Another quick update!!

Wow!! The last few weeks have been CRAZY!!!

Two weeks ago I ended up really sick. I haven't been that sick for a while. In fact I missed two days of work that week. I still am having trouble regaining my energy levels, which really stinks!

That was also the week Jack was at camp. He LOVED it, in fact he wasn't too sure he wanted to come home. Once I opened his bag, I think it is safe to say that had he stayed he would not have been too welcome. There was some serious stink in that bag!!

Last week, we got the heartbreaking news that Alex's dear friend from Indiana had passed away. We had already planned to make the trip back out for the funeral, but due to no water at our house that morning we quickly packed, I wrapped up some things at work, and the kids and I hit the road. It was a very emotional week. The boys showed amazing moments of true child-like faith. They rejoiced in the fact that Austin was in Heaven with Jesus and that he was no longer suffering. But they also dealt with a wide range of emotions and feelings that are difficult enough for an adult. It was difficult for me to watch my friend walk through the pain of burying her son as well as sitting with my own sons as they dealt with a loss like this. The week was draining as it was highly emotional, plus we spent so many hours on the road in such a short amount of time. Yet ultimately the week was so reflective of Austin's faith in God and the impacting legacy he left here on earth. Just a few days ago, Alex was once again rejoicing in the fact that Austin was in Heaven.

This week has been HOTTTT!!!  I know that the heat is very oppressive for many across the country right now and here is no exception. I am so very thankful for air conditioning. (And I typically LOVE the heat!)

We have been busy this week trying to get back into a normal routine, however on Sunday it's all going to change as the kids and I head back to the Midwest once again.  This time it is for a week with my sister (and other family) as we all anticipate the arrival of her second son. I am so very anxious to meet this little man (and if I am this anxious I can only imagine how my sister feels).

Then the kids are staying for an additional two weeks while I return to my husband and job. Aaron and I are really looking forward to getting quality time for just us. I am sure we will spend plenty of moments where we catch ourselves talking about the kids and eventually missing them and anticipating their return; however we are sure to have some great time of just reconnecting with each other. We have never spent more than 2 (maybe 3) nights without all the kids. It will definitely be different.

It is hard to believe that August is almost here. And in just over a month the kids will be heading back to school. In fact, when the kids return from IN, Alex begins preseason for soccer at the school.  WOW!!! Summer always flies by so quickly. This summer though is one we will not soon forget. There have been many firsts and a few lasts, with many more memories to be made. And no matter whether the memories are of good times or difficult ones, God is faithful and good all the time.

Summertime (in pictures)

Church Softball.

Softball with Daddy.

Slip-n-slide fun!

Daddy sticking ice in Alex's shorts.

"Suntanning" which only lasted about 2 minutes, so no skin damage done.

This was the small meatball sub. We visited an old family favorite from my childhood while parents my were here last weekend.

What could be so fascinating?

...Bailing the hay.

Summer haircuts.

The mohawk returns.

Getting ready to watch the fireworks from our backyard, in pj's.

Off to find Jack's "home" for the week.

It is actually a tent on a platform.

It's Been Awhile...

Just a quick "catch-up post" with a promise of pictures to come soon.

Alex participated in soccer camp last week here at the school. He was supposed to be a part of the middle school camp but due to low enrollment they had to cancel it, thus bumping him up to the varsity camp with a college coach. He was so tiny out there, but did really well. I think we will see the payoffs as soccer begins this fall. He had a fun time which is great, since we were a bit concerned about him being overwhelmed by the "older" kids.

Jack will leave this afternoon for a week long church camp.  It is the same church camp I went to when I was his age. He is really excited. It should be a great week for him.

We celebrated the 4th of July last night with some of our PA family. We had a great time of food and fellowship. They all headed out to other places (or bed), and we headed out to our backyard to watch the fireworks. It was great. We actually could see two different locations. So we watched fireworks from about 9:15-11:00.

We are anxiously awaiting news from IN about the arrival of the newest member of the family. (Another nephew, YIPPEE!!)  While the scheduled date is further out, we all seem to think it will be sooner rather than later.

On the other end of the spectrum we are trying to keep up to date on a dear friend as he enters the last few days of his life here on earth. Please pray for the McCleary family. They are a wonderful family walking a very tough road right now. Also, keep Alex in prayer, he and Austin were close friends and being so far away is hard on him right now.

We continue to be reminded that we serve an amazing God. He is faithful in so many ways.

I promise a picture post will be coming soon.