Hi ho, hi ho... It's back to work I go!

When I quit my job at Children's in 2007, our plan was for me to return to the workforce when our youngest child was in Kindergarten.  At the time, Clayton was 2, so that seemed eons away.  Well, 9 years later, here we are!  My kids are in 6th grade, 2nd grade, and Kindergarten.  It seemed like a good time for Mama to get back to the bedside.  :)

I originally planned to work at an adult hospital close to home.  However, God kept closing doors that I expected to swing wide open.  Little by little, He was gracious to guide and direct me.  In August, Wade encouraged me to call my friend Sunni that I worked with in Dallas.  She was soooo sweet to answer a million questions and encouraged me to apply at Children's Plano.  The manager in the ICU is a sweet lady that I used to work with in Dallas as well.  I went and toured with her, and she offered me the job!  Yay!  Several other sweet friends were references for me, and I am so thankful for their help!

I am so very grateful for a career that has allowed me to care for my family full time for the last 9 years and is now welcoming me back!  Initially, I will be working some extra hours and taking some required classes, but in a few months I should be on my normal schedule of just working one 12 hour shift per week.  I think it will be a great fit for our family, and I am so excited to see how the Lord shepherds us in this next season.  :)

My first shift back!

 When I got home the morning after my first shift, my Mother-in-law and Father-in-law had taken the boys to get me an orchid and a congratulations card.  So kind of them!

So long, B-32!

Over the last 5 years, Wade has had the privilege of being the Director of our Adult Bible Study class.  I have gotten to assist him with a few things, but he has been both the brains and the brawn.  ;)  He has done an exceptional job, and I couldn't be prouder of him!  I have seen him grow and learn and mature in his faith as God equipped him to lead our class.  It has been such a tremendous blessing!  We have been surrounded by the most precious people - people who have stepped up to the plate time and time again to serve the Lord by caring for His people.  They have given time and money in abundance over the years.  They have encouraged and supported Wade & I personally, and have given far more to us than we could ever repay. 

Over the last few months, we have felt the Lord calling us to serve in other ways, however.  Wade has stepped down as the Director, and we are trusting in the Lord to raise up new leadership.  It is sad for us, as it feels like the end of an era.  We love these people and have so enjoyed our time with them!  Although we will still be at the same church, things will change as we aren't in class together every week.  I am not great at change, and this feels like a big change.  :(  We are putting our faith in our Father to guide and direct each couple as He sees fit.  Lord, use us as you see fit to bring You glory!

We had one last social with all of our B-32 peeps on Friday.  They were so kind to give us cards and a very generous love offering.  We were so shocked by their generosity!  How beautiful is the Body of Christ!

Naval Air Station

Our sweet neighbor, Katy, invited us along for such a special adventure!  Her brother is in the Air Force, and he was in town for a visit.  We got to go to the Naval Air Station to see his F-18 up close.  So cool!  We also got an unexpected treat because there were five F-35s that were there taking off while we were there.  We got a few pictures with Kris' plane, but were weren't allowed to take pictures of the F-35s.  Super secret, ya know.  :)  My husband and kids were all in awe!  So fun to watch!

My Forgetful Drew

Oh my Drew...  I sure love that kid!  He is so handsome, smart, and funny!  He makes amazing grades and grasps new concepts almost immediately.  What a joy he is!

But... the boy is so stinkin' forgetful when it comes to everyday life!  He makes me a little crazy with his absent minded antics!  In April, we got all of the way to school and parked in the parking lot before he announced, "Oh man!  I forgot to put on shoes!"  We got our first tardy slip because we had to run home to get his shoes.  Mercy.

Then this Sunday, we followed our same exact usual routine.  I iron and set out the boys' clothes on Saturday nights.  On Sunday mornings, they all dress themselves and we go to church.  This week, we got to our Adult Bible Study room and I looked at Drew.  I realized that our crazy kiddo was still in his sleep shorts!  He neglected to put on the khakis that I had laid out for him!  Sheesh.

It is a good thing that he is gorgeous, smart as a whip, and makes us all belly laugh!  Otherwise, these little goof ups wouldn't be so funny.  Ha!

Owen's First Baseball Game!

After 5 years of watching his brothers play sports, it is finally Owen's turn to play ball!  He is soooo excited!  He has been waiting in the stands for years, and now he is on the field himself!  He had his first game last night, and he did awesome!!!  He is playing modified tee ball.  The kids get 3 pitches, if they aren't able to hit any of them, they get the chance to hit off of the tee.  Owen hit one of the pitched balls at each of his at bats.  Yay!  We sure are proud of our baby ball player!

 Can you tell that he is stoked about playing ball?!?!

 He knew that he was about to score...  ;)

 His first ever time to score a run!!!  Going...

 Going....

 Going...

 Gone!

 Cute little third baseman!

 The kids can hit off of the tee until they hit the ball, and there are no outs.  So... the score was tied at the end of the game.  What a surprise!  ;)

Go Twins!!!  We are so proud of #10!

Bye bye, Firetruck!

Clayton got a little ride along firetruck for his 3rd birthday.  He LOVED it!  Over the years, that firetruck has riden a million miles!  The boys have all enjoyed many a ride from our beloved toy.  We have replaced the battery multiple times over the years.  ;)

The boys are really to big to ride in it now.  :(  I have saved it because I am a sentimental schmuck.  ;)  We recently had a garage sale and decided to pass along our little firetruck to another family that could enjoy it.  I'll miss that little truck!  Before it went to its new home, the boys took it for one last ride.  :)

Drew's Fruit of the Spirit Award

In 2nd Grade at our school, the behavior system is based on the fruits of the spirit.  The children are either rewarded by earning a fruit of the spirit award for exceptional behavior.  They are also corrected based on which fruit of the spirit that they need to work on.  On Thursday, our sweet Drew got the award for exercising self control.  We are sooo proud of him!

Hurricane Harbor with Mrs. Catherine & Miss Jamie

Goodland Academy

Every year, our Adult Bible Study department does a big service project.  Last year, we went to Goodland Academy, and we had the best time!  This year, the group voted to go back to Goodland by an overwhelming majority.  We were so excited that our class' hearts were set on going back!  Last year, we did a TON of work around the campus, but did not get to spend as much time with the boys.  This year, our goal was to do both!  We repaired the siding on the chapel that was built in 1848, we mowed and did some landscaping, we held a sports camp for the boys, we built PVC pipe rocket launchers with the boys, ate lunch with the boys, rented a bounce house slide for the kids to all play on, and were able to leave each of the boys a $220 gift card to buy clothes and shoes.  The boys were all so polite and thanked each of us individually.  They blessed my heart with their response!  Such good kids...

I am so glad to be able to serve alongside of such an amazing group of Believers!  We had over 60 people (adults & children) that met at our church at 5:30 on a Saturday morning and drove 3 hours to love on this group of boys.  That is dedication!  It was such a great day in a wonderful place serving our perfect Savior!