

Alyssa is a cuddle bug! She loves to be held and in her little innocent way love on her grandpa.......

......there is just something very special about holding and laughing with your granddaughter......

....and have her try to kiss my neck and make me laugh.... She put the clown nose on my forehead.....

.....and then proceeded to kiss my face profusely.......LOVE IN ITS PUREST FORM!

This One's For Sam.....Get On Home Here!

Seth, Meg, Wes and I went to the Licking Valley/Canal Fulton Northwest State Quarter Final Playoff game last night. In order for Sam to get to see them when he gets here next week.....the Panthers had to beat the #1 ranked Div 3 team in the state. The game was as exciteing as any I've ever watched! Coach Baughman, left, has taken Valley teams to the playoffs many times over the last 20 years....even to the State Championship game once.....but never "won it all." This year....with outstanding players including Storm Klein, who has been given a full ride to Ohio state in only his Jr year.....have set out on their quest again......

......the game was back and forth with both teams getting....... then giving up the lead....Here quarter back Nick Phillips hands off to Storm...

......who not only carries the ball but plays middle line backer.....but also on a number of occassions.....pinned the Indians back on the field with his leg!.....

The Final Two Big Plays...

With just 5 minutes to go and down 17 to 14 the Panthes drove the ball down the field with couple of 4th down conversions. We got the ball to the goal line with just over 2 minutes to go and 3 times tried to pound it in without success.....then 4th and 1 foot....and the chance to go on to play the state championship game on the line....the team comes to the line with both sides of the stadium on their feet....

........the handoff goes to Storm....(Go Figure!) And inspite of everyone in the stadium knowing he was going to be the ball carrier.....HE RUNS IT IN FOR A TOUCHDOWN.....making the score with the extra point Valley 21 CFNW 17................

....but wait....it wasn't over yet......

CFNW.......gets the ball....throws a long completion downfield.....and after 3 more plays have the ball 4th and 13.....with one play remaining........ Their quarterback drops back.....throws to their best receiver in the endzone......and......

.....Valley defensive back, Grant Markert (whose Dad I had in school!) leaps up and knocks the ball down to seal the victory!!!

.............It don't get any better or more exciteing then that!!

.....and finally....coach Baughman leads the team to their knees....a prayer of thanks goes up.... There is something about this picture that touches me. I guess at the very least it shows a reverance for God.....the fact that at the heigth of great triumph....there is an acknowledgement of Thanks...... the screaming yelling fans were brought to complete silence........and then....

.....the red helmet salute....

....the acceptance of the quarter final champs trophy....

...........and the sight and celebration of REAL COMMUNITY!

"The Coming"

Megan arrives at the Columbus Airport today with Alyssa and Hailey who is toteing her new luggage....Alyssa's first words...PAPA!

PICKING UP THE LUGGAGE....

..........Grandma greets Meg and Alyssa at the door..... The more I look at this picture...the more I adore it!
It is so....PAT!
She's been working so hard for several weeks to prep the house to make it "Kid Friendly" and warm and inviting for Meg and the girls and then for Sam, Mel and Eloise when they get here Thanksgiving Day. ....but her love for our family shows through so loud and clear in this picture.
I'm so glad I met this girl in the lunch room of 101 C of Newark High School in 1962!!!

...."come on in, Hailey!"

Checking Out The New Toy Bin

Grandma has been putting in some serious preparation time for "The Coming." The living room cupboard got a redue complete with boxes, baskets and bins of toys...including some from her and Meg's childhood....for the grandchildren.

.....dogs and santa dolls....

......and airplanes to put smiles on faces!

A Warm Homecoming

A Visit To See Big Ben

Ian and I paid a visit to the Lakewood gym to see a developing athlete and friend. Ben, an 8th grader with size 13 shoes got some serious playing time......

...but not before getting the last word from the coach.....

......and scoring a hoop.

...That's pure concentration!

Your Room Awaits!

