The end of Summer

So this is the guaranteed dreaded part of our year by far. There is always so much excitement and planning that leads up to the kids being here and then once they get here it is over before it even begins. I myself have always been amazed at easy we get back into the swing of things like they never even left. This year was no different than years past. We picked up right where we left off with everything...toothpaste in the sink, dishes in the sink, empty toilet paper rolls in the bathrooms,socks under the end tables-Oh and Lots and Lots of LOVE! We started each of their arrivals with the same routine-going through their suitcases to see what they brought and take inventory of what we need to go and buy. This year was better than ever before and we didn't have to spend a ton of money on summer clothes-Praise God! This summer has seemed different than all the others and I think it is becasue the kids are getting older. There are things they want to do and people they want to see so our house is a buzz with activity. I always said that I wanted our house to be the house where the kids went and by golly it was this summer. I pray that all the other kids still come around because this is a really hard time of year for our family, especially Alex. I cannot imagine the anguish in his heart and I NEVER try to pretend that I do. My heart breaks for him just thinking about it. I think if I truly went back and tracked the days there would not be one day where it was just the 5 or 6 of us here. It is overwhleming at times, but at those times I truly stop and ask God for his help and the feeling is gone. We are truly blessed to have our home and have the opportunity to open it to the kids and their friends. We have had a blast with Oasis on Fridays and I am rather sad to see it come to an end. Over the next few weeks please keep us in your prayers, especially Alex as Andy and Ashley leave us while we adjust back to our "other normal". Pray as well for Andy and Ashley for safe trips and adjsuting back into their other worlds. Ashley's Mom had her baby yesterday so Ashley will be adjusting to having another little brother when she gets home as well.

Prayer Requests-pray for me as my leave comes to an end in a few weeks. Our friend Scott needs your prayers as he looks for a new job. Missy's Grandpa Ed fell and is not doing all that well so pray for his recovery and health. My friend Emily needs prayers as she is going through a really difficult time. And finally our friends the Timmons need your prayers-Kenny is slated to come home this Friday-PRAISE GOD!

Until next time-God is good all the time and all the time God is good!