Family Life - August, September and October

 Ahhhh. Here it is, the middle of November, and we are staring Thanksgiving down in just a week! August and September were busy months, and I fully intended to do a family life update at the beginning of October to recount the rest of the summer, but with the passing of my aunt in October and all the ensuing travel and needs, blogging was driven from my mind and schedule.  

However...here is August, September, and because I am late, October.

In early August, Mom, Aunt Karen, and Uncle Tom drove Grandma out
to Wichita, Kansas where an Alzheimer's treatment clinic is located. 
While her parents were out of town, Kate came and stayed with us 
for a few days. It was a joy and delight to have her with us! The picture 
is a poor one and we look bleary-eyed with rough-looking hair,
but the hour was early as we headed out to sort and work some cattle.

That afternoon, we loaded up and headed down to the creek for 
water fun! Peaches and Kip are almost always ready to follow
us on any adventure and they were a joyful addition to the excursion.

Who just keeps being a cutie? I am thankful for the pictures and
FaceTime enables us to be a part of James' life, even at the
the physical distance we are apart.

In mid-August, Mom and I drove up to Iowa to attend Testify Training 

Camp. TTC is an event planned to help train and encourage being better 

equipped to share the gospel with clarity and comfortability. We had 

 practical and enjoyable sessions and then hands-on application at the Iowa 

State Fair. Mom and I both were blessed by the training as well as the fellowship. 

Such a beautiful girl!

In September, Caden and I took a brother-sister road trip to 
South Dakota to an event out there.

Having never been that far west before, the scenery was enjoyed
by both of us, but honestly, I do not wish to spend a winter out there. =)

Applesauce! After making and canning over 50 quarts, I admit
that I am rather sick of apples, but thankful for the productivity 
and the long supply over the next year.

Mom and Hope made a trip out to Kansas to visit Grandma.

In late September, I made a trip up to Louisville to spend some girl time
with Katie while Matthew was out of town. Their cat joined me for my
morning devotions

I am so thankful for this gal! It is more like having a sister-in-law
than a cousin-in-law. God gave me such a sweet gift in her.

September 29th, found me traveling south for a prison ministry trip. 
It was a blessed week with the Lord teaching me as well as many of 
of the women who attended.

Prison Ministry Trip Women's Team
October 2023

As my birthday was two days after the passing of Aunt Karen, we
postponed any celebration, but Leah was such a dear and made me
a mini cake. Love you, Leah!

With Emma, Stephen, and James coming into town for the 
funeral arrangements, it was a sadly sweet opportunity to 
spend that time with James. 

October finished with the 6 of us out in a cold October rain searching
for a lost baby calf. It was such a miracle finding her the way we did.
Such an answer to prayer! I am so thankful for this crew and I love 
being an older sister!