So much to catch up on... Summer 2010 *July*

Michigan Pictures... story to follow.

Oh July... such mixed feeling I experienced this July. We started the month on vacation, visiting family in MD/DE. I thoroughly enjoyed my daily morning run and the cooler temps, sunny days, beach, and on and on. I also had a great time with my camera. ;)

Just before heading to MD, my dad was experiencing several odd symptoms that turned out to be cellulitis. In early July I remember calling my grandmother to chat. The last chat was the weekend of July 4th. It turns out this was my last opporunity to talk to her. We had our usual conversation. She wasn't feeling her best, she didn't really understand why she was still around, she shared her enjoyment of watching the birds from her front window, she talked a little bit about the weather or what Clifton was doing, etc. And as usual, when I reminded her we were planning to return next summer to see her, she made sure to remind me she might not be there. And me, as per the usual, played it down and kept the positive tone. I knew though... I knew, just was hoping it would be later versus sooner. Not long after that converstaion I got the call that she was in the hospital.

Still... vacation carried on (while I kept daily updates on my dad and grandmother), as did life upon return to FL. Here are some experiences that I remember:

July 16th - My son has dressed himself for bed... pj shorts and a winter fleece. It gets more fun every day! He's been wearing winter bottoms for the past few days... so shorts is a GOOD change. LOL.

July 17th - In reflection recently, I realized it's a lot easier for someone to forgive another when offended if they are currently heart-focused on Christ. It is much harder to forgive an offense that took place before your heart was focused on Christ.

July 26th - My dear, sweet grandmother, is now in the arms of our precious Father. May she dance once more and sing His glory.

(It turns out she passed while I layed in bed praying for her, praying God's will for her, praying for her to pass peacefully. I was taken out of prayer time to receive a call from my mom with the news. It was 10:30p. I began packing my bags (the kids were already packed) and preparing to leave in the morning. Keith began checking on flights, etc. An hour later I called Irma to share the news... I'll never forget that conversation.)

July 29th - Lord, hear my prayers... sustain me today. Protect us in our travels and help us through the events of today. Amen.

(Grandma's funeral was scheduled for the afternoon of the day we were flying in... just a couple of hours after our flight. I hadn't been able to sleep for days at this point and only managed to rest for one hour before driving the kids and a friend (who graciously tagged along to help us) to the Clearwater airport for our 7a flight. We left just before 3a, arriving to the airport without any problems. I remember dressing the kids in the bathroom after we were checked in and ready. They were amazing! Our flight was amazing too. I was SO tired, but we made it. Then the ride to Coldwater, lunch with my parents and Dan... and then to the funeral home. I was a bit stunned when the minister and family asked me to speak for Grandma. Just stunned. Thoughts of how tired I was... the emotions, I just didn't know if I had it in me. I prayed and asked the Holy Spirit to help. He did... He really did. After briefly talking to the minister (and struggling with the tears of his insistance to describe her as a Proverbs 31 woman), I asked him if I could use Psalm 23. He was a bit taken back with my request but agreed it could be mine to use. The words that I shared and addressed with the family were truly of the Holy Spirit. It was all that had been on my heart for so long, and those that I believed were on Grandma's too. The need for forgiveness. The need to find that place of peace. The minister backed up my words and reinforced them. It was truly beautiful and I trust they were pleasing to our Heavenly Father and to my Grandmother. And... He DID sustain me. He truly did!)

So much to catch up on... Summer 2010 *August

Aug. 7th - Boys will truly be boys, no matter what. Though Luke has not seen Iron Man (that I'm aware of), he sure has a similar character/imagination (minus the arrogance). I give him a bucket of lego-like toys and he now has laser fighting fingertips!

Aug. 9th - Feeling blessed today because the kids begged me to teach them how to do the dishes. They actually insisted that I stop everything and teach them this new skill so they could bless our home and family.Wow... they are quick learners, hard workers and a great team! :)

Aug. 10th - Emily's officially teaching piano... to her little brother. Word has it he has signed up for daily lessons. How cute!

Aug. 11th - Who would have anticipated having raspberries in our fruit medley dish on the dinner table would prompt Keith to grab the chocolate syrup and whipped cream! I thought bringing ketchup to the tabel for the kids and their roasted potatoes was pushing the sugar limit... guess I was wrong!

- Oh goodness me! I just finished reading Luke's book of choice at bedtime. He then begged me to read it again, but backwards. Seriously? It turns out Emily has introduced him to the art of reading a book backwards. They both find it quite entertaining. Guess I learned something new today. LOL

Aug. 18th - I have to say... I'm quite fond of the 10a-2p school day with a long leisure homemade lunch. :) It's not everyday that we keep this schedule, but it sure was a fabulous day! (Week 5, here we come!!!)

Aug. 19th - The kids are pretty excited about starting violin tomorrow. Their excitement is negatively impacting their concentration with school today. :)

- My favorite time of the day is when the kids are practicing their piano pieces. Beautiful, peaceful, pure serenity... bliss.

Aug. 20th - The school room is done!!! S-O E-X-C-I-T-E-D!!! I feel the urge to move in and attack the rest of the house while I'm at it. LOL. But first, time to take the kids to their violin lesson and then teach tennis.

Aug. 23rd - What a wonderful morning. Just sent hubby off to work... and am about to wake the kids so we can start out day. First full day in our new school room. Love it! Oh... and the house... it looks amazing. We all feel like we're living in a new home. The kids keep getting mixed up as to where things are now placed in the home.

Aug. 25th - Emily, Luke and Keith were in a disagreement tonight over which movie to watch. When Emily realized she wasn't going to get her pick she commented, "Well, I guess the ONLY THING for me to do then is stick my nose in a book!" We couldn't help but be a bit surprised and humored at the same time. Personally I'd vote for her to read... but of course we chose to address the comment (along with the way it was presented) and encourage her to be apart of the family versus a sore loser. Parenting... it keeps us on our toes. :)