Matt and Trisha Bookout

Spring Update

2009-06-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

Precious nieces

I've decided that my blog page is turning into a "seasonal" update of our lives. I'm sorry to those few people who may occasionally check to see if I've updated. I'm horrible! Anyhow, since I am finally updating, I'll get on with it!

Let's see - March was fast and furious. We went to Atlanta to meet Matt's brother Mark, who was interviewing at Bro. David McCoy's church. It was a fun, but short trip. (Mark will be moving there at the end of July- YEAH!) Then we just took it easy over Spring Break. I don't really remember anything we did, so it must not have been too exciting. The best part was just having a "break" from school!

In April, we took several students to National Competition at Bob Jones. Matt's Handbell Choir and Ensemble did really well, considering their lack of experience. It was a lot of fun.

On to May - name it and we did it in May! What a whirlwind! There were many "end-of-the-school-year" activities including parties, recitals, graduations, banquets, tour groups, etc. Matt flew to Lancaster, CA for a few a days for Mark's college graduation. Then when school was out, we rented a cabin in Pigeon Forge for our 5th anniversary. It was such a nice getaway. My parents went with us, and we enjoyed our time golfing, shopping, relaxing, and eating!

Mark's Graduation from West Coast

OBC Ambassadors with our family

June began and so did summer school! We are now in the last week of summer school and can't wait for another break! I am looking forward to enjoying the rest of summer off (except for volleyball practices). It's hard to believe that June is already half over! We have started "Spring Cleaning" when we've been home. We are quickly realizing that it is time for a yard sale!!! The accumulation of "junk" happens so quickly! Anyhow, we are still loving every moment in the ministry, although it feels at times like we are just barely breathing. I wouldn't trade it for anything!

Well, I should go ahead and write about July and August while I'm on here! I may not have time once they happen! :) Thanks for "tuning in" to our seasonal update! Keep in touch!

Another Praise!

2009-02-27T13:51:00.001-08:00

Things are busy around here. (of course!) Sorry, I still don't have any new pictures. I never remember to bring my camera to school to upload my pics - not that I've taken any either! Anyhow, school is going well. We are learning multiplication and division right now, and they are loving it. Even the first graders seem to have grasped the concept. YEAH! That's exciting, especially if I have them again in second grade. Then I'll just have to figure out what to teach them then! Oh well!

Everything has been going great with our bus teens the past couple of weeks. There were a few of the girls and guys that came on Sunday, too. It was a real blessing, as we are still developing the Sunday morning route. Our main emphasis for the bus ministry has been on Wednesday nights. Anyhow, I had another young lady get saved this past Wednesday. Her name is Ashley and she is 19. It was her second time to come, and I could tell the Lord was working on her heart. It was so exciting to see her trust in Christ as her Savior. My husband also had two boys in his class get saved - Darius and Wesley. We are so thankful for the opportunity we have to reach our city for Christ. Please pray for us as we endeavor to do this. Thank you!

I hope all is well in your part of the world. Please send a message and keep us updated on your lives. Have a blessed day!

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-12T13:42:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day! My life this week consists of my first and second graders. They seem to be wound up a little extra because of Valentine's Day. It's okay though because tomorrow is Friday! PRAISE THE LORD! :) Oh, and we have Monday off for President's Day. YEAH! We were planning on golfing, but we'll see what the weather does. If it's not raining and if it's warm enough, we will probably go. I hope so! It always feels good to do something active.

We are working with our bus teens on Wednesday nights for the next 3 months. We are trying a quarterly rotation so no one gets "burned out", but so there is still some consistency for the kids. Last night was a little wild, but things finally calmed down some. Matt had 15 boys and I had 10 girls. Two of the girls got saved last night. It was so exciting! Please pray for them. Their names are Destanie (13) and Alexus (12). Also, pray that I'll have wisdom on what to teach. I really want to have a "theme", but it seems as if we have a totally different group of girls from week to week. Last night I really struggled with what to teach. Every time I tried to teach what I had planned, the Lord kept leading me back to salvation. I know why now, of course, but it's so hard to prepare, when I have no idea who will show up. I know God will show me, but I covet your prayers on this matter. Thanks!

