Hangin on the front porch enjoying the breeze

Sent from my Verizon Wireless Device

Spending time with John boy. He is the pleasantest company one could find.

Sent from my Verizon Wireless Device

Sent from my Verizon Wireless Device

Trip to Missouri

Our trip to Missouri was a busy but purposeful trip. We left here three days before Christmas and headed to Kingsville, Mo. which is nearly 13 hours away. The kids always do well on road trips and this trip was as pleasant as our others full of the "ABC" game and even counting Hawks on the way down to Spfld. (counted 400 by the way) Poor Joseph didn't really get what we were doing and after 3 hours said, "I am tired of talking about birds". ha ha The Martins have a farm in the rolling countryside which enabled us to have some down time. The kids rode horses and occassionally played in the snow which quickly melted within an hour of coming down. Granny and Grandpa Martin always have delicious food and we stuffed ourselves way to often. Christmas Eve the Kenny's siblings and nieces and nephews came over for dinner and a lively game of Bingo. This game was a creative way to disperse the gifts. Christmas day was spent at Vicki's house and it didn't seem long after we were packing to head to Spfld. Sunday morning after Josh returned with Grandpa Martin so he could sing and play his guitar at their church. We had many good encouraging conversations and Kenny and I were both filled with gratitude at the heritage our kids have of those who truly love the Lord.
We spent Sunday evening at Mark and Susan's. We felt so welcomed and had such a great meal and relaxing time.Conversation was lively and the enjoyment of eachothers company was evident. Afterward we headed to my brother's house who had just recently in the last few months moved to Spfld. Benny and Angie have a spacious place and with the immediate excitement and encouragement of "little Ben" the kids were cheering and running in circles. Little Ben loves people and his hugs for everyone almost got me teary eyed. We immediately got ready Monday morning to go out and visit George and Edith Baird since it is so important to keep our ties strong since we will one day be taking full responsibility for their special needs daughter. April is a 17 year old girl with fetal alcohol syndrome which has caused physical (she is the size of a 7 year old) and mental disabilites. We ended up spending the morning with this family and even more of their extended family whom Kenny has known since childhood. The afternoon we met Melanie and Jeremy Cumulotti along with another niece Michelle, and nephew Jesse. We met at a bounce house for the kids and were able to meat our grand nephew and niece, Arianna and Israel.
The evening was spent with Ben and Angie and their two boys at their very comfortable home in Springfield. The next morning Kenny took Josh and Paul to meet some friends who own a small 4 seater plane. This would be their second time flying but their first memory of being in the air. The rest of the family said their goodbyes to Ben and Angie, loaded up and drove a mile down the road to the home of Brian and Tina Shaw's. These are great friends we have known since we were very young. With their five children and our six the house was bursting with fun and actiivty. In the evening we had a short visit with Mark and Julie (Kenny's sister and her husband) and then later we were able to spend a few hours with Deborah and Glen. Six of their kids came along so that made the kid count 17- all running around at the Shaw's home.Tina and Brian showed no signs of stress which was unbelievable. Of course, their big toy room in their finished basement kept the noise level under control which enabled all of us adults to have some much needed time to catch up. Deb, Ethan, Michael, and even Josh gave us some musical entertainment.
The last day Brian, his son Isaac, Kenny, and our two oldest boys headed over to the shooting range. And from what I understand had an exciting time shooting a variety of Brian's guns. On their return, Kenny and I soon left with our six kids
to meet the Calhouns, a family of 9, for the first time. Only Kenny and I knew the husband of the family from our old school days. We immediately enjoyed the fellowship and were again entertained by guitar playing and singing from their oldest and ours. The kids played football and ate lunch together. The biggest surprise was the fact that we just happen to know their best friends who live north of us here in Tennessee whom the Calhouns knew when both families lived in California. How odd is that? When we heard them mention Paul and Gina Suarez, Josh was a bit taken back since he had spent a week at the Suarez's house last year.
I think we have met new lifelong friends.
Thursday morning we again were able to see some extended family of the Shaw's. Yvonne, her two daughters, and Naomi stopped in for a short hello and goodbye. Headed home and didn't pull up our driveway until 1:00 am (this was partly due to a downtown Nashville run around time so we could hear the "roar" of the stadium as a football game was going on and also due to a sweet plea from Joe-"I want to see the towers")We came home to a very sick German Shepherd who possibly was struggling with the Parvo virus. She had destroyed our beds and a few pieces of furniture. You can imagine how happy we were to have to change bedding and find alternate sleeping arrangements for half of the family. We thought Lacy was on her death bed as she didn't eat or hardly move for a few days. Slowly she has recovered and even though she is skinny, she is now playing and all in all behaving much more normal. So after the washing, washing, scrubbing, and more washing things are finally caught up around here.
I am so thankful for the many awesome people who we have built relationships with over the years. There were many people we wanted to see but we just couldn't possibly make the time for. Maybe our next trip we can meet more people all at once at a park for somewhat of a reunion if the weather permits.

