{iPhone Rewind} :: November

Aiden lost another tooth! He was so relieved because he actually swallowed this one {on accident}, but he didn't have to worry about it anymore!

Maddie studies our family calendar all the time. She has progressed to the point of pulling up a chair and taking notes haha.

Playing soccer on a beautiful fall day!

Bedtime reading of The Wingfeather Saga

Maddie asked to take a photo of the beautiful sunset :)

It's comfy weather!

Eli got to pick a prize in Sunday School, and he picked a Butterfinger for Papa. He asked if we could put it in "Papa's stash for when he comes to visit." Sweet boy :)

Science experiments are fun- yay! {except when they don't work- boo!}

We had a game night with some friends from church and the kids were introduced to Carcassonne.

Reading silly stories from Granny :)

We found a praying mantis in our neighbor's yard!

When the Christmas blow-ups reach the rafters, and the Grinch dances and sings...the errands Mom makes you run aren't quite as bad ;)

Diving into the world of The Wingfeather Saga

We celebrated Mike's birthday with fun cards and presents. We ordered pizza for dinner, since we were prepping for Thanksgiving, but you would have thought it was Aiden's birthday ha!

14 Years

14 years! We had originally planned to celebrate our anniversary in August, but plans changed and we were able to sneak away for a date night on our actual anniversary. It's fun that the kids get excited for us to go on dates, particularly Maddie, who "just loves love." Haha. 

Photo courtesy of Maddie :)

We used some gift cards to get dinner at Bonefish, and then we went to The Cheesecake Factory for dessert. Any time we get a chance to sneak away for some uninterrupted time is always a blessing, anniversary or not. Mike got me another beautiful pair of Celtic earrings, and I got him whiskey-infused chocolates :)

As I think back over the last 14 years, I'm grateful for all the love and laughter, for all the steps of faith taken together and the prayers answered, for the Lord's mercy and grace.

Happy Anniversary, my love!

{iPhone Rewind} :: November

I sure do love this tree. I don't love how many leaves it drops in the fall, but I love how beautiful it is when it changes colors...

Maddie was so excited to build her little bunny garden night light

Got to attend the DTS Centennial Celebration dinner at the Museum of the Bible with some CBC people

Maddie's cute little poem

We have had a couple of squirrels who enjoyed the pumpkins we put out on the front porch. It's a good thing they were free, and we were not hoping to keep them for the season!

I got a fun surprise in the mail from Laura! She sent a box full of fun goodies, a "Survival Kit for Ministry Wives." It was a sweet and thoughtful gift that came right at the perfect time.

Playing chess with Daddy :)

A quick lunch trip to McDonald's

Second grade phonetic spelling is the best :)

Hit my deductible {plan year started Nov 1}. And this medication is actually more expensive, I just have already had a couple of doctor appointments this month that ate up part of my deductible. I am so thankful for insurance, but this is criminal. This is ONE dose. I need one dose every 4 weeks.

We celebrated Mike's birthday with homemade cards, enchiladas, salsa, and chocolate cake!

The day after Thanksgiving, we got all the Christmas decorations up!

Installation Sunday

Four years ago, the Lord opened the door for Mike to step into the Executive Pastor position at Chantilly Bible Church. We packed up our life to move across the country {in the middle of a pandemic} with 3 toddlers and a geriatric dog, and we set out on a grand adventure with Jesus. We were not sure what all the move would hold for us, but we were excited to serve the church and community in Chantilly.

The move to Virginia was a giant leap of faith in itself, but we have seen God provide in countless ways. He has graciously provided a church family who welcomed and loved us from day one. Where there were so many seemingly impossible ways, God opened up the floodgates. We have built community that has encouraged and challenged and showed up in ways that consistently humble me. As we have slowly put down roots and served together with dear brothers and sisters in Christ, I am in awe of all that God has done in just four short years...

And now, a new twist on that original adventure...today, Mike was officially installed as the Lead Pastor of Chantilly Bible Church. This is another BIG change for our family, but we are so excited for what the Lord has for us next. We are again amazed and humbled at how the Lord has orchestrated this new role for Mike, and we look forward to continue serving the church and community in Chantilly. 

A brand new Bible to wear out

His official office nameplate. Milt removed his "Senior Pastor" nameplate and passed on Mike's new "Lead Pastor" nameplate 

Laying on of hands by the elders of the church

We are so thankful for the outpouring of love and support for Mike as he steps into this new role. It is a weighty role, one that he does not take lightly, but I know he is up to the task. The Lord is faithful and will equip Mike for what He has called him to do.

We were able to celebrate Mike a little and take him to lunch at Uncle Julio's, and then we let him open a few gifts. My parents got him a Spurgeon quote for his office, and then we all chipped in for a fun gift...an official Pastor Mike bobblehead! Haha :)

I sure do love this man, and I am so proud of him. I am thankful for all the Lord has done in his life, and I am proud to stand by his side as we continue to serve Jesus and our church community together.

Love you, Babe ;)

13 Years

We celebrated thirteen years of marriage!

The kids were so cute, because they wanted to celebrate with us. They told us to stay in the other room so they could work on secret projects and surprise us with fun things for our anniversary. We got sweet cards, and they were just so excited that it was our anniversary!

We exchanged gifts with each other earlier in the day. I got Mike an outdoor projector, because he has been talking about doing outdoor movies with the kids and neighbors, and Mike got me a beautiful pair of silver interlocking knot earrings from Brighton.

Mike also lined up babysitters, and we got to go out on a real date! We headed out to dinner at The Capital Grille, and we enjoyed a fabulous meal and uninterrupted conversation :)

While we were out, the kids were living their best life with Mr. James and Mrs. Siu...eating pizza, taking walks to the park, and also making us the sweetest anniversary poster. We are so thankful for these sweet friends who love our kids so well.

It's hard to believe that it has been 13 years since we said "I do." So much life has been lived in that time, so many good times, and some hard times too. But I love the life we have built and that we get to face it all together. I'm thankful for all the Lord has done, and I look forward to what He has for us in the years to come!

Happy Anniversary to us! :)

{iPhone Rewind} :: November

Oh my goodness...the PAPER. Does anyone else have this problem? We have massive amounts of paper that we clean out weekly. But it keeps multiplying. It's unreal. And ridiculous. And we're drowning in it. #sendhelp

First bonfire with Daddy's new Solo Stove!

Sometimes you have to do Spelling in your Princess outfit :)

Sweet brothers

Eli finally lost his front tooth! This thing has been loose for 2 months!

Pretty fall flowers from Mike

Read-Aloud time with Daddy :)

My attempt at a Thanksgiving-themed appetizer haha #nailedit

After months of wiggly teeth...Eli finally lost BOTH of his 2 front teeth!

Just chilling in the leaves

Enjoying a good robot book next to the fire

Superheroes and ponies :)

We have found some pretty BIG leaves!

The day after Thanksgiving means only one thing...

It's the end of November, and we have a raspberry crop in our backyard!

We celebrated Mike's birthday with some chips and salsa!

Eli is so patient...he helps his siblings work through their math workbooks when he finishes his work.

Thanks for the new book, Ms. Vi!

Using up all those turkey leftovers! ;)

Working hard on that handwriting :)

We made some paper bead necklaces for history while we were studying ancient Africa :)

Setting sail on their ship! #imagination

Learning about birds of prey and showing Daddy how we do science!