No, we haven't fallen off the face of the earth.

Even though it probably appears that way. We are, in fact, still around - just severely neglecting this blog. I have been completely consumed the past 2 1/2 weeks with my new "job" - more on that later - and everything else seems to have fallen by the wayside.

The kids have settled into their 2nd grade routine - and are totally busy with homework, soccer, Awana, piano and football. The bad part about 2nd grade is for mom. They have officially reached the point where hugging mom is NOT allowed in the school building. Or anywhere on the premises for that matter. No more hugs at the classroom door in the morning. Can you hear my heart breaking? I knew it would happen - - just not this soon. Uggh. Payback, right mom and dad?? :)

Meanwhile, I've embarked on my newest adventure with God. And it's a big one. I've done a little calculating and estimate that my new position takes 16-20 hours a week, every week. I've definitely been feeling "in over my head," completely and thoroughly overwhelmed, but am learning a whole lot about TRUST. Trusting that God will equip me and give me the time, wisdom and energy to do this successfully. There's no way I can do it on my own. And trusting that the stress and anxiety I've been consumed by will soon fade . . .?

We've managed to squish in some fun stuff too . . . had our annual pickle canning day a couple weeks ago.

The boys started an NFL flag football league - no practices and they just play a game on Sunday afternoons. My kind of sport - not a big time commitment. They were drafted by the Chicago Bears . . . .

And last weekend, Mark saw one of his dreams fulfilled - a trip to Las Vegas with his parents. He's been begging them to go with us for years now, and in celebration of their 40th anniversary, we all finally made it happen. It was awesome.

We stayed here . . .

And played here . . . .

Happy Anniversary Paul and LaRayne!

We toured the Bellagio's conservatory, which I always have to check out because it's always amazing. They were all decorated for fall right now - check out this tree!

He talked and looked around and looked SO REAL. And here was an 830 pound pumpkin. Real. Wow.

Mark and his mom being the big Beatles fans, we took in the Beatles LOVE show. It was totally spectacular. But of course this was the only picture we got - us at the entrance. We had so much fun over the weekend we sort of forgot to take pictures! :)

There's a glimpse of our lives the past few weeks. We also have a big change in this household coming this weekend - stay tuned!