December is in Full Swing!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

We found a tree!

Ashleigh and Sam ran the Nexton Cocoa Cup

Thankful that he ans she has a great time and celebrated with hot chocolate too!

 Lights with Family! Marshmallows for roasting!

 Train rides!

 Small group celebration!

 Gifts from boys shopping at Wise Guys Emporium with Metro Kids! Love their excitement about giving! Love our church!

A sweet picture of Ash and Sam working on a puzzle together 

oops-October end

   October endings and events-At school, we have been busy! My school celebrated Red Ribbon Week, participated in Boosterthon, and received report cards (one of the week's also included Halloween, my birthday, and a full moon). However, we survived.

   On the home front, we were able to visit grandma and pappy in Georgia. This was some much needed time for Chris. While there, Chris and I had a date to Summit, enjoy lunch together (without kids), and drive Jim's truck. 

   Ashleigh and I were able to see Les Miserables (for our first time) along with some friends. What a fun, exciting time! Ashleigh's college classes have ended and she did very well in each of them. She has decided to be a part of the dance company at school and is practicing for a performance in late November and a production on December of the Nutcracker. Choir continues--In November auditions for the spring musical will take place. Ashleigh has also been a part of the worship team at our church (I will try to sneak a picture) and serving kids on Sunday evenings. She dearly loves the younger age.

   Trick or treating was fun this year. Dylan was the Hulk (again) this year (He will have to dress as a different character next year as he has outgrown his costume.) He loves the act of trick or treating, but not the candy. Austin likes both! Ashleigh and a friend were able to join the "family fun"!

   On my birthday, I was showered with lunch and a cheesecake sweet treat from Chris at school. He brought a "'surprise" to me. I also had a practicum student from CSU and she was teaching a lesson. While she was teaching a lesson, I had checked my personal email and saw the receipt. So when Chris brought the "surprise", I somewhat ruined it. BUT it was the meaningfulness, gratitude, and love that was captured. I love that guy! 

   

     

November-part 1

Austin received A/B Honor Roll for the first quarter of school. We are very proud of his hard work and dedication in fourth grade. I love having the opportunity to be at the same school as him. With that being said, I rarely see him-usually one day a week (maybe two) in passing to special area. However, I do love that he hangs out in my classroom before and after school. 

 I can't believe that there is an adult "child is our home. Ashleigh celebrated her 18th birthday on November 8. We are very proud of the young lady she has become and are excited to watch her continue to grow with God as her director.

Dylan is enjoying his time at school-away from school. He went to a local horse farm. He was able to help take care of the horses and even ride one. He says that he was scared, but by the look on his face and with his arm raised I think he thinks he is a cowboy. He and his classmates will be able to visit more times throughout the school year and he will not only become less scared, but also learn the importance of volunteering and how to work with others in our community.

Pumpkin

We have not carved a pumpkin in such a long time! We had a blast! Austin did not like the pumpkin smell nor did he like how the pumpkin felt slimy and gross. Dylan, on the other hand, enjoyed taking out the seeds and the slime. Austin estimated that there were about 900-1000 seeds inside the pumpkin. After counting 400, we stopped counting---but we came to an agreement that there were about 1000 seeds. Ashleigh drew the design and Chris carved. I helped separate the seeds from the pulp. I also washed, dried, and roasted the seeds. They are delicious!

Batman!

This past weekend we visited Helen and Jim. Chris and I took the truck out for a drive. While we were out, the boys stayed at Jim and Helen's house with Jim. I texted them the above picture and the following picture is what they texted back to me! I love, yet dislike technology.

October - mid way

College Application Day at school

Cane Bay Chorale was selected to open the ACDA Choral Conference. It was in Charleston this year too. Chris, the boys, and I were able to attend the opening conference,and Ashleigh was selected to be in the honor choir. We were also able to attend the honor choir performance.Beautiful voices!

Celebrating Dylan!

Several students from Cane Bay Chorale were chosen to learn and grow musically at Jacksonville Sings!

Ashleigh and Dylan attend the school's peprally. They are on opposite sides of the gym, but see each other from afar. Dylan is enjoying riding with Ashleigh to school in the mornings and periodically seeing her while he is "walking around" in the halls. Dylan has also began attending community outings (again) while learning and growing about real life. Some places he has visited this month include-Goodwill, a local animal shelter, and a local horse farm.

Taco Tuesday is becoming a regular in our home. We change up the meat- shredded pork, ground beef, ground chicken, fajita style meat--Our FAVE is the pork.