Change

The days are long; the seasons short.

Lauren celebrated her twenty-first birthday nine hours away from us this week. She was then in an accident Friday afternoon. Everyone is okay but she was taken to the emergency room to make sure the baby was unharmed. He was. However, there was a moment the nurse was unable to locate his heartbeat and it terrified her. The same nurse then located two heartbeats and she was again terrified! In the end, they had her doctor check her out. Her son kicked the doppler so hard, they saw it bounce and realized her ONE strong little man is just fine. Praise God. But I fell apart after hearing that update from her. Nine hours is much too far away when moments matter. I cannot wait to hug her Thursday.

Lauren and Taylor finished painting the crib and got it placed in the baby's room this weekend. They have done such a great job executing their paln for a fun shark themed nursery.

The fact we are preparing for Thanksgiving this week seems rather unreal. How is it possible? This has been a very long, hard year and the days daunting but at the same time, it is almost over. I am not ready for the upcoming season but then this appears to be the theme for 2017.

One evening this week, my son decided he couldn't take it anymore and ran away. Narrowing down his original two suitcases and two backpacks wasn't easy but the walk to Aunt Theresa's is long; like a three hour drive long. He ultimately walked out just before bedtime in the cold, dark rain with one rolling suitcase and one backpack. I honestly thought he would only make it to the edge of the driveway before losing his nerve so I helped him pack. As I peeked through his closed blinds, I watched him head down the street toward the neighborhood's exit. It was so dark, his little body was out of sight quickly and I found myself following him from a safe distance wondering how far he would go. Much to my surprise, I screamed for him to stop just before the bridge that lead to the dark, curvy road he will never have permission to walk along because it is too dangerous. This child had a plan. He had his wallet and he aimed for the gas station in town where he planned to get a drink and directions to the bus stop that would take him to Aunt Theresa's house. He scares me a little. In his defense, the green beans I insisted he eat were in fact green.

Greg wrapped up his 22 year career with the shipping industry Saturday morning. He slept for the final time  during the day on Saturday! We are looking forward to seeing him for Christmas and he gets to investigate this thing most people call a lunch break! He is excited to be following his passion and I am praying how I can support the changes that are pending.

Kate and Ty spent the night with Erin and had a blast getting to know Aida Jane. She is Erin's baby and already spoiled rotten. We think she is pretty sweet. And since we were taking the kids across town to Erin's anyway, we also took burgers to share. Erin bribed Ty into eating his dinner with promises of decorating the Christmas tree. I suspect this will be a blast for Miss Aida!

Jake was baptized today. He has been researching and speaking with Erin's pastor for months trying to understand her relationship with God. He actually set out to prove himself right and confirm there is no God. He surprised himself. We are obviously pleased with his profession of faith.