3rd Annual Pumpkin Painting Party

Yesterday, Levi and I had our nephew, Grayson, over for our third annual pumpkin painting party. It's been fun to see how his motor skills, color choices and painting methods change over the years, and yesterday was no different. We all had a lot of fun, and the activity held Grayson's attention longer than mine or Levi's. He must be an artist in the making!

Unfortunately, the pictures we took on Levi's phone got wiped off when he updated the operating system last night. But, never fear because we still have pictures from our post-pumpkin-painting trip to the school playground in our neighborhood. Grayson is such a big boy and can maneuver all of the big kid toys by himself. He also really loves Levi and would often tell me a certain activity was for "boys only". The day was filled with lots of laughs, and we can't wait to do this again next year!

After Levi got off this jumping toy (which Grayson had informed me was for "boys only"), I got on it with Grayson and he promptly said "You're done." When I ignored the comment, he said "You need to put your feet on the wood chips." Well, okay then. 

The Springs

Last weekend, Levi and I (along with Levi's brother Jake and his fiancee, Becca) road tripped to Pagosa Springs, CO to see the house Levi's dad recently bought. It's a beautiful log cabin with lots of neat details:

While we were there, we relaxed around the house and toured the area.

We made s'mores and sat by the fire:

We chatted at a coffee shop overlooking the heart of town:

We watched people fly fish on the river that runs through the middle of town (with public hot springs along it):

We visited Treasure Falls:

We took in the beautiful views:

We went mountain biking:

We also played extreme, no-rules, no-score-keeping ping pong where floor, wall, and ceiling shots were acceptable (I wish I had a video!).

It was great to get away and experience a place that our family will be going for years to come. We can't wait to go back!

Unexpected blessing

No, this post is not what some of you might think. I'm not unexpectedly pregnant. Levi got a chief's interview with the Norman Fire Department! He got a call today that said the chief reviewed his application and the results of the oral review board, and he wants to interview Levi. Of course, we are shocked and elated by this turn of events! Thank you for your continued prayers and make sure to say a little one on November 2 for Levi's interview.

Dealing with disappointment

Well, it's happened again. Levi didn't get hired with the Norman Fire Department. He had the best interview he'd ever had last week with a panel of six firefighters, but he got the news Friday that he was not selected to proceed to the chief's interview. Since the interview went so well and one of the guys on the panel actually told him "great job" as he walked out, we're really not sure what happened. Levi made it to the chief's interview last time, and there were more than twice as many candidates plus he didn't interview with the panel as well as he did this time. The only thing we can do is believe that it is not God's plan or timing for Levi to get a job with Norman.

He's currently in the hiring processes for the Moore and Oklahoma City FDs, though his heart was really in Norman's. He's not going to give up. He's being very strong and trusting the Lord, though it's been hard. I've been especially disappointed, as I was looking forward to him getting a better work schedule soon and I'm just ready for the whole emotional roller coaster of hiring processes to be over (I'm sure I'm not the only one who wants these things!).

Thank you for all of your prayers and encouragement during the last two and a half years of Levi's pursuit of a job as a firefighter. Though it's frustrating, at times, to continue to pray the same prayer, please continue to ask that the Lord would give Levi a job as a firefighter, but more so that the Lord's will would be done. Also, please pray for Levi and I as we try to find peace and comfort in knowing that the Lord always works for our good (Romans 8:28) and His glory.

Happy October!