Well, that's all I have to update for now. Thanks for stopping by! Have a wonderful weekend!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-15T12:19:00.000-08:00

I know it has been forever since I have updated. SORRY! We don't have internet access at home, and it seems that I never have time at school to update either. Things are going great at school and church. My class has really been doing well since Christmas break. They really catch on quickly and we are able to move right on. I have really enjoyed teaching 1st and 2nd grade together.

Our church ministries are all going well, too. We definitely stay busy between all the school and church ministries. I wouldn't have it any other way though. We are so blessed to be in such a great ministry and under such a godly pastor. He has been at our church for over 28 years. What a testimony!

Our family is doing good. It is so nice to be near all of my immediate family now. What a blessing it has been having my parents here! We had a wonderful Christmas break. We were able to travel to Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa to see all of our family. We saw 50 relatives, slept in 5 different beds, and drove over 2,200 miles in 11 days. I wouldn't trade that trip for anything! We saw all of our grandparents, which we hadn't seen in a few years. We are so thankful for the godly family that we have. We are so blessed!

My nephew and nieces are growing so much. We stay busy just keeping up with them. They are a joy to be with and so much fun! Here are some recents pictures taken from a cell phone. Sorry they aren't the best quality!

Alyssa's newest "smile"

Ashlyn's 3rd Birthday

Alayna, Ashlyn & Alyssa

The Whirlwind...

2008-09-15T19:09:00.001-07:00

I know I'm not the only one that has been busy since school started, so bear with me as I give quick run-down of our lives recently. I wanted to give an update to those who think I might have vanished from earth. :)

I am teaching 1st and 2nd Grade this year. WHAT AN ADVENTURE! :) I have 15 students: 10 in 1st grade and 5 in 2nd grade. That number isn't bad, but it has been an adjustment doing lesson plans for two grades, giving tests orally for both classes, and teaching in a way that involves all of them! For someone who just "loves a challenge", I can honestly say I'm ready for rest!

I am coaching Volleyball again this year, so as soon as I get done with class, I run to practice or a game. I'm still not sure when to fit in doing the lesson plans and grading papers. Lately, it's been a "Sunday night after church" job. Believe it or not, I really am enjoying my job. :) We are going to Educator's Conference in Gatlinburg for 3 days next week, so I am looking forward to that time of "rest." Hopefully we will see some friends while we are there. Let us know if you will be there!

I'll close by including a few pictures from Seth Haas and Meredith McCoy's wedding last Friday. It was such a sweet, beautiful wedding and reception! Sorry the pictures don't do it justice!

Keep in touch!

End of the Summer...

2008-08-07T18:42:00.000-07:00

Garron, Alayna, and Ashlyn looking patriotic

Ashlyn, Uncle Matt, and Aunt Shisha on July 4th

Getting ready to enjoy the fireworks

Matt and I with our nieces and nephew

I can't believe it's almost time for school to start already! Our summer break has come to an end and I didn't blog at all. Sorry! I had great plans, but I didn't fulfill them.
We have been very busy this summer, as always. Here is a quick run-down on what's gone on: I taught summer school for three weeks. Then our church had its 3rd Annual Honor Service, in which we honored our missionaries who have been on the field for over 25 years. It was a very special service. Matt and I enjoyed golfing with my parents several times this summer, as Matt had Mondays off. We have also had quite a bit of company come through. In July, we took some of the teenagers to Camp Barnabas at Ambassador Baptist College in NC. That was a great week full of preaching and fun activities. Matt's parents spent a week with us as we prepared for our "Paradise Pirates" VBS. Now VBS is over and Volleyball practice has begun. Teacher Orientation is next week and the first day of school is August 18. I know many of ya'll have had a similar summer and know what a whirlwind it can be. Overall, we had a great summer. Thanks to all those who do a better job of blogging than I do. It's always fun to hear your family updates!

