Sweetest Day 2018

 Our time together is often very minimal these days.  

It is the season of life that God has for us right now.  

Ted spends a great deal of time in Mexico trying to work through issues at one of the plants there.  We don't know how long God will allow this schedule, but we know that He is fully aware of what is happening in our lives.  So...when Ted comes home...he walks through the front door to a warm, cozy place of rest!  When he is home...we make the most of it!  My favorite...cool, fall dates to run errands or kiddos around with time just for us while we wait!

 We tried a new place for treats that was crazy, stupid busy...so we got it to go and went to our favorite coffee place.  We did a little shopping and then picked up Teddy from his ref job...and drove home in rain/snow mix!

 And then another favorite...evenings at home with our children...talking, laughing, watching sports or movies...TOGETHER.  When Dad is home...all is right with the world.

It is in those moments of being together that I sense the peace that God gives as we wait to see how He will work out all things for our good.

Somedays growing up...

isn't easy or fun and make us stop and hear the instruction of a father who is hundreds of miles away because the mother is at a loss!

 is full of different activities that stretch our minds AND time management which drive our parents crazy!

 leads us back to remember where we were, what we did, when we learned things...and we can laugh!

And through it all...we come out grateful for another period of learning and struggling through the pains of growing up!

Harvest Happenings 2018

 It is always fun to discover things...and get messy!  We spent the week looking at everything pumpkin.  We ended the week with a pumpkin party at our house, and it was such a nice evening!

 Treats from one of my K5 families...that little one sure listens to things that I do or say!  Candle...fingernail polish...coffee!

 Velle was interested in pumpkin fun too!

 Someone was very tired at the end of the night...and it wasn't the humans!

 Teenagers are fun!  We hosted a last minute supper to go along with their plan to take a new friend (our exchange student from Brazil) out to experience what Americans do on Halloween.

 Teddy and Caden...the duo of dueling wits!

 "Hey siri, what sound does a llama make?"

 Throw together what you have...

 leave Velle and Mom at home to "man" the candy bowl...

 and wait for little costumed children...

 and come back two hours later with heavy bags...of CANDY!

 Ummm...yeah...each bag was about the same!   11.6 pounds!?!  INSANITY!

 Trading and going through their stash!

 The look on our friend's face...amazement and wonder at this crazy tradition!

 At least our last dental appointment was cavity free!  Here is hoping we didn't just ruin that!

Saturdays with our kiddos

 are always some kind of busy!

Alisa always has the magic touch with our little friends that visit our house!

Having a new...fur baby join us soon!

We are growing our family by four paws!  This is our baby's momma...here waiting for her puppies to be born.  They arrived on Sunday (10/14/18)!  Three boys and two girls...white with brown spots or white with black spots.

Velle gets so lonely with our crazy in and out schedules...we thought maybe a little sister would help. We will get to bring her home at Christmas time.  Right now...we are struggling to find a name that will fit!

Teacher Retreat 2018

Our first teenage driver accident damage

A busy afternoon on the roads and two girls on the way to the mall.  Needless to say, they never went to the mall.  Ash rear ended a man in a Yukon and the only damage was to our vehicle...the imprint of the trailer hitch.  I am thankful that it wasn't more serious...as both Ted and I were out of town! Teddy was a help and calming voice to his sisters.  Hate to say it...but the experience with be helpful.

Fall happenings

 Wildlife is on the move in our neighborhood!

 Senior year activities are getting real!

 ABC Fashion Show...I always get "N"!

 I love the chance to date on the weekends!  A beautiful Michigan Saturday at a soccer tournament watching our favorite goalie.

 Hanging out with our guys is fun!

 Pink for October's Breast Cancer Awareness...from the little kids...

 to the big kids!  Teddy always makes me smile when I see him through the day...he usually finds a way to do it different!

 We went from 90s to 50 in the matter of a week...fall has finally arrived and it feels and smells good!

 Love notes from one of my little friends!

 My sister and another sister in Christ whose sister is fighting breast cancer.  So thankful for family and friends and a God who hears and cares!