November 2015

Is it the end of November already? This past month flew by in a whir of birthday celebrations, a mini-vacation, and Thanksgiving at camp! Read on for more details.

Elijah turned 8 at the beginning of the month. We still cannot believe that we have an eight year old! As God would have it, we got to witness the adoption of a little girl to some of our best friends on the same day as his birthday. Getting to be a part of this special event made us all the more excited for when it will be our turn to adopt! We hope to announce Anna's adoption date soon.

That weekend we got to be part of another special celebration. We headed to Russellville to celebrate Seth's 5th birthday. The kids loved playing with their cousins before heading to a bounce house! We were so glad to be a part of his special day.

The next weekend we took the big boys and headed to Branson. In the spring, we were gifted with a one night stay at a hotel and indoor water park and we figured now was the time to go. It was such a wonderful and relaxing time. When we arrived we found out our room had been upgraded. The boys had their own clubhouse complete with bunks and TV within the bigger room! So cool! We played in the water park until our fingers and toes were raisins and then we played some more. It was such a blessing to have three families step forward to watch our three little ones.

The Academy that Eli attends two days a week put on a Thanksgiving show. The elementary performed music, recited verses, and did an interpretive dance. Eli loved signing along with the songs! It was so much fun to watch...especially the preschool who had dressed up like little Indians.

The next weekend the boys played in their first piano recital. Thad, being the youngest, was first up. He was a little tentative to take the stage but once seated on the bench, he played great! Eli, with his usual gusto, quickly took the stage, played his piece, and promptly returned to his seat. We are so proud of how hard they have been practicing and how far they have come in just a few short weeks of lessons! Thank God for the gift of music!

We were so excited that Nana and Papa got to come down for Thanksgiving! They arrived in time for the recital and then spent the next few days at our house. Nana and Mama prepared for Thanksgiving by shopping and cooking while Papa and the boys enjoyed several "adventures" around Fort Smith. Wednesday, before Thanksgiving, we headed to Pinecrest camp where we met up with our cousins, the Andersons. For the next couple days we would play hard, eat much, and sleep little.

The littles continue to grow and learn new things. Anna is saying so much more and continues to have an easy smile. Kenneth is her best friend. You can often hear her walking around calling for "Nenny".  Kenneth LOVES to laugh and finds much of life amusing. Even though he only recently learned to walk he can climb up things fast! We are constantly pulling him down from places he shouldn't be! Marie has developed a love for coloring. Now we just need to teach her to keep it on the paper! With all the littles running around it keeps life lively at our house!

We have so much to be thankful for. As we enter the Christmas season and anticipate the celebration of Jesus' birthday, we hope that you find as much to be thankful for as we have. God is so good!

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October 2015

The leaves are changing and so is our family! Read on for more details.

The month saw an end to another soccer season. Eli's team did well and finished in fifth place overall. He had an awesome season and was probably the most versatile player on his team. If he was needed in the front field, he was there. If he was needed in the back field, he was there. He also kicked off and threw in. His speed increased dramatically this year and sometimes I couldn't keep track of where he was because he was all over the place! He was so much fun to watch!

The second week in October, Mommy got the flu. For six days she struggled to get back on her feet. She is soooo thankful for great helpers who did their school and took care of Mommy. Daddy also took a day off to hold down the fort.

The middle of the month we got a visit from Grandma and Grandpa Rice as well as Nana Tucker. It was so much fun to visit Wild Things Farm with them and our cousins. We packed in so much that day. From the farm in the morning to a celebration for Eli in the afternoon, there was never a dull moment! Eli received a new bike and couldn't wait to try it out. Thad was almost as excited to get Eli's old bike and try biking without training wheels. It didn't take him more then a couple times before he was zooming without Dad's help. Learning to turn took a little longer but he is a pro now.

The very next week we added a new little person to our family. Kenneth is only two weeks younger then Anna and all boy. I always thought it would be fun to have twins and now we get to see what it is really like. He has a great laugh, climbs on EVERYTHING, and uses the girls pots and pans as drums. The big boys love playing with him. Anna loves to try and mother him. Marie is super jealous and cannot believe that this little boy has invaded her space. We now have three little ones in cribs, diapers, and car seats. Our house is full, our van is full, and our hearts are full...we think. Please pray for our family during this transition. Please pray for health and also for the Lord's provision as we fit seven of us in a house that is less than 1,200 square feet!

At the end of the month, we had another birthday celebration for Elijah. This time he invited a bunch of his friends and we had a sleepover. I'm not sure why they call it a "sleep" over because they didn't spend very much time sleeping. Eli will officially turn 8 tomorrow. I still cannot believe I have an eight year old. Where did my little man go? Every time I turn around his jeans are too short, his shoes are too tight, and his hugs get stronger.

To put a cap on our month, we went to a fall festival at a friend's church. The kids had so much fun playing old fashioned carnival games. There was even a cool cardboard box maze. Marie and Anna didn't really get the concept of playing a game to get candy. They just walked up to the candy buckets and helped themselves! Everyone thought they were so cute in their "little monster" costumes that they gave them extra candy. We now have enough candy to all gain 10 pounds between now and Thanksgiving!

I love the changes that Fall brings. The days are cooler but time spent with family seems warmer. Best of all, it means we are entering into a season of thanks and celebration for all God has blessed us with. I am so thankful for my family and the way God continues to provide abundantly! God is so good!

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