Ahhhhhh October!

Well, based on my previous description on what this week would look like, I figured you all would know why I've been a bit absent.

I've got some fun pictures and stories to post about from the fall retreat - it was a beautiful weekend with a powerful speaker...so stay tuned!

I'm LOVING these fifth graders - I know I sound like a broken record, but they are so great. In fact, it's way too easy to fall into story-telling mode with them and get off tangent....but, we are getting through the lesson plans. Three more days with them counting today...I'm soaking it up.

I'm also soaking up the frost that arrived on our grass, rooftops, and windshields today. I know it damages crops, makes things slick, and delays folks from getting too work from the defrosting necessary - but it is so beautiful. It and the blue skies accompanying today with the brilliant sunshine playing peek-a-boo over the fir trees (the view from the classroom window right now) epitomize October's brilliance to me.

So, wherever you are, I hope you are also enjoying these days of autumn....I'm trying not to take them for granted.

Solid Rock in the Corn Maze

Brayden's mid school group at our church is called "Solid Rock". Unfortunately, many of the fun activities that Solid Rock has done over the last couple of months has been lost on Brayden as he's had football occupying his time. Last night, though, football practice ended just early enough to be able to meet up with his fellow mid-school cohorts at Lone Pine Farm to embark upon the corn maze challenge.

Made even better was having Andrew there, who was able to work it out as well with his crazy soccer schedule. From what I heard, they had a blast. Glad they all made it out, safe and sound, as based on some of these pictures provided by one of the parents, there were some pretty spooky obstacles along the way!

A Trip Back in Time

On Wednesday, Mikayla's class took a trip to Dorris Ranch to journey back in time to way things were done when the pioneers arrived via the Oregon Trail. As I chronicled before, I had to opt out of the retreat due to the belief I'd be subbing for the teacher whose daughter is about to have a baby. Still no baby yet, though I just received an email that she's having contractions about 20 minutes apart, feels a bit sick, and has back pain....so my five day subbing stint may just be starting tomorrow. Good thing I FINALLY got the laundry done.

God bless my neighbor, Kristen, who took Mikayla under her wing and into her group on the field trip - and was able to preserve those memories with her camera. Her son, Noah - in the plaid flannel in many of the pics, is also in Mikayla's class and I'm thankful for their comfortable friendship. They occasionally walk home together (particularly when I'm subbing) - and it's nice to know they get along just fine, without any "I've got a crush on you" issues.

I'd give you a description of each of these pictures, but your guess is as good as mine. =) I think most are pretty self-explanatory.

Shocked, but Not How You Might Think

Tonight I am speaking at the Trinity House. I will let you know how it goes, God's used some interesting approaches to get my attention on what to talk about, and how to begin, but the ultimate issue I really want to address is that a person's past/story/testimony is one of the most powerful sharing tools that God can give you, and when a person embraces that and becomes transparent about where they've been and how far they've come - there is often no better way to truly glorify God.

Paul makes it very clear in the Bible about his "path of destruction" before God literally blinded him to that past and opened doors for his unique history to be used mightily for the eternal kingdom. I feel like some of these young people I come in contact with will often read that and think, "well, that's all good and well for Paul, but I know that somehow Jesus' dying on the cross for all of mankind's sins just isn't enough for what I HAVE DONE." I've actually had that very conversation....where my response is "Really, REALLY? You are the ONE exception to the rule? You are the ONE person God's gift wasn't big enough, expansive enough, generous enough to save?" And, then, it kind of just turns into a twisted matter of reverse pride which is such a powerful tool used by the enemy to twist our minds and hearts to make us feel unworthy.

Recently, I was given some information about a friend. She's in the midst of a situation that 15 years ago I might have gasped out loud about, and now I respond with just sadness. One, because she won't let her friends in to help her due to shame (even though, in this scenario, it's not her personally dealing with the most obvious sin), and two, because I think she believes she's alone and nobody else walks this kind of road of destruction she's personally on.

I've got to tell you, because of my unique position in ministry - and probably the age group I work with - nothing shocks me anymore. Sure, there are details to stories that work me up more than others, but when it comes to judging someone based on the horrible past they've had....I don't know, I guess I've changed. (I'm not trying to sound all holy here....I definitely have my own struggles, but in this are God's redesigned my perspective). I feel like saying, "If you only knew..." when I'm talking to these people baring their souls, expecting a recriminating response, but risking it just to get the burden off of their hearts.

