Bushue's trip #3

After church we had chili and cornbread at our house and then headed to Bushue's for one more pumpkin patch visit, this time with friends. It was a beautiful day but windy and cold! 

Pumpkin carving

 Two kids carved pumpkins this year. Grandpa grows big pumpkins!

October this and that

  

Bushue's trip #2

 With Aubrey this time. 

Senior photos

Stephanie A. took Joel's senior photos at Edgefield in October. We originally scheduled for September, but we had to reschedule due to rain. They turned out great! I like the smiling ones best. 

FCA Leader

 After some an open house and some disconcerting feelings about Grant's public middle school experience, God gave us a some reassurance and peace through Grant's involvement in FCA. He became an FCA leader at the end of the last school year, as a 6th grader, and was a full-fledged leader at the start of this year. It was his turn to give the talk/lesson, and he shared with us what he was going to say. It brought tears to my eyes and reminded me that God is working in and through Grant and that he is right where he is supposed to be. He's influencing others for Christ and sharing his gifts. The teacher who is the FCA facilitator texted me the day Grant spoke at FCA: "Your son. Wow. What a message he prepared on forgiveness. I wish we had recorded it. Top 5 FCA lessons we've had in the 15 years of WOMS FCA."

Grant's sixth grade year was a bit rough. Unfortunately, we did not find out he was struggling until half way into the summer, but at least he finally did tell us all about it after we discovered it through a text conversation and then asked some pointed questions. He'd been experiencing some bullying and very unkind teasing and didn't know how to handle it. We ended up having a great conversation as a result, but it broke our hearts that he had been so sad and been carrying that burden alone. 

So, he know a little about forgiveness, just based on that experience last year. It was amazing to see him be able to share what he's learned with his peers and to see him growing in his faith. 

Bushue's date

Apple cider donuts and slushie—so good! I miss the pumpkin patch days with our whole family, but I’ll take a date with Grant on a beautiful fall day like today.