Happy Halloween

Each year, our cousins, Samantha and Kirra come up for dinner and trick or treating. This year we were hoping Uncle Scott could make it so Caleb and Kirra dressed up as Darth Vadar and Yoda, while Emaleigh and Samantha were Queen Susan (from Chronicles of Narnia) and Princess Jasmine. Aunt Beth made it to help us gather up some candy and for the first time ever, I decided I needed to venture out to see what all they hype was about. I usually stay home to hand out candy, but with the weather being relatively decent, I decided to tag along. It was quite a hoot to see the kids so excited about ringing strangers doorbells for free candy. Caleb even took his chances an spun the wheel to try to double his candy at one house. He also had the chance to lose all his candy or win a free pet. Of course he won the free pet. What kind of pet you ask? A darling goldfish names Halloween. He lasted about 2 weeks, and then decided he needed to go to the graveyard!


The gang all decked out!


Aunt Beth aka Yoda


The New Addition

Caleb's Track Day

We have yet to find a sport that Caleb does not enjoy. So when track day comes along, he is overjoyed! A whole day of running around outside in his jersey shorts and top would probably be one of his most favorite things in life. This year he participated in the long jump and the high jump. He placed 2nd in the high jump with a jump of 3 feet 2 inches. After numerous jumps with the kids in his class, it came down to just his friend Benji and him. They each jumped 3 times before Caleb's little bootie hit the bar first. It was great!

The other event he excelled in was the 75 meter relay race. He was a fill-in for someone who was sick. His team ended up taking 1st place!

He also received a 4th place ribbon for the individual 75 meter dash.

Way to go Caleb! We are so proud of you.

Dad came out to see the events, but it looks like he got a little distracted!


Such concentration!


Lift that bootie!


Bringing it home!
(note: if you click on this picture you will really be able to see on his face!)

Emaleigh's Last Track Day

Yesterday was Emaleigh's last time to compete in track day events at Scott Elementary. This has been a long time favorite day for her. The first time she competed in 2nd grade she was sad because she didn't earn a ribbon. But every year since then, she has worked very hard to earn at least one. This year, her goal was to earn a third place white ribbon, because she had every other color from previous years. And, of course, she did just that. She also earned a first place and a fourth place. Way to go Ema. We are so very proud of you!

Coming in first place in the 200 meter relay

Giving it her all at the triple jump

Thank You

I just love this word. It is probably the most honorable word I can think of. It should be the first thing we say when we wake up and the last thing we should say when we go to sleep.

Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to live another day.

Thank you, Craig, for being my husband, best friend, lover, companion and father of our children .

Thank you, Emaleigh, for being such a great kid! I will never understand how I came to be your mother, but I will be eternally thankful for all of the joy you bring me.

Thank you, Caleb, for being so caring. God was so gracious when He gave me you. I will thank Him always for the laughter you bring me.

Thank you, Mom, for sharing your love of Christ with me.

Thank you, Dad, for believing in me and loving me the way you do.

Thank you, Mom and Dad, for giving me the most wonderful man to share my life with, and of course for making dinner on Sunday's!

Thank you to all of our brothers and sisters who make us feel like we are a part of something so much bigger. The relationships we have with each of you is priceless.

Thank you to all of our friends who make us smile and thank you for sharing your lives with us. We are better people because of it.

Thank you, Lord, for allowing me to appreciate all You have given me to enjoy while I am here on Earth.

What A Kid!

This year Emaleigh graduated from the Children's Sunday school program and moved to Route 56. It's a combination of 5th and 6th graders. They no longer meet in the main church building, but across the street in a smaller building with middle and high school students. Her classroom is decked out with great street signs, an old route 66 gas pump and even an old car they can hang out in. It's very inviting!

Sometimes we just can't help but think how crazy it is that our baby is really growing up and we are having to learn to let go. We realize she is really only on loan to us for a short time, but it is going much faster than we anticipated. God has great plans for her though, and her first assignment proved to be one that showed just this.

She had to find a verse in the bible that was meaningful to her and learn it for the week. Her teacher is making a slide show for Sunday so we had to send a photo of her with her verse somewhere in the house. She decided she wanted it next to her bed so she could fall asleep and wake up to it.

While it took her a little time to search a variety of her books for just the right verse, she finally settled on this one:



"I know I can't see God, Mommy, but He is there!" What an insight for such a little girl. I just love how she is able to teach me as I grow up in my journey with Him, as well.

I can only imagine how God must feel when His children have these enlightenmnent's. Whether we're young or old, it must make Him overjoyed.

A Saturday Morning

What a wonderful morning. The clouds are hovering. The temperature is in the low 50's. The kids are playing together in the basement. I'm lounging in my jammies and enjoying the solitude of a Saturday morning. No place to be. Just this place. The place where you are most relaxed and not stressed about all the things that have to get done.