In fact, sometimes I find myself thinking, "Omigosh, how exciting - do you know the potential ministry impact your unique story will have on others?" "Do you know how much your unique journey will impact someone else who has reached the end of their similar journey - and is ready to give up?"

And, sometimes, I get to run across the truly remarkable ones - who have already "crossed to the other side" of carrying shame over their experiences to now using it to glorify God and his mercy and grace. And, I literally get chills as I stand back and behold God moving through someone so uniquely, and to such great measure - meeting the needs of someone I could never be able to given my own rather sheltered past. Sure, I can point people to others (with their permission, of course) - but, on my own, my past isn't much.

But, in God's perfect plan...it kind of is after all. Because, do you know who I married? This is part of what I will talk about tonight. He wasn't the man that fit all of my "Prince Charming" requirements. This boy that I've been married to for over 15 years was a naughty boy. He's got a rap sheet (figuratively)- and a girl like me, who walked the straight and narrow growing up NEVER would have associated with a boy like him. But, God intervened. And, instead of being introduced to "a boy with a story" - I found myself attracted to a man with a literal radiance for Jesus. John glowed. There's just no other words to describe it. At one of the lowest points of my life, I got to be around a guy that lived and breathed Jesus Christ and all of the redemptive, grace-filled, VICTORIOUS promises that He offers. And, I couldn't help myself but wanting to be near him, to know John more, because by getting to know John more, I was getting to know Christ more.

I want to scream and shout it out to some of these folks trapped in a pit of shame for whatever past they are still in or have had....there is a VICTORY out there for the taking - but the price is big and it's surrender. Surrender to the shame that's kept you telling lies and hiding your behavior, surrender of pride that your situation is too big to ever overcome and be healed, and surrender to Jesus in faith that through Him you can not only be restored, but used - and used in such ways that you may be shocked at what God seeks to accomplish through "lowly ol' you".

John is shocked, let me tell you. I am shocked - yes indeed. But, not shocked anymore over the stories of people's failures, but shocked that I get to be part of such a life to see the incredible blessings on the other side. Blessings like last night with Kenjon, with our kids, with our marriage, with our friendships, etc., etc. Unbelievably, in awe over what "lowly ol' us" get to be a part of....

A Whole Lot of Fun

Last night was lining up to look like a pretty sweet evening. First stop was to be Red Robin where we took Leona out for her birthday dinner - always a great start to have dinner with the family there. (Getting a little ahead of myself with this picture, but since it included her...I put it here.)
Next up was the final regular season game for Brayden's team. We have a bye weekend upcoming (perfect as we'll be at a CCF retreat) and then his play-off games will begin on Sunday, the 30th. This last team was a little short-handed, so it was a relatively easy victory, leading us to the point where our coach was able to use folks who normally didn't get to handle the ball as running backs. Brayden prayed practically the whole game, on both offense and defense, and ended up being given the ball to run with. I was so touched by the coach who repetitively let him make efforts - even though Brayden was barely able to make forward progress (despite some rather impressive jukes and spins in his efforts!)

But, then, the second to last play of the game - Brayden broke free and made it to the sideline and ran! AHHHHHHH! Best moment of the game for us and so rewarding for him. He wasn't able to score - even if he had gotten all the way to the endzone he would have had to have taken a knee just short due to the "mercy rule" in effect. So, it was all just as well.

To add to the delight of the game was Kenjon's presence on the sidelines. He showed up casually during the second quarter, but it didn't take long for some of the younger attendees to take notice. This whole celebrity thing takes me by surprise, because when I was their age, especially as a girl, I would have never known who certain players were, much less their names and identifying them without them in uniform. But, these girls knew. And, they swarmed. Giggles, pictures, and autographs ensued and I did my best to intercede so that the poor guy wasn't trapped in a claustrophobic huddle of teeny-bop endorphins!

What a sweetheart though - he was incredibly indulging and personable with each of the folks that greeted him. A gentleman through and through. When asked why he was at the game, he made it clear he was there "to support his 'little brother'" and when asked who that was he made it clear it was for Brayden. So sweet.

