Camp Willow Run

We took our youth from church to Camp Willow Run for a weekend retreat. Jon did a great job preaching from the Word! The kids learned a lot and grew as individuals...we even saw friendships restored...praise God! Of course we did the fun camp stuff...roasted s'mores, played games, stayed up late, some kids went canoeing and did a low ropes course. Overall the weekend was great! Thanks to all the leaders and youth for such a fun weekend!!!

Ava and Aaron at the lake

Emet loves Jon's guitar!
Madison, Ava and Brittney
(Ava LOVES Brittney!)

Group shot on the dock

Birthday Dinner

I enjoyed my birthday dinner Tuesday night! (We celebrated early because we had church Wednesday night.) Mom treated us to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory for my birthday...Yummy! Dad couldn't make it because he was on a business trip...we missed him!
My sweet hubby surprised me with a great birthday gift. I needed a new fleece, since the one I'd been wearing came from East Asia 7 years ago and doesn't have a zipper anymore. He got a sweet deal he couldn't pass up on a Mountain Hardwear Monkey Jacket. I love it and I'll be warm all winter long! Thanks Baby!

My blue eyed little boy! (Enjoying his dinner!)

Love my family!

Mom with the kids!

My New Jacket!!!

Happy Birthday Hannah!

We had a special birthday date with Ava's friend Hannah today. The Bradshers have become friends of ours over the past few months. They live in our church's missionary house. When we met them, they thought they'd be in Africa by now. Through different circumstances, God has kept them here for a little longer. They will hopefully be heading to their new home, Nambia, Africa, to serve the Lord there in January. Today though, we had a sweet time with Hannah, Kristen and Joyce. Joyce, Hannah's grandmother, treated us all to a birthday lunch for Hannah at the Olde English Tea Room in Wake Forest. We love this place and had a great time with sweet friends today! Happy Birthday Hannah! We are thankful the Lord has brought these friends into our lives for a season!

Ava and Hannah ready for their tea party!

Kristen and Hannah
Loving the hats!!!

Operation Christmas Child Shoebox

We've been talking a little about Christmas and as Ava sees Christmas decorations she says "Mom, I'm ready for Christmas." We've talked about why we give gifts...we give gifts to show others that we love them, just as God gave us the gift of his son Jesus to show his love for the world. With this time of year comes Operation Christmas Child. Each year around this time Samaritan's Purse collects shoe boxes for needy children around the world. It has been fun shopping with Ava this past week and picking up things for a little girl who we will never know, but yet are praying for. Ava was excited to pick out gifts and pack the shoebox. She participated in the dedication prayer during our Sunday morning service. So sweet!!!

Greybeards do it again!!!

A little over a year ago I made a very similar post to this one. Saturday was the Flag Football Tournament and Jon's team, the Greybeards did it again! The Greybeards have won 5 out of the past 6 tournaments. It was an exciting day of football. They played 3 games. The first game they won 41-0, the second game 21-14 and the third game well, we aren't sure what the score was. The third game went into 8 (yes, 8) overtimes. We lost count of the score because the game went on so long...it ended with Jon intercepting a pass...way to go Greybeards!!!

My hubby, the QB for the day...

The Greybeards...The SEBTS Flag Football Champions

It was an all around good day of football for our family. Jon's team won, the Tigers won and App secured the title of SoCon Champs!!!

18 Month Stats

We headed to the doctor today for Emet's well check. He is growing well and Dr. Ryan was impressed with his vocabulary. He got the second dose of his Hep A shot today and of course was not happy with that. He kept saying "doctor" when Dr. Ryan was in the room with us and when the nurse came back in for his shot. All is well with our little man!!!
I praise the Lord for a healthy and happy boy!!!

Weight: 22 pounds 12 ounces ~ 10%

Height: 30 3/4 inches ~ 10%

Girls Time Away...North Myrtle Beach

Last Wednesday Scarlet picked me up and we headed to North Myrtle Beach. Amy, Liz and Allyson met us down there for a "girls weekend" away. Scarlet organized this for us...thank you!!! The trip was truly a blessing and a refreshing time! We had a great time hanging out, shopping and eating! We even got to see the Christmas Show at the Alabama Theatre. What a special time with family. It isn't often that we get to do things like this, so I treasure the time I have with these wonderful ladies! Love you all!

Liz, Scarlet, Allyson and Amy on the beach...

same shot, but Amy traded places with me!

Benito's

After a long day of shopping we enjoyed dinner at this great Italian restaurant! The food was wonderful! Our picture was a spur of the moment...I think we look kind of silly!

After the Christmas show at the Alabama Theatre

Right before we had to go home...

Fall Festival Fun!!!

Gorman had our annual Fall Festival on Saturday night. There were cute kids dressed in cute costumes and more candy than one can imagine! Mom and Dad came down to see us. Since we didn't get to spend the time with them we would have liked last weekend, their visit was extra special. Ava loved having them here and they enjoyed seeing Ava and Emet in their costumes!

Emet was pretty clingy during the Fall Festival and was on my hip most of the night. Pretty unusual for him...he would normally want to run around, but I think the large amount of people was overwhelming! Ava on the other hand was all over the gym. Her favorite thing was the bounce house. She would have rather jumped than play the games and get candy...fine by me!

After all the games inside we had trunk or treat in the parking lot. We all had a great time and were ready to crash when we got home!

I was fixing my little fairy's hair...and she was watching football!

Ava with Pops and Granna

My Little Fairy

(Thanks Granna for the costume!)

Our Little Armanti Edwards!!! Go APPS!!!
Addi and Ava...Daphne (from Scooby Doo) and a Little Fairy

Emet, me and Brittney...we love Brittney! She is one of our youth girls. She is a joy to be around and loves on our kids like you wouldn't believe!

Painted Faces
Ava and Hannah
Hannah is our sweet friend from down the street. Her family is set to leave in January (if everything goes as planned) for Namibia, Africa. They are going to serve as missionaries in this tiny African nation. Pray for their family as they prepare for what their life in Africa will hold and how the Lord will use them to reach the nations!

Ava and Brittney

Ava ADORES Brittney and was so excited to see her on Saturday. We hadn't seen her in about a week and a half...Ava ran to her and jumped into her arms! So sweet!

Right after trunk or treat...ready to go home and crash!

Probably the moment that made me smile the most all night long...

Emet had not been getting candy or carrying a bucket or pumpkin. The last car we went to asked if Emet had a bag. When I told them no they quickly stuffed some candy into their empty bag and handed it to me for Emet. I let him hold it and the smile on his face says it all...he knew exactly what was in the bag and was thrilled to have it!

Snuggling with Pops!