October

I can't believe it's been so long since I've written! I'll just title this post "October" since it will pretty much sum up the month. Looking back on this month, trying to figure out what to write about, it seems like a blur. Every day goes by so fast! Clara is growing so fast and I can't believe she will be 3 months this coming Friday. She is starting to "talk" more and can reach for things now. When I feed her she likes to reach her hands up and touch my mouth. Monday's are "date night" with Jessica and Madilyn since Brandon is in school that night. It's fun to watch Madilyn grow as well. They are surely becoming best friends. :)

Two weekends ago we went on the high school youth retreat in Livingston. It was an absolutely beautiful weekend. I was a little stressed about bringing Clara but she was perfect! She slept in her pack in play in the cabin with all the girls, got held a lot during the day and hung out in her stroller during services and rec time. She enjoyed watching daddy climb the rock wall. The theme for the weekend was REVEAL. We learned about how important it is not to pretend like you've got it all together and that it's okay to "reveal" your struggles with others in the body of Christ. That we as believers are to love and support and challenge each other in our daily lives. It was really cool to see God working in the students' hearts as they opened up. I know even as a leader I sometimes become naive to the fact that even MY girls struggle with some hard core stuff. Knowing that some of my precious girls deal with depression, suicidal thoughts, body image issues, anger, bitterness, jealousy, etc broke my heart. It was yet another time to remind them of the grace God gives and that He is our ultimate healer. Because so many of them opened up about these issues, Christy and I can now take steps in getting them help. I just love them!

This past weekend we had our first garage sale with our friends Robin and Lee. It was neighborhood wide so there were a lot of people. Again, the weather was perfect and we had so much fun sitting outside and making a little money. We made $164! Woo Hoo! It's funny to see some of the stuff people will buy.

Looking forward to Clara's first Halloween! Ok, here's a ton of pictures...

Staying warm at the garage sale

Preslee is priceless

Robin teaching Preslee about not going into the street. Go momma!
Jason hanging out with Clara and Madilyn

We've got the goods

Daddy Clara time
What's up Madilyn?

Well Hello
I love camp!

Us

Callie about to climb the wall

Jason about to sprint up the wall...
3 seconds later...
Pretending to hang from the edge
Mission accomplished
Time to get down now. Zip line!
Jason and Chaz, 12th grade guy leaders. Oh, and of course best friends as well. :)

Somehow she slept through crazy loud music
Camp Cho-yeh

Some of our girls

On our way home. Camping wore me out.

Little Pumpkin
My friend Marissa's son, Kanin, turned one this month. I can't believe he's already one! He's so cute.
Hanging out with the family. Grandma Mary.
Gramps
I like to sleep, can you tell? (in Grandma Mara's arms right now) My mom and dad very much appreciate it. :)
Little gangster baby See ya