Beginnings...

Tuesday we added to our family - a 13-year old boy. We've been waiting for this day since March when we accepted a position as houseparents at Cookson Hills Christian Ministries. Arriving June 9th, it has taken 7 weeks to get settled in and trained for this day. It took all this time to get our house together, with pictures on the wall - unpacking with 3 youngins is like brushing your teeth with oreos. Our lives have been enriched through study, a community of support, and friends and family who have made their commitment and love to us evident through their visits. Cookson has lived up to every expectations we've had - with an emphasis on Christ-centered services and relationships - and we are learning to adapt to this unique lifestyle while maintaining our own family personality. I will admit, though, that we are still the slowest eaters in the dining hall!

A favorite family event - for some - we take hikes through 
the Cookson property. About 995 acres left to explore...

Kaleb (7), Paizlee (4) and Anna (19mo.) are adjusting well to our move. Kaleb has befriended many elementary-age kids with his Pokemon and Beyblade toys. His daily routine has been to walk Roxi and then ride his bike around the paved circle. Paizlee still dreams of being a princess and a mommy and has figured out how to color with more than 1 color! And she has actually improved in her kindness to Kaleb. Kaleb's turn! (How can I explain to Kaleb that he does not have to be annoyed at Pz's singing?). The last 2 months Anna has grown - in body and communication. She loves to go on walks with her "eshu" (shoes). Less of a talker than K and Pz, Anna still finds ways to grunt and shake her way to whatever wants! Oh, and she has become opinionated, especially with her eshu choice and eating/drinking preferences. 

A few life adjustments at Cookson

Lunches and Dinners are provided during the week! We only cook breakfast and weekend meals. I've already made biscuits and chocolate! Pics of the new dining hall.

You can see your friends every day. With 6 houseparent homes on our side of the property, Kaleb is loving to play with his new friends as much as possible. He seems to focus on a single activity each week - first Pokemon, then Beyblades, basketball, lizard catching, legos, and now trampoline!

No TV - living in the woods we can't even pick up local channels, soooo what do people do with their time? Honestly it's been great not to use TV as a fallback and we play together creatively! This pic is the "Dripping Springs" waterfall at Natural Falls state park. (more impressive in person, come visit)

Walmart is a 30 minute drive. One chain restaurant (Chilis) within 30 miles, all others 50+ miles! But there is Braums. Oh yes, Braums.  

Single-ply. Nuff said. 

 Cooler weather and green grass. An unusual summer has spoiled us with temps 70-90 degrees, rain showers (instead of thunderstorms and drought), and thick green grass to mow. Be jealous TX. 

We swim in the river...and we drive a 12-passenger van down by the river.

More later, with pics of Cookson and our house! 

Let me know if you have trouble viewing the blog! 

I still have more design editing to do, and more !!! to type! 

-Alan