Good Times

So this weekend we were in Temple, TX. We had the privilage of being in service with Pastors Erwyn and Regina Johnston. They had us do something a little different than the norm while we were there. They had us walk around to different Sunday School classes and talk for 10 minutes or so about what we were going to be doing in Swaziland. Then we would open it up for a short question and answer time. We enjoyed getting to know the people in a small group setting....it was a lot of fun! Pastor Johnston also worked us into his sermon on doing the will of God. It was a great reminder of all that God has done for us, and how we knew that Swaziland was His will for our family. God is so faithful, and I love how He confirms His will time and time again. We enjoyed our time at Bethel Church, it was a refreshing service in a place that clearly cares about world missions as well as local missions.

It was a short road trip, only 3 hours. Fortunately, we passed by the Collin Street Bakery again. We used some self control this time. We only stopped on the way home.








This was probably our easiest travel. I finally figured out that Griffin and Ella would be more content if they could watch a movie they actually cared about. Barney was on the agenda...and can I just say, PRAISE THE LORD for Barney! They both giggled and clapped with glee...it was a much more pleasant sound than what we have been hearing. Trust me! I don't think there was any crying or screaming. Not from them anyway.... and the other BIG praise report...this was the first trip that we didn't have to go to the store because we forgot something! I guess I should mark this trip down in the itineration scrap book or something. of course if you know me at all, you know that there is no scrap book....











Since this drive took us south, and that has actually been a bit rare, I've posted some pictures of my beautiful downtown Dallas. These were taken 20 to 30 minutes from my house. The skyline is more beautiful at night...but it's still nice to look at.













This is I-30...it's been under construction my entire life....









On another note, Randy is leaving for Swaziland today. We are having trouble getting Griffin to understand that Randy is going to Africa by himself. We've been telling him for a while now that we are all going to Africa. So, it's not making sense why daddy is packing just himself.... Nonetheless, keep me in your prayers, I haven't been a single mom of 4 for such a long period of time before. They are good kids, so I don't expect any issues. Still, prayers would be appreciated.

the longest short trip ever...

Randy has still been doing sectional councils this past week. This has made for a very tired and less than jovial Randy. I'm laughing here, if you know Randy, you are too. :) I think he's driven around 3500 miles in the last 6 days, and well, it's starting to wear on him a bit. Nonetheless, this budget isn't going to raise itself, so press on we must. Onto Giddings, Texas this weekend...and what a trip it was. I don't think we have gone on any trip so far away that we only spent one night. Suffice it to say that Griffin and Ella were in complete revolt by the time we got home last night, and some of my body parts aren't particularly happy either. But the time was good, and we enjoyed our visit. Pastor Pat and Diane Herlitz treated us wonderfully, and their church was very kind. Olivia got to participate in their BGMC (Boys and Girls Missionary Crusade)offering and tell the children's church about Africa. At first we all thought the BGMC offering was a contest, so of course our family was excited...as we tend to be competitive people, but it turns out it was more of a pot that everyone poured their offering into at the end. Could Buddy Barrel be a socialist??? I'm just kidding. Anyway, moving on. We had the pleasure of stopping at Collin Street Bakery going and coming...because, well, we passed by it going and coming. The kids thought this was wonderful...Griffin seemed as though he had found a little piece of heaven. And really, it pretty much is. Randy found the cookie he apparently fell in love with 15 years ago in Corsicana at the other Collin Street Bakery. I didn't know he had a love for this kind of cookie, but he did, now I know, and while I will never be able to make this kind of cookie, I'm glad that he has something he's fond of in the cookie family. You see, for 15 years I've made cookies... he's eaten one of each batch...and I've eaten the rest. Randy's not a cookie eater. Go figure....

Griffin and Ella seem to be staging a coup against us in terms of our travel. They've begun spitting, yelling, screaming, crying, shouting, and hitting each other every time we are in the car. And even though they manage to sleep through the night just fine at home, they once again are in revolt whenever we are in hotels. If you could make this a matter of prayer, it would be awesome... :)


Randy hits the sectionl council trail again today...good times are sure to follow. :) Thanks for all of your prayers and support! We greatly appreciate it!

Oh, and for those of you keeping track of our, "what we forgot list", let's just say Randy and I were looking especially fantastic at church this morning, in our Wal-Mart dress shirt and make-up....

