Autumn Glory

What awesome weather we've been having the past few days! We moved up 30 degrees in less than a week! Days like these are Angel's favorite since he works outside! I'm so jealous! He has a passion for being outside and feels close to God. He loves being surrounded by nature and God's beautiful creation. He loves getting up early and watching the sun rise.

It all sounds great until he has to spend his day doing this:

fixing a leak

killing a rattle snake:

But he sure takes pride in these greens!:

"This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalm 118:24

Rest for your Soul

I haven't been able to sleep good these past few nights for some reason. I just lie in bed thinking, praying, and trying not to worry. There's not really one thing in specific that's on my mind, just several different things. I'm usually not a worrier, because I know that God is in control. But when it comes to big life decisions, I want a complete peace. When my heart isn't at peace, I just keep praying that God will give us wisdom and a clear answer.

• Kindergarten. When we enrolled Caleb this past spring, we were informed that with a late birthday's (Caleb just turned 5 this past week), parents have the option of waiting a year to send them. We've spent this whole past year talking about kindergarten to get him ready for this year, and I really think he is ready to start. But I also can see that the extra confidence of waiting a year might really be a help for him. So school starts next week, and I still don't know. I've been playing all of the "what-if's" in my mind! I have a meeting with his teacher on Monday. I'm still praying.
• House. Since I have been working full-time this year, we are eligible for a morgage loan (FHO). Although it would be a rather small loan compared to houses in this area, but this would be a huge thing for us and we just don't know if we are ready to persue this or not.
• Job. This Nov. will be a year at RMH. I love my job and working with "at-risk" families. I don't like working full-time! I feel like I need to be home more for and with my family. I don't know how other moms balance this. Especially with more kids! If we want to buy a house, I'll definately have to keep working.
• Missions. We know that God is calling us to Mexico. This has been something that God has confirmed to both of us at different times. We just don't know when! And we are not sure how this will all work out. Every time we feel we are about to persue this more, it seems that something else comes up. I know God's timing is perfect, but we are so eager to be walking in his will. I have to trust that where we are now is his will.
• There are also other on-going things that we are trying to take care of. I feel like I always have a "To-Do List" and it never gets any shorter! =(

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."Matthew 11:28-30

The Real Deal

Today was a very long day at the conference. Perhaps the longest yet. Today was day number 3 and I'm getting tired of workshops, not to mention ready to see my family. Tomorrow is the last day, and thankfully, we'll be headed home around noon.

We have been trying to have fun while down here. Ok, so it' hasn't really been that bad. For the most part, it's been quite refreshing. It's been beautiful weather (apart from the tornado warnings tonight). My co-worker, Della and I have been relaxing by the pool.

We've been on an Olive Garden craze as well, which has been a real treat!

To end a long day, we decided to go shopping at the mall that almost touches the conference center. This is one of the Pros of out-of-state trainings! It's a 3 story mall...much bigger than I'm used.

The Disney Store was have a "going out of business sale."

AND Gymboree was having a great 30% off anything in the store sale.

Serious shopping!

I just had to share these deals! Since I mainly shop the Clearance racks, these mark-downs were a great deal after another 30% off. A head start on school shopping!

Precious in His Sight

I've been in North Carolina this week on a job training conference. I've been enjoying the time to myself, while missing my family like crazy! My awesome husband is enduring the week as a single father, with the help of my wonderful parents of course.

This is the first time I've been on a conference of this type. It's called the "National Smart Start." There is a ton of great break out sessions offered to choose from that focuses on a particular area for growth and learning. I feel like it has better prepared me for situations I face in my job as well as with my own children. Then, they pull us together as a group and encourage us to continue to fight for early childhood initiatives. We hear success stories, examples and statistics. "Write your Legislators. Come Together. Unite. Be one voice - One strong voice for children."

I've been thinking a lot about this. For me, it is important to be an advocate for families and children. I have been amazed at how much advocacy actually makes a difference. I love having this part of my role in my job. While I understand the early childhood initiatives and programs are important for all children, I guess my reasons for being here are different. Sure, it's great to further your professional knowledge in a particular area, especially when you can relate personally, but for me, it's much more simpler than all that. While working with children on a daily basis, I am reminded how much Jesus loves them.

He took a little child and had him stand among them. Taking him in his arms, he said to them, "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me." Mark 9:36

For me, that is reason enough - To share Jesus' love and pray that a seed is planted in them and the lives of their family.

Office Space

Here's what my office space looked like on this beautiful friday morning!

Look closely! There's a little one in there. He is sick. It happened on our way to school this morning (and we car-pool). So I headed into the office to pick up some work to take home! I'm glad I didn't have to cancel any appointments for today!

This is what he was working on before he zonked out: