happy halloween!

fall soccer

Audrey has her last soccer game this Saturday. It's been a cold, rainy season but she has had a ball nonetheless. Her soccer pizza party was last night and one of the mothers made necklaces for each of the girls. So thoughtful. We've really been blessed with a neat group of families this season.

smart girl!

Audrey has been staying up later and later. Last night, a couple hours after she'd been put to bed, Patrick and I heard her singing a praise song loudly. I went up to tell her to go to sleep and found her sitting on her bed with her Bible wide open, reading a Bible story book, and singing. I said, "Honey, you have to go to sleep. It's getting late." She replied, "I know Mom. But really, I need God more than I need sleep!"

Deception Pass

Monday started with an early morning phone call from Patrick's boss. Would he like to have the day off? Hmmmm - let me think about it. YES! So we headed off to Deception Pass for the day and it was great! The kids loved the big bridge. We had the beach to ourselves and took some great hikes. Then we drove through the camping area (I'm trying to psych myself up for future family camp outs - which so far is not working). Then we came home and baked our annual pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies.

What a great day. What a pleasant surprise.

we had so much fun...

...with grandma and grandpa this weekend!

blogiversary

As of today I have been blogging for one year. What began as a way to share pictures with my siblings and the grandparents has become my photo album, scrapbook, and journal all in one. It has made me be more intentional about taking pictures, which I love. And it gives me the opportunity to make an attempt at written communication - not something I do much of anymore in my day-to-day life (not beyond a first-grade level at least!). So I've really enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing this journey with me.

What a difference a year can make!

resolve

I am in the midst of an internal battle.

On one side is FEAR. I am full of fear regarding the health of my children. In spite of very limited TV viewing or radio listening and no newspaper - I am bombarded with information about the various flu bugs that are in our midst. I am getting conflicting information about the reliability of the vaccines available. And because I have a child with a history of respiratory issues, it is particularly frightening to me. This fear consumes a great deal of my thought life and is affecting my ability to sleep. And it makes me want to keep my kids at home for the next six straight months.

On the other side is PEACE. I serve the God who controls the universe. I believe He is in complete control of everything that touches my family. I believe that nothing will happen to us that is outside His will for us. His "good, pleasing, and perfect will." I know that He loves my children even more than I do. And I know that when I ask for it, he will give me wisdom in how to best care for them.

I am doing a Bible study of "Daniel" right now by Beth Moore. And as always, it has been divinely timed for this season in my life. This week we learned that Daniel had to RESOLVE that the culture he was living in would not affect his integrity. And it occurred to me this morning that I too must resolve that fear is not going to rule in my life.

So that is my challenge. Having peace in this scary world. Trusting that 'God is who He says He is and can do what He says He can do'. And practicing this resolve every single day. No matter what.

day at the zoo

Patrick took the day off yesterday and we headed to Seattle to spend the day at the zoo. It was wonderful! The animals were out enjoying the sunshine. The kids all did great. And it was quite economical thanks to some passes from Jee Young (thank you!).

We started with a picnic in the back of the car. Do you think they're excited?

The animals were just amazing. Always reminds me of what a creative God we have!




Ethan did great in the stroller but was quite excited to walk back to the car when our time was done.

And to top off our wonderful day - Nana and Papa came for a visit last night. Thank you so much for the computer work, the apples, the pencil sharpener, and my quiet shower this morning! Love you both so much!

Stoney Ridge Farm