Buzz, Cake and Nerf guns!

Aaron Joseph is 6!  This little boy is moving and shaking more than ever! He lives out the expression, boys will be boys!  We celebrated his 6th birthday with 6 other little boys from home-school group and church. He had so much fun eating cake and shooting Nerf guns with friends.  I had no idea what a big hit a poster board target and a Nerf gun would be!! Here are some pics of the festivities!

The day after Fall Festival...candy counting :)

Miss Allyson with the birthday boy!  Loves Legos!

The Poster board the boys loved shooting at.

The Birthday BOY!

Happy Birthday dear Aaron...Happy birthday to you!

Recovery - My need for Him!

Thank you all for your kind words of encouragement and prayers while I went through surgery for my knee.  I was a little nervous as I sat on the bed ready to be wheeled away.  I told Andrew 'I love you' probably ten times just in case I didn't wake up :)  It's funny how thinking about something like being medicated to the point of unconsciousness makes you think about the end of your life.  It was a good reality check once again of why I want to live my life full out for Jesus.  You might think, it was just a minor knee surgery and yes, you'd be right but God can use anything to draw us closer to Him.  Even a minor knee surgery! 

Just before knee surgery

I also realize again my need for community and help!  I'm was totally dependent on Andrew and Allyson (our live-in wonder-woman!) to help with just about everything while I was sleeping, icing, hobbling around and taking pain meds that made me nauseous that first week :(  Another huge blessing was that Grandma Beth flew in to help love on the kids, make meals and anything else that needed to be done.  On top of the surgery Andrew and I were required to be in a week long training as part of our Staff Training.  They were gracious with me and I attended the afternoon sessions.  So during afternoon hours the kids had so much fun with grandma and were so sad when she had to leave the following Saturday. Other friends helped with meals and brought gift cards for dinner which was a huge blessing too!  More than ever I'm assured that God never intended us to walk this life alone.

The days of recovery have been slower than we all expected but I'm finally walking without crutches, just a minor limp.  I am so thankful for being at least at this stage of recovery.  I'm gaining some independence back. I will be starting physical therapy soon and anticipate to be up to full speed in 4 to 5 weeks. We'll see!

Grandma Beth with the kids

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.  Isaiah 43:2

Surprised by God

So I debated sharing this with the world (not like that many people read this blog) but I want to testify to God's goodness, provision and faithfulness.  Over the past several weeks we have been very overwhelmed by our circumstances.  We have not done great managing all the tasks and relationships before us feeling like there just isn't enough time in each day to get things done.  I'm sure you have no idea what I mean :)  Anyway, I feel like God has given us such sweet reminders that he's taking care of us through it all.  We have recently found ourselves blessed above and beyond with surprise gift cards, a new supporter for Brussels and then today we were given a LAPTOP!!!  Yes, an awesome little computer that you get to take places with you for things like class, work, support raising meetings :)  That's the one.  The donor simply said a couple days ago they woke up and I felt like God said that this laptop was for the Bissons!  Wow!  We are overwhelmed by God's watchful eye over us and how he loves surprising his kids with good gifts.  Kind of like we love to watch our kids open Christmas presents and see the look of childlike excitement and awe.  So we rejoice in the God that gives good gifts!

"Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows."  James 1:17

Soccer Saturday

Saturdays have turned into 'soccer days' in the Bisson household.  We have had so much fun watching our kids learn how to play an organized sport.  I use the term organized loosely (we have lots of work to do)!!! Here's a short video from our first game day which Grandpa & Grandma Schaap got to be here for!  Dad and Mom are just a little bit excited! Aaron is #21 in the video:)

Another big event around here was World Mandate.  World Mandate is a World Missions Conference that has taken place for 25 years now!  This year was amazing for us!  We were super encouraged by the speakers and how God is moving.  You might still be able to listen to the whole conference for $10 online if you're interested! Click here.

During that time my parents came for a visit to help watch the kids and celebrate Isaac's 2nd birthday! It was so much fun having them here and watching the kids with Grandpa and Grandma again!

First days of School & Soccer!

Andrew and I are now entering our third week of training!  We are loving the classes, speakers, hands-on activities and the staff.  Overall, thumbs up from us!  Here's a small snapshot of our world every Mon-Thurs until February.

Here's our church-plant location on the map!

 

Here's our classroom

First day of Upward Soccer

 The kids have finally entered the world of sports!  Since soccer is a universal sport we thought we'd try them there first!  They were super excited and excited for their first game in a couple weeks!

Evaluation Day

He's a player

Watching more soccer that day

 We have joined a Classical Conversations home-school group this year here in Waco.  The kids are super excited to be 'in school' one day a week and making lots of new friends already.  For me it's a huge support  and encouragement to keep plugging away!

First day

All ready to go!

Our Adventurous one

Our animal lover

Our peanut

All smiles our first day

Couldn't resist the minivan scene in the parking lot at school

Enjoying friends at lunch!

What they learned

Even though this is another stretching season we are finding peace and joy in it!  Thank you for all your prayers and words of encouragement along the way!

Our Miss Allyson!!

The home-school room

and also the play room

Kids room - this is a little crazy!!

A recent imperfect project - sewing the kitchen curtain.

Sydney's new favorite place in our backyard

Water-park fun, thanks to our friends The McCormicks!!

 Aaron and Turner

Super swimmer Isaac

Sydney got her first big kid Bible that she can read!!

Downtown Waco

Feeding the hungry ducks tortillas by the Brazos

Our house turned into a studio for a quick Antioch video.

Besties already

Isaac's new favorite snack - Hummus and carrots

Picture House Tour

Here's for all you curious folks!

Backyard

View from the front

Kitchen

Dining Room

Living Room - still need to fix our table :)

View from the other side facing the front door

School room/ Play room - not done yet

Main Bathroom

Our room - not done yet either

View down the hall.