A Christmas Formal Good-bye

 This year’s Christmas Formal was a bit different than years past. We had food and a gift exchange game, but we ended the night honoring Richard and saying good-bye. The Lord has slowly been leading us into a new season and that includes stepping down from leading youth at Acts. We have loved every minute with these kids and even though we won’t see them regularly at youth on Wednesdays, we know we will still see them around as they have become like family to us.  

Since June we have been listening and obeying what the Lord was asking us to do...those baby steps seemed fun and exciting and simple, but then we were faced with the decision to keep obeying when it gets hard. We love Acts! The pastors there married us.  All 4 boys were baptized there. Baylee and Richard and I all met Holy Spirit there. Richard and I began leading youth together there. We love Acts!  But we both know when the Lord says something it is better, and easier in the long run, to obey Him... even when it hurts and it’s change and it’s scary...obey.  So we did.

We are still not clear on the whole picture.  We are waiting on the Lord to give us the next piece in the puzzle to know where we go from here. One thing is certain, however, there is still lots of Kingdom work to be done and we are honored to be used by Him in whatever ways He sees fit! 

Thanksgiving 2018

We spent Thanksgiving morning at home watching the parade and the dog show. We ate waffles and sausage and spent as long as we could in our pajamas. About 3 we went over to Richard’s cousin’s brand new home for the Thanksgiving meal and the Cowboys game. It was a relaxing day. I didn’t manage to snap one picture of the whole day.

On Friday, we went to Mansfield and had Thanksgiving again. The weather was so nice so we played football and cornhole and ate and ate and ate. Dad even pulled out the old VHS tapes and we watched some old home movies. The whole Thanksgiving break has been very relaxing and a good recharge to head into the Christmas season full of energy!

We went to the movies with Blake on Tuesday to see the Grinch.

The boys went through all the ads to pick out Christmas gifts.

Paintball Party

This year the boys wanted a paintball party. There was a small place close by that we tried out and it was wonderful. They had the whole place to themselves and the guys there were great with working with 8 12 year old boys. The played different courses and had the best time! 

The boys each invited three friends to make teams of 4 out on the paintball field.

Teague was not old enough to play, you had to be 10, but the workers were so nice and let him do some target practice instead.

Here they are showing off their war wounds.

Youth Group

Now that Troy and Kelby are in 6th grade they have been coming to youth group with Richard and I.  At first they were timid and kind of stayed to themselves toward the back, but slowly I am seeing them become more involved.  They are starting to volunteer to play the games and really seem to be enjoying being around the other kids in the group.  

During worship time, we are striving to hear more from God and have been doing a lot of "soaking",  During these times we challenge the kids to sit and listen to the music, write down what they hear from the Lord and pray for anything or anyone that the Lord puts on their hearts.  Troy has come to me several times and has asked, "What am I supposed to do?"  I love that he is brave enough to ask questions when he doesn't understand and I have loved the opportunity to sit with him one on one and really dive into what is means to hear the Lord.  As we walk through this and I watch how the Lord speaks to him and what he writes down, I am amazed and honored that I get to be the one to teach such wonderful and life changing things.  I pray he is always teachable and humble and hungry for what the Lord has to offer!

 I remember when Haven was in 7th grade and she used to play with the boys and comment on how little they were. We used to talk about how one day they would be in youth group with her and she would be 17.  It was hard to wrap our minds around back them, but here she is on a scavenger hunt with Kelby in her group...both so grown up!

12 years old

Troy is 12!! This year brought about a cell phone, so he was extra excited to celebrate his birthday and open presents!  My mom and dad came down to celebrate, as well.  We enjoyed dinner and cake and presents.  It was a cold and wet day with Teague's 4th grade program thrown in there, but we still had a good time celebrating Troy!

12 years with my eldest!  Oh how I have loved watching him grow!

1 year old

2 years old

3 years old

4 years old

5 years old

6 years old

7 years old

8 years old

9 years old

10 years old

























11 years old

12 years old

20 Year Reunion

What a wonderful time at our 20 year reunion last night! We were able to visit with people we have not seen, except for on Facebook, in 10 years! We danced to some great oldies but goodies 90’s music and before we knew it, it was over. I’m so glad I got to hug some necks and talk in person to some friends that I have missed so dearly!

Richard was a trooper and held down the table, smiled for the pictures when he was asked and was ok by himself when I went to say hi to someone across the room.  I loved that it was at the Ballpark and we were able to make another special memory in a place we already love so much!