S-L-A-C-K-E-R

            "Thats our hall director" :)

Hello my sweet friends. I was talking to Ashley tonight and she asked, "So, have you read our blog lately?" and in my stupidity I reply, "What blog?" Yes, life has really caught up to me recently, and blogging, well, I guess it never registered to me. So, now I just caught up and read everyone's updates, and I am blown away about everything that I have been missing. Jessa, 

my heart breaks for you and your loss. I can't imagine the hurt and confusion. But knowing that we have a sovereign God who has orchestrated every step is so comforting. Know that I am praying for you! Becks, I can't believe Kellan is starting seminary! How exciting! I will definitely be praying for you- that the Lord will continue to mold your marriage and provide time for each of you to be together in the busyness that comes before you. Hales, wow- I am so excited that you and Paul are still leaning on the Father to guide you in your marriage. What hard decisions and times you have had to face. Know that Chip and I are daily praying for you and Paul, and we know that the Father has this in His hands. What a great time to look to Him for guidance and grow deeper in His word and truths! Shells, I can't get over how big Bennett is! He is beautiful- just like his mama and dada! And Ash, your love for these girls- it excites me! This ministry sounds absolutely amazing!

So here's the update from Huntsville! Chip and I are busy little bees. I am teaching 7th grade special ed this year. It has definitely been, well, challenging. (Kind of ironic that the school I am working for is named Challenger.) My job consists of me team-teaching (teaching with another teacher) 4 inclusion math classes and 1 science class. I also teach a class called "Learning Strategies"- where I basically teach study, test-taking, and social skills. The beginning of the year was really difficult. I had one little boy who was AWFUL- he never did any work and always disrupted class. When I would try to call the mom, the phone lines would be disconnected. I also had one boy that had anger issues and was very defiant. The Lord, in His faithfulness, knew I was at my wits end. So, in October one of the boys move

d to Tennessee and the other one was expelled. Life has been much better :). However, my job requires me to deal with a lot of young kids with a lot of deep issues. A lot of family problems, and heartbreaking situations. The Father has been teaching me about how truly blessed I am. I come home weeping with a broken heart for some of these students (at my school and in our youth) who come from nothing, no support, no family. I have really begun to see just how important it is for the church to be the church. To find these lost souls who have nothing and tell the the greatest story of all- that they do have something! They have a Father who will never fail them, never hurt them, always be there for them, wants what's best for them, who will love them unconditionally. They have a Savior that loved them so much, that he gave himself up just for them, so that they could spend eternity with him! Hallelujah!  

It is looking like Chip might be able to go on full time staff at our church in January! Yay! Our prayer is that we will continually seek the Father to lead this youth group, our marriage, and our future. It has been amazing to see the Lord's provision, and we look forward to see what else the Lord has in store for our future as we continually seek His will for our life. 

Okay, this is a long enough post for now. Now that I realize we have a blog, hopefully I will be a much better reader and updater! I miss y'all so very much! Look forward to the reunion in January! :)

Kels

Here's a picture of our new boxer, Aubie, that we rescued from the Humane Society

Birthday Boy!

We celebrated Bennett's first birthday with some friends and family at our house. It was alot of fun even though it seems like a big blurr to me. I can't believe a year has come and gone.

This cake was an ordeal. It only took twice to get it right. Thanks to Aunt Nat for icing it.

Birthday Boy all decked out. He wore that hat like a trooper. I was so proud!

The cute invitation that matched the cake.

Bennett especially liked the wrapping paper, tissue paper, bags, boxes, and balloons.

This is what Bebe and Rooster(my parents) gave Bennett.

Yummy! He liked his cake. Playing in it was the best part.

Notice the cake was head to toe. You know me, I couldn't wait to clean it up.

LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!

First of all I want to say that I absolutely adore this. I just got on here for the first time with a nudge from Renee, and I can't believe it took me so long. Renee...if Bennett were any cuter I think I would just have to come take him. Becks...Congrats to you and Kellen! What a life altering time in your lives. As for the money...God will provide everything you need, but I know you know that already. Ash...you are seriously one of the most incredible people I know. I love that your entire life is centered upon your next mission field. As for the club...that is amazing! I am definitly going to have to come visit again and experience this first hand! : ) Jessa, you are still in my prayers! Kells...I saw your wedding pics on facebook and they were beyond gorgeous! I hope you and Chip are doing fantastic and loving all of the new challenges you are getting to face together.

As for me...these past several months have been a doozy!!! Paul and I are still seperated and I am still trying to come to terms on a life without him. We are still going to marriage counseling and spending time together, but no decisions have been made. I decided from the very beginning that we had to give it until at least December before we made a decision either way, but I am thinking that we are still going to need more time. The good news is that we know we love each other and that we want this to work, but there are alot of barriers to overcome before we can truly be happy together. In the past few weeks, I have starting growing very weary of the situation and questioning how much longer I can go through this. The Lord as always is very faithful and allowed us to have one of the best heart to hearts we have probably ever had. Since you all know what a wonderful communicator I am (and Paul is as lousy as me I can assure you) so this was truly a blessing for us to be able to sit down and open up the way we did. We are also crossing another bridge that we have both struggled with for a while now. Paul is going to the doctor to discuss his manic depressive behaviors. For the past several years, Paul has struggled a lot with depression even when he cannot identify one thing in his life that makes him feel that way. Since I am very hesitant to turn to medication, I have not encouraged him to take action despite the fact that his father, our counselor, and many other people have urged him to seek medical attention. Lately, his roller coaster of emotions have gotten worse and after a lot of hesitation we are finally willing to consider that there truly may be a chemical imbalance that he is dealing with. Not that we see this as a cure to our situation, but at least now we feel like we are taking one more step in trying to work through our issues. I will keep you all posted on where we go from here. In the meantime, I am looking for jobs and still trying to get plans together for moving back towards home so that my life doesn't completely fall apart if all of this doesn't work out the way I want it to. Please continue praying us!!! I know that the Lords' will has a way of prevailing in the end and that is what is keeping me going right now. I love, love, love you girls and I am so looking forward to our weekend together!

Quack, Quack!

Bennett was a duck for halloween!

We went to a fall festival with friends.

Bennett's favorite game. He almost dove in:)

The 50's Family

First pumkin carving!!!

Lots of fun, Big mess.