Family

Today's newspaper featured a precious story about a family in our community. I know the family personally as I am related to the father and I can say firsthand that you will never meet a more friendly man and woman nor will you meet a couple that are more selfless and giving than this family. They knew very early in their relationship that they wouldn't be able to have children of their own, but they never let that get in the way of the bond between them. Now they are fighting another cancer battle--in one of their adopted children. The story in the paper is heartbreaking to read. The family has suffered so, so much, yet their resiliency is unmatched. I thought about the trials and battles they are facing and I compared that to the interactions I have had with this family recently. Never once would you expect to know that they were experiencing such trying times. They always smile and always ask how YOU are doing--never taking one minute of the conversation to discuss their own trials.
So, that got me thinking about how the bond of a family and how we go to great lengths to take care of the ones we love and never once question the sacrifice it takes. Because that's what families do--they stick together in good times and bad times. They lean on each other in hard times. And never once do they ever expect anything in return--that's just what families do.

Busy Week!

Last weekend Kylie and I spent the WHOLE weekend at a pageant in Lonoke. It sounded like tons of fun on paper, but by the time I got home on Sunday, I was exhausted. Kylie didn't place in the pageant, but in fairness to her, she was the youngest one in her category and was against some very experienced girls. But, I think the experience was good for her because she had to introduce herself on stage and she learned how to walk the "pageant pattern". It was so cute though when she introduced herself. She had to say her name, contestant number, and who sponsored her to be in the pageant. She said, "My name is Kylie Cumbie, I am contestant number 4 and I am responsible for my mom." The whole crowd got tickled over that! I have to say it was cute too--but it was a good example of how young she was!
Well, I get to teach a couple more chapters in the class I am observing--a chapter on Conflict and Negotiation and one on Leadership. Those are two things I am pretty passionate about! I really enjoyed teaching the teamwork chapters and I really hope to have a chance to teach at the college on a permanent basis!

Deer Hunting...for Deer? Deer???

So, I went hunting with Richie a couple of times this week. Deer hunting. Yes, deer hunting. Problem is, I haven't seen a SINGLE deer. I honestly don't think they exist! Richie and I went Tuesday afternoon--perfect weather, perfect conditions...or so we thought. Put it this way, at 10 minutes to dusk when I saw a bunny rabbit I was thrilled! Why? Because it was the first living thing I had seen the ENTIRE time! Richie hasn't gotten a deer since he's been with me...he says it's my fault and I am an "unlucky" charm. I told him you can't have it all!
Kylie is going to be a pageant this weekend. We got a new dress and even have a back-up dress borrowed from a friend, so hopefully either way she'll look fabulous!

Weston and the Unicorn

Weston went on the Youth Hunt yesterday. It's really one of his first times to truly go hunting. He's been a couple times before, but I think he is just getting to the age where he's actually hunting. Anyway, he saw a ton of deer! He saw an 8 point (I have my name on that one!), a few does, and a....unicorn! Ok, ok, it's a buck with only one horn on one side, but it sounds funnier to call it a unicorn. Anyway, he got ready yesterday to shoot it, but the rascal wouldn't stand still (the deer that is, not Weston). He couldn't ever get it in the scope long enough to pull the trigger. I was so bummed for him, because I know he will be thrilled if he can get a deer. Richie said that Weston had buck fever the whole time he was watching that deer. He said he was panting and got all excited!
The kids really enjoyed Halloween this year. Weston was Wolfman and Kylie was Supergirl (with a Wonder Woman twist). They looked adorable! We had a great time too--we went and visited the grandparents, then to Sonic for a free hot dog and coke, then we went to Grace Community to the "Trunk or Treat" festivities. Then, we had dinner at Pizza Hut. It was a fun-filled evening!