"Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in ALL circumstances, For this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus." 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
On Friday night we all attended Josh's homecoming at Williams High School.
Uncle Josh gave Keagan his extra football jersey to wear for the evening and Keagan was honored to wear it.
My Great Uncle, Buster Brugman hosted a family Halloween party on Saturday evening. My mom's costume was hilarious! If you look closely, you can see that she sat on the 'lost puppy'. Bethany would have nothing to do with the old lady until Grandma Marilyn took off her wig and revealed that it was really her.
The kids and I went as the Peter Pan clan. Hailey was "Wendy" with her dog "Nana" and her baby brother, "Jon". Keagan was, "Peter Pan". Bethany was our very moody, "Tinkerbell" . I was the older brother, "Michael". We won the award for the 'Best Family Costume'.
All the Penterman's that were in attendance at the party. Jim was the "Perfect Husband" and won the award for the costume 'Most Portraying Real Life Character'. Marilyn was an unrecognizable old lady and won the award for the costume most representing 'Future Appearance'. Destiny and Brandon were "Little Red Riding Hood" and the "Big Bad Wolf". They won the award for the 'Cutest Couple Costume'. Josh was "James Dean".
Keagan and Brandon having fun as the 'Perfect Husband' Puppet looks on.
All the Niesen cousins.
Happy Birthday Emily! I hope you have a marvelous day and a fun one, too. I miss you a lot and wish I could be there with you .
About 10 times a year Brian's schedule allows him to start and end a weekend with us. This weekend was one of those times. We absolutely enjoyed our "family time" . On Friday night, Brian had a great idea to end the night with a bon fire. Keagan decided to build his own fire next to the bon fire. 
Sizzle! Sizzle! Pop! Pop! Pop! Jiffy pop on a brisk fall night is the BEST!
Keagan ready for a camp out in the back forty.Hailey has been learning the violin for about 6 weeks. She is catching on quickly and is really enjoying the challenge of learning something new. We could not be more proud of her progress.
Grandma Kathy, I hope you enjoy this video as much as we all enjoyed sharing in this monumental experience with Bethany.
Let me explain to those of you who haven't heard the story...
My brother and his wife welcomed triplet girls into their family last April. Months leading up to their delivery Bethany prayed this prayer, "Jesus, pray for Aunt Michele's babies in her tummies" at every meal, every nap time, & every bedtime. Once the girls were born this was her prayer, "Dear Jesus, and be wif aunt Michele's babies to keep sa.f.f.fe at de hos.p.p.i.TAL, AMEN!" The babies came home, continued to grow, and are now 6 months old. Up until a week ago, we were all hearing this prayer at every meal, every nap time, and oh yes, every bedtime.
We are happy to hear a new prayer, but it just thrills us to see that she is understanding better how to pray and why we pray. She has even seen God answer our prayers, which is even more exciting!
P.S. Grandma, I know that she does not really want you to "stay far far away". She misses you A LOT! Kids' words are so sweet and yet so innocent.
Every year the kids at F.C.S. mail out sponsor forms & participate in a jog-a-thon to raise money for the school. Each class at the elementary campus run/jog/walk the 232 meter track for 30 minutes. Mr. Hannold always leads the kiddies for the 1st 1/2 lap. (x4 by the end of the morning) This year the lion mascots came out to Cheer on the kids...a great source of encouragement on such a brisk and VERY windy morning!
Keagan still smiling in spite of his uncontrollable shivers.
Bethany always enjoys watching the kids but has never had to be bundled. She did run 1/2 a lap with Hailey which warmed her up but Grandma Marilyn did most of the warming.
Keagan kept a steady pace of running 1/2 a lap...walking 1/2 a lap. He completed 16 laps! 
Keagan's 2nd grade class after the jog with teacher Miss Gorton and aide Mrs. Benedict.
Hailey jogged with friend Chloey, mom Amanda, and I. She was a trooper in spite of the wind. The jog has always been a highlight of the year for Hailey.
Elise Benedict, Chloey Bell, & Hailey have been the top female joggers of their class since Kindergarten. Every year 2 out of these 3 girls tie for first place and 1 girl is a lap behind. This year Hailey completed 18 laps and was 10 ft. away for receiving her 19th lap free when the horn sounded. Elise and Chloey tied with 19 laps. These 3 girls are the best of friends. We are so proud of all 3!
Hailey's 4th grade class after the jog with teacher Mrs. Paula McBride.
Annually, all three kids have taken their height measurements next to the scarecrow at Bishops Pumpkin farm. This was the first year that Bethany walked right up and stood long enough for me to snap a photo.
I have to admit, it was a little strange to only be responsible for one child.
I have a wonderful and very funny dad!
Claire was a little unsure about her feet touching the hay.
Bethany loves posing for the camera. Especially after Auntie Kate taught her the many ways to pose for a cute picture. Thanks Kate!
Bethany was a bit reserved around the goats. Hailey's two goats have jumped on her one too many times...So, she was not about to get too close.
We were all cracking up at Brian's fascination with the donkey. 
Grandpa Jim has struck a soft spot with Bethany. He says she is just like her mommy.
Grandma Marilyn is just plain silly!
