You all need to move to Coeur d'Alene!

Here is one of the top 10 reasons all of you should move to Coeur d'Alene:

Proof

Here's proof for Debbie who didn't believe me when I told her our gas prices.

New Car

I'm one of "those" people who really likes driving a minivan. Unfortunately, my last minivan had a lot of issues and was in the shop frequently, so we decided to sell it for cheap and invest in something more reliable. We've been a one car family for about 6 weeks now while we researched and saved money for another car. God provided for our needs once again and we were able to get something a lot sooner than we anticipated. So this past weekend I picked out my new minivan! It's a 2006 Chrysler Town & Country. It's almost identical to my other van on the inside, but it only has 16,000 miles. This one better last me for years and years!

Seasons

Fall is definitely here and it's spectacular as always. The leaves have turned color and are falling off the trees at alarming rates. The air has turned crisp and sometimes downright cold. It gets dark too early and stays dark too late. Oh, and the most obvious sign of all . . . Costco has put out their Christmas decorations!

So I thought I'd just post a short update about this "season" in our lives. It's funny how our lives really go in seasons too, huh? As the writer of Ecclesiastes says, "There is a time for everything." Right now our season and our time is as a family of two. It has truly been nice to be able to slow down a little bit, focus on each other as a couple, and focus on some other important things like our relationship with God and with others. Speaking of that, 2 weekends ago Miles & I had the incredible privilege to borrow a friend's condo at a nearby ski resort town and get away for a spiritual retreat. We practiced the discipline of silence during part of our time away (yes, even silence from speaking to each other) and it was a very sweet time with God for both of us. We were right at the base of a mountain and it was absolutely gorgeous. I don't know if you've ever seen Tamarack trees at the height of fall, but they provide beautiful fall colors and can be quite breathtaking.

I've also been able to spend a lot of time with the girls from my small group. It is such a privilege to watch them grow in their relationships with Christ and to be a part of their lives in so many other ways. Last weekend one of the girls hosted a spaghetti dinner at her house just to provide some "hang out" time. After dinner we played on the Wii and I got my first stab at "Rock Band." Boy I feel old when I try and play video games because I'm usually so inept. As evidenced by me getting so into my role as drummer that I hit myself in the eye really hard with the drum stick and almost gave myself a black eye! Yep, I'm talented!!

This weekend we get to attend an adoption party for our very dear friends who just finalized the adoption of their foster son. He is 1 1/2 years old now and has been with them since birth. We are absolutely thrilled to celebrate this occasion with them. They're also going to dedicate him at church this weekend and I've told my friend that I am already prepared to cry during the entire dedication service. God is so faithful, no matter what season we are in.

Well, that's it for now. I'm off to continue biting my nails as I anxiously await the final results of the election.