Happy Halloween

The Dalbey Trio had a great Halloween. Earlier today we went out for a Pizza lunch and then headed to the park to play in the leaves. Mommy forgot her camera so no cool photos - sorry. After a good afternoon nap for the entire family we headed out to our friends, the Warrns, for their annual Spooktacular Halloween Party. Wow - I don't think I have seen so many 1 - 3 year olds in the same room. Overall, the party was a blast, the chili was yummy and we had a very nice time being with friends. Here are a few photo's from the evening:

Here is Preston with his buddy, Eli Warren. They are ready to go trick-or-treating.

Here is a sweet picture of Eli - I think he wanted to eat his pumpkin!

Here is mommy and Preseton.

Fun with Small Groups

Many of you know that I am a volunteer leader for our Middle School & Senior High Youth Ministries at Central. I enjoy working with the students - they bring me so much energy and life. Every Wednesday we have small groups where we come together to discuss life, things we are learning and various topics related to the Bible, etc... As part of our small group time last night we decided to dress up and have a Fall/Halloween Party complete with snacks and a bit of fun. Indeed we did have fun and here is the group photo. I had a great time girls - thank you!

Hug Mr. Bear

Here is a video of Preston giving 'Mr. Bear' a hug last night. I thought it was too sweet not to post. Enjoy!

Family and Friends

Here is a quick picture I took last night of the Dalbey Trio. We were having fun playing with trucks, cars and blocks. Yes, Preston does not have a shirt on - only a diaper.

Here is a picture of me with my friends Leah and Carolyn. I am so thankful for these ladies and our close friendship. Thank you for all your encouragement and love.

Reflections from the Mystery Trip

I am feeling better and a bit more rested and would like to share a reflection from our annual Middle School Mystery Trip.

Every year, Steven and I think long and hard about what we would like to teach the students at the retreat. Our desire is that they grow to know the Lord, themselves and others better. This year we asked our good friend Drew to speak to the students. Our hope was that Drew would give them a deeper look into the scriptures and the story of God's plan for our redemption. I thought Drew did a fantastic job! He was clear, engaging, thoughtful and compassionate. After his talks, I asked some of our 8th grade students what they learned and/or thought about his talks. These students said they thought Drew was super cool, fun to listen to and engaging. Ok - we are doing good. Then, these students said something I will never forget. They said "Well, we are learning a lot of what Drew talked about in our Bible class, so it was a little bit boring". WOW! Basically these kids are saying that the gospel, the story of our redemption, the plan of God to save us, bring us into his family and make all things new is boring. This makes me sad. It makes me sad that these Christian school kids with a Bible class find the most important thing in their life boring. It also makes me sad that they are thinking they don't need to learn anything new because they have allready heard it in a Bible class. I believe more and more that these kids are spiritually unhealthy or just plain sick. I hope I never become tired of hearing the Gospel or find it boring. I hope I always enjoy hearing the story of God's love for me and not tune it out becuase I have 'heard it before' in a Bible class or study. I pray for these students and that they will learn their desperate need of the gospel. I pray that their hearts would change because I certainly cannot make that happen. Oh yes, I also will pray that these Bible classes would teach them how much they do not know and how much more we need to learn every day of our lives.

Mystery Trip Update

Steven and I had a wonderful time on our Middle School Mystery Trip weekend! I am completely exhausted at the moment, but hope to update everyone with more photo's and reflections in the next few days. Here is our group photo - all 67 of us.

Mystery Trip

Steve and I are on our annual Middle School Mystery Trip! I (Katrina) am with amazing 8th grade girls in a loft room at the Great Wolf lodge! Steven is trying to to get his 7th grade boys to go to bed - have fun sweetheart!!! I will try to update as much as possible.

Pumpkin Patch

Steven and I took Preston to the Pumpkin Patch yesterday with Grandad Denton. Despite the cold, we had a wonderful time! Preston was able to pick out his very own small pumpkin even though he wanted to grab one of the big ones.
Here is Preston checking things out. He is trying to pick up a big pumpkin.
He tries staring at the pumpkin.
One more try at picking up the big pumpkin - no luck.
The little pumpkin worked out better!
Here are a few photos of the pumpkins. I really like the last photo of the Turkish pumpkins.

Cupcakes

Cupcakes are so good, especially with sprinkles!

Wearing Dad's Shoes

Do you remember the day's of trying on your dad's shoes? I do. Preston is off to a great start!

Seminary Ladies

My friend Emily, pictured on the left, posted this picture this morning on her facebook page. She took this photo at our Church Picnic on Sunday and I just love it. Emily is currently working on her Counseling degree at Covenant Seminary and Hillary and I both have our degree's from Covenant. I am so thankful for these ladies, for their hearts and for their support while doing ministry.

Church Family Picnic

The Dalbey Trio went to our Church Picnic this afternoon and had a great time!! There was food (yummy), fun games, and time to hang out. We were a little nervous about the weather, but it turned out to be a fabulous day. Here are some photo's from Steven participating in the Pie Eating Contest - looks yummy honey!


Here is Steven checking out the competition.

Now he is looking at the pie and asking himself "Why did I do this?"

Here we go - dig in.

He has a lot of pie in his mouth and on his face!

Here is Steven at the end - full and feeling yucky! The face says it all.

Feeling Better

Preston is feeling much better. He was fever free this earlier this morning and I am so thankful that it seems to be nothing serious. He did sleep 14 hours last night and then took a 3 hour nap this afternoon - wow. Because Preston was feeling better we were able to get outside this afternoon and play. I snapped a few photo's of Preston and I think they are so sweet. Enjoy!

14 Months & Mums

Preston is 14 months old today!! Wow - he is such a big little boy :) He continues to learn new things each day and bring us great joy with his sweet smile and constant appetite to explore and play. We continue to be very thankful for him. Preston, unfortunately, didn't end his day on a good note. He has a fever (101.7) and doesn't seem like himself. We are going to keep an eye on him and pray that he doesn't have another ear infection.

I would also like to say that I am VERY excited to welcome Autumn in with some beautiful Mums for my front porch. Here is a picture with my friend, Megan. We went down to the Missouri Botanical Garden for their annual 'Best of Missouri' event and just couldn't pass up these beautiful flowers. Now I need to decorate my house :)

Dancing

I found a super cute toy guitar this morning on my Garage Sale adventures. It only cost $1 and I thought it would help Preston feel more like daddy when he plays his guitar. Here is a video of Preston dancing to the music from the guitar. I think he has rhythm :) Also notice how the toy truck is right by his side...he is such a boy!

Garage Sale

This morning, I headed out to the Annual Tri City Garage Sale (Brentwood, Maplewood and Richmond Heights). I started early (7am) so that I could find as many good deals as possible. For less than $20 I found some gently used clothes and fun toys for Preston. Here are a couple photo's. I will also post a fun video later today!!