Natchitoches

This last weekend we went to Bossier City, LA to spend time with Bethany's husband Phillip and his parents. Bryce, Erin and her brother joined us on Saturday and we all went down to Natchitoches for the Christmas Light Festival and fireworks display. This is our second time to do this and we hope to make it a tradition. Natchitoches is the little town on the Cane River in which the movie Steel Magnolias was filmed.

What a delightful time we had with friends and family! This little town has the most incredible fireworks display and delicious hot meat pies to enjoy while watching the show. Live jazz Christmas music played from the bandstand and people strolled Main St. and shopped in the festive shops.

Phillip and Bethany

Tony and Pat Scott, Phillip's parents are wonderful hosts and we count it a blessing to not only be in-laws but friends.

Bryce and Erin wrapped up against the cold night air.

Phillip, Stewart (Phillip's long time friend and college roommate), Bryce, Bethany, Erin, and Daniel (Erin's brother).
Next week Holly, Greg and the gang will be here to celebrate Christmas with us. We are all so excited that we can be together one more year. Look for more pictures soon.

Catching Up

Yes, it's been a while. November was one big rush! I was out of town 4 out of 5 weekends and started a new job. Let me see if I can catch you up to date briefly.
I had hoped to give to really send more pictures from the Smokies, but we didn't have Internet service. The trip was wonderful and such a blessing for us all. Keegan's dad was able to take 3 hikes with us, even one four mile hike! Unbelievable when you realize he's 91 and had a stroke two weeks before the trip!


In mid November I went to a Women of Faith Conference in Oklahoma City with friends and had a wonderful time on a sisterhood weekend. The trip and the conference were a gift to me, and it was such a wonderful thing to receive. It's been a long time since I had a weekend slumber party, and this one was in a wonderful hotel and was centered on Christ!
We had a wonderful, but quiet Thanksgiving with Keegan's sister Pat and her family. All of our children were out and about with other family. Holly and Greg did come to town and we got to see them the night before we left for the field conference in Mexico. We can't wait to see them in December for Christmas!
Keegan and I flew to Mexico the day after Thanksgiving for the missionary conference held in Fortin de las Flores. It was a wonderful time of fellowship with old friends and new ones. The worship was strong and the teaching great. I have to say the food was also a highlight and I didn't miss a meal! Keegan and I sure drug our feet getting back on that plane to come home, but we knew God is still asking us to remain here in Dallas. What a blessing that we were able to go and we are thankful for all the wonderful folks serving God in Mexico.

I am also starting a new job this month. I was 3 years at the last one, but now God has given me a new opportunity. Once again I must be childlike and learn everything new again. Sometimes I grow weary of starting over, but I also find myself eager to learn new things that will broaden my abilities. When I was young and just beginning my nursing career, I had it all planned out to specialize in one area, but I forgot to check with God on His plan for my career. He has led my career on a journey so broad and so full of learning new roles and jobs that my little puny plans could never have included. I have had to stretch and grow and become more flexible than I ever thought possible. Each time I have begun a new change in field with fear and trepidation, and each time I have left incredibly enriched and deeper in understanding. I loved what I was doing at my last job and I know it has helped prepare me for this new one. I am so glad God's plan took precedence over my own.
This grew longer than I thought, but I wanted to catch you up. Hopefully I will be more consistent in writing here again. Thank you all for your prayers and for just keeping up with us.