Bye bye Daisy

So sad to say (especially seeing how dang cute she is), but Daisy is not going to stay with us. She just hasn't taken to the girls well (and I've discovered I am a bit too busy to be a dog person). Our school receptionist is considering taking her. She'll do a trial few days next week. We hope that this will work out and make it all make sense. Maybe it was never about us ... but a way to provide a puppy for someone who couldn't afford a Havanese. Her mom is also ill, so it may be a welcome distraction.

More pumpkins

First haircut

Pumpkin time!

Spiderman, Indians, and holy pants

So my sister Shannon is officially on "modified" bed rest. I was blessed to be able to spend nearly 4 days in Bellingham helping her with the home and 3 kiddos (and husband and his gang helping build a fence - oh and church at their house). You can tell how busy it got because these are the only 3 pictures I managed to take!

The top picture is Lucy trying on Will's new Spiderman costume (which mom quickly told her to remove one she realized it was a garage sale purchase that had yet to be washed and Lucy was wearing no underwear).

The middle picture is Lucy giving her own sermon after daddy was done. The title of the sermon was "The Indians who do and don't love Jesus." The basic theme of the talk was that the Indians who don't love Jesus eat fish. And the Indians who do love Jesus eat all sorts of food." I think it's in the gospels somewhere but I'm not sure.

The third picture was taken as Shannon's friend Kristen and I were folding laundry. You can't see it very well, but there were two HUGE holes in the bottom of Nate's jeans. The whole "I don't know how we got pregnant with twins" mystery ... soon to be solved.

When I returned home, I said to Elena "Too bad you don't live closer to your cousins." To that, she replied, "Well at least they don't live in space!"

I love optimism.

Our sweeties

First day of school close-ups!

First Day of School

Zach and Luke b-days

Show and tell

Elena brought Daisy to show and tell at her preschool. When the teacher asked if anyone had any questions, 2 boys raised their hands. Each one had some random knock knock joke to tell. It's a cute age.

The Track

This is a new ministry I'm helping lead this year at church. It's called "The Track". We're teaching 10 high schoolers how to study and teach the bible. I am amazed at the hearts of these kids and their burning desire to know God better. Such a fun bunch!

Happy Anniversary to us!

Ross and I got to get away to the Alderbrook resort to celebrate 13 years of marriage! (Thanks to mom and dad for babysitting). I am SO in love with this man. I can't wait to see what God has in store for the next 13. Ross - you are the most loving, generous, kind and compassionate husband and father one could ask for. I am constantly thankful for what God has given me in you.

Elena at the beach

Shannon shower

Jodi, my mom and I had a blast putting on a twins baby shower for Shannon. We did a Noah's ark theme. And of course, Jodes went all out with her cake and decorations. Look at that cake!! It was fun to see everyone and to celebrate the 2 new ones who are about to arrive.

Bellingham

We took a big family trip up to Bellingham to celebrate the guy birthdays for October. We enjoyed the farmer's market, naked painting day and Avenue bread. Of course, being with family can't be beat!