Hillcrest Farms Pumpkin Patch

This year we decided to change it up when it came to picking out our pumpkins. I had heard about this place in Reedley that did a pajama train at Christmas time. I was looking them up and realized that they had a pumpkin patch too! So in an effort to kill two birds with one stone, we decided to pick pumpkins from Hillcrest Farms and at the same time scout the place out.

We loved it! It's set back in the woods and you really do feel like you're on a little adventure as you wander through the grounds. There were trails, swings, little houses and slides for the kids to check out. It was a million degrees out, but we still all had a blast and got some gorgeous pumpkins out of it too. This place will definitely be our new fall tradition!

His favorite spot

Loyal has a new favorite spot in the house.

He will ask for things that he knows are in there, just so that he can sit in the "pridge". Silly boy.

Hearst Castle

Back in the fall, Josh and I woke up one weekend morning wanting to get out and do something with the kids. Hearst Castle had been on our California bucket list, so that's where we headed. We drove the almost three hours out to the coast and then made our way up to the "castle". We didn't realize that you enter the ticket sales building and then have to take a bus up the driveway to the actual house. So that threw us a little, but it wound up being alright. Loyal didn't do so great on the tour, so Josh took him outside to wander around while Rea, Wyatt and I finished it up.

This place is so spectacular. It blows me away that this was someone's home. Like they lived there. All the time. Amazing. It almost feels like you're walking around in The Great Gatsby.

Hopefully one day Josh and I can go back alone so that we can take full advantage of the tours and really learn some history about it.

Community Bible Study

I briefly mentioned before that I was asked to be the new Children's Director at our local chapter of Community Bible Study. I have been going to CBS for 6 years now. A navy wife friend, Kristin Sinclair, invited me to go when we moved here. Back then Wyatt was teeny tiny and Rea was a newborn. I have attended every year since.

They asked me a couple of times to be a children's teacher, but it never seemed like the right time and life was crazy with two little ones. After I had Loyal, they asked me again...I said yes and was the nursery teacher last year. That was perfect for me...I didn't have to prepare lessons and Loyal was in the class with me. While some days were tiring and frustrating, I ended up loving being in there with those precious babies week after week.

Back in March, before the close of our CBS year, I was approached by our Area Director and asked if I would be willing to step in as the Children's Director--Vicki was stepping down. I prayed about it and discussed it with Josh. While I had some concerns about the time commitment and how it would effect our lives, I overwhelmingly felt that the Lord was calling me. So I agreed and ever since then I've been doing the job. I even flew to Colorado Springs in November for four days to do my official training.

It has been overwhelming and a lot to handle. I still don't think that I'm juggling life perfectly with this on my plate. But when I think about exactly what I'm doing, it is worth it. I get the privilege of teaching these kids about Jesus. The Lord thought me faithful enough to be a seed planter for Him. When I think about it in those terms, I can hardly believe that I GET to do this. CBS loved my own children so well, and I hope that now I can help do that for someone else's kids.

Cotton

They have started planting more and more cotton here each year that we live in Lemoore. I love the cotton. It reminds me of home...so this year I got Rea out in it and took her picture. She was a trooper standing in those prickly bushes.

The first day of school 2015

We came back from our trip and had a few weeks to get back into a schedule and get ready for normal life. The kids started school the last week in August. Mr. Wyatt started 2nd grade! (what?!) And little Miss Rea started Kindergarten! Rea's first day was hard on me. It's always so emotional when your babies take their first venture out of the nest. Thankfully I still have one at home with me! When Loyal starts, I might need professional help.

Wyatt has Mrs. Stone this year. She has been teaching for a long long time. In fact, I have friends here in town who had Mrs. Stone for 2nd grade when they were little. Man does she love the kids in her class. She even called me after the first day of school to make sure that Wyatt had enjoyed himself and that he wasn't overwhelmed. She does draw a hard line on behavior though. Mrs. Stone takes zero crap from these kids. Poor Wyatt has already had his share of time outs this year...but I'm glad for it. I'm so happy that he has a teacher who I feel like is not only teaching him, but really partnering with Josh and I as we raise him up.

Reagan has Mrs. Daniel (Wyatt also had her). We adore Mrs. Daniel. And thankfully she adores our kids. She remembered Rea and was so happy and eager to have her in class. The first few days were a little rough for Rea, she tends to be on the shy side. But just like her older brother, she has made so many friends and according to her teacher is a joy to be around. It really warms my heart when I drop Rea off in the mornings and a gaggle of little girls come running to give her hugs and are excited to see her. Reagan has such a sweet and gentle spirit...it is a joy to watch her blossom.

We'll see how the rest of the year progresses! So far so good...

Brace yourselves...

Brace yourselves for some major catching up!

I have let this blog fall way behind. Between the kids being in school, me being the new Children's Director at Community Bible Study here in Hanford, Josh's work and after school activities....this has totally fallen by the wayside. Hopefully I can remedy that today. And hopefully I can get myself on a good schedule of updating!