.......to those of you arriving from the East......Your room awaits you. Meg and the girls arrive this Thursday and occupy the Master Suite until the arrival of Sam, Mel and Eloise who will occupy it until Dec. 1. Out your window is the pleasantness of Pleasant Chapel and the remnants of fall. We just can't wait!!!!

The Gathering!

While out and about the other day I came across the annual fall round up of these starlings. "Birds of a feather flock together" was my grandma's way of advising me to watch the crowd I hung out with. Here they "flock".....and I do mean FLOCK!

........SWOOP.......GATHER.....FLY....to the great warm Caribbean.

............when I got to the corner of #668 and #16 the contrast of light fall colors and the dark sky backgraound caught my eye. The red light allowed me to aim and shoot!

THE PIE.....

Tonight Zoe and Addy (with parents help) delivered a cranberry/apple pie to Grandma and Grandpa's house. For more detail see "People in Your Life" posting below.

........with great anticipation I looked forward to that first delicious bite.....

ahh...nothing like the anticipation of that first yummy nibble.....drizzeled with icing.....(close your eyes, Heather!)

......and then the second .....

Sometimes There Are People In Your Life......

.....that every minute with them is special and has extraordinary significance. Such is how it is with Grandchildren. The other day Zoe called me out of the blue (we love to get "out of the blue" phone calls from kids and grandkids!) to ask if I would meet her after school with my camera so I could take pictures of her and Addy for her to post on her blog. So I reported for duty and caught the shots previously posted and these of the girls at their lockers....yes...lockers in elementary school.....VERY SPECIAL!

I followed them around as they directed me to shots they wanted me to take....I am Blogger Bill you know!

....even the aquarium brought from the the old school seemed to take on a new life and interest in this new setting.
Tonight we got a call from Zoe informing us that the pies we ordered had come in and asking if it would be alright if they brought them over. Wes, Cheryl, Zoe and Addy pulled up in the van to deliver the pies.....but so much more significant than that was the half hour visit we had. Adelle sat on my lap while Pat and Cheryl talked about recent bargains they had "bagged" at CJ Banks. Wes and I talked a little Valley football (when we could slide words in edgewise!).....but he is suffering from the latter stages of a flu like malady. I watched as several times Zoe would go over to the chair he was sitting in and put her hand on his forehead or cheek or stroke his hair. Cheryl shared that Zoe has been worried about her Dad being sick. There is a special significance to every moment we get to spend with family members, especially children and grandchildren. It is one of God's richest blessings to us at this stage of our life adventure.

Preparing For Company.....

First, my apology for the long time since last blog entry......but there has been good reason! Besides a lot of counseling and "work" related activity (I know you with regular 8 to 5 jobs out there can relate!), we've been preparing for THE COMING....
The coming to Ohio by Meg, Hailey and Alyssa and THE COMING TO AMERICA BY ELOISE, SAM AND MEL. Here I am planting a start of Black Bamboo at the entrance of Pat's Secret Garden and Bill's Botanical Gardens. You have to do a WHOLE LOT MORE than dig a hole and plant the plant. With bamboo you have to contain it. If not it will invade all of the world! ....so....I had to dig a 2 foot deep trench to bury a thick black plastic barrier to keep it contained. It and the completion of the stone wall will complete this phase of preparation for our guests to come.

Pat has been applying her decorating touch to the entire interior of the house. She does not want me post pictures of the finished work since she wants it to be a welcoming surprise to those visiting. Wes and Cheryl and the girls stopped by tonight to deliver Market Day pies we had purchased and they enjoyed the new look. For those coming in from other parts of the country and world........

.....these are the tools being used to PREPARE FOR YOUR COMING!!!

Pat Putting Her Decorative Touch on Every Room...

....stones and shells........

.....pumpkins, squash, corn and candles bring natural beauty to....

......the hurricane lamps and....

.....glass containers in the kitchen/dining room.....

Hints Of The Welcome Home...

....a nice warm fireplace to gather around with cups of warm cider and conversation.....

.....the feel of fall harvest.......

....and a new scene to greet you around every corner..... WE CAN'T WAIT!