A poem, by Alyssa

I love
Mom
and
Dad
and
Caden
and
me.

He said, And I quote:

"Mom, thank you for spanking me. I don't think I could become a good child if you didn't."

Alyssa agreed.
Said as a general statement in the car when we were discussing what consequences should be for being disobedient in Target. (He suggested taking Bear away until Christmas. I thought this a bit harsh. We settled on room time until dinner, and an early bedtime.)

Life is But a Weaving

Recently I've been studying Job in a Bible study I'm taking. Its such a rich and deep and real book. Caden is also studying this in his class, and its been interesting to study such a difficult concept with a child. Yesterday he said to me "I gotta say, if all this happened to me, I don't know how I'd feel about God!" So I asked him what God owes him. And he admitted that God doesn't owe him anything. Its awesome to realize this so young! If this concept can sink into his heart now, it will save him some heartache later.

Today the teacher quoted this poem. I thought it was beautiful, and a great example of how little of the big picture we can see.

My life is but a weaving

Between my God and me.

I cannot choose the colors

He weaves steadily.

Often times He weaves sorrow;

And I in foolish pride

Forget He sees the upper

And I the underside.

Not ‘til the loom is silent

And the shuttles cease to fly

Will God unroll the canvas

And reveal the reason why.

The dark threads are as needful

In the weaver’s skillful hand

As the threads of gold and silver

In the pattern He has planned

He knows, He loves, He cares;

Nothing this truth can dim.

He gives the very best to those

Who leave the choice to Him.

October Afternoon

We have loved having access to this beach near us this summer. Of course, I do wish we'd gone more often, now that its getting a bit nippy for swimming. I guess most other kids were in school, so we had the place to ourselves. Not sure if they're inspecting marine life or seeing who can do this the longest.
Ahhh.

Pennsylvania friends

In late October, we returned to Pennslyvania to see some buddies, winterize the yard, and bring back cold weather clothes! Antonio and Caden greeting each other!

Alyssa and Gabby
My smoupie girls (small groupies)

Other girlfriends minus Michelle, Jen, and Jenn!

Lissa gets some Chasey love! Daddy and Jay fixing the garbage disposal in the background!

Chase loves Caden and Caden loves Chase!

Awana learn

On the way to Awana yesterday, Caden and Alyssa were reciting the Bible verses they learned for this week. Each week, they get awards and prizes for the verses they've memorized.
Alyssa asked me if the verses they're learning are actual verses out of the Bible. I thought this was clear, but I told her that yes, they are. She was amazed, and said, like a light bulb turned on, "at Awana, they can have kids learn real Bible verses! They could make a whole thing out of this! That would be really good for kids!"

A Day at the Farm

Shann's sister, Sharra, her husband Ryan. They're holding Blake, and in the front, Reid, Caden, and Alyssa.

A playland of corn!

Hay!

Hayride...

Uncle Shann and Blakey

A look down at the farm from a really cool slide!