Fortunately, as John is all over the place up and down the field taking pictures, Kenjon was able to "hide out" with him - the ongoing joke with Kenjon was that if we knew he'd wanted to do a photo shoot we could have accommodated him better.... =)

After the game, he posed a bit with some of Brayden's teammates and was especially gracious and complimentary in meeting them. When we suggested that Brayden and Kenjon pose together to commemorate Brayden's best game, Kenjon took the pose up a notch, surprising Brayden as he hoisted him into his arms.

Later, we treated Kenjon to DQ and headed back to the house to just hang. Brayden rode in Kenjon's vehicle and they had some valuable football conversations. Apparently, they are holding each other accountable to each giving 100% when they play in their respective football games. Despite his heart, with Brayden, sometimes there seems to be an intensity lacking, so we'll see if this helps him kick in that extra drive as the upcoming opponents will require it.

Back at the house, Kenjon "started it" with the kids in a game of "Keep-Away". He'll know better next time - you don't "start it" with the kids unless you are in for about 30 minutes of playtime...they just won't quit if they are getting that kind of attention.

Meanwhile, John and I sat back on the couches, uploading pictures and sorting laundry - marveling at this turn of events that brought this guy into our home - and especially our hearts. He's become another member of the "Extended Riley Family" - and we couldn't feel more blessed.

Just Enough Time to Stress

I have about 10 minutes before I pick Mikayla up from school - and today I am dreading it. I have to break the news to her that I will NOT be attending her field trip tomorrow, despite committing to it - and also tell the teacher. I feel VERY FLAKY and am nearly to the point of tears for letting Mikayla down.

However, here's why. The teacher that I've been exclusively subbing for has a daughter who is currently in the hospital and apparently beginning labor. We had talked about me taking over for her class for 5 days, but it was unclear exactly when (babies are unpredictable that way....). No matter what, I knew the timing was going to stink - but I care about the kids in that class as well as the teacher so much, that I was willing to go with it, whenever it happened.

So, at this point, I'm trying to look at the positives. For Mikayla, this means a guaranteed trip to get a pedicure together - as this very thing happened last year and I promised I'd earmark that particular half day of teaching I'd be doing's wages (instead of her field trip) for an even better joint adventure together. Hopefully, that will appease her.

There was a huge list of parents that wanted to help on the field trip and somehow I made the cut - so hopefully another parent that had REALLY wanted to go will now be able to.

This is happening now instead of the beginning of next week. If I begin tomorrow, that should mean that next Tuesday is my last day. This is good because on Wednesday, Julie and four of her "Surfing the Nations" buddies are coming to stay with us for 2-3 nights - and on Thursday we host a potentially large gathering of college-age folks for a Pumpkin Carving Party. Both require a bit of cleaning, cooking, and set-up ahead of time, which would have been UBER-STRESSFUL if I'd been working 8-4 the day of. (Not to mention freeing up the days when Julie's here to be able to actually spend time with her).

So, there you go. Field trip canceled, date with a friend on Thursday canceled, Brayden's day off on Friday not being spent with me.....sigh.....it's all a matter of balance, right?!

Thanks for helping me process through my stress....now it's time to face the music with my daughter and Mrs. Fitzgerald.....

Ducks vs. ASU

Saturday night's game was a fun night. We had the kids with us, we all dressed plenty warm, and we find ourselves having an increased vested interest in how the game goes as Kenjon spends more and more time with us. Given LaMichael wouldn't be playing due to his elbow injury, we know Kenjon would be playing a lot - and as a result, for the first time ever, Mikayla showed some serious attention to the field - we might make a football fan out of her yet!





There was a bit of distraction from her keeping her eyes focused on the field, though - by name of this little guy - Cade. We met him at a previous game and our kids really hit it off. Apparently, Cade couldn't stop talking about his "Go Duck" friends - and especially Mikayla.

It was antics like these that kept me distracted and laughing too.

For a while, his dad, Kerry, kept him occupied.

Or catching raindrops on his tongue kept him busy.

At one point, I gave him my camera and so began a rather lengthy photo shoot of Mikayla....I deleted a LOT of pictures from my camera.


This is his mom, Brenda, who I really enjoy sitting next to. We rolled our eyes constantly during the game at the language being yelled - and we're thankful the only expression Cade picked up on was "That a way, Baby!" =)

Cade also found Stephie amusing - particularly a pin on her hat that he wanted to push as well as "Whack a mole" by smacking down the top of her hat. What kid doesn't find Steph absolutely enchanting?

