In the midst of it all.....lessons are learned!

WOW! It seems as though since November 1 we have literally hit the ground running non-stop and have yet to slow down. It has been a month of ups and downs so far and it is only November 11!!!

On the up - Hannah is off to a great basketball season! She made B team which was HUGE for her and really boosted her self-esteem. She is playing post (of course being almost 5'7") and is doing very well!

Malachi is playing basketball with the parks and rec and although not as into it as Hannah - he is having fun!

Kestra is in choir and loves it and is also getting some tutoring after school 3 days a week. She loves school and works SO hard at it!

Tyler is amazing me on a daily basis! He is READING!!!! Huge step and milestone, He is also able to do basic math which is another HUGE step!!! I am so blessed by his wonderful Special education teacher that works so hard and faithful with him.

Joel is plugging along in school and is really learning a lot!

On the down: We have had our share of financial challenges. The dog chewed Tyler's $1500 hearing aid, the car needed tires - and the heater broke - and the four wheel drive is going out - and the shocks are gone ... In addition to this, there have been minor challenges in ministry with some complacency issues and just overall "blah" attitudes.

However - more than the ups or the downs there are the lessons that the Lord is teaching me each and every day!

* Trust Him for EVERYTHING! He provided unexpected money for the tires, one hearing aid was donated by the hearing aid company, and Joel has the opportunity to drive a route full time for the school district again which is added income!

* Be Still and KNOW that he is God! I am learning to take advantage of the quiet moments that come my way. He is God and He is ABLE!

* Focus on RELATIONSHIPS not circumstances! God is teaching me that I need to just love people the way they are and where they are and not focus on the circumstances around them or myself.

* Cherish and Love my family! During these busy times I am becoming more and more aware of the need to enjoy and cherish the times with my husband and kids! We are in fact planning on a "staycation" the week of Thanksgiving and just spending time with EACH OTHER!

So - yes it's been a hard month thus far but I have SO much to be thankful for and to appreciate! I am determined to focus on the many BLESSINGS and Praise my Lord for them!