Snow in November

That's right it has already snowed here. Actually this is the second time this season but the first one didn't stay at all. The girls enjoyed the snow especially Ella.

Elizabeth was a little cold and preferred to watch from inside.

What will you give this Christmas?

Hello everyone. Wanted to ask you what will you give this Christmas? Since money is tight and there is so much need out there I wanted to share with you World Visions Gift Catalog. The girls and I made a Shepard's pouch to collect money to purchase something from World Vision for those in need around the world. http://www.worldvisiongifts.org/

The girls will get money for each thing they do around the house to help and then before Christmas we will collect the money and select and item from the catelog to purchase such as a duck for eggs, medicine, water, clothing. We want them to learn to serve others just as Jesus served.

Now here is a picture of my attempt at the pouch. Now you know why I don't do crafts. Ha Ha! I made it out of felt and sowed the edges. Hey I even have a snap closure.

October

Tommy went hunting this past Saturday 10/25 and killed a Cow horn deer. It was a great job and we are excited to have plenty of meat for the next month or more. I didn't get pictures of him cleaning the deer but Ella stood there and watched the entire process.

That night or the night before we decided to have a fire and we ended up roasting hot dogs and smores outside. The girls loved it and it was a great time as a family.

This past Wednesday we went to the state fair and had a great time. Ella got to milk a cow and did a good job.

Here is daddy riding with the girls. I think we will have to buy a ton more tickets next year as everyone loved the rides.

Mommy riding the train with the girls.

Then this past Sunday we were blessed to have our missionary friends from Nicaragua Mike and Joan Vilasi come and stay the night with us. We had a great time catching up with them and treating them to some good old family time in the fall. We walked out to our neighbors pond and field. Ella really enjoyed Uncle Mike/Grandpa and all the fun they had.

More Fall Pictures

Ok, Ok, I know I was supposed to be sending pictures but honestly the tree hasn't done much. It appears that the leaves are falling faster then they are turning. So here is a picture from today but I won't put anymore of this tree. There are some pretty ones around town.

The weather has gotten pretty cold now so the girls have pulled out the footie pj's. Ella hated them last year but now doesn't want to take them off. She even puts them on at quiet time.

Enjoy the pictures. More to come. We are headed to the state fair tonight and will add some pictures.

Fall is in the air

The fall season is upon us as the leaves are slowly beginning to change. I love this time of year. I am continually amazed at the handy work of Christ as I watch the process. I find it completely amazing that He paints the leaves every year in so many wonderful colors. I took a picture of the tree outside of our front door. I thought it would be cool to watch its progress over the next month.
School is going well. I can hardly believe we are just about to the halfway point. Next week is fall break and then the following week is week 8 which is half way. It is a busy semester but again Tommy is doing so well at staying on top of things. He is doing well in his classes and received an A on his math test. Math is a tough subject for him or shall I say it was a tough subject for him growing up. Funny how years can make things a little easier. Tommy has been asked to present the Gospel at our churches Fall Festival on Halloween. Please pray as he prepares for that. It is neat to see how doors are being opened to present the Gospel. It is very exciting to have our church encouraging us.

The girls are doing well. Ella and I have been doing "learning" as she calls it for about a month now and she loves it. It is a great time for the two of us. She is a good student and really enjoys the different things she is taught. Elizabeth is growing up so much. She is officially potty trained (I know old news to you) and I am amazed. I started giving her a regular cup at the table instead of a sippy. Does the second one grow up quicker??? I told Tommy last night, "You realize we don't have a baby anymore." Here are two pictures of the girls. As you can see they love one another very much but also have that sibling rivalry. I think the hug ended in a take down session.




Blessings~Melanie

Schools in

School is officially underway for us. Tommy just completed his fourth week of his fall semester. So far so good! It is a challenge for him to balance everything. The Lord really gives him and extra amount of strength during the semester. As I look at all that must be done I really wonder how he can do it but he continues to stay positive about it all. He is a strong man and impresses me continually. I am so proud of all his hard work and dedication to see this degree through. We are hoping that we are in the last three years of a five year Bachelor's degree with a minor. So pretty typical.

The girls are doing well and growing. They continue to amaze me as I see them mature. Ella is such a great helper and has grown up. We started some basic homeschooling this week and she has done great. She has such a drive to learn. Right now we are pacing it on her and do as much or little as she likes. Elizabeth is now wearing big girl panties, (see picture in previous post) and has done so well. I cannot believe we are there already. How fast time flies.
Blessings~Melanie

To My Grammy and Nanny

We miss you both so much and hope we see you soon. Grammy thank you for our new princess pj's and fun stuff in our box. It is so nice when you send us goodies. Nanny send scoobie doo treats ASAP. Mommy won't buy them for some reason.