Missed Seasons and a Visit

As much as I loved Houston, and I really loved it, I forgot how nice it was to have seasons. October came around and I found myself falling in love with fall all over again.  There's something magical about the change in the leaves and the gradual chill in the air.  It's nice to wear a jacket and snuggle up on the couch in a blanket with the fire on.  I think our fire in Houston was more for show than actual warmth. 

Rod came into town and we had to take him to the local corn maze and  pumpkin patch.  We went as a family a couple of weeks before and fell in love with it.  We found ourselves staring at each other saying....this is how October is supposed to feel?  I think I actually found myself giggling a few times in my awe over October.  Audrey must have said this was the best day ever several times.  She had a blast leading us through the corn maze. 

This time around didn't disappoint either.  We had such a good time roping, animal feeding, sliding, racing pedal cars, trying to show our strength, and making our way through the corn maze again.  This time we waited until it got dark and went through with flash lights.  If we weren't cool parents before, surely we are now.  Audrey loves flash lights just as much as her Daddy....which is a lot.  She loved going through in the dark but she mentioned that she only liked it when she pointed her flash light a certain way....because if she pointed it the other way it made spooky shadows.  I had a good time trying to scare other maze goers by doing my best witch cackles and ghost noises.  Eventually I couldn't help myself from all out singing my best spooky song.  Audrey gave me the eye roll at one point and told me to stop trying to scare people.  I guess for the first time in her life she was a little embarrassed by her Mom, don't worry that's not the last time it will happen. I'm not afraid to be myself.  :)   

In addition to going to the corn maze we also did a spooky sleepy hallow ride, rode the local Ferris wheel, went to the tool store a few times, watched Emma together, and Paul and Rod did some projects.  It was exactly what we all needed.  Some times it takes someone coming into town to find out that you needed a little break.  

Thank you Rod for coming to visit!  We thoroughly enjoyed having you here!

Hope and Courage

I am months behind on this but honestly who cares.  It's really just my journal and it doesn't matter if I miss a few months here and there....right?  

Over the last 6 months I've been trying to find a place for myself doing something that mattered.  When conference came around I was seeking answers or I guess you could say I was seeking peace and confirmation of what I was doing.  I found it in a few talks.  I'm going to share the links because they were truly amazing.  

After every conference I have fully intended to sit down and study the talks and every time I find myself forgetting.  Just a couple weeks ago I was up alone getting ready before school and I had the thought to start listening to them.  So every morning while I'm getting ready, I listen.  It turns out that it's probably just as effective as sitting down with a paper copy because I find myself remembering the messages throughout the day and when someone is struggling I think first of their words.  The morning is the best time too, because I'm fully awake and my mind is ready to listen. Three of the talks given have brought me the peace and comfort I needed and I hope that as I continue to listen that I will receive more guidance in choices to come.    

This conference was a turning point for us.  I usually buy Audrey a sticker book and I let her do stickers while we listen; usually it's counter productive because she wants me to do it with her.  This time I decided to pull out the bingo board and surprisingly she listened to every talk.  I know I won't always have beautiful peaceful conference weekends, but I was so grateful for this one because I needed it.  

So without further ado......here is the peace and comfort you might be looking for. Go ahead a give them a listen....you know you want to!

By Divine Design

I Have A Work for Thee

Be Ye Therefore Perfect Eventually