Vacation week

Ok, it's not really a vacation, but I only have one job to work this week, and that seems like a vacation to me. The summer session of Boys & Girls club ended last Friday, and I was only scheduled to work Saturday through Monday at The Alley, and I don't work again until this Saturday! That leaves me a good chunk of time to relax and unwind from my busy Summer activities. Weeks like this only come along once in a blue moon. I'm using this time to do a lot of baking. I opened myself up to do baking services, and I have a good amount of baking to do. I don't look at baking as a job or chore. It's therapy to me. It also funds my mission trip projects. Every item ordered gets your name entered to win one free item from the menu. The special runs through Friday, if you're just hearing about this, and would like to jump on board. Check out my Facebook page to see what's on the menu! The newcomer to the menu is the candy bar cookie. Your favorite candy bar in cookie form! Yum!  

The last few days have been very wet, which is welcome around here. It saves money on watering the lawn and garden! I have a couple of tomato plants that are dying, and I attribute that to the bunnies that seem to like my yard. I have had to turn into "Mr. McGregor," running them out. I have noticed half-eaten tomatoes on the ground, and I'm pretty sure that they've eaten the stem and roots. Grrr… On a happier note, I've got a honeydew growing! (Provided the rabbits don't get it). It's about softball size, and looks very healthy. I've tried unsuccessfully for years to grow honeydew in my garden, and it looks like this could be the year! I'm praying that this little melon will flourish. I love honeydew, especially home-grown.

I am officially geared up for the fair, which is in about 5 weeks! I have my season pass, and picked up my paperwork for the cookies I'm entering. I've decided on Chocolate Chip, Snickerdoodle, Oatmeal Raisin, and Monster. Wish me luck! Are you entering anything in the fair? I'd love to know about it! Good luck to you as well!  
  I'm also implementing something new this year in my State Fair blog. I'll be spotlighting a business that has a display out there. I'll snap some pics and post what you'd like the fairgoers to know. This will be a free service. My state fair blog is read daily by approximately 250-300 people, and this is a good way to get yourself recognized. I'll pick one business/cause per day to spotlight. I'm ready to start booking days, so if you are interested in this, be sure to get in touch with me ASAP. Facebook message is probably the best way to touch base. First come, first served.  

The summer is definitely slipping away quickly. Enrollment begins this week, and in 2 weeks, school begins! I'm ready to get back into a schedule. I'm certainly NOT looking forward to early mornings again, but I'm thankful for my job. I love those kiddos. Sometimes they can be a challenge, like any kid can be, but we're there to redirect, teach, and guide them in the right path. An added perk this school year is that we were all given substantial raises. I did the math and estimated how much of my own money I could put into the missions fund. In 2020, I'd really like to take a trip to the Philippines. It seems to be calling to me. In the same year, there is a trip slated for Israel. I'm going to squeeze every penny I can so that I can attend both trips. Yes, that's a lofty goal! However, if God sees fit for me to go on both of these trips, He'll provide the finances. What if I fall short? Which trip will I go on? Definitely the Philippines. I'm still raising support for these trips, and praying that God might move the hearts of His people to support me, either prayerfully or financially.
While next week is still summer vacation, I'll be hanging out with the Jr. Highers of our church for their summer retreat. This is always a fun week. I'm praying that God will speak to these kids at this very vulnerable time in their lives, where they are looking for direction. Will you pray with me as well in this regard?

Hope this brings you up to speed for now. I have a few more things I need to bake, so I'll jump off for now. Thanks so much for taking the time out of your day to read my sometimes aimless ramblings. Guess that's why I call it "Rob's Ramblings!" You never know what direction I'll go. Thanks for joining me in this journey. God bless!