It begins!
Well today begins my blogging career on the behalf of the Bates family. I guess I have some catching up to do to get everyone caught up with what we are up to! We are just about in the house, although we are still waiting for the paperwork to go through. What a summer it's been as God has taught us patience, tolerance, and self-control! I don't remember asking Him to teach me these lessons!!!!!
I am pre-apologizing for my randomness on this blog. I will try and post all kinds of things on here: news about us, prayer requests, interesting tidbits, new recipes that I've tried and haven't been complete disasters, insights, etc.
So here we go with the updates...
AYDEN - He is all boy! He is now 18 months old - talking (Most words we can understand completely but he has another language that we still don't have a translation for. But whatever he is saying is very important b/c he says it with such a pensive look on his face!), running, into everything! Actually I think we have hit the "terrible twos" about six months early - complete with the temper tantrums, fake crying (he is really good at this one!), and doing something he knows he shouldn't be doing and then cuddling up to me and saying, "Aw Momma." Most of the time I have to turn my head and giggle after I discipline. He is truly a blessing and not a day goes by that I don't think about how I see God is working in our Bubba.
SHAWN - After three months exactly of not being employed, God blessed us with a wonderful job opportunity. He is currently the Assistant Manager of Smitty's Super Foodtown, a new grocery store that is 2 miles (long commute) from where we are living. We have had to learn to get used to the second shift (2pm - 11pm) - and we're not real crazy about it. He only has Thursdays and every other Sunday off, which stinks b/c Wednesday evening Bible Study and small groups every other week are out for him. But even though we are not in professional ministry anymore, I know that God is using Shawn to be a positive influence in the lives of the teens especially that work for him. I know I am so proud of the job he is doing. When I go into the store, I always hear wonderful things about him from his co-workers and it really just makes me so happy that God can use us all for His purpose no matter what circumstances we are in! What an awesome thought!
KRISTY - I am staying very busy. Between keeping up with Ayden, driving an hour one-way to church and other church activities (I feel like I am always driving!), family, everyday household things, and trying to grow my Stampin' Up! business once again, there isn't much time for resting! As fall has finally come (man, it's been a hot, muggy summer and I'm so glad it's over!), I am feeling a little homesick for New England. This was my favorite time of year there as the weather and landscape is just so beautiful. God is teaching me daily to be content in all things. I hope and pray that you realize all the blessings in your life and that you will share with us how God is blessing you!

I attached a couple of pics...one is of Ayden this morning and the other is of Shawn and the other management on opening day! I need to get some stuff done today...come back soon! Lots of love from the Bates'!