fall retreat

Last weekend Alex and I, along with Brian and Melinda, took our high school youth group on a fall retreat. We drove through the winding back roads of Missouri to Koinania Family Valley Ranch. We had a great time digging into God's word, playing silly games and enjoying the beautiful weather.

We are already looking forward to next year and we're excited to see how God continues to move in "our" kid's hearts. We are so grateful to be a part of their lives and look forward to watching them grow in their faith. 

look up

I created a new page to follow along with my challenge to complete twenty five items/tasks before I turn twenty six! Just click on the twenty five by twenty six tab and you can see what I have completed so far.

happy halloween

It is October 31st and all that means to me is: tomorrow there will be discount candy! I don't buy into all this Halloween business. It's not fun for me to be scared so I just opt out, although I do watch It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown every year. As as kid, I had a friend that would have a haunted hay ride for her birthday and I made sure that my mom was there to pick me up before it started. I didn't care that I looked like a weenie, I did not want to go into the woods!

This weekend we are taking our youth group on a fall retreat, so I have a fabulous excuse to skip Halloween. But, that doesn't mean that Moose got to skip out on dressing up. He was not the most cooperative little fella, but the bribe of a few treats got him to hold still.

Have a happy, safe and not too scary Halloween! Don't forget to brush and floss after all that candy!! 

Minnie Moose

Doesn't he look thrilled to be a girl?! 

it's a mystery folks

On Friday night Alex and I hosted our second annual murder mystery dinner party. Last year's mystery was so much fun that we decided to do it again. Alex wrote the script again this year and poor Mrs. Plum was offed, but by who?! and what weapon did they use?! Was it Professor Plum?! Or maybe Ms. Scarlet or possibly Mr. Green?? As we ate dinner* we watched the mystery unfold.

The Suspects

(top left to right) Alyssa, Amanda, David, Maggie, Kraig, Matt and Corey

(bottom left to right) Kyle, Lori, Melinda, Brian, Clint and Kassie

The maid and butler at your service

As expected, the story took on a life of it's own and each character added so much to their role. Everyone stuck to their rules/roles, which made for a great night. There was a powerful psychic, a couple of scandalous lovers, a nosy neighbor, a stuttering detective, a terrible gardener, a flamboyant baker, a sad friend, a pharmaceutical rep, an angry teacher and his sweet wife, a doctor, his nurse and a corrupt Colonel.

Alex made a few typo's but they were perfectly placed and added a dramatic plot twist. We all laughed so hard that our faces hurt. In the end, Colonel Mustard commandeered a bread truck and forced Mr. Green, at gun point, to run over poor Mrs. Plum.  Such a tragic end, but her murder is no longer a mystery and all of the suspects can resume their daily lives. It was such a fun night and I am already looking forward to next year.

Mademoiselle Rose channeling the spirits to talk to Mrs. Plum

Mr. Green defending himself 

Mr. White trying to help Inspector John solve the mystery 

The mastermind murderer Col. Mustard and poor Mr. Green who got roped into the murder

and one more before you go....because it's too good not to share

Professor Plum and Mr. Green

I assume Prof. Plum isn't holding a grudge that Mr. Green had to run over his wife....

*Menu and recipe links:
Appetizers: sausage twirls and  spinach twirls
Garden Salad
Main Course: green beans, roasted potatoes, ham and rolls
Dessert: mini apple pies and vanilla ice cream