Trick or Treat & Trunk or Treat

I guess you could say we've been all about the treats lately.

Tonight some friends joined us for Trick or Treating in the neighborhood

The princess and the bumble bee. . .

along with the blue power ranger....who had to be convinced to go trick or treating as

he was perfectly content with the few pieces of candy he got at school today.

Sweet Clara.....she hung at the house.

Charlotte the ballet bear, Sam the motor biker and Alice the indian princess

Ian came home from work as excited as the kids coming home from school today.

He loves taking the kids out

chatting it up with the neighbors

and watching the kids have a ball

Usually Im home alone to answer the door and pass out candy.

Not this year, my friend stayed and we enjoyed a glass of wine

while Peter answered the door and passed out candy (and gospel tracks)

It was a wonderful evening!

Just last weekend we had our church's

Trunk or Treat

yesss.....ANOTHER Texas first.

Do you recognize Ian in his new hat (and boots)?

I'll have you know enough people encouraged him to wear it to church the next day

so he did!  That's my man!

And by the way..the biker dude....he's our pastor!

For my first ever trunk, I did a western theme

seemed appropriate for our first one!

Turned out real cute....

{said with southern accent}

especially with Charlotte Grace sittin' there handin' out candy! 

Everyone's creativity was so fun to see.

There was a luau

and fishers of men

and totally 80s

It was great to see our church come together to make this event such a success

to be in the community

sharing the gospel 

making friends

enjoying a good time together!

We have had our fill of costumes and candy.

But boy was it fun!

Big News!

Meredith got some mail today.

ohhhh....a pretty green folder

and a letter

Praise be to God.

Meredith was accepted to her college of choice

Baylor University

Sic Em Bears!!!

God willing, Meredith will be Baylor bound this August!

Little Lady Warrior Soccer

Claire is playing in our school's elementary soccer league

and on Saturday mornings we play our games

The team, which is made up of her classmates, has really improved

during the first weeks of the season.

Instead of running in a little blue clump....they are learning to run to space.

Instead of avoiding the ball, they are learning to go to the ball.

Instead of waiting to see what the other team is going to do, they are learning to

be a little aggressive!

Our coaches are wonderful....

a 5th grade Cypress teacher and a beloved Kindergarten teacher's husband

They sure do make it fun for the girls to learn a new game!

And our Claire Bear....she has really enjoyed it!

One things for sure.....she is fast and she is strong.

I took the camera to last Saturday's game and got some good action shots...we have another game this morning.  

They get tired out there!!!

The post I don't have margin to write right now is our family's insane schedule.

Achterkirch's Adventures is not just a catchy title....every day

is truly an adventure.  

It is amazing we get through most days.

It is by God's grace that we do!

Tired?  Yes I am.

Rejoicing? Yes I am.

Delighting in all that God gives us to do.
May we do it ALL unto Him

even soccer and ballet and taikwando and laundry and football and homework and birthday parties and work trips and family relationships and class projects and Bible study and small group and volunteering and rehearsals and tests and meal prep and piano and cleaning house and car maintenance and book reports and church events and lawn work and pet care and grocery shopping and ministry

{deep breath}

God,  you have created us for every good work
and granted us gifts beyond measure
and set us in relationships to treasure
and called us to work and play in your kingdom
to make your name great.

We savor your goodness to us.  We are busy, but we are rich because of you!
Today is yours, God, every busy crazy bit of it.
Help us to enjoy you this day and delight in your good gifts to us.
Use us in all our activity at home and away from home for your glory.
Help us to be a joyful, thankful, loving, servant minded family!

...and go Little Lady Warriors!

Got Wisdom?

Charlotte is studying Proverbs Wednesday evenings with her EMERGE group at church.

Their study is contrasting the way of the wise

with the way of the foolish,

learning about the fear of the Lord,

the treasure of wisdom,

and the only way to enter the way of the wise -

through Jesus Christ.

I am enjoying my time with Charlotte at home

memorizing proverbs

discussing their meaning 

and putting them into practice!

I love what Jay Adams says about Proverbs - 

they are portable, packaged, pictured principles
{say that fast 5 times!}

small enough to grasp easily,

memorize quickly

and be carried in the heart for use whenever necessary

I am so blessed to see Charlotte seeking wisdom in God's Word.
I am enjoying this study alongside her just as much as she is.

May it bear good fruit in both of us!

Lean not on your own understanding, but in all your ways acknowledge Him
and He will make your path straight.
Prov. 3:5

Pecans

We've had a few Texas "firsts"

like homecoming mums and blueberry picking to name a few. 

This past Sunday we experienced another Texas first.

We went with our home group from church

to Crosby, Texas to gather pecans. . .

Our friend Jonathan's parents have a home out there on 60 acres

This group is so special to us

and today was a special day to enjoy the beauty of creation

and the beauty of the Lord's day together!

There were puppies - adorable puppies

and a plethora of pecans

{we were like little squirrels out there gathering nuts for the winter}

This was another Texas first!

there was time to run around with good friends

and eat in the back of a pick up truck 

there were wild horses

drawn to the fence with apples so the kids could pet them

and there was out of this world Texas smoked ribs and brisket

It was a glorious afternoon

and we enjoyed homemade pecan pie for dessert of course -

Jonathan's parents were so gracious and lovely

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good

His love endures forever!

Cypress Christian Homecoming Dance 2012

Tonight was the Warrior celebration - 

the homecoming dance

The senior class is a tight group of friends and they will surely have a great time together.

Meredith was escorted by her friend Brad

She was beautiful!

Meredith and Sarah - dear friends!

The boys. . . 

Meredith and Bradley

These kids have so much fun together. 

They are a great group of friends!

I simply cannot believe I have a senior.

{sniff, sniff}

Meredith's friend Shannon was crowned homecoming queen.

She is a dear friend and a true disciple of Christ.

Great memories for sure!

Ian reminded me that next year at homecoming, they will be returning as alumni

{sigh}