good times...Lisa flew down to visit Priscilla with plans to drive back with her so she could spend some time here in Tn. while Nathan was training in California. Plans were changed because Nathan was expected back within the week. Not knowing this I called Lisa declaring in a joking manner that we were going to just jump in the car and come for the weekend. When she told me that she was stuck there and may have to rent a car to come home aannnndddd that she would love for us to come get her..then I began to consider seriously going. It didn't take long to decide. Kezzi and I took Sarah and Lily with us and by 6 the next morning we were beginning our trek. The girls were very patient (except for an occassional "are we there yet" from Sarah) thanks to movies playing in the car. Kezzi drove the entire way wanting to prove that she could actually do it (with the help of full throttles and coffee. smile)
We arrived as the sun was setting and found her little apartment overlooking the ocean charming. They had the sliding doors open so we could hear the waves as we ate Priscilla's spaghetti. Lisa sat with the sleepy girls while Pris, Kezzi and I went for a walk on the beach. On our return we watched some old episodes of Gilmore Girls which I found very witty..and found myself ready to watch the "rest of the story".
My daughters woke up before sunrise. We had breakfast and took a three hour walk between 9 and 12. We enjoyed having the freedom of going nowhere. We took our time to explore a little more than usual since we were not occupied with swimming and playing in the waves. The fisherman, birds, jellyfish, shells, sand dunes, and sky were all a little more taken in due to the chilly air. There was something about this that made our walk a little more intriguing. On the return route I noticed an elderly lady shoveling sand like a 35yr. old. Since a shovel is one of my best friends I was drawn to approach her and offer her a little break. ( I love meeting new people especially those older and wiser) Found out she was a 79 yr. old wife and mother of 6 from Pennsylvania. While this muscular lady had my attention the girls got wetter than they had planned which led to "oh well, they are already soaked...let them have fun" We visited and dug for about an hour. There have already been homes that have had to be moved or destroyed because of the shore's deterioration and she was digging a trench to redirect the water. Amazing.
Had lunch at a local Sushi bar then a little shopping afterwards. A walk on the pier followed then back to the house for a little break..back down the steps to the shore for evening pictures in the purple light that only can be found on the beach during the sunset. Lovely weekend.
Kenny also had a weekend away in Pigeon Forge to discuss with his co-workers the business and future plans. He, being at the top of a mountain ski resort, called as I was walking the beach...we both were soaking up the relaxation but yes..missing eachother. I am thankful that after nearly 20 years he is my favorite person to be with and that not only do I love him but "like him" but of course we realistically do not always feel this way...but it's awesome when it comes back and comes back deeper.
It is always nice to come home to your family and the boys did a great job taking care of eachother. Joshua made lasagna Sunday so we all had a great meal after traveling all day. Joe was glad to see me but couldn't explain the huge bump on his forehead and another egg size lump on the back of his head...one was a wall collision but the other bump has an unknown origin. lol
A few days before our trips Kenny took Joshua up to Covenant College. www.covenantcollege.com It is situated on Lookout Mtn. near Chattanooga. Joshua is sold on going for many reasons..(Priscilla's #1 fan is going to want to follow in her footsteps..ha ha). It is a small college with an excellent reputation. We hope they accept him and that the finances are taken care off through scholarships. The golf coach has welcomed him in to joining the golf program but whether that means he will be on the varsity team right away is unkown. I was very thankful that Kenny took the time and loved being just as excited as Joshua. They even had a celebration dinner. ha ha. So glad we are raising these kids together. I say out loud and behind closed doors that Kenny is an amazing father.
Thursday my dear friend Julie Costner had her 4th child..little Simeon..with the great midwife that delivered Joseph and Sarah. Julie herself has attended many births and has future plans to be certified. Her nursing background has really helped her get a head start.
Saturday, the 20th, I attended the wedding Stacie and Mitch, Stacie is Sam's mom and Levi's widow, was I keep Sam on Thursdays and hope to always have a relationship with this amazing kid who gets along with Joe and Sarah unbelievably well.
I like to keep things running smooth around here and when that doesn't happen I can really get ugly in my frustration. I see the looks on my kid's faces and know they feel hurt. Working on this right now and feeling the "Pruning".
I am the vine and my father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that doesn't bear fruit he takes away but every branch that bears fruit He prunes so that it may bear more fruit. John 15:1-2

Bearing fruit...what is fruit? Fruits of the spirit....love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, gentleness, self-control...

