Decorating for Christmas

 We had a blessed Thanksgiving with families and enjoyed dinner with my family on Friday night.

 Saturday - Brandon had to work again this morning so Britton and I decided to decorate!

 It's so fun seeing the excitement in my kids eyes as they experience everything.

 Crazy boy!

 Tonight I'm going to brag on my kids. We were decorating one of our trees today and I pulled out a nail ornament. I was talking to Britton about Jesus on the cross and the meaning of the nail and he said "Jesus loves us that much, right mama?" Melted my heart.

Paityn has also been going around for a couple days sinning Jesus loves me. She sings along to any music but loves singing Jesus loves me. She sings it to her dolls and will often come up to me and say Jesus and I know she wants to sing it out loud all together. I have a video of Britton and Paityn singing together - nothing better.

Thanksgiving with the Youth and Outreach

 Wednesday - Tonight we had the youth over for a Thanksgiving dinner.

 Unfortunately, there was an accident while it happened. They all perked up though when the food was ready!

 I was a great time of food and fellowship.

 There were a few youth that stayed for quite awhile just talking. Lucas was playing piano and Melody singing. He can play anything! We would say a song and he would start playing.

 Thursday - This morning we volunteered at the Community Thanksgiving outreach.

 So many of our youth came to help out! Britton did a great job helping as well.

 

This afternoon we put up some of our Christmas lights.

The kids were so excited!

Tonight we headed over to Brandon's parents for dinner and had a great time hanging out. So blessed with the family that is in our lives.

Things I'm thankful for:
1. God - His unending love, grace, faithfulness, mercy. The fact that He always knows what is best even if it's hard for me to understand.
2. Brandon - He loves me unconditionally, supports me and is always there. He is a provider and an excellent father.
3. Britton - I love his smile, laughter, his kind heart and compassion. His teacher said he does a great job in school and gets well along with others - so proud of him! He is also the best big brother, always looking out for Paityn.
4. Paityn - She makes me laugh constantly, gives me reasons to smile and challenges me. She is incredibly smart (she counted to 10 the other day all by herself!) and loves her BaBo (Britton)
5. My family who are always there.
6. My friends who bring a smile to my face with a simple conversation.
7. Our youth who constantly challenge me to be better.
8. My health, home and food that is provided.

I could go on and on, I am incredibly blessed.

Thanksgiving Outreach

We were painting and I was helping Britton paint a motorcycle when I noticed Paityn had paint all in her hair! By that point, I decided to see how far she would go :) Let's just say I had to wash it all off of her!

 Saturday - Brandon and I have had the privilege of volunteering with On the Go Thanksgiving outreach for about 8 years now.

 Each year we invite the youth to go and they are blessed as they minister as well.

 We actually reached a whole new neighborhood this year. We deliver pies and pray with the people.

 I think Ben, Lucas, Trace and Isaac enjoyed themselves as well!

 So cool to see our son ministering to others so early.

We headed out to eat after the outreach and went to Pei Wei and then for some coffee.

 Kendra, Cheyenne and Blake met us!

Sunday - So today was a tough day....

 They announced this morning that there is a candidate for the full time youth position and they will be announcing who it is next Sunday.

 We have known this day was going to come at some point but it still didn't make it any easier. We are thankful to each of you who offered us words of encouragement and for your prayers.

 We love these youth so much - they have become a part of our family. They have strengthened us and blessed us in ways they will never understand.

 The only thing that is getting us through is that God has given us a peace about our future. "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11

 These past 20 months we have been blessed in ways we never imagined possible. We are so thankful to each of the youth who are part of our lives and will always remain part of our lives.

 After church, some of the girls came over for Bible study and some ended up staying until church.

  Our kids love these youth.

 The other day, Britton and I were reading a book and it asked, what do you do if you have a hard decision to make. Britton said "you talk to God" Knowing God will get us through these next few weeks, He will carry us when we feel weak and give us strength to face the day. Grateful for every moment he has blessed us with these youth and for the opportunity to be a part of their lives.