America's Invisible Children

500,000 American children under the age of 5 are homeless. 21 percent of of homeless children repeat a grade because of attendance issues.

I read an article with many statistics about these children. Since there was some discussion about keeping our project funds in the USA, maybe we should consider this project. Can you imagine Emma, Clay, Savannah, Ridge, Cayden, Kara, Cortlyn, Mandy, Amber N, Amber E., Kyle, or Chris being one of these children and living in a homeless shelter? Only 24 percent homeless children live in shelters. 22 percent are separated from their family and are put in foster care within a single year.

I haven't as of yet, but let's all research americasinvisiblechildren.com or familyhomelessness.org before we make a final decision where our "FAMILY" will send our group project funds this Christmas.

Copied from "Mission Leader" magazine published by the Woman's Missionary Union in Birmingham, AL.

Camping

I have a great idea for camping next year! Jason, Shaun, Christie, kids, & I went camping last weekend at Green Acres in Williamston. They have 2 weekends in October that has a Halloween theme. They have lots of activities on Saturday (pumpkin carving contest, crafts, costume contest & parade, carnival, trick r treating, and more). We had a great time and thought that might be an option for next year.

REMEMBERING ED, GLORIA, and MAMA

Last weekend after making the decision concerning gift giving for Christmas this year to donate to Heifer (sp) International, on the way home, I said to Gene that I thought that it would be nice to make our family (Layton-Byrum family) donation in memory of Ed and Gloria. Now that I think about it, I guess we should also add Mama's name in that also. If anyone has any feelings about that, you can blog your opinion.

Remembering Ed

Even after all this time

The sun never says to the earth, "You owe me."

Look what happens with a Love like that!

—It lights the whole Sky. (Hafiz)

Remembering Ed

Had a truck driver make a delivery to the shop last week. He is a black man who farms some on the side. We do a job for him, maybe once a year. He asked, "Mr Ed not in today?" I had to tell him that Ed passed away on Sept 23. He said, "I'm sorry to hear that." He then put his head down on the counter and when he raised it, with tears in his eyes, said, "I fell in love with that man 18 years ago." I know how he feels.

Dad's 89th Bday Celebration

Enjoyed celebrating Dad's bday with all who could come. Dad is doing very well I think. He's had a tough year, but has rallied back well. All had a good time with Cayden and Kara Rayne!