Autumn Day in Texas

These pictures are proof that some days in November actually feel like Fall in Texas.  This week has actually been full of them, and we love it!

Operation Christmas Child

If you've ever participated in Operation Christmas Child, you know what an incredible experience it is to purchase, pack, and send shoe boxes that contain gifts for little ones in need, and more importantly, share the gospel of Jesus with children all over the world.  This year, Liam, Marin, and Ellery each packed a shoe box, and Liam said a prayer over the completed boxes to "bless the kids in other countries."  Samaritan's Purse does that.

As a family, we intentionally want our Christmas season not to be focused on material things, but rather about capturing and spreading the peace, love, and joy of Jesus Christ. Operation Christmas Child is just one small, simple way of doing that. 

Trinity Railway Express

Jon was helping Santa finish a project for the girls today, so I decided to take the kids to Fort Worth for a ride on the Trinity Railway Express.  It was a gorgeous day to be outside, and the kids loved the train ride--over half an hour in length.  Afterwards, they were equally excited to romp on the playground.  I left the park with three children who were covered in dirt with runny noses, but wearing happy, sleepy smiles.

 

Had enough? YES!

Today voters took to the polls and cast their ballots for a new round of elected officials, including the office of the President.  Here was my view this morning as I stood in my precinct's polling station:

As I was about to vote, I looked at the two presidential names one last time, and asked myself, "What would you rather have for the next four years, a cold or the flu?"  So what did I vote for?  A COLD.

Happy Election Day, America! 

 May the best virus win.

And here's one last closing thought for today:

BU Homecoming: Oldest, Biggest, Best

This weekend, our section of the Baylor Line, including my Mom, Dad, Patrick, Debby, Jeff, Avonlea, and the five of us assembled in Waco to celebrate Homecoming.  It was so much fun seeing old and new friends, joining in all the festivities, and being a part of what the Smithsonian has officially proclaimed the oldest, biggest, and best homecoming in the nation!

We started the weekend with a visit to Judge Baylor.

Friday night's festivities kicked off with Singspiration at 7th and James Baptist Church.

Although RG3 wasn't there, his Heisman Trophy was on display for all Baylor Bears to see.  The line to take a pictures with it was huge by the time bonfire was about to start.  Glad we got there early!  We also bumped shoulders with David Murphy, a Texas Ranger, at bonfire.  Big sports moments for the boys in our group.

Bonfire!

Pigskin Review started at 10:30 on Friday night.  My parents had some of us out way past our bed time.  :)

There were some technical difficulties with a float, and the parade had to be re-routed, but all was still well in Bear Country.

Campus Life:  Old friends and green and gold swings.

Baylor defeated the University of Kansas in football on Saturday afternoon.  It was Liam's first time at Floyd Casey Stadium.  Sic 'em, Bears!

Another great Homecoming weekend full of family and BU love!