Despite it getting very late, we hung around on the field after the win to watch Cade play with the ball a bit - but even more to his liking was taking off and running. Where that kid got his 11pm energy spurt, I don't know. He kept asking Mikayla to join him and our poor girl was fading fast!

He also enjoyed tackling Brayden....and, in contrast to Mikayla, Brayden was equally ready to play and play.

A big shout out to Kenjon who was announced on the radio as State Farm's Player of the Game. He ran for 177 yards and a touchdown (would have been 2 if it weren't for a holding call!). ESPN's coverage also zoomed in on him after the game leading those in participation in a mid-field prayer. Out of all of his plays on the field, that was the one I was most proud of!

College Game Day!

I set my alarm here at Michele's house to wake up bright and early at 6:45 to watch the beginning of College Game Day that took its show to Eugene, Oregon for tonight's match-up with the Arizona State Sun Devils. On the other hand, John went to bed (at home) last night at 5:30, to anticipate a wake up time of ?????? - I'm not even sure, but I know it was VERY EARLY - to show up at the Game Day set in the dark morning hours with hundreds of other college fans. (He went with buddy, Michael Chase - who's now a student at UO). When I went on Facebook this morning, I saw a post from Michael that said he scored Backstage Passes with John - no surprise, John has this uncanny knack of time and again finding a way to "score" that extra attention at situations like this. =) I hope those two are having fun - and I gotta say, there's absolutely no envy in wishing I was there as I sit in my pajamas with cozy blankets and Russian Tea surrounding me.



Hopefully John will be able to snag a nap today before the whole family heads to the game this evening. And, hopefully, Lee Corso will don the Duck Mascot head this morning indicating his choice for the Duck's to take the win - and even more important - hopefully, our team will make it happen!!!

Perfect Day for the Pumpkin Patch

Well, maybe not the perfect weather day....could have done without the rain, thank you very much, but hey, we live in Oregon - what do you expect?

I've been quite remiss about including posts with pictures lately, so this post will help to balance things out - very photo heavy!

Thanks to dear Lydia reading my blog this week, she determined we were heading to a pumpkin patch near her home and it led to pre-pumpkin patch visit to her new home in Silverton.

I don't often deal with contentment/envy issues, but today was one of those days where I thought....if we were to start all over - and had no connections to any sort of community tying us down - this would definitely be the sort of place I'd want to live. (Along with Sunriver.....I'm constantly longing for a "life transplant" there too).

Her home is located in this gorgeous neighborhood within a cozy small-town locale. Her home has access to the park through a path literally across the street - and even the deer love to call the place home.


Long story short, I'm so thrilled for Lydia and her family. Lydia is on the far left in this picture, with Kelly - another one of our "gang of 7" Western Oregon alum who was also visiting today. Double score! In the following picture, you see Lydia's oldest daughter, Alyssa, along with Hannah, Kelly's daughter.


It was a wonderful visit, albeit short - as the pumpkin patch was waiting.

As it turned out, we probably ought to have lingered at Lydia's for another couple of hours as immediately upon arriving at Willamette Valley Fruit Company, the rain really started coming down. We began with choosing our pumpkins...



Eventually the rain lessened, to allow for a bit more fun taking in all of the activities at this Harvest-time playground.















On to the corn maze - thanks to the weather - it was MUDDY!!! Fortunately, none of us had any falls to get completely covered, but leave it to Brayden - he found ways to occupy his boredom as we got lost within the maze.


This is Michele, showing us her despair at being lost amid the cornstalks....

And some similar sentiments from the girls...

Ah, that's a better smile!!!

We let the boys find their own "faster" way out and once we finally emerged victorious - we found them in the corn pit. (Yes, this is the post where I acknowledge....what was I worried about regarding my son growing up too fast.....?!)


Nice....really nice boys......

A final happy shot of Ellie manning the "Rubber Ducky Races"....

This place is home to some of the best frozen berries and pies you can imagine. Before leaving we let the kids pick something out from the Farm Store. Nati chose the Marionberry pie and Michele and I were practically begging to "help her finish". Despite how great our homemade attempts have been in the past, we're at the point of reconsidering "homemade" for the holidays after Nati gave us each "itty-bitty" bites.

Just the kind of day we all needed, thank you to the school districts for allowing us this fun day off!