September 2013

Derek and I on whim went to check out summer in Deer Valley.  Everytime we went skiing people would ask if we had come during summer. Our curiosity got the best of us and we went to check it out. 

Utah has a nice substitute to plastic water bottles. This fountain fills up your own containers and keeps count of how much plastic we are saving. Love it!

Selfie of us in the convertible

Crazy to see the lifts with grass everywhere.

The sunset from our patio

We had breakfast while looking at the runs

Oh the lovely trees

I hang here a lot when there's snow. My kind of runs.

Didn't know that Park City has the best mountain biking in the nation. They would attach the bikes to the lifts. They wouldn't even rent us bikes since we were beginners. What??  Have to take lessons.

Gorgeous

I never get to come to the Jordanelle since it's only black runs. 

Snow park lodge where the kids learn to ski

We stayed at The Montage. Most amazing customer service I have ever experienced. Except they didn't provide size 16 houseshoes for Big D...

Really cool water fall (can't remember name...happens when you blog five months after) on our way to Sundance.

The trees.  The glorious colorful leaves.

Deer sighting

While the weather was amazing. Dry, warm during the day, yet somewhat chilly when driving with the top down. We had an overcast day and I had tons of layers to stay warm.

Hoodie monster sighting

The Montage.

For Justin. He loves Ontario

So peaceful staying with just the two of us. Moving slow, eating delicious, organic, fresh food, silence when preferred, great sleep. Thankful for this time and my hubby planning it.

On our last night we went to the game room and played pool. The line for bowling was too long. My kids would have loved it. So thankful for such selfless parents entertaining my children who think Waco resembles Disneyland in terms of FUN!

Meanwhile, back in Waco, lots of cheering and seating was going on. Elise captured the memories for me. If I remember correctly it was about 100 degrees for that first Baylor football game.

Sic Em!

Lexi had to build a fort for school and she chose a balloon fort.

Pretty creative to me!   Then had to email photos to the teacher to share.

My Dad sent this new hat for Shane and we decided to let him know that it had been worn prior. Just trying to get a giggle.  We love you Shane!

Justin tried it on as well.

Levi and his letters at the beginning of the year. So thankful for occupational therapy and Godfrey helping us with handwriting prior to starting kindergarten. My boys have amazing handwriting...better than their momma!

Tattoo man

I found Lexi with her dolls....disciplining them....no comment...

Levi had two teeth that started to go sour. So he had some premolars removed that would normally come out at age 10. To say I felt great grief is an understatement. I came home and cried at the unfair part of his story of having neglect that led to two teeth, already with pulpotomies (baby teeth root canals), and now being extracted. Unnecessary trauma. But The Lord redeems and how thankful I am for that.

Sweet buddy post surgery. Tattoo on his forehead and all. He now has two expanders to hold the space until years later when the permanent teeth come in. Sweet boy. He cried when I tearfully told him what he was having done.

We watched Nicholas and Andrew from community group and Lexi loved feeding a baby.

Levi took Andrew on a stroller ride.

Kids eating kolaches a a belated birthday breakfast for Justin. Crazy to think we used to eat these all the time and now only once a year. Don't miss the stomach ache after I would eat them!!

Love having three crocs to tend to. Lord, remind me in times of frustrations of your provision so undeserved!

Fake sleeping after a swim party as we had a text fest with the Browns.

Mickey sighting at an Astros game when Derek took the boys.

I took Levi on a date to Dave and Busters. We scored big on a coin game.

Lexi and I drove to Waco to help celebrate Joshua Henry Smith's arrival.  We held a baby shower with all Elise's favorite people.  This was the backdrop for a little photo booth her sister put together.

My contribution was mini Nothing Bundt Cakes.  A little gluten indulgence for all

 Our hostess gifts

 The hostesses

 The little attendees

 The girly girls of the family showing their tomboy side

 A sweet poem that Betsy wrote for Elise

 These two stuck together like glue

 Smith clan

 Aunties

What a treat that Mary Beth could come too!

 Me and my bling bling girl

Isn't she radiant?  Elise radiated JOY with the arrival of Joshua.  I love this photo as it not only shows her beauty but her faith in what's to come.

September was fast and fun.  School starting always raises my blood pressure a bit.  Thankful for His provision!

Last weekend I was able to watch IF:Gathering.  So encouraging!  I know that you now have to purchase the digital download, but it was worth it!  Christine Cain on Friday...rocked it and left me breathless!  Rebekah Lyons...bless her for her sweet testimony and her faith.  Jen Hatmaker...own it.  Christy Knockles was one of many leading worship, Hookers for Jesus' Annie Lobert and Angie Smith's Friday night discussion were amazing.  I came away knowing I needed to get more personal with my neighbors (having them over Saturday!), as I would always get too busy to have them at my dinner table.  In my driveway was not enough. 

Loving Hillsong United's Oceans (Where Feet May Fail).  Makes me want Jesus more.

Loved this book Elise gave me for Christmas.  LORD, they are yours.  Help em to let go.  Help me to walk in obedience.

Excited to get the digital download of Passion 2014 Houston starting tomorrow.  And Crowder has a new album.  Can't wait!  May we all be excited for kingdom purposes.