CEYC 5:16

Here are the fearless folks who braved the icky, rainy weather Saturday morning to serve an elderly couple from our church by raking their leaves. And they were having so much fun, they decided to bless the next door neighbors with a surprise clean up too.

"In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father."

Matthew 5:16

Back home

Traeger and I headed home last weekend. The goal was to love on the Patricks and host an open house Sunday afternoon to welcome Melia Lu home from China.

Friday night we tried to have a sleep over at Nonnie and Grandpa's house.

Melia didn't think that was such a great idea, so Cori and Melia headed home and slept in their own beds...we met up with them in the morning.

The weather was so nice, we had a bon fire at the Patricks Saturday night.

Uncle Adam worked hard to capture this amazing picture of Traeger and Breck.

Then it was on to roasting some marshmallows with K-man and Grandpa Bruce.

Open House invite.

After church on Sunday was the open house for the Patricks.

Oh how much we enjoyed celebrating this beautiful creation of God's...Melia Lu!

Kiernan and Traeger being goofy.

The trampoline is always a huge hit...

Apparently there's something about stripping down to boxers and jumping 'til your hearts content. Traeger started it and then P boys couldn't resist, so they joined in on the fun.

Buddy and Nanny visit

We were thrilled to have Buddy and Nanny in town overnight. It was good to spend some time together over supper and breakfast the next morning. Thanks guys for taking the time to travel WAY UP north to love on us! It was a real treat to see y'all!

Projects

Lately, Traeger has really been into projects. Craft projects, math projects, letter projects...you name it he loves it.

Working on a leaf project I brought home from school.

Monkey see...monkey do.

Ataly really looks up to her big brother and if brother thinks it's cool, she's in!

Soaking up the sun!

This fall we have had unusually warmer weather. One day Luke came home from work and said, "it's actually hot outside," which if you know me, you know it made my heart happy. We were outside as much as we could be soaking up the last few days of sun and glorious temps.

Eating outside for lunch AND supper was a highlight of this day!

Jumping in the leaves in shorts and t-shirts brought smiles to their faces and lots of giggles were shared.

Ataly and mommy taking a stroll under the moon light, while Traeger and Daddy went to play basketball. We met the boys at the gym and then Traeger and I ran home (1/2 mile). I giggled the whole way because Traeger ran the whole way (shirtless) and was totally oblivious to how cute he was. It's a snapshot in my mind I don't care to erase any time soon.

Apple Orchard Trip 2010

This year we took in the Apple Orchard in beautiful weather, shorts and t-shirt weather to be exact. You really couldn't have asked for a better fall day to spend time as a family and build memories.

Hatfield fam taking a hay ride through the orchard

Traeger and Ataly waiting to get on the cow ride...

I guess it was well worth the wait!

You can't leave Helene's without taking in the goodies. Our favorite thing to do is all get a little something and share so we can get a nibble of a few of Helene's creations.

Caramel Apple was Ataly's pick...

Apple, caramel and walnut muffin was Traeger's choice and by the looks of it, it didn't disappoint...I'm pretty sure it was gone in no time :O)

The rest of the story...

Back in September, I posted that I had started working one day a week on Thursdays as an interpreter for a pre-k student. This wasn't a direction I had ever intended to go while my kiddos were still young. But God was gracious in making it clear that this was a direction HE wanted me to go. I wrestled with this decision for a couple of weeks and came to a crossroads. I could hold on to my way of how I wanted it to be or surrender to following God's leading. So after much prayer and seeking His will, I chose to surrender my plan to follow HIS lead. After all that's what He calls us to do, right?!

"We make our plans, but the Lord determines our steps."

Proverbs 16:9

After some rearranging, I am now working 2 days/wk and feeling satisfied that I am walking in God's will, after surrendering my own way. Traeger and Ataly go to this wonderful lady's home on Tuesdays and love to stay home with Daddy on Thursdays. God is good in how He gives peace that surpasses all understanding when we choose to follow Him.

Evidences of God's grace!

I'm so thankful for evidences of God's grace in my kid's lives.

While we were at Taylor's volleyball game, Traeger took it upon himself to go under the bleachers and clean up the garbage.

Ataly followed Traeger's good example and pitched in and helped out too.

I'm choosing to overlook all the germs on the garbage (not easy to do :O)) and not squelch their desire to lend a helping hand. Instead I'm choosing to praise God for the good work He is doing in my kid's hearts to have the desire to serve others.

