Happy Halloween, Partner!

These two cowboys had a fun night of trick-or-treating around Paris at the homes of our family and friends! The last several years we have been unable to due to being out of town, so they were very excited!

Maplewood Minsitry

One of the things that God has really burdened our hearts about while serving in Honduras is the need for us to be doing more to minister out in our community. It doesn't have to be complicated...just show people the love of God by serving them, loving them and just living life with them! God placed a specific ministry on our hearts through several visits to a local apartment complex. We decided to have a fall festival for the families on Oct. 31...we wanted to do something positive and God honoring on a day that often times is anything but. We had around 30 Maplewood members participate and a great turnout from the apartments as well! We served hot dogs, chips, drinks and played games, did a Bible story skit, balloon animals and face painting! It was a blast, the residents were very appreciative and had a great time, but more than them, I think our church family was blessed. I think so many times, people in churches stay withing the walls waiting for the lost to come to us...that isn't what God called us to do...we are to GO to them! We need to share the message of hope and the gospel with those who will never enter the doors of our churches...are you waiting for them to come to you or are you following His command to go and tell?

Survivor Maplewood

Corey and I hosted the last 5th Quarter of the season for the youth at our home....we had a blast! Around 50 youth showed up after the football game to play, and we even had t-shirts made for the event. They were divided into two teams. The game consisted of three parts. The first was a food challenge with southern delicacies which included...pickled beets, pickled eggs, pickled bologna, prunes and pigs feet...yep. They had to to see what they had to eat, and then the person who chewed, swallowed and opened their mouth first won a point for their team.The second part of the game was a mental challenge. They had a two part puzzle...the first was a 8x5 foot board cut into 19 pieces and tied up in a rope. They had to get all the pieces untied and then put the puzzle together. Once it was completed, they received a clue and had to place the second puzzle in the correct order to reveal the verses that our church mission statement come from.The final part of the game was a physical endurance challenge. They had to balance on these wooden beams and logs to see who could stay on the longest.After each part of the game, the losing team went to tribal council to vote off some of the team members. The last tribal council was the team who won the most of the three challenges, and they voted for who they thought should be the Ultimate Survivor!All the kids did an awesome job...congratulations to Deanna and Griffin who tied for the title of Ultimate Survivor and both won a free ski trip!

Halloween at Joyland

I know you think that's Spiderman, but it's really Bennett! This was his choice of costumes for the Halloween candy hunt...so cute, and he got some really good candy!

Fall Break Family Vacation

Over fall break we went to Gatlinburg with Diane, Michele and David. We left after church Wednesday night and Corey came home early on Saturday with the rest of us following on Sunday. It was a quick trip, but we had a great time with lots of shopping, good fun, and beautiful scenery! Our cabin was very pretty, but the driveway was sooooo steep! We got to do several fun things including putt putt, go-carts, and geocaching. It was so nice to have a short getaway and to spend some quality time with family!

Caleb's Fall Party

To kick off fall break, Caleb's class had a fall party. They had lots of fun! Here are a few pics from the party! Caleb even made sure Bennett got to join in on the fun...he's very thoughtful about wanting B to feel included in things he does! It makes me very happy and proud :)

Honduras Golf Scramble

Each year, our church holds several fund raisers in order to help cover the $1500/person cost of our mission trip to Honduras. This year, we're hoping to take several more from our church than we have in the past. So, if you would like to donate toward the cost of our trip, it would be much appreciated! Our first official fundraiser was the golf scramble...Jack Pressey headed it up, and we were able to raise about $3000...that's two team members!!! Thanks to all who participated!My favorite team ;)

Party Animals

The boys were invited to a birthday for their friends Taylor and Austin...it was one of the most fun parties ever! They had a petting zoo, pony rides and a giant hay stack for climbing! Happy Birthday, friends and thanks for the fun!

Of course Caleb took a few moments to talk things over with the guy in charge of bringing all the animals ;)

Thanks Dad!

Dad had a couple hospital visits in Nashville...we got Krispy Kreme doughnuts! Thanks for thinking of us, Dad!

Pumpkin Painting

Each fall the boys paint pumpkins...they last longer that way! They love it and always have so much fun. Just a neat little tradition we've begun :)