October 2012

October was another marathon month full of fun activities. We continued to enjoy our "normal activities" including Bible Study Fellowship, Small Group, etc but for the sake of space I will just highlight a few special activities we got to do.

Leigh Ann and the boys started the month off heading to Nana and Papa's for a day. There is so much to do and the boys just love spending time with them. This time they really enjoyed playing miniature golf. When Eli takes his time he does very well. Thad will need a little more practice before he is ready for the big competition at Thanksgiving!

We also had a great time at our annual trip to the zoo. We never tire of seeing all the unique creatures God created. It was especially neat since we just got done studying about how God created all the animals during Bible Study Fellowship. A special treat was the sea lion show. They are truly magnificent animals and it was amazing to see all they could do and how effortlessly these enormous creatures glide through the water. They barely swish their feet to propel themselves through the water. It was fun to see one play volleyball with a trainer and talk to her. The petting zoo is always a highlight. Getting to touch and groom the animals is so fun! Leigh Ann was able to get 4 tickets for free by donating blood a few times so all we had to pay for was the gas. Thank you Lord for how you provide in unexpected ways!

Leigh Ann competed in her first 10K race the second weekend in October. It was a beautiful cool morning. Over 1,200 runners came out to show support for cancer patients. She finished in her best time ever of 1 hour 9 minutes and 30 seconds. If not for her injured heel she would begin training for a half marathon. This will have to wait as she takes time out to try and heal. Please pray for quick healing as she misses running and this is the perfect time of year for it in Arkansas!

We were able to spend more time with our Russellville friends again this month. It is always a blessing to visit with them.

Jeff endured his first set of parent teacher conferences at Southside. They hold them on two separate nights making for two VERY long days. He was mostly encouraged by the parents that came and really enjoys his students.

At the end of the month, we attended our church's annual Fall Festival. From games, to food, to the bounce around, fun is had by all! It was a blast to watch the adults on the cake walk. There was much laughter heard that night! Both Thad and Eli wore two costumes. They started the night in one and switched to the other half way through the night. Eli was a dinosaur and a lion. Thad was a kitty and a ducky. I hope you enjoy the pictures of them hamming it up! They also trick or treated at a few houses in our neighborhood.

Jeff and Leigh Ann had a blast at their small group's Halloween Party. We played silly games and laughed ourselves sick. We won the best costume in both the male and female category as well as winning one of the other games we played. Our friends provided our babysitter so we enjoyed the night without the kids. It was fun to see a different, less serious, side of our small group.

As the month came to a close, we were blessed by a visit from Nana and Papa. The boys always get soooo excited to see them they practically trip over themselves to give hugs and talk over each other to catch them up on the latest happenings. Papa usually brings a special treat of donuts and now the boys can't wait to see what kind of sprinkles there will be. This time were the usual along with star shaped sprinkles! Time spent reading together is precious but they don't sit still for very long. Eli especially has ants in his pants and with his bony butt makes reading a story rather uncomfortable at times. Thad loves to turn pages but often won't let you finish reading before he turns. There is never a dull moment here!

I hope you enjoy the pictures. I am sorry that the quality on many pictures is poor but our camera that has served us well for 6.5 years is now dying.

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September 2012

Is fall ever going to get here? School is back in swing, football season is under way, and it is still in the 90's here! We are hoping and praying for jeans and sweatshirt weather but not sure we are going to see it anytime soon.

The month started off with a bang for our family as Elijah became the newest triathlete in the family. He completed the swim/run/bike in great time and came in second place in his age division!!!! He swam and biked like a champ but a stomach cramp slowed him down in the run. Overall, he loved the experience and wants to do it again. He especially loves his medal (and showed it by kissing it several times) and his bobble head trophy. What fun! We were so proud of him we had to choke back tears.

Bible Study Fellowship is now in full swing and Leigh Ann is really enjoying the 15 ladies in her discussion group. They are studying Genesis this year and she is already amazed at all she has learned even though she has read Genesis many times in the past. The boys are also loving "Bible School" and are learning about creation right along with Mom.

Leigh Ann has enjoyed having one of her good friends move closer and the two of them take turns watching the others kids once a week so the other can have a break. What a blessing!

Our Small Group Bible Study has been studying the Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn. So far the study has been challenging and convicting. We are trying harder to live life in light of eternity and not store up for ourselves "treasure" here. This has led to more giving and even purging of stuff.

As you will see in the pictures we have already been enjoying this football season. Jeff's school has a great team and an amazing band to boot. The cheerleaders, Dixie Bells, and Flag Core also make for fun entertainment. We sure love football. Now if the weather would just cooperate...

Jeff also helped two families in our small group move this month and would you believe that it rained on him both times! Who says God doesn't have a sense of humor. We have been in a drought for months and now it rains. I would have laughed those two nights if the weather hadn't turned into dangerous tornado conditions. Thankfully Jeff just ended up wet. Unfortunately, so did a ton of the stuff.

Leigh Ann has had to hang up her swimsuit for a while as she hopes and prays that her shoulder heals.She has been struggling with pain since the spring and it has started to get worse. She continues to run but plantar fasciitis has slowed her down a bit. Lord willing, she is still going to run her first 10K in a couple weeks. She completed her farthest run ever this past month at 7.2 miles.

We hosted a special visitor this month. Jake, a friend of Leigh Ann's from Bible School, whom she hasn't seen in 8 years, stopped by for an overnight visit. It was great getting to catch up and hear the stories of God's providence in his life. It was a fun and encouraging time and the boys loved having him. Eli has asked several times when he will be coming back. Maybe the next time we are in Wisconsin we can catch up with him again.

We hope you enjoy the pictures and that they bring a smile to your face. We pray you take time today to enjoy God's creation and find yourself looking forward to an eternity with Him!

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