Fall Studies 2019

It's that time of the year again.  It's hard to believe we have been here a full year.  At this time last year, I was starting a fall book study and I had registered for a monthly mom group.  This fall I am not only doing a book study, I'm co-leading the small group with the woman who was my small group leader last fall.  I am also doing a book study with the Side By Side group I started in January with and as of today I have joined their leaders group for planning future studies.  I am also doing BSF (Bible Study Fellowship) and studying the book of Acts.  On top of all that, I still signed up to be a part of the monthly moms group.

I know it sounds like a lot, but I am loving ALL OF IT!  I am learning not only from the studies but from the women in my different groups.  This is going to be an AMAZING year!

Tap into the creativity

Since moving to Spokane, we have become members of Yoga Shala.  This place is perfect for us.  They offer a wide variety of yoga style classes and often will have workshops/events that peek our curiosity.  Well, last Sunday was no different.  Jake and Allie attended the above workshop.  They both said they enjoyed it.  Below are the pics from the Nature Mandala portion.

Allie's creation

Jake's creation

Allie having FUN!

One of the group designs

The BIG group design

My dad's visit

I'm starting to realize that no matter what my plans are, if I surrender them to God...He makes them better.  My mom was planning to drive from Topeka, KS to Spokane, WA after her furniture was picked up.  Originally, I was going to try and fly back so she didn't have to drive that distance alone.  Needless to say, my schedule (and life) wasn't making that plan easy.  So I prayed.  He answered less than 2 hours after I said "Amen".  My mom called me to say she had the idea to ask my dad to ride up with her and she would fly him back to Kansas after he got a few days to visit with us.  My dad was THRILLED!  He got the time off and packed his bag.

*sidenote- my parents have been divorced for 25 years.

When they got here, mom and Jen got comfortable in their new home (sans the furniture) and dad stayed with me.  We got to show him several of our favorite spots.  Mom and Jen took him to all the unique to Spokane places, while I continued with my daily schedule.  Owen and I even got to take him through Manito Park. (That's what the pic is from)

Dad was here for 5 days.  I think he enjoyed himself, but my blessing from it was he got to see where we live.  It might be a while before he comes back to visit, but I think he's happy we are all here and blooming where God has planted us.

Welcome to Spokane, MOM!

I had mentioned that my sister moved in with us the end of July.  Last week my mom moved to Spokane!  She bought this perfect house for her, in this community that is going to work out so well for her lifestyle.  My sister has moved in with her.  Together they will be able to look after each other and manage the cost of living together.  It has been such a HUGE blessing to have more family in town.  We got so excited, we bought Christmas stockings for them both to go on our mantle for this year.  Welcome home, Mom and Jen!!

Football Pep Band 2019

Owen decided this year, that he wanted to be a part of the pep band.  There are two different bands, one for football season and one for basketball.  By doing just one of them on top of the other band commitments he has, he will receive a "letter" in band for this year.  He signed up to do football and is having a blast.  The top pics are from the first game we all went to.  The next few pics are of the second game.  I'm betting he will sign up for basketball pep band as well, we will see.

That's my BAG, Baby!

For over a year, my bag was this AWESOME Kavu bag my mom got me for Christmas.  After our big move and a couple of trips, I realized I could use a bigger bag.  Especially to carry my books and iPad.  So I google searched backpacks and found one I LOVED!!!  I ordered it and showed it to my daughter.  She gave me this odd look.  Later I found out it is the same style of bag that some of her classmates use.  I've been using it as my purse/backpack for the book studies I'm doing.  It's perfect!  Allie has since ordered one for herself (black with red handles).  I guess I'm cool now?!

How they change so much!

My kids have student ID's.  Owen keeps his old ones in his wallet, so we decided to take it out and compare it to the new one.  MAN!  He has changed a lot in one year!!!  Allie got her first one and I LOVE that she is wearing the same dress in her school pic from last year, but this year she has different glasses and COLORED hair.