Friday was our last home football game and Senior night. Mendy has become a dear friend and confidant over the past few years and her son Colton is an awesome guy. Carter and Ethan love Colton and he is so good with them. When we moved here I worried about making good friends that would help me feel like Malvern was truly a home for us. Mendy is one of the first true friends I have made. She is an amazing single mom and a courageous and strong independent woman. I am truly grateful to call her one of my best friends.
Hot Chai Tea Latte
Jess bought me this hot tea maker a few years ago for my birthday. It has become one of my favorite gifts. In the fall it is so nice to have the time to fix a Chai Tea Latte and to savor how good it is. I have yet to master the recipe well enough to rival Starbucks, but it is still really good.
Puzzle Working
Ethan got this puzzle out of Carter's closet and started working it. Not long after he started working it, Carter showed up. Instead of arguing and hogging the puzzle, Ethan quietly moved over and let Carter in to help him work it. They worked quietly and diligently until they had it worked. I love that they can be so sweet and cooperative with one another.
Caramel Apples
Last weekend Grandma Nita gave us some caramel apple wraps and two apples. I remember making caramel apples as a little girl with Mama and I am thankful she continued the tradition with the boys. I wanted to wait until we had time to make and enjoy them, so after Ethan had asked for a snack for the four hundred thirty-seventh time I got them out and made them. They loved them and I know that Carter ate all of his. Ethan I'm not so sure. I know he ate all the caramel off, but he may have thrown the apple away. He is sneaky like that.
Trampoline Football
It was a little cool in the morning, but by mid morning it had warmed up enough that I sent both boys outside. They wanted to jump on the trampoline, so they got on and began sweeping the leaves and acorns off. I ended up using the leaf blower to blow most of the leaves off and then used it to play with the boys. They loved having the blower blow up their sweat pants legs and shirts, then they figured out that the balls on the trampoline could be blown up in the air too. After I got off the trampoline they played trampoline football for a while and luckily no one got mad or injured. I am definitely thankful for that, because it is rare that they don't hurt one another. On another note, I have no idea how they play trampoline football and I'm not sure they do either. The rules for these made up games change every time they play them...usually thanks to Carter. After trampoline football was over they got off and tried to sneak into the house, but I swiftly sent them back out. Ethan got out his dump truck and began loading it with acorns. The next time I looked out they were shelling the acorns and when I asked them about it they said they were doing it for the squirrels. I ended up giving them a nutcracker, they were using their fingernails and teeth...Gross. They shelled acorns for over thirty minutes and then placed them on the table on the back deck. I hope our lazy squirrels appreciate their efforts.
Sunday we got up and even made it to Sunday school. The extra hour of sleep that we got may have helped us wake up a little easier or maybe it was the fact that we stayed home Saturday, but whatever the reason we made it! Both boys were so excited to be back in Sunday school and Jess and I really enjoyed the young adult class too. It felt great to be in class with people we consider friends and family. We are so very thankful to have found this church when we moved to Malvern. It has truly become a home and a family for us which is a blessing considering that our immediate family is over two hours away. The church is full of wonderful and loving people and we are so grateful that they love us and especially the boys so much.
Not only is the church full of beautiful, loving people, but it is also one of the most beautiful churches I have ever been in. This window is just one of the many stained glass windows in the church. It is gorgeous! Sitting is church is a treat when you are surrounded by such beauty.
