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.

Pictures

I haven't blogged in a while. I haven't been in the mood. Preston and I have some friends who are going through a VERY difficult time right now and I think it is seriously draining me. I would like to put out a request to please pray for this couple, that God would change their hearts. Thank you.

Here are a few pics from this weekend. Jacob started tackle football this year and he absolutely loves it. Saturday was his first game and they won. He is on defense right now. I think all he cares about is hitting someone, I don't think he even knows where the ball is most of the time.

Is it Friday Already? (just kidding)

I know I keep saying it, but things are getting crazier by the day. My how I miss summer. As most probably know soccer and football have already started and this first weekend we were already to have a doubleheader in soccer. How exhausting. All the games have been canceled due to the weather we have had all week and the possible weather to come. So we have one last weekend to enjoy before it all starts. I can't believe that next week will be the 4th week of school. Crazy, huh?
Well, for all of you who have been praying for Preston's new job. It is absolutely amazing. He has been working non-stop and has no less than 3 calls a day. I cannot believe it. He never would have thought he could be so far behind at the very beginning. We are blessed. God promises to provide for us and he has. I know it is still VERY early on, but at least things are looking good. Thanks for praying for us.

I hope to have some pictures to post soon. Have a wonderful weekend.

A New Day Has Come (I think that's a song)

Well, today was the day. Preston is officially unemployed...wait a second he's not unemployed, just self-employed. There is a difference, right? I'm just kidding. But really today was his last day at his old job. We are very excited about this. Please keep this new endeavor in your prayers. This is his life-long dream. I can remember him talking about running his own company since the day we got married. I am so proud of him. He is such a wonderful person, I know he will do tremendous things. He might be an electrician but his actions speak volumes for the type of man he is. He will blow the competition out of the water. Preston is so very excited, but he is definitley being taught a lesson from God. Learning to walk by faith and not by sight! That is challenging. If anybody's in the market to get some work done, you know who to call ;) lol

Jacob has become the champion of Licoln Log builders. Anyone needing a lesson on how to build and entire logging community, feel free to stop by for a session. Jacob was very proud and insisted on taking pics of his final product.

And this is what the town looks like when your baby brother kiks it! Wasn't a fun sibling moment.

The kids were so excited to have daddy home in the evening for the first time in a LONG time. We has so much fun playing soccer and football.

No Time

Whew! The first two days of school are over. I cannot seem to get it all together. We are already on the go ALL of the time. Jake and Lauren had a great start to school. They both seem to really like their teachers. Not unusual for Lauren, but a MAJOR milestone in Jacob's world. I can't believe I have a third and first grader. I have a feeling this is going to be a good year. Even Will is excited about going to see his friends in the morning. It makes it so much easier to leave him when I know he is having a good time.

It has been almost two weeks since I last posted. I know I requested prayers for Preston (and thank you, I had several emails with sweet thoughts) and I guess that is partly why I haven't posted. He did not pass the test he went to take. BUT....it is very much okay. He can retake it every 10 days until he does pass it and is already rescheduled. Please continue to pray for this life change. He will get there. This is a very difficult test and the average is around five times to pass it. He was absolutely devastated when he got the news as I had expected him to be, but he has slowly come around.

On another note, I am soooo ready for fall to get here. I want to decorate my house for Thanksgiving! I am ready for cool mornings, pumpkins on the porch and the smell of pumpkin bread in the oven. I'm ready for it to get dark earlier and having Circle E candles burning. But most of all I am ready for my family to be together. Preston will hopefully not be working as much and he can be home with us! Is anyone else ready for this season change or am I just crazy?

Thankful and Prayer Request

First of all my mom called just a little bit ago to tell me she had been in a car wreck. She was on her way home and was hit by a drunk driver. Twice. I am so thankful she was not seriously hurt. They arrested the other driver and sent my mom home. She was sitting at a red light when I guess he didn't see the stop. Things could have been so bad. Thank you God for holding her in your hands tonight.

I also have a prayer request. Preston has some stuff going on this weekend and it is incredibly important for the direction our family is going right now. I absolutely trust in the Lord and his plan with our family. I am begging any of you readers to please keep him in your prayers this weekend. Please pray for him specifically, that he is confident in this road and to trust God completely. I am ready for this part to be over so we can begin this new chapter. I personally am so nervous that I cannot put into words exactly what he needs in prayer. He is very nervous knowing the importance of the weekend. I have complete confidence in him and trust in God that everything is going to be great. We need peace. (Thank you)