Humble....

As the holiday season inches closer upon us, I am suddenly aware of what my heart truly aches for. No, not to live in the tents pictured above, but of WHO lives there. Tent cities. They exist, they really exist in this world. And I complain because my 4 bedroom house isn't big enough for my husband, my 2 kids, and me.

I complain because health care is so expensive and I can't hardly afford health insurance and doctor visits and prescription drugs. But, at least I don't have to walk miles and miles in worn out shoes, sometimes in the rain and mud, in HOPES that I might have the chance to stand in line to see a doctor or nurse for one ailment out of many I may be having. And to have that one chance may be ONE in a lifetime.....

I miss the smiles and hugs from the simplicity of plastic beads being given to a child who has never experienced that simple joy. Simple joy in the eyes of a child who has very little. Probably not even 3 meals a day, and sleeps on a dirt floor. Yet, she still has such a beautiful smile. Because she knows no difference..... But, I do......

The simplicity of a soccer ball experienced by a toddler who could have done this for hours. Until it was time to walk home..... for miles..... in the dark...... and in the mud......

The innocent smiles.

I complain when I can't find clean clothes for my kids to wear because I haven't caught up on the week's laundry. But, my kids have ample clothes. Clean clothes.

As the holiday season draws near, I am humbled to remember the things I have experienced just this year. When my kids don't get the things they want, when I don't get the things I want, I have to step back. Think. Pray. And realize. Realize that my Christmas will be far better than what most families will ever have the joy of knowing.

I am humbled and I am thankful and I am so grateful that God chose me to have a heart for missions. I only hope that He will continue to break my heart for what breaks His. That He will continue to humble me and make me eternally grateful for what I can never repay.

Sunday, Day THREE of Halloween Festivities...

Actually this was last night after the trick-or-treaters had come and gone and Chad had football on. Ethan loves a good football game.

FOOTBALL!!!

This was at our Fall Festival at church this evening.

Winning some candy!

Hallie and Ethan. Aren't they so cute?!

My good friend Snow White a.k.a. Kim, and me.

Winning some more candy.

Before we left the house, we had "Swamp People" on the television, which is a reality show about gator hunters down in the bayou of Louisiana. So, Brennan asked for an alligator to be painted on his face. He loved the show.

Elvis looks like he is clearing the area for his performance.

Cotton candy!!!

His gator.

Elvis is eating popcorn.

This is what we did most of the time. Follow Elvis around in circles.

Kids have had a great time this weekend. Both boys had a good nap this afternoon. Just a few minutes ago, Brennan realized that his pumpkin will eventually become rotten. He was really upset about this revelation. He asked if we could just put it in the attic and save it for next year. Kids.......

Saturday, Day TWO of Halloween festivities......

We miss you, Brent. Semper Fi.

My last minute decoration.

The spider and web my mother-in-law got Brennan.

Pumpkin carving!!! I haven't done this in 20 years!

Chad is VERY precise.

Ooooohhhhh. Our scary ghoul-creation.

Brennan proud of his and Daddy's hard work.

Our friends, the People family, came over and trick-or-treated in our neighborhood with us. So much fun. But they wore out FAST.

Running from house to house.

So this man had the Auburn/Ole Miss game on his big screen television and Ethan couldn't pull himself away from the man's door. He was mesmerized that football was on his television, too.

Beautiful Allie.

Mama and Ethan lagging behind.

Sweet Sadie.

Sadie was so sweet. She walked with Ethan the entire time. I guess there's nothing wrong with an older woman.

Ethan was too tired to walk at this point.

Ethan's Elmo pumpkin. (Or as Ethan says: MELMO!!!)

Brennan handed out candy after we returned from trick-or-treating.

Friday, day ONE of Halloween weekend....

Getting ready for a night of trick-or-treating at Papa Clayton's retirement home.

It's ELVIS!!!!!

Elvis has entered the building.

Brennan is getting some treats!

Asking Papa Clayton a million and one questions. Makes for some fun entertainment since Papa Clayton is hard of hearing.

Three handsome men.

Elvis using his good looks to get some of the good stuff.

These 2 could carry on a conversation for a solid week without missing a beat. I'm sure they could break some sort of world record.

Giving Papa some sugar.

In the van headed to Memaw's.

Self-portrait while waiting for our food at Arby's.

Another self-portrait.

Memaw (Chad's grandmother) and Brennan.

Ethan refuses to cooperate.

Brennan is quite the photographer.

Memaw had to show her great-grandchildren off. The lady in the middle is my good friend, Kelly's, mom. She lives in the same apartments as Chad's grandmother.

Making their rounds.