We're Still At It

Well, this week was super busy for us. With it being Labor Day on Monday, it made for a short week to do work. Notice I didn't say a short work week....there is a difference. To say that you had a short work week would imply that you had less than a week's worth of work to do. That was not the case. Thus the phrase, short week to do work. :) I really should copyright my phrases.... Anyway, normally through the week we don't do much traveling. However, this week we had the wonderful honor of speaking at my grandparents, Chuck and Inez Freeman, and my aunt and uncle, Jerry and Cindy Freeman's church, Capitol Hill Assembly of God in Oklahoma City, OK. Because we have always been on staff at a church, we very rarely have ever had Sundays off. And when we do, it's vacation...and believe it or not, we don't ususally attend church on our vacation. WHA???!!! I know, shocking! Anyway, having explained that we are always working on Sunday, it stands to reason that we have never visited our family's churches... Well, it was great. It was so nice to finally meet all of their friends and the people at their church. They treated us so kindly. The family of God really is just that...a family! We enjoyed our evening there very much. Olivia even received a first aid kit when she attended missionettes there. They were working on their first aid badge. She's been wearing the ace bandage ever since. No, she's not hurt, she's just wearing the bandage. There have been other times of her "nursing" family members along. I don't forsee the band aids lasting much longer. And don't ask poor Griffin about the alcohol pads...

Anyway, after we left church Wednesday night, Randy had to head towards Abilene, Texas. Sectional Council started Thursday morning. My mom was kind enough to drive the kids and me back to Allen...and what a drive it was! Hurricane Hermine dumped LOTS of rain on us on our way home. It was a rough drive going and coming. And once you add potty breaks for the 2 year old, and his mother, we were all soppy, wet messes when we arrived both at church and back at home...oh well...we were there safely, that's all that mattered!

Randy continued to travel to different sections for their Sectional Councils. He got home Friday evening...it was good to have him back. The kids and I did enjoy having my mom for a visit though. I don't think she has been able to stay with us since Ella was born...so it was nice.

This past Sunday we were in Prosper, TX. It was a close 30 minute drive, which was wonderful!!! It was the first Saturday I've had at home in quite some time, and my house and laundry were glad to have me around! There was so much to catch up on...and honestly, still is. But, we tried... :) We enjoyed our service today with Pastor Gabbard and his wife. They and their church were so kind. They definitely welcomed us with open arms and made us feel very wanted. And on a side note, we drove by a farm with a miniature zebra. I'm not even lying...we saw a miniature zebra! And we aren't even in Africa yet!

Also this week, my dear little Ella really got to walking! She is 10 months and a week old. She is my first to walk so early...but that's ok. I'm proud of her and her new accomplishment! She is such a happy baby....such a blessing to our home! Griffin is still keeping us on our toes...and demonstrating what he sees us do...that always provides opportunity for self reflection... Olivia and I are getting the hang of homeschooling. She is doing really well, and I think we've hit a good stride. She really is a joy to work with...I haven't yelled, and she hasn't cried in a while. Success really is how you measure it. :) She also started gymnastics last week. I'm pretty sure she was born to swing on bars. :) Hudson is still loving Jr. High. He's making good grades, doing well in orchestra, and loving guitar club. Life is good for Hudson the 7th grader. In fact, life is good for all of us. God is great, and we are blessed!

Happy Labor Day!

Well, it was quite a weekend...as always. :) I had to finally take drastic measures to ensure that we would no longer forget things. I am stopping just short of a prepacked suitcase that must never leave the van under any circumstance. I am not sure if we are stupid, or if we are just too busy making sure to remember all four kids and keep Griffin from pushing the alarm on hotel elevators, but we cannot seem to remember everything. I'm not sure what our issue is when we leave the house...I'm not going to go into detail as to what all was forgotten this weekend, but there may or may not have been some rinsing out of certain clothing. Or least maybe there should have been. Nonetheless, I have taken steps to reduce our losses. THERE WILL BE A HOME SET AND A TRAVEL SET OF TOILETTRIES! Obviously I should have done this sooner. Being cheap and trying to get by with one of everything was just not working out. But I have since come to the conclusion that it is costing me more money to not have two sets. I'm sure you will all be on the edge of your seats waiting to see if this works. :)

On to more important things. Sunday we had the privilage of speaking at Village Assembly of God in Hot Springs Village, AR. It was really fun to see our college friend, Donald Laymon, and his beautiful wife, Lorrie. We also enjoyed getting to know the people in their church. The church is located in the largest gated community in the United States! It was beautiful up there! The scenery reminded us a lot of what it's like in Swaziland. Ah Swaziland, we can't wait to get there! :)

After we had dinner with Pastor Laymon and his family, we drove back down to Texarkana. We spent the night with Randy's parents and hung out with them and his sister and her family for Labor Day. There was guitar playing, swimming, and a rousing game of farkle involved. :) It was a great weekend!

This coming week is very busy. Sectional councils start here in the North Texas District, and Randy will be traveling a lot! So, if you could, please remember him in your prayers, and remember us here at home. God has been so amazing and faithful to us on this journey, and I know it's because of all your prayers. Thank you for that!

Have a wonderful week!