If we have some of these fruits in our lives than be ready for a pruning so that we can have more fruit. This sounds fine until we really feel the pruning. Pride is sooo stinkin strong..but I don't really want to stay the same..or do I? It is the process that helps us let go...because we really do want to be free.

Season of Joy

this is what I found on arriving home from the concert...in the middle of a rainstorm

Candice, bringing our puppies to her little Judah

Joe has resorted to using Sarah's hair in my absence while sucking his finger-pathetic

Kenny hates this dog...what is he doing?

wanted everyone who doesn't know Lily well to see what her bad attitude face looks like

Lacy takes a quick cool bath after chasing our goats in their water

Lily spends hours with our puppies

Sarah was enthralled with climbing this tree.

Good news for us..Kenny passed his Fire suppression tests in Nashville and he is already busy with work.We are very excited about the opportunities in this business for our family.He is able to plan his own schedule and take days off when needed. Because this business is a government necessity, it is not affected by the slowing economy.
The beautiful fall weather continues. Sunday, the whole family went to hang out at a local park. After the boys had their fill of football with Kenny, I talked them into a game of duck, duck, goose for the little ones. They finally agreed which led to more laughter than we expected (especially when Kenny started to get competitive even with this toddler activity ha ha) I have to say I havn't had that much fun in a long time. There is something awesome about the whole family doing something together that gives me a feeling like no other. To be honest, though, it isn't quite the same feeling I had when Isaac was here. There is still and always will be a hole.
Another deep joy is to watch Joshua begin to get a little bit bolder. It is almost like a feeling I had when he was born..to see the actual baby developed after nine months. I know he has a long road ahead with many trials and temptations but I am seeing growth and maturity in some areas that gives my heart a thrill.
We were so blessed to attend two concerts this past week. Tuesday, Lisa, my mom, Candice my sister-in-law, and my daughter Lily went to see an Irish Rhythm dance performance that was world class. On Friday Kenny and I took the older boys to see an amazing and talented Phil Keaggy who is now near 60. His talent has been around for decades and it is still incredible.
Now we are dealing with a bit of the stomach flu but it seems short lived. Joe was quite upset about it and wanted to go to the doctor. He said "the sick is hurting me" and "sometimes we have to kill 'the sick' " so funny. I realized my toddler is on his way to becoming a little boy.
November will bring the wedding of Stacie , Sam's mom, which will occur on the 20th. This is a happy yet sobering occasion for the Roche family. Mitch, Stacie's fiance, really seems to love her and Sam. Thanksgiving will be spent with Becky and clayton Houk's family and then probably a weekend dinner with the Roches. The Ectors and Lenzs will be spending time with other family.
We are planning a Christmas trip to Mo. if all goes as planned. The only bummer is that Dana and Russell will be out of town. We will still be busy with many other family and friends and it is the only time to take a vacation since Josh is in school (by the way he has done well with his grades.100% in calculus is something to be proud of) He is looking into going to Covenant College in Lookout Mtn, near Chattanooga.
Thankful for the sweet times and even learning to be thankful for what seems like difficulties. The difficulties are leading to His glory.

Golf Awards and Prayer for a little one

Just a few shots of John and Paul with their medals for taking first place in their golf league. The boys had a good time going out on Monday Nights the past few months to compete. Their experience paid off and they played well. Kenny really enjoys taking them to these events.
Joshua has had fall break this week so our homeschool has also been a little half-hearted. Monday Joshua was invited by a kid at school to try out for a part in his Christian band. They ended up calling Hope to come over and it was decided to combine all of their talent into one new band. It sounds like a great opportunity. I spent yesterday reorganizing the girls and Kenny and my closets. Last night Kenny and I drove to Cleveland where we met Judah and Candice and their sweet two kids for a late dinner. Little 3 month old Bella is the best baby! Today I took the younger boys and rode with Julie to visit a friend and relative of hers that has boys ages 4,7, and 9. They all played great as we didn't hear any complaints from them the entire day. We shared a spice cake and ginger cookies with a pumpkin cream spread with our coffee. Another refreshing time.
I was connected through FB with a young couple going through a heartwrenching experience..please if you have time go to www.matthewsstory.com and pray for this family. I spent time reading and before long I was crying and praying. They are an amazing couple. all for now...the house has suffered these last few days..