i'm not a professional folks.

So...yeah, this is why I don't blog for a living (hah). Life happens, folks. 

A few updates:

Dad was able to go to the Arkansas vs. South Carolina football game a couple weeks ago (sadly..the game was not impressive, but he was able to see Carlie march. Huge praise that he felt up to this!!).

 I had the privilege of taking a few photos of Desiree (SIL), Millie (niece), and Travis (BIL) before the arrival of their new baby. Going into these photos..we thought we were about a month out from the arrival of Millie's new baby brother or sister. It turns out that wasn't the case. Good thing we got these when we did!!

Keith and Catie met us in Mt. Vernon for Apple Butter Makin' Days- so fun!!

Waiting for baby!

Introducing Elin Jewel Pirtle, born October 23 at 5:36 PM. 5lbs. 12 oz. SO SO SO excited to have another niece. Many believed Travis and Des were having a boy, but I was thrilled about another girl. Not that I wouldn't have loved having a nephew...

An update on dad: Dad has been doing relatively well. Lots has happened since I last updated. He had a PET scan last week, and we received the results today. The original mass in his colon was clear. THIS IS HUGE NEWS. Let me say it again. THIS IS HUGE. We are so thankful. We know there was cancer there. We know after his surgery there were margins that were not clear. They are clear. Praise the Lord. 

The other spot that showed up in his original PET scan was GONE. It did not appear in the PET scan. Two new spots were visible; however, those spots have not been confirmed as cancerous. Dad's doctors are "huddling" and will decide how to proceed. One is in the tailbone area (which dad says could just be inflammation from sitting all the time, haha..but seriously, it could be that). I just want to thank everyone again for continuing to check in and pray for us. Prayers are being answered..and we are seeing the light at the end of several different tunnels. Please continue to pray for his healing from complications that have arisen (various infections and other surgeries that came up post his original surgery). I will try to be better about posting. 

In other news, I did get a job! I took a job in Product Development and spend my days looking at camo and camping chairs..Tye's dream. It isn't exactly what I thought I would be doing, but I am learning a TON and believe all of it is valuable experience although it is difficult to jump into a role where my expertise and experience is limited. 

Tye and I have been looking at houses and plan to purchase soon. 

Lots of exciting things happening around our house! So much to be thankful for...blessed.