It's been a while since the last post because, frankly, it doesn't seem all that exciting around here. Yet at the same time we all are so very busy...
I'm trying to balance it all while maintaining
joy in all situations and circumstances while the boys seem to be in and out like a revolving door. Derek and I just look at each other and reply,
"Well, it's just the two of us again!"I am enjoying the cooler weather, all my harvest decorations, and the aroma of my candle burning. And to top that, I think it's finally time for a big pot of chili and cornbread. :)
Some news and follow-ups:
- No more football...sigh! The school (finally came to their senses and) shut down their program due to low numbers. We have had to work through the disappointment and there have been many opportunities for growth for our 16-year-old boy! But God is good and when He closes a door, He opens a window...
- Dalton has loved golf since he was very young. Derek and I had already been discussing (before football got the boot) the option of actively pursuing golf for him. Getting him lessons, play in tournaments for competitive play, etc. It just so happens that a local golf course employs two pros that teach lessons and coordinate Junior Golf Tournaments every month (Feb. - Dec.)! And with being a part of the 'team', Dalton gets a tour card which entitles him to play golf for only $5 anytime, any day!! So, currently he has had one lesson, which according to him was the most awesome thing ever and played in one tournament which he did fairly well with it being his first. Let me tell you...haven't heard anything about football since! He is so adaptable and I am thankful that the Lord is giving him exactly what he needs at this time.
- Remember the CSET test that I mentioned awhile ago? It's the test (consisting of 3 tests in all) that you have to pass to enter the credential program. I took this horrible test on 9/13 and found out that I only passed the Math & Science test and didn't pass the English & History test by one point! Yes, you read that right one point...can you believe it!?! Can you tell by all my exclamation points that I haven't come to grips with it yet?...ugh! The third test I didn't pass by four points...ugh, again! Sooooo, I am re-taking these two in January. They have another testing date in November but I am too loaded down right now to even begin to prepare for it. Let me end this part on a positive note and say that I am extremely happy that I passed the Math & Science...it is a thorn for many people and I am thankful it is out of the way. So 1 down and 2 to go...
- The jam business is still booming...I have many orders for about 50 pints! People are already ordering for Christmas gifts. :)
Sorry, no pictures on this post but stayed tuned....I took some cute pictures of Dillon and Brooke when they made our family homemade pizza....delicious and delightful!
Take care all and Happy Fall....hip hip hooray!!
"How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in unity." Psalm 133:1
Well okay, maybe a few words...can't wait to have the time on Saturday morning to make a delightful autumn-y breakfast!! 
Ahhh, the finished products...
Thanks you two for such a special treat!! :)
So for weeks I have been telling Dillon that he needs to get Bogey a new tag - since he lost it in one of his digging expeditions I'm sure! But alas, Dillon hadn't got around to it and then it happened...Bogey got out of our adequate enough, more than any beagle needs, 2.5 acre property! Yep, he was exploring around the neighborhood with no tag which is critical in this environment! 
Yep, that's duct tape folks! I know it looks a little "white trash" but I'd rather think of it as resourceful... :) The great thing is that it won't come off during digging and it doesn't make any noise when he walks! 
So there you have it - a duct tape dog tag complete with name and numbers! :)