Alayna and Ashlyn made great pirates for VBS

Matt & I with some of the kids at VBS
Matt is on the right with the long curly hair. Isn't he scary? He was the captain in the skits and didn't get saved until Thursday night, when he also got a "haircut". He had more fun than the kids! It was a great week!

School's Out!!!

2008-05-23T20:02:00.000-07:00

I have officially survived another school year! Our last day was on Wednesday, May 21. It is always so sad to realize that I will never have the same class again or may not ever see some of my students again. But I must say, I am excited to have finished another year. I will be teaching 3 weeks of Summer School starting June 3, but at least I have a short break before that starts. Otherwise, not much is going on. :) Here are some recent pictures of two of my nieces, Alayna & Ashlyn. Keep in touch!

More of Alyssa Lenae...

2008-04-22T20:26:00.000-07:00

Uncle Matt & Aunt "Shisha" with Alyssa

Doesn't look like she'll be spoiled, does it? Yeah right!

Alayna - "the proud big sister"

Hey guys....what's up?

Look at her using her lungs - and already singing with vibrato!

Oh...what a day!
Am I cute or what??? :)

More Pictures of Alyssa Lenae

2008-04-22T12:24:00.000-07:00

Alyssa has a middle name now. What a beautiful name - Alyssa Lenae. Here are few more pictures that my brother took. She is so PRECIOUS! She slept really well last night, so hopefully that will continue. Cheri is doing well. Thanks to those who prayed for her.

Our Beautiful Niece

2008-04-22T06:41:00.001-07:00

Our beautiful niece Alyssa Endicott was born last night, April 21, at 6:21 p.m. She was two weeks early, but you wouldn't know it by her size. She weighs 7 lbs. 3 oz. and is 19 1/2 inches long. She is so beautiful! She already loves her "Aunt Shisha", too! These pictures were taken on the cell phone, because of course, I didn't have my camera. That's because I went straight from school to the hospital. When I go back to see her today, hopefully we will get some better pictures. Thanks for stopping by...

Long Time No Post...

2008-04-13T18:39:00.000-07:00

Sorry it's been a couple of months since I posted anything. I hate posting without pictures, but I'm going to this time. I keep forgetting my camera everywhere I go, so that's why there are no pictures.

So much has happened in the last couple of months. Most importantly, my parents moved to Alabama and live only 12 minutes from our house! It has been SO NICE having them here. I don't think my mom has had a service "off" since she has been here. She plays the piano and has been SUCH a blessing to have around, especially during competition season! :) I'm sure she's probably already ready for a break!

We stayed around here for Spring Break this year and enjoyed spending some time with Mom and Dad. We even fit in a day on the golf course! It was fun. My brother and his family took a group to Germany on a missions trip during Spring Break. They all had a great time and the Lord really worked in each person's heart. It was so neat to see how God used Garron (9), Alayna (4), and Ashlyn (2), too. It was a reminder to me that God will use anyone who is willing to serve Him.

Matt and I took a group of teenagers (sixteen of them) to National Competition at Bob Jones University last week. We really had a great time and learned so much. It was so amazing to see the talent that the Lord has given so many of these teens. It is our prayer that they will use it for the Lord.

Well, it's back to normal routine tomorrow morning. I hope and pray that each of you are having a wonderful Spring! Please pray for my sister-in-law Cheri, as she is getting very close to having her fourth child. I can't wait to hold my little niece!

Until next time....(and hopefully it won't be another 2 months!) :) Keep in touch!

A Cute Video Clip

2008-02-06T11:39:00.000-08:00

I just had to add this adorable video clip of my niece Ashlyn. Her mommy was trying to teach her how to greet visitors at church. Gotta start them at an early age! Enjoy! :)

A Quick Update...

