My First Tooth

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Isabell got her first tooth a few weeks ago, but we couldn't get a good picture until now. The one right beside it is coming in now too. She seems way too young to be getting teeth. Luckily, she hasn't really been grumpy with it!! She likes to stick her toungue out if you pull down her lip, so she covers her teeth up.

Continuing Adventures in "Search and Call..."

OK,
I can't officially say where YET. But, I AM the candidate for an associate pastor position near St. Louis. My trial sermon and vote are Nov. 18th! Assuming a positive vote (and everyone is assuming a positive vote - in fact the Sr. Pastor already sent me something to work on) we will move the week of Nov. 26th and I'll start my new ministry on Dec. 9. The AP is responsible for things like youth, young adults/families, small groups, technology, evangelism, and starting an alternative worship service.

We are all excited. Nicole is happy to be moving back home. I was completely surprised to discover that it has become my home too. I never had a home - until I moved to StL. I had never lived in one town longer than four years. I lived in the StL. Metro for 16 years and I miss it way more than I ever thought I would. I miss the zoo, the museums, the seminary, the churches and about 100 different restaurants. Friends, colleagues and family of course are what I miss most.

I have already begun the process of saying goodbye here in Darlington, WI. I have done my last service at the assisted living facility and tomorrow is my last service at the nursing home. These folks and my shut-ins I visit are the hardest to say goodbye to. The little congregation at the assisted living facility have been fantastic; they ask questions during my mini-sermons and require me to be really clear not only about my own theology but also about the positions of other mainline churches and the history, tradition, and scripture behind those beliefs and positions. They have been really good for me and I will miss them. I am also feeling sad about leaving my Hospice team and my development group; these colleagues, both pastoral and medical have been enormously important to my wellbeing and to my growth in my ministry. Definately a mixed feelings situation; but not so much that I doubt the decision that has been made.

Wishing you peace and blessings and happy adventuring,
Pastor Kristofer

Pumpkin Patch

On the 20th we went to the Rocky Mountain Pumpkin Patch, our favorite pumpkin patch ever! We've been going there for quite a few years now. They have tons of pumpkins, fun stuff for the kids, and LOTS of yummy food. We always have to get some apple cider and pumpkin bread, it's the best!

We were walking around and a little boy ran straight up to me and said "Jessie". It was Augie! We were so suprised to see them there, we didn't know they were coming and they didn't know we were coming. It's about a 45 min drive from Greeley, so we didn't think many people from here went to this pumpkin patch. It was great to see the boys enjoying everything. Our friends Tim and Betony were there the same day too. Doyle was telling Tim that we were probably the only 4 people there without kids and Tim said we're probably having the most fun too!

Doyle is the corn maze.

Me in the pumpkin patch. That's my fat pumpkin!

Doyle in the pumpkin patch, I love all the orange around him! His pumpkin is the tall skinny one!

Washing off my pumpkin, of course I picked a dirty one! The guy weighing the pumpkins asked me if I was trying to steal one under my shirt!

Doyle's decepticon pumpkin. We decided to carve Transformers this year. He took the easy one!

My autobots pumpkin. It was sooooo hard to get the little pieces!

Transformers: More than Meets the Eye

Here's an actual picture of the autobot and decepticon logos. I think we did pretty well!

Last Day of Nanny-ing

Wednesday was my last day of watching the Cook boys. It was a long day and I was pretty worn out by the end, but still sad I'm not going to be seeing them as much. They are a couple of amazing boys and I've had such a great time with them. I'm sure I'll be making some "play dates" so Tucker and I can hang out with Augie and Becket.

Prime Party!

Doyle was so excited for the Transformers movie to come out on DVD. He decided to throw a "Prime Party" (Optimus Prime is the head good guy!) Our friends Tim and Betony came over and we had masks, toys, and goodies all on a Transformers tablecloth!