Say a BIG prayer

I think God performed a miracle this week with my mom. I've been beyond distraught for days this past week expecting really bad news from a pathology report of Mama's biopsy. It wasn't the worst. Praise God, really. I am so thankful and grateful.

There was some bad. Mama has a new, different type of breast cancer with surgery planned for November 1 to remove the tumor. Please pray they oncologists, surgeons, etc have wisdom as they consider and establish the full treatment plan for her existing 8 tumors and this new 9th tumor. Ask God to give both of my parents peace, endurance, rest, and hope. I want Mama to be here for as many days as I am because no matter when she moves to Heaven and becomes cancer-free I'm going to miss her. I appreciate every day she's here and hope God makes them joyful and pain-free.

Homestead Farms Apple Picking and last weekend recap

 We met Betsy, Ryan and little Alan for a fun day of apple picking at Homestead Farms in Poolesville, MD. I'm so glad they introduced us to such a cool place (with free entry): hayrides, apple picking, farm store, hay bales to jump on, pumpkin patch, rolling hills overlooking mountains, a pond, cool weather and fun farm animals. Lunch afterwards at Dogfish Head microbrewery was delicious. It's definitely fun to be with friends you've known since about age 13. 

Last weekend was fun of memorable evenings but no pictures: 

Thursday: Samford University DC Alumni dinner at Old Ebbitt's Grill followed by an evening Lincoln Assassination Walking Tour that really highlighted Lincoln's life and the complexity of the chaos Booth planned for our country

Friday: Dinner for Six at the Mosier's where we were served our courses in the order we guessed, based on Bible verse options. My order wasn't too bad :) butternut squash soup, silverware, salad, baked apple, chicken with veggies--all delicious and well executed. It was the perfect way to recalibrate our rough day with old and new friends.

Saturday: I coordinated our church bonfire and really enjoyed the day, from set up with Mark on the tractor hauling dirt out of the fire pit to racing through cleanup to beat the rain. About 60 people came on a beautiful night (only ended rainy) to hang out, roast hot dogs and marshmallows, plus hot cider and chili with fixins. Alice adored being out past dark and running around with her friends. Sawyer has some "big girls" who adore him and he follows like a pup-perfect!

Bulter's Orchard Pumpkin Patch 2013

My Littles

Last Sunday I realized that my days of holding my little ones near like this are numbered. They sure are sweet! Sometimes I think they grow too fast.

Fall fun days