Our July meeting was held at one of our favorite places, the Chinese Buffet in Rockville Center. We had the back area to ourselves, and had lots of fun. I had some Precious Moments news to share, and there was talk about the Disney event as well. I also spoke about the upcoming Texas picnic and the Chapel event as well.

We all received our summer newsletter tonight. There was a reminder about our club doll, and several more have been ordered. We also had a HAWAII section in this newsletter. There were many positive comments about that section. Several collectors have since told me that they will keep it with their pictures as a reminder.

Our club does not meet during the month of August. We used to have our planning meeting at that time, but this year we skipped that meeting. We are pretty much sure of most of the activities that we will be participating in throughout the year. So, fast-forward to September.

Our September meeting was a celebration of our TEN YEARS as a Precious Moments Local Club Chapter!!!! We met for dinner at La Viola’s in Five -Towns. We had a great dinner that was enjoyed by everyone. Dianne & George came up for the meeting, and it was great to see them and catch up on all of their news. Their house is done, minus the garage, and Sean and Alana have gotten quite tall.

After dinner, we went back to Pat & Irv’s house.

We went to "stuff balloons" for our "Burst-A-Balloon" at the Chapel. A special thank you to Mary McCarthy’s brother Joe, for his donation of balloons! We had a lot of fun fitting those little pieces of paper into the balloons. We have 1,100+ balloons. We also shared birthday cake from Michael’s and some other goodies as well. A special thanks to Pat and Irv for their hospitality. Tonight was the night that we all brought our school supplies for the Glenn Cove Boys & Girls Club. As usual everyone was very, very generous!! I’m sure that they will be put to good use!

As we celebrated our 10^th birthday we had each brought a Precious Moments gift to share. We do a raffle of some sort, and everyone went home with something other than what they brought! There were ornaments, a paperweight, calendars, an Avon December hat figurine, and lots of other fun items as well.

I spoke about The Friends and Family Reunion at the Chapel. We have to pick up "kits" for several of our club members who will be unable to attend. We shared the news of the Disney event, although none of us had much news at that time. Then I shared news about the new figurines that are coming out. There is a new Hallmark exclusive. It is called "May Your Prayers Be Answered" #283452. Does anyone know when it will be available to us?

I also shared pictures of the many new releases, and it seemed as if people were starting their Christmas lists….which to buy for who, and which to put on a wish list! "You Were Made For Me" is to be available in October, and there is a companion ornament that can be purchased for $9.99 when you buy the figurine. So many of the Christmas figurines look so special! "Angels Keep While Shepherds Sleep" is a Limited Edition as well as the first issue in the "Herald Angels" Series. The new breast cancer figurine looks very special "Walk, Run, Empower". The proceeds continue to benefit the Y-Me Foundation,(this foundation works hand-in-hand with the Koman foundation) and there is a lapel pin available as well. The new birthday pieces are quite cute as well. I especially like "Birthday Wishes With Hugs & Kisses". Dianne really liked "I’m A Fool For You" and was wondering if George was the model for this one! That is a Valentine’s Day figurine and comes with a pillow. I wonder if Dianne will give that one to George or if George will give it to Dianne!?!?

The Limited Edition Series Through The Years will be available in November. Each figurine will be limited to 7,500 pieces. The one with the phone was cute, and there were many oohs’ and aah’s from the group. Diane liked the baptism piece, and Debbie liked the one with the Life Saver. There are too many to list them all, but keep your eyes open for "A Banner Of Hope, A Symbol Of Pride" (a little boy with a flag).

There are many new Christmas figurines as well, and I’m still trying to pick my favorite!! Whichever you pick, I hope that your Christmas wishes will be filled and that you will have that figurine/s. Continue to enjoy your collecting.

In closing, although I know that it is very early, I’d like to wish you all a very safe, happy and blessed holiday season. May you always have much to be thankful for; may your Christmas be blessed; and may your New Year bring you all of the happiness that you deserve.

Happy Collecting!