Enjoying Fall

Elizabeth has been busy working extra jobs around the house to earn some money. Here she is busy raking with a little "help" from Lila.

A Great Opportunity

Today the girls had the privilege of singing and playing the piano at a local nursing home. Our piano teacher is wonderful about reminding the girls that they are learning to play so that can minister to others. Most of our recitals are at The Good Shepherd Nursing Home just for that purpose. These people are always so eager to see the kids and so patient to listen to our simple songs. The crowd is particularly fond of any song with hand motions and familiar hymns. The girls recognize many of the people and the residents always comment on how they have grown. I am thankful for the opportunity for the girls to be comfortable around an older generation and to begin to see the skills they are learning as tools for ministry.

Camping at Tyler Bend

We had a wonderful week-end camping with our Care Group at Tyler Bend on the Buffalo River. The weather was perfect and everyone enjoyed being together. The kids had a great time playing in the large field next to our site, playing hide and seek in the dark, going on a snipe hunt, and swimming in the river. The adults enjoyed cooking and visiting around the fire. We are so thankful to have friends who enjoy camping.

Out for a nice hike along the bluffs of the Buffalo River

Views from the hike.

The girls caught 21 fish - or maybe it was one really hungry fish?

Broom stick bread over the fire.

Our site was wonderfully flat with lots of room for the kids to play.

The girls enjoyed swimming in the cold water.

After we left Tyler Bend we went on a beautiful hike to the Indian Rock House Cave. The hike was not easy but we enjoyed the amazing cave.

Hiking with friends is always fun!

Rachel is 11 Years Old

Today is Rachel's 11th birthday. We celebrated her birthday last night by going to ride go-karts and eating at On the Border. Gray-Gray was here to watch the girls while Tim and I were on our youth Fall Retreat so she was able to join in the festivities. Rachel is growing up very fast. It is hard to believe that she will be in the youth group with us next year. Rachel is a great helper. She often gets up early to make pancakes or eggs for the family. She is very responsible and trustworthy. Rachel LOVES to read - especially Nancy Drew Mysteries. She is also very diligent in managing her money and thinks that some day she might like to be an accountant. Rachel loves her American Girl Doll - Samantha - and was thrilled to get some clothes for her from Bebe and Pop. Rachel comes up with lots of ideas for what the girls will play and if she is finishing school or reading a book the other girls often have "nothing to do." Happy Birthday Rachel. We love you!

#4 kicks up some dust on the track

We enjoyed having these cars all to ourselves.

Rachel's special birthday breakfast.

The girls were excited to give Rachel a Nancy Drew Computer Mystery.

Rachel loves the Jonathan Park Cds and book light from Gray-Gray and Granddaddy.

Rachel decided on a special dessert rather than a birthday cake -Yum!

Ready to ride on her new bike.

New Members of the Family

About a year ago we were given six fish as a gift. Reluctantly we purchased an aquarium, filter, fish food, and all the paraphernalia fish need to survive. The fish were all named and were enjoyed for about 3 months and then the newness began to wear off. No one really cared for our poor fish and we were often surprised to find that they were surviving. Well over the last few months one by one the fish began to die. We had all talked about the fact that we did not really pay any attention to the fish and that it would be okay if they were not around. We were under the impression that everyone was okay with this fact until Abigail's fish, Tiger, died. He was the largest of the fish and was easy to identify. We were surprised at the tears that poured forth when Tiger was found floating in the tank. In a moment of weakness, Tim promised Abigail that we would get another fish. So here we are with six new members of our family. For a total of $1.68 we restocked our fish tank. Welcome Squirt, Tiger #2, Goldie, Sherbert, Bruce, and Jaws. Jaws, Daddy's fish, has already made his way to the great ocean. I am sure he will be replaced soon.

Soccer Saturdays

During the months of September and October we spend our Saturdays on the soccer field. The girls enjoy their teams and it is great exercise.

Abigail is showing the number of goals she made in her game. Her team is called the "Golden Chicks." We love their glow in the dark shirts.

A strong Senn defense.

Rebekah has been on the same team for the past four years. The girls have a great time together and are learning a lot. This is the first year that they have real goalies.

Camping Indoors?

We have felt like we have been camping over the last three days. We lost our power when the remnants of Ike blew through AR on Saturday night. We received back our power Tuesday afternoon at about 3:30. So for the past three days we have been "roughing it" inside our own home. We have been thankful that the weather has been unseasonably cool. Tim and I both agreed that there is something nice about the simplicity of this way of life but we were ready to be able to eat something warm and be productive after 7:30 in the the evening.

A power outage can't stop Tim's Monday morning breakfast of eggs and coffee.

Our most valuable resources - a cooler and lantern.