DNA

One of the fun parts that come with adoption is lots and lots of new and glorious DNA that gets added to your family. This girl has long feet and toes that have me buying new shoes often, her hair definitely keeps me on my toes, her forehead is constantly in need of a band-aid, her eyes always sparkle, she has a scar on her side that always keeps me wondering, her voice makes you never want to stop listening and most of all I love that scrunchy nose that sits right on top of the biggest and fullest smile in the Texas panhandle. So thankful for these sweet new strands of DNA. So thankful to be her mama.

In his 30s

Tory had no problem turning 30 last year. He did it quite gracefully actually. I have to say this year wasn't quite as easy for him. He is officially "in his 30s". And we now have to allow for more time to rest.

Happy 31st, Daddy!

A favorite place

We moved to this itty bitty town just a little over 4 months ago. And in the past 4 months I think I have fallen in love with my husband all over again. Sitting in these quiet pews each Sunday morning and evening, hearing him faithfully and with great passion preach the Word of God has been, well, amazing to put it lightly.

When we began this journey to ministry education over 5 years ago, the pastorate was not in our thoughts. But it was in God's plan. How wonderful it has been to see His plan played out. I am beginning to feel all the emotions of being a pastor's wife and I am going to have to say the 3rd pew in the right hand section of First Baptist Church of Wellington, TX, is becoming one of my favorite places of all the corners of the Earth. We continue to pray that in this place God has put us at this time, we would be faithful and truthful to his Word with all the grace he freely gives. To be satisfied in Christ for His glory and our good.

THAT "holiday"

I really dread it when October 31st roles around. It's seems like since we had kids the conversation is always discussed between our like-minded group of compadres, "are you guys going to do Halloween?" I wish we could just change the entire holiday and its roots and make it into "Costume Day". Because in all actuality, it is so fun to dress the kids up and take them around to show off their cuteness. But my mind goes back to what this holiday is about for many...witches, demons, ghosts, and all things scary. And if thats really what its about then no, we shouldn't do it. Then again, I have seen many godly husbands and wives aid their children in participating. And we did it growing up and turned out okay.

So here was our flavor of The Day and honestly we enjoyed it so.

We opted to hang out on the porch and give candy in order that we might see more people. Then we realized "how it's done" in Wellington, TX. Back of the pick-up style! So by the end of the night we loaded up the kids in the back of Zorro and drove over to Meemaw's (that's what she prefers to be called and we are going with it) who was said to be handing out 6 peices per kid. I so wish I would have had my camera because she was the hit of the night.

Stopping to breath again...

It has almost been a month since my last post. Whew! I have to say October has been quite the ride. Such a good ride though. Since we last posted...

...the girls and I have been to California to see friends and play at this beach, this beach, and this beach

...and not realizing it when we made plans, those same friends would come to see us in Texas just 3 weeks later (and there could be more of where that came from for later).

...I have turned 30, experience a mid-life crisis and died my hair into a very fall-ish "cappuccino"

...we have celebrated the upcoming arrival of my first nephew. I AM GOING TO BE AN AUNT!!

...Tory has been to a convention, left the kids at his parents house, while I painted the living room and dinning room.

So needless to say, blogging has been a little on the back burner and I can be honest with myself that life with 4 kids, homeschool, and a pastorate is busy. Very busy. Thankful for a few days to stop to breath awhile before more goodness and the holidays hit full force. And amongst all the tiredness I am reminded once again of my need for my Savior. The One who is never tired and yet never unforgiving for my impatience with my kids when life is busy, my pride in thinking I can do it all, and my often failure in applying the gospel to my life well. His grace is sufficient.