Mouse in the House

Hayden's at a great age where we can let him have options but still sort of direct his choosing. We let him pick his Halloween costume this year: Mickey Mouse. He refused to stay still for any sort of picture, and the best one I could get at the Fall Festival at church was him in half his costume in front of a firetruck. Oh well. He was an adorable mouse regardless!

The following are just some shots we have taken of his "Toddler 'Tude!"

The Grinch

Hayden brought me "The Grinch" (with Jim Carrey) to watch tonight! With the cooler temps and fall colors, I'm ready for the holidays. It did get fairly warm this afternoon, but no where near the 100 degree heat we were fighting mere weeks ago. The cold temps in the morning (and darkness) have made me want to curl up on the couch with some good Christmas films. My favorite is the old Miracle on 34th Street. Oh, and White Christmas! David and I were very fortunate to see this at the Orpheum Theater in Memphis (for free; box seats!) about 4 years ago. David isn't as into musicals as I am; I was in love!

Things are progressing with Vancouver. I had been planning to sit down with my boss soon, but someone decided to put a bug in his ear. I'm not sure who, and I guess it really doesn't matter. He's a Christian, and he has known me for about 15 years, so he's well aware of my faith. The talk went well; I just wish we all really kept out mouths shut when we tell people, "I won't say a word. Promise!" But that's human nature, I suppose. I'm just as guilty of this trait, so I really should be pointing fingers at myself more than anyone.

Age 2 1/2 has hit hard this week, just this week. Hayden hit at school, he hasn't wanted to stay seated, etc. He's still polite and respectful, but he's pushing boundaries. But right now that all seems as if it's in the distant past as Hayden lies on the couch next to me with his head on my lap soaking in the movie. I can't wait for Christmas this year with an almost 3 YO! It's all so magical!

The Enemy

When David and I began earnestly seeking whether Vancouver was God-breathed or David-and-Jamie-desired, we discussed the very real likelihood that satan was going to do everything in his power to stop us if this move was designated from God.

Sure enough, it happened. The last month has been one of the most difficult I've ever faced. Sleepless nights, drama, uncertainty, illness, you name it. All of these symptoms were connected to serious issues with some of the people closest to us. It HURT. Badly.

I will not divulge the details or their names. But I am rejoicing today because those issues have been resolved. I wish we'd never gone through the pain we ALL went through, but I am very happy to say that I think we all feel a new peace this morning. I was very concerned some relationships were going to be severed...forever. Praise the Lord for His goodness!

On a completely different note, here are some things Hayden is up to lately:
-he knows his shapes, including octagon! (That blew my mind!)
-he knows the months of the year (Again, mind-blowing!)
-he can say anything he wants to and honestly is just incredibly smart
-he loves a red and white jacket our friends Dustin and Rachel got him for his last birthday; every time he puts it on he thinks he's going to a football game! It's so funny!
-he's a whiz at puzzles, especially 9-piecers
-he remembers EVERYTHING (and I love when people tell me, "He'll never remember that." And then he blows their minds!)
-school buses are not as much of an obsession, though we still go on a hunt every morning and afternoon!
-he loves music and will dance with me
-we have started a new fear of monsters; so far, it's a fear that's only a day old, so we'll see where it goes.
-he loves this particular rhino shirt and the snow episodes of Caillou
-he loves to draw snowmen (Thanks, MeMaw!)
-he can't wait to move to "Bancouber!"

I know there's more, but now that's I've bored you with those details of my 2 1/2 yr. old, have a great weekend, everybody!

All Signs Point North

It's time to let the cat out of the bag about the big changes taking place for our family.


When David and I met 6 years ago, I learned one thing about him very quickly: he has a heart for missions. And as we dated and got married, I learned that he had a heart for missions in a particular location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

David has been on 4 and led 1 mission trip to Vancouver. Over the past 6 years, we have talked about the very distinct possibility that we could find ourselves as Canadians....someday.

There is really no way to describe what the past 4 months have been like. For years we've talked about something, and over the past 4 months we have watched door after door swing wide open. So the long and short of this entire post is this: we are actively pursuing our calling as church planters in Vancouver. We would be working with a church plant our good friend Conrad has begun. We shared our plans with our church body this morning and received nothing but positive support and encouragement.

It's so nice to finally share what we've been wrestling with. Of course, there are so many other variables we've contended with, but some of those are better left unspoken (and some are just boring!). As of right now, we look to be heading north next summer. It's going to very different than living in south MS--a place I was born and raised and the only home our son has ever known. We appreciate your prayers, and as the year progresses, look for updates here about our process and progress.