we're still here

It's officially been over 2 months since I last blogged. Were you worried about us? Probably not. I didn't think so. Most of you know that we've just been crazy busy...and if I must admit it, I have been a bit lazy in my free time. I'll give you a quick run down of what's been going on and then I'll take more time later to give more details on each occurrence (including pictures....that's what we all really like best, right?!?)

---I sent both my boys to school this year. (hard swallow). They have done great. Nathan teared up the first two days (and if truth be told, so did I). No surprise, Nathan is the start student....earning the most "lassos" (rewards for good behavior) in his class so far. And Kaleb has done extremely well....his behavior and ability to focus is greatly improved. And they are both turning into fabulous readers.

---I turned 30. I don't really want to talk about it. Well....maybe I will...just later.

---Aubri turned 3. Everyone says that time flies faster with each passing year. I just want to state for the record that I think that royally stinks. I personally love the time we are in right now and I hate how quickly the moments are flying away. If you don't mind I think I will just live in a fantasy land where I can pretend that my kids will forever remain little and cuddly. Please don't burst my bubble...it's a fantastic bubble, if I do say so myself.

---We went to Six Flags with the Whaley family in early September. There is just no way to describe to you how much I miss these people. I tell you what....Bolivar is one of my favorite places I've ever lived (second to Wentzville) but if the Whaleys, Hayes, Hollands, and Lees would just move their little hineys here Bolivar would jump into the lead for sure. I guess I'll just need to increase the prayer power a bit.

---Church has been.....well.....interesting. I don't want to say much more than that because I know some things need to remain private and there will be many who read this (that may be an exaggeration since I am pretty sure there are all of 5 of you out there in cyberland who read this) who would know too much if I wrote it all. Let's just boil it down to this....Rayden has begun to talk about what the Bible says about Church government. And saying that it has caused an uproar would be an understatement. The good news is that there are people all over the country praying for God to spiritually, emotionally, and physically protect us....and God has done just that. And we stand strong knowing that the Truth always wins! (on a side note....we are now running about 250 in services....that's up 100 since we got here!)

---My mom got pregnant. HA! Did I get your attention? Just kidding.....sort of. My mom has become delusional again. She now thinks she is pregnant. Which, fyi, is a medically impossibility due to a little thing we call a hysterectomy. (sorry if I seem flippant about it....I most certainly am not....it's just the sort of thing where if you don't laugh about it you're sure to cry). We're increasing her medication and crossing our fingers until February (when her medicare finally kicks in)

---I have started running. Hey....stop laughing....that's not very nice. I was kidding about my mom, but this is for real. After you pick your jaw up off the floor (don't be embarrassed, mine still drops each night when I finish) I will tell you the shocking story. My friend Rhianna (a sweet messenger from the Lord to me) came over one day a while back. She said that the Lord was prompting her to stop by and let me know she was praying for me. It was right when I needed some encouragement. Rhianna.....if you are one of the 5 people reading this =) I want you to know how immensely grateful I am that you came over that day. It was a game-changer for me....it helped me to LOVE it here and it was a reminder to me from the Lord that He had already paved our way here and that He would give us wonderfully godly people to journey with us. Thank you for being obedient to the Lord....it made a difference in my life. Anyway....tangent over. While she was here she told me about this thing called "couch to 5K" I worked hard at forgetting I had ever heard about it for about 5 weeks. But, after receiving a second report of borderline cholesterol I decided that it was time to work harder at honoring God with my body. I went out the first time and it requires you to jog for 60 seconds and then walk for 90. You do that cycle 9 times. To be honest...I wasn't sure I was gonna make it (I have NEVER run a mile without stopping in my ENTIRE life). But, I have surprised myself. I have stuck with it. I have not quit. I have not cheated. I am done with the first 2 weeks. I WILL finish this.

---Rayden has started refereeing football. Each Monday night he refs a JV football game in the Springfield/Bolivar area. We are looking forward to paying off our van early and/or funding Christmas with some of that extra money.

---I have started volunteering at the Alpha House (a crisis pregnancy center here in town). It's so amazing. I am mentoring 3 women and I am loving every second of it. And I oddly feel more connected to my mom when I am there. She was so passionate about life/pregnancy/centers against abortion and she spent countless hours volunteering her time at places similar to this. I know that she would be proud.

---Kaleb asked Jesus into his heart! This is clearly the most exciting news of all. I will write the whole story later, but let's just say that it was one of the greatest joys of my life to hear his sweet words to his Savior and see the smile on his face when he heard me tell him that now he was a Christian. It was A-stinkin-MAZING!

well...consider yourself updated. I am sure I forgot things. I'll keep catching up. And I promise to do better and never get this behind again (you can't see it, but I am raising my right hand and looking very serious). I hope you all are well too (all 5 of you!!) Please let me know who you are...I would love to know who I am connected to. Love all of you!