Blessings

***Note: Some of the pictures are abnormally large as this post is from my phone.***

I hope you all have had a wonderful Thanksgiving week! We certainly have...

Bright and early Thanksgiving morning we headed down to Gramma and Grampa Colburns house. What a wonderful and relaxing day we had with them!

The next day Trent and I flew to Texas for Mamaw's 80th birthday party. We visited with many family members that I hadn't seen in awhile. The party was wonderful. Aunt DeeDee made axing enchiladas, Aunt Becky organized a funny and heart-warming program, and mom made a beautiful, delicious cake. Everything was perfect to celebrate the 80 years of Mamaw. I am so thankful for her love, her boldness, her generosity, her wisdom, and her godly testimony. She is a shining example of self-less devotion and I am proud to call her my "Mamaw".

We had a wonderful visit with everyone and always wish it were longer. Thank you Papa and Nana for flying us down. We love you!!!

Baby Shower

Last Friday evening we had a baby shower at our church for a lady due early December. It was a lot of fun to plan the decorations, games, favors, cupcakes, etc. Everything came together nicely and the shower went well. I always enjoy getting together with the ladies of the church as it usually involves adult conversation and doesn't involve me saying "no" or "don't hit your sister" or all the other mommy-isms.

Here are a few snapshots of the evening...

We are excited for baby Justine to make her entrance to the world!

Out of the Mouths of Babes

Caylyn has been learning so much in school! She knows 3 verses (still working on the references), and is recognizing more letters and sounds in the alphabet. I absolutely LOVE seeing a child learn!

Yesterday morning as we started school with our pledge, Caylyn jumped to her spot, threw her hand over her heart and proclaimed "I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands and thou shalt be saved. Romans 3:23!"

Oh, my. I laughed so hard. If you look up Romans 3:23 you'll find that it does not say "and thou shalt be saved". That's in Acts 16:31. Like I said, we're working on the references.

That's all for now...

Have a great day!

Tidbits from the Homefront

Where to start?! Trent and I have been "doctoring" colds for 2 weeks with Caylyn catching it about a week ago. All this sickness left no time for blog updates so here are a few tidbits...

CRAFT FAIR

The craft fair was slightly unsuccessful. :) It was not nearly as well attended as last year and several vendors didn't sell much... but I still had a great time with my friend, Faith!

After the craft fair, Chad took us all to Subway. Here are the kids with "Umpa Tim" as Caylyn calls him.

SICKNESS

As I mentioned earlier, Trent has had an awful cold for awhile now with coughing spells throughout the day and night that would leave him gasping for breath. I finally took him to the doctor last Wednesday. He was diagnosed with "walking pneumonia" and put on an antibiotic and inhaler. The medication seemed to help, but he's having coughing fits again. We go back tomorrow for a check-up and we'll see what the doctor says.

SNOW

Last Sunday brought the first snowstorm for all of Maine, except us! We were predicted to get 6-10" of snow, but when we woke at 5:30 it was just raining... so we went back to sleep. Imagine our surprise when Tim came over around 7 and had several inches of snow on his truck! Evidently living close to a lake prevented us from getting all that snow while just a tenth of a mile away they had several inches!

OCTOBER 31

Our family does not celebrate Halloween, but little Josiah came dressed up as Cat in the Hat so Caylyn and Trent had to "dress up", too! We had a little candy hunt for pumpkin candies placed around the living room. The kids loved it!

Typically, Chad doesn't come home on Monday nights, but last Monday was an exception so we made it a special night! I made a big pot of chili for supper and the kids helped make fall sugar cookies.

TIDBITS

Every evening when we put the kids to bed, they are allowed to look at books for a few minutes before we turn the light off. One night this week, Chad went to their room to turn off the light and this is what he found...

Thursday was one of "THOSE" days were the entire day is spent putting out fires and breaking up squabbles. For instance, I was assisting Caylyn in the bathroom when I hear Josiah say "Trenton is making a mess!" When I peeked out the door this is what I saw...

Here is Trenton sitting on the couch thinking about what he has done. Doesn't he look miserable?!

THE WEEKEND

Our church had a Men's Retreat this weekend. All the men had a great time of fellowship and heard some great preaching from Pastor Paul Anderson. Saturday morning, all the men loaded up on the bus and headed out for a scenic drive. Chad took Trent because, of course, he is a man, too! Trent fell asleep on the way back and Chad put him on the nursery floor when they got back. He slept 2 hours just like this!

Yesterday was a great day in the Lord's house, as always. After the evening service we tried to get a few family photos...

Aren't they adorable?!

Tim has finally moved up to Lee and we are so glad to have him here!

Hope you all have a GREAT week!