the METHOD:



the ANTICIPATION:




the MOMENT:

The kids ganged up on us a couple of weeks ago and begged for a trip to the bowling alley. I'm so glad they did because we had such a good time. The funniest part was watching Ella during the long wait for her ball to make it down to the pins. She had so many dance moves that she treated the whole alley to. She is a born performer. Spencer, Ella, and I were neck to neck for most of the game (Lance sat out with a shoulder strain). Spencer ended up pulling a strike out of nowhere on the last frame and winning the game. We were happy to see that starting next month our bowling alley is offering $1 games on Monday nights. We will be back there again soon.

One last memory. Ella and her pink ball. There were far lighter balls for her to choose from but once she saw pink there was no going back. She fell to the floor right after this picture was taken because of the weight but she perservered and used the ball all night. Once Ella makes up her mind, there is no going back.!

FHE and Faith

Halloween pics are going to have to wait until tomorrow. The kids begged for FHE tonight after church (our meeting time is 2-5 pm) so we quickly had dinner and an improptu FHE. Ella conducted which always makes for a long but fun evening. If you ever need a time filler, Ella's your gal. She can make up a 5 minute song on the spot complete with dance moves and plenty of angst much to Spencer's chagrin. It was a typical FHE: lots of teaching moments, some fun, some spiritual moments, and at least one person crying before its over (I really wish I was kidding).

I heard a quote last month about faith that I have been thinking about a lot today. I'm not sure why it's on my mind, whether it applies to a situation we are currently going through (adoption) or the grace that I have seen demonstrated by several family members and friends who have recently had some pretty big trials. But I think this quote very succinctly explains faith.

HOPE is the anticipation that the outcome will be good

WORRY is the anticipation that the outcome will be bad

FAITH is the anticipation that whatever the outcome, it will be for our
good.

Don't you just love that?