Woohoo for Taylor!

The kids loved going to the Medford Volleyball game and cheering on #3! We're proud of you Taylor for all your hard work and a successful volleyball career.

Blessed!

Our hearts were blessed the first weekend of October. Nonnie came to love on the kiddos while Luke and I got away for the weekend to attend the Desiring God conference in Minneapolis with the staff at church. I'm disappointed in myself for not capturing any photos of our time in the city. Ugh! With photos to prove it or not, we had a fabulous time and were afforded the amazing opportunity to sit in and listen to solid teaching from men like Rick Warren, Frances Chan and John Piper. We were encouraged in our relationships with the staff and reminded just how blessed and thankful we are to be serving alongside who we do.

Good morning sunshine!

I love how when I get Ataly up in the morning she is always full of smiles....

or should I say most of the time...

and the best part is we love her no matter what!

Celebrating!

We picked Owen up on our bikes and headed to Beeps to celebrate his birthday.

A good time was had by all!

Chillin'

I caught the kiddos chillin' together and couldn't pass the opportunity to capture the sweet moment in our day.

(Lately if the two of them are this close it doesn't always look so sweet.)

Fun with friends!

We traveled to our friend's house for an overnight of fun with some of our old and dear friends!

Sierra and Ataly wasted no time in getting to know each other!

The 3 big kids loaded up to head out with the Dads.

The girls taking a ride on the town.

A little play dough fun for the morning activity.

Thanks Oldbergs for opening your home to us.

Though it was a quick visit...we enjoyed our time together and are thankful for the memories that we made!

We've yet to make the transition with Ataly from her crib to a big girl bed. I know, I know she's probably way too old to still be in a crib. But I'm just not in any hurry since the crib doesn't need to be used for anyone else, she sleeps great in her crib and hasn't had any interest in making the change. I know the change will need to happen sooner than later. Maybe I'm just in denial that my baby is growing up?! Or maybe I'm just not ready to fight the battles of a big girl getting out of her bed 100 times before finally settling in?! I'm going to have to go with the second one. Either way, the first step happened today when she wanted to try to sleep on the floor. I was willing to give it a try to see how she would do. The first time was a success but she hasn't had any more interest since then.

My big girl!

Sweet dreams

French braid

Nonnie french braiding Ataly's hair for the first time.

Despite Ataly's expression, she was thrilled to be pampered by Nonnie.

(what she didn't like was me taking a picture)

Waterpark/hotel fun

We packed up and headed to a waterpark/hotel for an overnight stay with the P family and Nonnie and Grandpa Bruce.

You can't tell from Traeger's face but they both were thrilled to be there.

Having a blast!

Traeger got to have a sleepover in the Patrick's room.

Everyone hanging out in the hall playing Boggle waiting for the kiddos to fall asleep.

Miss Melia and Ataly playing together.

The slide was definitely Ataly's favorite part of the waterpark.

Taking some practice shots at the mini golf place right next to the hotel.

Good thing this is just a practice round...

Let the games begin!

Do I need to say more :O)

So thankful for the blessing of an amazing family!

Rock Star

Today out of the blue Traeger asked me if I thought he'd be a rock star someday. I assured him that I was confident whatever God had in store for him that He would lead the way and give him the abilities he needed for the job. He sat and processed that for a while and then asked if Jesus was a Rock Star?!

So proud!

I was so proud of Traeger today when he came downstairs and announced that he had made his bed. Yes, we may be behind the 8 ball and have not made our son make his bed before now but I'm pleased to say that he took it upon himself to take care of the job. As you can see we've got some room for improvements, but for his first time...I'll think he did a great job!

Shout out to Grandpa Tim and Nana

I didn't get a picture of these two amazing people in action this time because they blessed our socks off and allowed us to get a night away without the kiddos. They came into town to catch up and see the kiddos before school started. The timing couldn't have been more perfect as my heart had grown quite weary and I so desired a little time to get away and refresh my soul. They afforded us the chance to sneak away. It greatly blessed our hearts. A family from church allowed us to use their cabin for a night. We enjoyed quiet time out on the dock, tooled around the lake in their kayaks and played a game of Rack-o before calling it a night. It was just what I needed. Thanks Grandpa Tim and Nana for your amazing servant's hearts and loving on the kids and us on your visit up north.