2008-01-31T18:19:00.000-08:00

We have been very busy lately, as always. Everyone around here is sick and I am just now getting it. I wanted to get these pictures on here though. Hope you enjoy. These are from a couple of weeks ago.

This picture was taken after our Homecoming Staff vs. Students game. Pictured from left to right is Ashlyn, "Uncle Seth" Haas, Garron, "Uncle Matt", Alayna, and "Daddy" Thad Endicott. I thought this picture was worth posting a blog for! By the way, Ashlyn is showing everyone that she is 2. She isn't trying to send out the message for world peace!

I had to include these pictures of our recent "snow storm" in Alabama! We had to hurry and take pictures before it melted! :) Come visit us sometime. You never know what the weather will be like!

"Decade Day" at School

2008-01-16T21:08:00.000-08:00

Yeah for me...I'm on a roll! Two blogs in one week! We are in the midst of Homecoming Spirit week at school and enjoying it so much! I had to put these lovely pictures of my husband on here. Don't you just love the "70's Used-Car Salesman" look! Be sure to check out his shoes too! Tomorrow is Hillbilly Day...not sure I want to put pics of that! Anyway, hope you at least got a laugh from these.

Pictures...Finally!

2008-01-15T20:57:00.000-08:00

I think I am finally learning how to upload the pictures onto our blog. Sorry it took me so long to figure it out. Here are some pics from our house at Christmas. I forgot to take one of the outside with decorations this year! The top picture is from Christmas last year. We had just moved in so we didn't do many decorations. Come visit us sometime! We would love to have you!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

2007-12-30T21:25:00.000-08:00

Sorry it has been so long since our last update. We have stayed very busy this Christmas season. My parents came for a week over Christmas, and now Matt's parents and brother are here until after the New Year. It is the first Christmas that I have stayed home the entire break. It has been wonderful! I do not miss that holiday travelling! :)

I pray that each of you had a wonderful Christmas. We are so blessed. I am so thankful to have a wonderful Christian family with which we can celebrate the true meaning of Christmas. This year has been so special getting to host both of our families for Christmas. I will try to add pictures of our Christmas decorations. Right now, I can't seem to get it to work. Hopefully they will be coming soon!

My Adorable Nieces

2007-11-26T08:40:00.000-08:00

I had to share this picture with ya'll. The kids came to my house on Sunday afternoon. We had so much fun. This was taken at their house last night. They are wearing their Christmas pj's, scarfs, and playing with their new make-up! How fun! I'm just glad they didn't bring the make-up to my house! Don't you love the upside-down sunglasses (with just one lens)! They are so precious!

Happy Thanksgiving

2007-11-21T06:17:00.001-08:00

Things have been very busy around here...parties, Basketball games, family, school, and church. The list could go on and on. I know your lives are just as busy. As I stop to thank the Lord this holiday season, my heart is overflowing. God has been so good to Matt and me. We have been given so much! We are also thankful for the godly friends we have, too. Happy Thanksgiving from our home to yours!

Our Precious Nephew and Nieces

2007-11-05T11:09:00.000-08:00

This is my nephew, Garron, and my nieces, Alayna and Ashlyn. It has been so fun living close to them and watching them grow up. We have lots of fun with them and stay busy keeping up with them. Those little girls have Uncle Matt wrapped around their little fingers and they know it! Oh well, it's fun to spoil them and send them home!

Hello from Alabama

2007-11-01T14:21:00.000-07:00

This is my first time using blogger, so sorry if I do it wrong. I hope it will help me keep in touch with all our long-lost friends across the world. Matt and I are both teaching at a Christian school in Alabama. Matt is on pastoral staff here and we work with the Singles Ministry primarily. The Lord has been so good to us. Let us know what's going on in your lives! We'd love to hear from you!