School Pictures 2016

 Can't believe how much they have changed in a year! (Top row 2016, bottom row 2015)

Six Flags

Fun day at Six Flags with some of our fun friends!  The cooler weather was nice, but it was considerably more crowded.  Mrs. Katherine and Miss Jamie entertained the boys in line with Snapchat filters - hilarious!

Our fur baby turned 2 on September 29th!  We sure do love this little pooch!  Such a great dog...  We celebrated with peanut butter flavored doggie ice cream (who knew that such a thing existed???), a new duck toy, and a new elk antler.  Happy Birthday, Brody Boy!

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!