Monday, August 30, 2010

Life

***WARNING - this is a long post***

Life for the Adams has been busy busy busy the last month or so. I wish I could say that is seems to be slowing down, but quite the opposite is happening. For the past 2 weeks we have had something every night of the week. I really like this (for the most part) because I feel like relationships are becoming deeper and new relationships are being formed. We are finding more and more ways to participate in God's mission. Growing and growing in ways that we never thought possible. Part of me is just worn out though. I would say that we need to take a trip to get away, but I think that's part of the problem....we have been gone pretty much all summer. Maybe the solution is to just STAY home for a while and let things settle down. here's a little update.

I am still working once a week. I love it. It's a great break for everyone involved. I am enjoying being able to use the talent that God has given me to be a nurse and help those who need it. My friend, Megan, recently wrote an article about God being a God of the broken. I truly believe that and love that I am able to do His work to help those who are broken physically.

My prayer group is still meeting every other Thursday. I love the friendships that are growing deeper and deeper. I love growing together and cannot even express how much of a blessing they are to me. I can honestly say that this group fills such a hole in my life that I didn't even know needed filling. God is gracious and knows what we need more than we do.

One new thing that Mark and I are participating in is a parenting class that has started at one of the elementary schools in town. Mark was a volunteer basketball coach last year for this school and we feel a special call to help whenever there is an opportunity there. We are actually being the 'babysitters' for the parents who are attending the class. We have had the same kids each week and are enjoying spending time with them and talking with the parents. A meal is provided and 2 sessions of parenting classes are given.

Another new 'event' is that I am teaching another Wednesday night ladies class this fall. This class is on Spiritual Disciplines. I am so excited about this subject, which is really important because unless I am extremely passionate about a subject, it's hard to be motivated to teach and study. One reason I'm excited about it is because one of my friends, Jenny Nichols, is going to be a co-teacher. I am thrilled that she is stepping outside her comfort zone to do this with me because she has so much to offer. We have been studying together for 5 or so weeks prior to the class. My life has truly been enriched by her passion and willingness to just jump in head first to something that can be so intimidating.

Besdies all of this, my son is just growing more and more each day. He never stops talking OR running. These days I have really learned to appreciate family. We are trying to spend as much time with both sets of grandparents. He can identify all 4 grandparents in photos and when we are with them. Aaron is just OBSESSED with Mark's dad. The two are inseparable when they are together. He is also just drawn to men in general. I totally understand why it is so important for little boys to spend time with people their same gender, especially daddies and granddaddies. Their influence is unlike any other.

So many other things to mention, but of course this post is too long already. Please keep all of the above in your prayers. Our prayers from long ago, to realize God's will for us in Tullahoma, is starting to be revealed slowly and surely. We pray that we can be used effectively.


Monday, August 23, 2010

Short trip to Michigan!

I know you are SHOCKED that we went on ANOTHER trip this past weekend. Some day we will actually STOP living out of suit cases and start actually live in Tullahoma. Hopefully we are actually done with all of our travels of the summer. This past weekend Beau (Mark's cousin) got married. So we drove the one million hours to Michigan. It was so worth it! The wedding was gorgeous and so well done by the minister and all others involved. We had a blast at the reception too! Aaron could NOT stop dancing and greeting everyone with a 'hi.' He is also becoming more and more attached to his Papa. Actually, I think the feeling is mutual between the two. They were inseparable. Seeing all the cousins was fun too...I always forget how big Mark's family is until we are all together. It's so great how much support they give one another. It was a great weekend. Very long journey though.



Aaron and his cousin Abigail


Aaron and his handsome daddy, a groomsman


Aaron and his Papa

Saturday, August 14, 2010

Happy Saturday

Today was a good day. We FINALLY got our bathroom painted. I LOVE the color. I have to give my husband the credit for that choice. He did a great job of picking out the color. Raich came to help paint and we got in totally done in 1/2 a day. Just after lunch we went next door. Our new neighbors invited us over. There was a petting zoo, games and food for their friends and family because they had new adopted grandchildren and were having a party to celebrate. We have been wanting to get over to talk with them for a while now and this provided the perfect opportunity to do that. Aaron even went with Ms. Jeannie to see the petting zoo. It was super cute. This evening, Raich was kind enough to watch Aaron for us so that we could go to a wedding. We got home late, but it was worth it. Tomorrow evening our new small groups start. I'm really excited! Long, but fun weekend.


The bathroom painted - gray/blue color


Aaron with our neighbor feeding the animals


Aaron wanted to show his Aunt Rachel how he rides 'ho's'

Saturday, August 7, 2010

Trail Ride 2010


Aaron and his Papa

Well we just got back to Melber after spending 9 days in Southern Illinois for our annual '9 Day Trail Ride.' Last year Aaron was only 7 weeks old when we went. THIS YEAR he was 14 months and I think he gets the 'best rider in camp' award. He went riding every day with us. The longest ride he went on was 6 hours long...pretty long for even an awesome little boy rider. It was so great and SO much fun! I think all our pictures of the trail ride were of 'Aaron at the trail ride.' He LOVES his Papa (Jerry) and especially loves the 'Ho's' (horses) that surrounded him. We definitely wore him out. He begged to go 'nigh,nigh' every night and for naps. But was ready for more 'ho's' as soon as he woke up. We couldn't get over his love for the outdoors and for riding....definitely Mark and my son! Here is a few pictures for your enjoyment. More will be on facebook in a few days.


Aaron and Bala on Belle (mom's horse)

daddy helping Aaron sit on a horse