We're back here in the blogger sphere!

I know what you're all saying..."Well it's about time!" Yes, this post is well overdue and I apologize for the delay. It's not that we haven't had anything going on in our life worth writing about, actually it's been quite the reverse. I will re-cap much of what's been happening in hopes of catching you all up. Unfortunately, we cannot post pictures at this time due to technical difficulties that cannot be avoided. Here we go...Get ready, strap on your seat belts and hang on for the ride!

Let's start with...of course, FOOTBALL! The great game called by that name has taken up much time in our household this season. It all ended a few weeks ago at the championship game held in Hutto, Texas on a beautiful field with a large screaming crowd in the stands and some determined players on the field. It was our only loss in two years! The game ended with a final score of 34-24. After an undefeated season, the Patriots walked off the field disappointed but knowing that they did their best and the results were God's. They are ultimately victorious because of their testimony for Christ that was unwavering all season and for that we are proud of them!

While on the topic of football, we have an injury to report. Anthony broke two bones in his lower leg clean through! The poor guy is still in a cast and enduring the monotony of sitting around everyday. He does manage to go outside and be our quarter back during family games in the backyard. Many of his fellow teammates and friends came to visit him which made his first week of pain and lying completely still, go at a more rapid pace than would otherwise have been the case.

The end of October always proves to be one of our busiest times of the year. With the San Antonio Christian Film Festival and Academy comes a full house! We enjoyed many great memories with friends from Illinois: Josh, Jessica, and Joseph Erber, Abbey Hill, Ethan Webb and Luke VonHolten and Mark Inyart from Houston. They were all a part of the food prep. or sound crew for the big event. Though our time with them was not long enough, it was certainly a blast! Thanks guys for all the fun and laughs, giggles, outbursts of merriment, etc. that occurs at late hours with a tremendous lack of sleep. We praise the Lord for your friendship and love.

After the Film Festival we got a whole new batch of company and fun. The Zes family stayed for two days and we crammed lots of talking, eating, trip on the town, movies, etc. into those 48 hours! Our motto when they come has always been, "more talk, less sleep!" I would be unable to share all that they did for us during their short time here. I can say that we are richly blessed in ways we don't deserve.

Our 4th annual historic English Country dance was not only pulled off with much help from many friends but was quite elegant and graceful if I do say so myself. Practices during the summer months really paid off as we swept around the room in costume or otherwise smashing attire! God provided the perfect location last minute and we had more than enough funds to cover the cost! Thank you to everyone who took part in the food prep., decorations, costume making, hair styling, etc...

We've also had some birthdays since our last post. Kristalyn turned 11 and Justin 1!
My how time flies. They are both growing so quickly and add and unique element to our home. Kristalyn is an avid reader and is always wanting to learn more. She is excelling quite rapidly on her instruments and practices diligently on all three! Justin is walking all over the place. His new thing is this adorable scowl he does with his eyebrows...it's way too funny. It's the only age where a "scowl" is cute :-)
He now has two teeth and is most happy when in the arms of either Mom or Brenton.

Last week, Brandon and I were given the amazing opportunity of attending a fund raiser dinner for wounded soldiers. The events of the evening brought me to tears on more than one occasion as I reflected on the sacrifices that our troops make every single day. It really hits home when most of them don't look much older than me! There was a special time of honoring these young men who's lives have forever been changed due to injuries acquired on the field of battle in Iraq. We also gave honor to the families present who had lost a son, brother or husband in the field of battle fighting for our freedom. What we enjoy in comfort, these men have sealed with their blood. May we stand behind them, bless them and do all we can to honor them. We want to thank all those who made it possible for us to attend...it was truly a life changing experience!


Thanksgiving day we were the recipients of an amazing treat...we went to someone else's home for dinner. The Howell family cooked so much food for our enjoyment, decorated the table breathtakingly and kept us laughing hour after hour of our time visiting. We then headed over to the Bakke's ranch for an evening of ping pong, hot coco, air hockey, roasting marshmallows on a campfire, fellowship and just down right fun! The hospitality of these two families has really touched us. The chance to meet new friends who love the Lord, and to reminisce with old ones is a blessing beyond explanation! May the Lord give us all hearts for hospitality and love for the saints in the body of Christ.

That should suffice for now. It's already time to put up all the Christmas decorations and sing the good old carols once again! As I write, the fire is crackling and the smells of delicious hot soup fill the air. Ah winter time! Praise the Lord for His goodness every day in even the small things of life. If any of you leave a comment, lets add a fun twist to the usual. How about if you leave in your comment something that your are thankful for? Let's consider the awesomeness of God in things both big and small and publicly express them.