There is so much to be thankful for. The Lord has truly blessed us and even though things are not easy we continue to see Him guiding us and taking care of us. I thank the Lord for being with us and for trials because I know that's what grows us, and it is what draws us closer to Him.

Garrett celebrated his 9th birthday this past Sunday...Where did those 9 years go?? I remember sitting in the hospital the day before he was born (I was waiting to be induced) wondering how I was going to know how to take care of this baby and at the same time so excited to meet this little boy who was so much a part of my life already. Garrett was a very sweet baby and still is a sweet child. He comes up to me spontaneously like he did when he was just a toddler and gives me hugs and tells me he loves me. (In fact all my children do this and it just makes my day!) Although nowadays I sometimes get a goober instead of a kiss but I wouldn't trade it for the world. Garrett has had and will continue to have many challenges. What amazes me is how hard he works to overcome his difficulties and his never ending smile.

Both Garrett and Luke made the decision to get baptized this past week also. Garrett placed his faith and trust in Christ last October on the way to Awana while I was driving. Luke made that decision when he was four while I was correcting (disciplining) him. We always try to talk about how when a child disobeys their parents they are more importantly disobeying God. We talk further about why Christ came to earth...Anyway, Luke's heart was very sensitive that night and he was sad that his sin (and all of our sins) made Jesus have to die on the cross so he asked Jesus to forgive him of his sins and to be his Savior. So they finally came to the point about a month ago of wanting to be baptized. We studied about baptism and then each boy went on his own and talked to their youth pastor. My parents were visiting that weekend (Garrett's birthday) and so it was a very special time.

Speaking of my parents...they came down as I already stated for Garrett's birthday. We had a great time. The kids kept asking me after they left "Why can't they just stay the rest of the month?" Mom of course spoiled the kids by taking them to Monkey Joes - a jump and play place - she bought them a pass so they can go two more times!! (lucky me ) The kids also enjoyed challenging Grandma and Papa to bowling on Wii. Luke loves to win and did every time except for the last game in which my mom finally beat them all. I enjoyed some time alone with my mom which obviously doesn't happen much with me living more than 12 hours away. I love that my kids love and have a good relationship with their grandparents. They just seem to pick up where they left off from the last visit.

The boys are playing basketball - Dale is their coach. Neither one has played on a team before but they are both excited. Lily and I will go cheer "our boys" (as she affectionately calls them ) on. Lily is continuing to grow up quickly every day. She learned (and can recite) Psalm 23 -- I'll have to tape/record it one of these days; she also has mastered her address and is now working on the last 4 digits of her phone number. She also is working on counting to 100 which she can do with a little assistance. I love hearing her say the number five -- which she definitely says with a southern twang...it has a a long "i" sound mixed with a short "o" or "a" sound....anyway, it's cute...

I am looking forward to a quiet Thanksgiving. I wish we had family coming into town for a visit for either Thanksgiving or Christmas but it hasn't worked out that way this year. We said when Garrett was little that we wanted to be in our own home every other Christmas so that we don't burn ourselves out every year with travel and that the kids can have some holiday memories in our own home. Family has always been welcome to visit us over the holidays - we just can't travel each year. Anyway, we'll be back to the crazy holiday schedule of travel and visiting family next year so I guess I should enjoy the quiet time while we have it. I will rest in knowing that the Lord's plan for us is perfect and will praise Him for working in our lives however He sees fit.