Broken-Hearted

I almost had a melt-down on my way to work today. It seems like every time a turn around I hear of some tragic event that has happened. And I am not talking about CNN and the national news (that's a tragedy in it of itself), but local news and not just to somebody in the community, but to people I know! I was so sad when I finally digested it all and was on the phone with my mom on my way to work and I couldn't help but cry. Cry out for these people who are suffering. One of my friends wrote a very good piece on one of these tragedies. You should read it. It is very true, and really helps get a handle on what is happening all around us. Please pray for our best friends whose marriage is all but over, for my friend who was attacked and assaulted in her home and for the families involved in a horrific car accident.

They're In!!

So my mom couldn't wait either and called Jenny at Sprinkle of Grace photography to find out about our pictures. She said they wouldn't be done until Thursday, but emailed a few for a sneak peek. I think she was a little disappointed there wasn't an abundance of great pics. I think she said she took close to 700 (?) pics that day, but come on shooting 5 kids aged 9,8,7,6,and 2 is not easy. They are next to impossible to get them all to cooperated at the right moment. I like the candid look better anyway. I'll post more after Thursday. Enjoy!

So much has been going on, it's hard to put it all down on paper.

Preston and I started doing the devotional Love Dare from the movie Fireproof. I love it! It makes you be thoughtful in your actions towards your spouse. He has really gotten into the role too and it has been awesome. It is so easy for me to become consumed with my roles in everyday life as a mother, teacher, etc. that I often neglect the most important person in my life. It's easy to drift away from that Christ-centered marriage and just get into a routine. All the while I'm thinking everything is okay, but it can be so much better. I'm probably not making much sense right now. It flows better in my head. Anyway, I would encourage anyone to do the Love Dare and see what heights it can take your marriage.

Lauren had a friend spend the night on Friday and she was so precious. I love seeing Lauren with her friends. She is such a good person and has a wonderful heart. Jacob won his soccer and football games this weekend and had a great time. It keeps us so busy bit Jacob loves playing sports. Lauren and Jacob both want to start gymnastics. Maybe after Christmas. I can't take much more right now.

After church today, we took the kids to a little pumpkin patch, well it's not really a patch since they've all been picked, but I have always wanted to do their pics with the hay and pumpkins. We got there and took their pictures and let them each get this little pumpkin (I actually think they are gourds, but whatever) and as we were paying, the guy behind the register was making a sign that said "Pictures only with a $20 or more purchase!" I would say we went just in time since all we spent was $4.37.

Here are the pics from this morning.

I've cleaned house all afternoon and now we are watching football. The weekends go by way to fast. And we still haven't gotten the pictures back from last weekend. I cannot wait. The suspense is killing me. I'll post them when we

get them.

Saturday

Saturday was a very busy day for my family. We started out with Jake's football game in the morning and a soccer game by lunch. We then took the kids to Academy to buy Will a big boy bike. He has finally mastered the art of pedaling and needed a bigger bike. He was so excited. He has brought it in the house as I am typing so he can continue to ride it. We then had the kids pictures taken late in the afternoon. I am so excited about them. I am horrible about getting their pictures taken together since there are three of them to make cooperate. These pics we around town and not formal so candid shots are what we were wanting. A whole lot less stress. After their pictures we went to the ASU football game and the kids had a blast. We went with Mommy Kate and Poppy so the kids had a great time. Here are just a few pics from yesterday. As soon as I get all of their pictures back from the photographer I will post them. I can't wait.
PS. Jake is quite the football player. He LOVES to tackle.