{iPhone Rewind} :: October

Eli decided he wanted to learn how to crochet too. He picked it up pretty quick, and like in most things, he was very serious about it :)

We learned about the Mayflower and built some of our own!

The kids were rolling down the hill, and a herd of deer came walking through, completely unbothered by their antics. We were able to get the kids to stop and watch them, and it was so fun how close they came!

Snowball fight in math! Because why not make it fun? :)

The Chronicles of Narnia are a big favorite around here

I love it when we get the first glimpse of the change of season!

So focused...

Kisses from my crew :)

The cooler weather = s'mores!

A sweet welcome home from my loves

We got to enjoy our local high school's band competition!

I took the kids with me to vote, and we made it an entire history and civics lesson. The polling place was really great, including the kids in the entire process. 

Maddie wanted to be an M&M for Halloween, so I pulled out my sewing machine to make it happen! :)

I want to pause this stage of our lives, when every surface of our house is covered in sword-wielding LEGO men :)

"Look Mommy! I can touch my nose with my tongue!" Haha

{iPhone Rewind} :: April

Eli's notes from Pastor Milt's sermon <3

Reading a letter he got in the mail from Granny {with help from his trusty assistant}

Me: What is this on my mirror?

Aiden: It's a rainbow, Mommy

Me: Well, let's not draw on Mommy's mirror anymore, ok?

Beautiful flowers from my love

Wanting to offer Mommy snuggles when she's not feeling her best. I sure do love them!

It's April. And we are still experiencing below freezing temps. It didn't snow, but I am ready for WARM weather, please!

Maddie wrapped up her year of Pioneer Girls! Now I have a ton of badges to sew on to her sash :)

They have loved decorating and setting the table recently. I love how they work together, offer Mike and I pictures of the two of us together to look at, and how Aiden likes to look at pictures of himself LOL

Sharing his science book about "Planets, Dwarf Planets, and Other Things" with Granny and Grumpz :)

He has been super focused on Perler Beads recently...

Behold. Captains Law, Judgment, and Conviction! {From The Mansoul Chronicles}

Maddie and I {finally} got haircuts!

At the park with Daddy :)

Kid art on Daddy's office dry erase board

Tossing the football

"I love you" flowers are the best :)

We're diving into crochet with Maddie! She's actually doing pretty well for a beginner :)

Shaped by the Promise

I was able to spend the weekend with some of the women in our church for our annual women's retreat! I was part of the retreat planning team, and I helped put together welcome bags for the women attending. We had a "bag assembly" night, and I am so thankful for all of the servant-hearted women, willing to spend an evening getting things ready :)

We headed out to Front Royal and got to stay in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. The weekend was filled with Biblical teaching, worship through song, and small group discussion. There was also plenty of sweet fellowship, beautiful weather, and laughter.

Our theme for the weekend was "Shaped by the Promise." Our speaker, Shannon Popkin, led us through the story of Sarah and Abraham, and how the made and kept His promises. We learned to trust God and go without knowing, and what it looks like to live by faith and not fear.

Welcome Team!

I love that our church worships in multiple languages!

Thankful for these faithful prayer warriors!

On Saturday afternoon, we had free time, so I joined a group heading into the downtown area for the Festival of Leaves. There were several vendors lining the streets, and it was just so nice to be outside in the beautiful fall weather.

This tree made me think of my orange-loving Aiden!

Grateful for these sweet ladies!

We made it back to the hotel in time for a crochet workshop! I haven't crocheted in years, so it was fun to revive this old hobby. I was amazed at how quickly it came back to me. Turns out it was like riding a bike, but I am a terrible teacher haha! I'll need to practice a little more to get to the point where I can actually help others. But I really enjoyed spending the afternoon chatting and laughing with the other women.

This was my second retreat at CBC, and my heart is just full with all of the Lord's answered prayers. I loved spending time with these sweet women, from multiple cultures, and deepening our relationships with the Lord and each other. I love their hearts and desire to love Jesus deeply and serve Him more. I was so encouraged by this weekend away, and I look forward to how the Lord uses each of us to better love and serve our families and community.

When the weight of the world begins to fall

On the Name of Jesus I will call

For I know my God is in control

and His purpose is unshakeable

Chorus:

Doesn't matter what I feel

Doesn't matter what I see

My hope will always be

In Your promises to me

Now I'm casting out all fear

For your love has set me free

My hope will always be

In your promises to me

As I walk into the days to come

I will not forget what You have done

For you have supplied my every need

And Your presence is enough for me

[Chorus]

You will always be more than enough for me (x2)

Nothing's gonna stop the plans You've made

Nothing's gonna take Your love away

You will always be more than enough for me

[Chorus]

-- Your Promises, by Elevation Church