Getaway

Brian and I just got back from Florida yesterday! We were able to get away this weekend without our kiddos to attend a wedding for a good friend of Brian's. Brian performed the wedding ceremony and it was an amazing celebration of our friends. Brian's parents graciously came over to watch the girls. It was very hard to leave Lily especially, but everything went just fine! We so enjoyed spending time together, sleeping in, and having no baby gear to cart around! It was also a fun time to spend with some friends we don't get to see that often. We were able to catch up on some pictures of just the two of us. These kinds of trips are so needed and refreshing for a marriage!

Pumpkins

We took a trip to the pumpkin patch this weekend with the girls. Halle had a lot of fun and Lily was content as ever. We got a chance to get some cute pictures of them. It was such a fun outing for the 4 of us to be together.

Giggles and tears

I heard laughter the other day from my room and I came out to capture this...

Pastor Appreciation

This post is in honor of my husband!

In case you didn't know, October is Pastor Appreciation Month. My relationship is a little different with my pastor than most, since well, of course, I'm married to mine! But, being in the ministry world now for about 6ish years now, I realize how hard ministry is! There are many wonderful pastors and people that serve us "church people" in ministry. Being a pastor involves so much that many people don't realize. It requires being on call 24/7, 365 days a year, watching the grief of many in loss, rejoicing with many in birth, preparing many for marriage, joining those in marriage, creativity in many areas, coordinating many events large and small, shepherding numbers of people, developing many people, counseling appointments on numerous issues, praying incessantly, studying immensely, speaking weekly, challenging daily, managing financially, reaching out deliberately, loving unconditionally, and at the end of the day having enough strength and energy to give your family the best of yourself in order to lead them, love them, and keep it all together. Whew- sound exhausting? Brian is an amazing pastor and is loved by our church. They recognized him this past Sunday with a generous gift and many cards and thank you's. One thing stood out as we read people's words of thanks. They said, "thanks for being our pastor and friend." That's exactly what he is. Brian not only leads our church, but he's friends with so many and has made a personal investment in the lives of so many. On top of that he is completely adored by 3 girls when he comes home each night. So I'd like to say thank you to my pastor for the many hours he puts in to lead- to make the difference in our lives so that we can know God more fully.

If you haven't had the chance to tell your pastor thanks this month- slip him or her and note and just let them know that you appreciate them. If you don't tell them, no one else will. It's just a wonderful time to say thanks!