Halloween Raking at the Hippen House

Our sunny weather was NOT going to go un-noticed... and so we donned the warmer hats and grabbed the rakes, and headed out to the back yard.
Noah thought it was fun to peak around the tree, and tried to get my attention (no, I didn't get much of the raking done myself, as you can imagine).

It didn't take Ben and Noah long to figure out what to do when a huge pile of leaves was right at their feet.... so they plunged in... but is Noah on that pile by himself???

NOPE... there's Ben under all those leaves! The boys were laughing so hard!

Happy Autumn! Hope you all have a fantastic Halloween!! We sure are enjoying our weekend!

Where to begin??

I haven't updated my blog in far too long... so I figured I better do it. I have had an amazing time recently, and would love to share it with you.

I have been on a fantastic ride of surreal, awe-inspiring, and satisfying joy lately, with the increasing buzz about my book! I have been honored to be included in a few book signing events recently, as well as attending a book club's discussion of my book. Now that was scary going into it, because I wasn't sure what the discussion would lead to. Would someone think my book was too honest, or two closely inspecting my life or my past? I guess when it comes right down to it, I wasn't sure how people would judge me, after reading where my life journey had taken me along the way. I was pleasantly surprised that it was only with the most loving and supportive embraces that my book, my story, was discussed. It was determined that I was a typical young adult, and I was able to share how my normal insecurities led me away from the path God had waiting for me, and led me instead down my self-created meandering journey of fumblings... while all the while knowing (although mostly not consciously) that God was waiting to set my course right, and turn me into a better direction for my future.

I have maintained all along that my goal for writing my story has not been to become some rich, famous author (although a little plumping of the family budget would be a nice bonus), but rather my goal has remained this: to take the experiences of my past, use them to share hope for others who may be struggling, and to use my life as an example of how God's unfailing love can and will be there when we're ready to embrace Him.

I do hope that my words, my thoughts, my soul, can help someone, somewhere, somehow. Maybe it has already, and I'm just not aware of it. But regardless, I praise God for the opportunities I have been afforded, to meet new friends, share His Glorious love, and let my light of joy shine brightly.

Thank you to anyone and everyone that has walked along this life journey with me (during the good, the bad, the ugly, and the phenomenal), and may you all find a joy so robust that you shout it from the rooftops! God Bless, and have a terrific Autumn (or winter, as the temps here in North Dakota are already that cool).