Texts from UCA

First Day of School ~ 2015

So, I took 3 kids to new schools today. We left early for the 5 minute drive, and it only took me 20 minutes to drop everyone off. Of course, we may have been a little early, as the traffic was past our drive to drop off kids when I got home. The kids were anxious to start, but looking forward to seeing the kids they already knew from church and ball. So thankful for such a smooth transition.

Another year of 6 kids in 6 schools...

Moving day to UCA

Sunday after the wedding, we went to early service where I led a Connect class. After lunch we packed up Erin's college bedding and boxes of stuff and headed to Conway. It was an absolutely beautiful day for move in, and I'm thankful that it wasn't cloudy because I was. I certainly want Erin to go to UCA and enjoy every moment of college, but I will miss my little girl. She brings lots of smiles, laughter and fun to our home. She's been a HUGE help this last year and is probably the most sensitive to me than any other of our kids. I'll miss her every day. Her dorm room is set up like an apartment with 4 rooms, a kitchenette and a bathroom for them to share. We made her bed, unpacked some shoes and then left her as her roommates and their families brought in furniture, rugs and decor for all the community areas. She has some great roommates and I'm so thankful she's in the right place at the right time. 

8-15-15

Just a peek at THE WEDDING day: These pictures are all taken with my iphone and aren't even all in focus, but there are some things I just wanted to capture. More to come. 

Most touching moments: 

1. DBack family coming to the wedding.

2. Seeing 3 of Ryan's coaches and his choir teacher come in.

3. Watching Cameron bring the rings in on a Bible then give Ryan knuckles.

4. Watching Ryan and Richard choke up as Katelyn cried her way down the aisle. 

5. After Katelyn's dad gave her away, then he hugged Ryan in a real man to man hug.

6. Ryan and Katelyn's look of peace and love all day. 

Practice makes Perfect

So, the timing was tight, but we moved out of our event space on Tuesday, and Wednesday and Thursday the girls were getting our hair colored and cut, our nails done, our dresses ironed, our bags packed and putting finishing touches on the rehearsal dinner for THE WEDDING. I was pretty exhausted but the girls helped out as Richard was on the road taking care of business. 

It was a beautiful Friday as we drove to Rogers to start decorating and helping prepare for the rehearsal dinner and help decorate the wedding venue. Katelyn's family had done so much great planning and organizing, we brought all our hands and made light work of the set up. Ryan and Kate were all smiles as we gathered with the nicest group of friends anyone could ever have. We were rehearsed, we were fed, we prayed over the couple, and we were ready for THE WEDDING. 

RL Russellville ~ Event 15!

We were so excited to be in the Boys & Girls club for our 15th event in Russellville. It was our first time there and my FIRST time to live in Russellville during an event! The location was wonderful...except that it was super hot somedays as the gym's A/C couldn't keep up with the large room. Heat notwithstanding, we had a wonderful event with over 54,000 items! 650 families consigned with us and we had over 150 volunteers! I'm so thankful for my super team that keeps things running so smoothly. I hired some young people to help people in out of their cars at check in, and help people load things during PreSale. It makes such a difference when you love on people and have great people working for you. I'm thankful for my event, for the opportunity I'm given to love on so many people and for our community! 

One month

I'm one month behind in blogging and so much has happened I hardly know where to start: I finished my 15th event, Ryan is married, Erin is at college, the littles are in new schools, and we have started our building process.

I'll catch up soon.

Our verse for this first week of school: