Catching Up: Fall Fun and Answered Prayers

Psalm 8:3-4 "When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have set in place, what is man that You are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?"

The past two weeks have been full and busy. We recently visited my parents at their new place in KY. It is great for our kids to be able to experience country life. The kids helped clean out the chicken coop, catch chickens, pick up eggs, and even learned how to butcher and de-feather a chicken. I vividly remember doing these things as a kid, so I was excited to have my kids have the same experiences. The first thing we did was find rubber boots for everyone to keep at the farm. Tennis shoes do not cut it when you are playing all day out in the field and catching chickens. The kids had a blast with my parents and their cousins. 

We drove home Monday morning and spent the day doing school in the car. I love the flexibility of homeschool that allows us to take time as a family exploring new places and having adventures. I know the kids learned more at the farm with hands-on-learning, then they would in a book. The chickens worked out great because we had just learned all about birds. The kids were able to see first hand the different feathers a bird has. We also dissected parts of the chicken for them to see how the body parts function.

On Tuesday, we decided to get up early and go to Starved Rock to see the beautiful fall colors. The kids once again took some of their school work in the car to get school in. Then we spent two hours hiking (aka PE) and enjoying God's creation. 

I spent Monday and Tuesday afternoon at doctor appointments for Shan Chen in Chicago. These visits were worth the time. We found out that Shan Chen does not need surgery at this time. He does not have scoliosis (praise the Lord)!! Shen Chen was excited that God answered his prayers. He did not want surgery again and was so happy to hear that he didn't need surgery this year. Tuesday afternoon, we stopped by the zoo to capture some more Fall colors downtown. 

This photo was taken by Grace. She wants to be a photographer and she has been taking classes from a friend in CA. I love seeing her skills improving as she practices with the camera.

Abigail, Grace and Naomi had a Fall dance with their homeschool group tonight. They were excited to use the dancing skills they learned in the spring at their dance class. I cannot believe how quickly my girls are turning into beautiful young women, both inside and out!

Tomorrow we are celebrating DJ's 13th birthday. We have talking about and planning his special cake for a year. Tonight while the older girls were at the dance, I made his cake. I'm excited that I only have one more cake to make next year for Shan Chen's 13th birthday. Going to Baskin Robbins and picking out an ice cream cake is much easier. These cakes are an expression of love. I have so much respect for my friends who do this for a living...more power to you!

Last night our dear friends, who are missionaries, came and spent the night with us. We loved hearing how God has been working in their lives. They were missionaries in Brazil for many years and now are serving at the headquarters of New Tribes (Ethnos 360). The kids loved the special treat of donuts for breakfast from them. We are so thankful for so many of our friends who serve God on the mission field. It was very encouraging to catch up with them.

Thank you for all of your prayers for our family, especially lately for Shan Chen. Please continue to pray that God does work in DJ, Shan Chen and Joella's heart so that they will know Jesus as their Lord and Savior! We are so thankful for each of you!