Your Favorite Madrids!: Where did October go?

I think I'm still trying to catch my breath from the month of October, where did it go? It's amazing how fast the fall season seems to come and go. I think it was mid-September when we first started to notice a few trees change color. October was by far the most colorful month here in Ohio, but it seemed all the leaves feel too fast! Now here we are left with bare branches and chilly weather. However, it hasn't taken away from the splendor of the fall season. We've enjoyed many cups of hot chocolate, daily fires in our wood burning fireplace (courtesy of Dad), football, warm soup, cozy slippers, scarves, hats and big jackets. Everyday seems to bring a new experience and more things to be thankful for. Ahhhh...the season of thankfulness, by far my favorite.

October was too much fun in the Madrid home. It was our last month of football practices and games for Micah. He had an awesome season and really developed as a young man. Matt sincerely loved coaching Micah's team this year and thanked God daily for the opportunity. Micah says he already misses it, but is eagerly anticipating his very first basketball season. Mylie finished up her soccer season and earned her very first trophy! She was so excited. There is something about the first time you get a trophy, it makes my little ones so proud and beam with pride. They deserve each one! Mylie is still active in Cheer and Ballet...the fun never stops! Max too finished his soccer season. He had a blast and made lots of friends. Not sure what is next on the agenda for my little guy, maybe baseball?

As for me, I like to keep things active, so I enrolled at Matt's school in their Web Design and Development Diploma. I figure with my degree in Communications and Advertising, I could possibly start up my own Graphic Design and Web Design company someday and work from home. That's the plan, but we shall see where God takes me. I've really enjoyed my Image Manipulation class so far. The projects have been great and I've been learning a lot. The plan is to take one (maybe two) classes a semester and be done in about 2 years. This has given me the opportunity to do something I love and make something out of it. I love being a mom, wife and homemaker...but this allows me to be Marissa, and that is just as important! I'm so thankful to have the time, energy and support from my family to follow this dream of mine!

Matt's work is going really well. Matt's professional career has been such a testimony of how faithful God is. AI-Cincinnati is dong great things and growing in size. The look and feel of the school has improved and the staff seems to appreciate Matt's efforts there. Please continue to keep him in your prayers for wisdom and leadership. On one of my runs the other day, I was reflecting on my husband and all he is to this world (and my world) and I believe whole heartedly that God has soooooooo much in store for this guy! As you all know, I am Matt's biggest cheerleader! Matt is so smart and such a loyal person who truly loves people and loves his father in heaven, and I feel like the sky is the limit for him! We are so young and have a lifetime in front of us to fulfill our purpose in this crazy, amazing world. And I hope you all take that as encouragement in your own lives as well, we have a purpose and God has a plan! Proverbs 16:9 And in Max's new words "That's brilliant!"

Anywhooo, It's time for me to wrap it up and head over to Micah's school for some volunteer time. I also wanted to throw in here that Matt's and my trip to CA in October was so much fun and it was great seeing all of you. We had a blast at Alan Michael's football game and are sooooo incredibly proud of him. We got to have a late night dinner conversation with him and we were just so impressed by the amazing young man he has grown to be. Alan Michael, if you read this, Matt and I pray for you often and are so excited to see all that God has in store for you as you finish up your senior year at Chino Hills! Savor every minute but be excited for the future! You are going to be so successful in all you do if you keep God first! Love and hugs to you! And to all our family, friends and little ones, it was so special to see some of you and spend time with you. Thank you for making us feel so loved. Ohio is great, but we truly miss our family and friends! Can't wait to be back out at Christmas time to visit again. Mark your calendars December 20-January 5th!

Here are some highlight photos from October: