Saturday, November 21, 2015

More

More

Early Christmas

I surprised Matt and Jack with tickets to see the Mythbusters.  They were happy, and I think I was happier!  It's really fun to surprise people with something you know they will love.  Now to find something special for me and Ava to do!  I think she will be easier to surprise!  I just included a picture of Ava's turkey dress because I thought it was pretty cute. 

Friends

Fun playdate last week with some of our co-op friends.  We miss them!

Harvest Home Sunday

We had a great Sunday at our church last week for our Harvest Home Sunday.
We had 102 people, great preaching from Pastor Brandon Black from Victory
Baptist Church in Rochester, wonderful music from the Blacks and also our
former music director and his wife, Steve and Michelle Douglas, and a huge
Thanksgiving turkey and ham meal with lots of friends and family.  It was
special for us to serve with our friends the Blacks and Douglases in 10
musical specials and especially to spend some time with them.  We were
filled physically, emotionally, and spiritually!  Great weekend!

Goodbye, Fall! Hello, Holiday Season

Well, we are heading home next weekend for Thanksgiving, and the kids have
been begging to set up the Christmas stuff, so we did Friday morning. And
while we were doing it, it started snowing and didn't stop until later that
night.  It was kind of perfect!  Today they were able to do a little
sledding too, so they should be tired tonight!

My Mom

We had a special thing happen.  A family friend from years ago has written a novel and used my mom's (Chelsie) testimony as part of the story.  What a blessing that God is using her even now years later!

Report cards

Well I have a lot to catch up on again!  The first quarter ended, and the kids got their report cards. So far, so good!  Ava's teacher said she is pleasantly surprised with her progress.  It's so fun to hear her read!  Jack has all As and 1B in English (ach!).  But overall, we couldn't be happier with the kids' education, their attitudes are happy and engaging, and the school has just exceeded our expectations.  The teachers and staff are experienced and really care about the kids, and I love my job too!  It's just been a blessing all around.  Jack's report card is the first two pictures, and Ava's is the last two. 

School Pictures 2015

Jack 3rd grade, age 8
Ava kindergarten, age 5

Monday, November 2, 2015

Halloween Dressup

This year we did something different and took the kids to a church that had games and bouncy houses.  We met some friends there, and they had a great time with only a couple of comments about not actually trick or treating.  We ran out of time because they played so long, so it was fun and maybe next year we can get out again.  
So now it's November.  The weather changed dramatically for a few days last week, but this week is perfect again! October was awesome!  I was reminded of the quote from Anne of Green Gables, "I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers."  That's how it's been.  It finally feels like fall may be coming, and now the stores are filled with Christmas stuff!  Still two months away!  But I jump right into it, too, with buying decorations and starting to play the music.  I guess it's a fun two months, so I won't complain!  Here's the Incredible Hulk and Ariel with a Happy Halloween to you!