An Unforgettable Night With the Chapmans

When I heard Steven Curtis Chapman, his wife Marybeth, and their two sons would be performing/speaking nearby, I knew I had to go! I have always enjoyed SCC's music, but more importantly I love what he and Marybeth have done through adopting three beautiful daughters from China and creating ShowHope to help with orphan care and adoption expenses.

When their daughter Maria was tragically killed over two years ago, my heart grieved with them. It hit so close to home for me. Seeing pictures of Maria's eyes disappearing when she smiled reminded me so much of Ava. I really wondered if SCC would sing again and if he did, how God was going to use him. Never in a million years could I have fathomed how much God would use their entire family to reach out and share how God is still faithful even when the most horrible thing imaginable happens. God is using Steven to reach out through his singing (I think his newest album Beauty Will Rise is his best yet), He is using Marybeth through her speaking and new book Choosing to SEE, and he is using their sons Caleb and Will Franklin through their musical talents and their band, Caleb.

We decided to surprise Hannah and have me take her to the concert. It was such a magical night and she was sooo surprised. Before the concert, we took part in a question and answer session with Steven and Mary Beth. We sat five rows from the front and were so moved by their responses and encouragement to people in the audience who have also lost children or other loved ones. Their two sons opened the show with their band called Caleb. They were incredible. Hannah and I couldn't take our eyes off Will Franklin on drums - he was so awesome!

When SCC came on stage and performed, it was everything I imagined it would be and more. Hannah was mesmerized. I think she sat on my lap for the entire concert (except when we stood up). Mary Beth also shared excerpts of her book (at some point I will force myself to finish her book no matter how many tears I shed).

It was an unforgettable night for me and Hannah Joy FuLi!

Grandfriends' Day

Ava was excited to experience her first Grandfriends' Day at school a day early since she's not in preschool on the actual Grandfriend's Day. She couldn't believe that Nana and Papa got to see her locker, check out her classroom and meet her friends. They even played with her and her friends at the the beloved sand table (one of Ava's favorite spots).

The next day was the actual Grandfriend's Day. Hannah and Ava's grandpa and grandma came for the morning. The whole school performed in a lovely program. The highlight was watching Hannah's grade dance to "Shine On Us" - the same song my students sang at our wedding 12 years ago. I just love that song! Grandpa and Grandma checked out both classrooms and spent some time working on a craft with Hannah. I came to see the program with Ava so we got to hang out a little too. Afterwards, we all enjoyed a yummy lunch together. Hannah and Ava are blessed to have such a great Nana and Papa and Grandpa and Grandma.

Fall Fun

This fall we packed in as much as we could. I was delighted to take part in all of the things I missed last year because of my surgery and recovery. We even added a few new things this fall...apple picking, making applesauce and a delicious new recipe for pumpkin pancakes that has become a family favorite. The gorgeous warm weather has definitely helped to make this fall fun and fabulous!

I was excited to go on Ava's first preschool field trip to a farm.

Visiting the Fish Ladder with my cousin Brian who lives near it

Mmmm...pumpkin pancakes

Fall fun with friends Chloe and Lia

The one and only picture I was able to take at my niece Ajla's 4th birthday party before my camera battery died. Nice face, Hannah. We had fun celebrating your birthday, Ajla! xoxoxox

Spending the evening as a family with dear friends. After a delicious dinner, Hannah and Ava loved hanging out and playing with Lauren, Ashley, and Ryan while Doug and I enjoyed a game of euchre with Sue and Keith. We'll take 'em next time, Sue!

A Weekend With Chester

Hannah got to horse sit for the weekend. She was ecstatic...even though the horse was only a stuffed animal. Chester is her class "mascot" and it was her turn to have him visit for the weeknd. It was gorgeous weather so Chester spent a lot of time outside with us. Hannah loved every minutes of her weekend with Chester.

The Magic of Art

Our downtown is filled with incredible art for a special competition this fall. We feel blessed to be part of a city that values and appreciates the arts. We made several trips downtown to check out the art. Here are some of our favorites.

Checking out the art with my small group (minus Jill)

Beach Day in October

We have been having incredible weather this fall. Kind of makes up for missing most of fall last year while recovering from surgery. Today was a particularly splendid day, so after church we packed up and headed to the beach. The water was a bit chilly, but after dipping in toes and getting braver, the girls headed in all the way with their daddy. Their wimpy mom only went in half way. We love going to the beach, but enjoying a beautiful beach day in October made it all the sweeter.