Fall Break 2024

We just had a whole week off for fall break. We were not able to travel due to the conference being on Saturday, but we still managed to have some fun while staying home.

Documenting the growth

Monday we made a trip out to Surf City to clean the beach house and do some fun things: searching for sharks teeth, Daybreak Donuts, and we hit up the new skate park that is just off of the island.

We had originally planned to come out to Surf City and stay for a few days, but when Jake's back went out the week prior, we decided it may be best to all sleep in our own beds this week. Tuesday, I experienced vertigo for the first time. Jake & I are getting old - ha. We spent the day at home Tuesday playing outside.

Wednesday, we made a trip to the Fort Fisher Aquarium.

Watching them clean the alligator habitat... while the alligators were in there was very entertaining.

Thursday we started the day with dental appointments. Then in the afternoon we made a trip to Peaceful Pastures for a "cuddle puddle with the donkeys" that Ella won in a drawing.

Friday the kids helped me and a crew, with set up for Rooted in Hope. We also got ready for Aunt Lindsay, cousin Kate & Kristy's arrival.

Lindsay's Visit

As previously explained HERE, my sister Lindsay, also a foster/adoptive mom, flew in from MINNESOTA to be here this weekend. Next to her is her friend Kristy, a single foster mom, who drove from MN. My cousin Kate, also a single foster mom, who drove from Greenville, SC for the weekend. So special that each of them came for the inaugural Rooted in Hope Conference.

Lindsay & Kate were also a HUGE help to Jake & me! They drove kids where they needed to be Saturday morning. And then Saturday evening they took the kids to a movie while Jake & I had a Bridge Church leaders & elders dinner with Jason Johnson.

Brunch after the Sunday gatherings

On Monday, Lindsay & I visited Wrightsville Beach in the morning and downtown Wilmington in the afternoon before Lindsay's flight home. It was so meaningful to have her here this weekend.

 

Rooted in Hope: A Conference on Foster Care & Adoption

 

Ashley & I have been planning for & praying over this day for months. Excited it is finally here and expectant of how God will use this weekend to catalyze our city and our church body! 

Jason Johnson was our keynote speaker and he was incredible. Our goal was to have content that would be encouraging, equipping and inspiring for all attendees, no matter where they are at in their foster care and adoption journey.

An interactive Mini Session with Ann-Maura Hinton. She got the attendees involved and smiling.

After lunch we had a Panel Q&A. 

Attendees could submit their written questions by lunch. Brandon & Ashley were the conference MC's.  Jake & I were not supposed to be on the panel, but the other couple could not make it since one of their children needed surgery in Ohio. This family takes on medically fragile children. Next to us we had a couple that has adopted 5 children through foster care. On the end is a single foster/adoptive mom. Really thankful for how God brought this panel together. Each of their stories spoke specifically to different attendees.

Group photo with Jason Johnson. 

My sister Lindsay, also a foster/adoptive mom, flew in from MINNESOTA to be here this weekend. Next to her is her friend Kristy, a single foster mom, who drove from MN for the Saturday conference. My cousin Kate, also a single foster mom, drove from Greenville, SC to be here this weekend. So special that each of them came for the inaugural Rooted in Hope Conference.

The conference was great. We have received a lot of positive feedback. Jason Johnson also spoke to our church body on Sunday at all three gatherings. We had "next steps cards" on every seat with a big call to action. We are thrilled at the response from our church body.

ILM kitchen progress: tile

 

Unfortunately Jake's back went out on Saturday, October 5. It was a very rough & painful week. He is feeling better and healing. After much rest, meds, a PCP appointment and multiple chiropractor appointments, the tile floor & backsplash are in!

ILM Kitchen Progress

We paused on projects for a week while we had family here visiting but we are back at it. Paint happened on Monday & Tuesday. Hoping to lay floor tile this weekend.