Handfuls of Blessings

Furlough is coming to an end, but we are blessed by the many memories we have made. At one of the homes we stayed at, we were able to enjoy some paddle boats while trying to spot a red-headed snake that would periodically poke his head up. The race is on! A stop at Lambert's Cafe is a given on the furlough trail.  Who needs to order a meal with the delicious throwed rolls and free sides? We ended up having enough leftovers for lunch the next day. It is always nice to find an outdoor park to enjoy, and this particular one was beautiful - complete with a miniature Statue of Liberty. Wow - our children have really grown, right? Sight and Sound Theaters is another stop we love to make on the furlough trail.  We were treated to a personal behind-the-scenes tour by one of the workers there. Amazing special effects! Life carries on with milestones.  Skyler is thrilled to have passed his sister in height and will probably pass me up by Christmas.  S...

Is it possible?  How can we be old enough to have a college graduate? Graduating Class of 2017 We rejoice with Shane in his accomplishment of finishing 4 years of college.  It has not been easy for him, particularly the first year having to adjust to American culture, but he persevered.  We surprised everyone by flying Stanley in for the graduation, and many tears were shed when he had to leave. I love our family. Having Pastor Bob Ross preach the commencement exercises was special for Keith and I since he was the vice-president of the college we graduated from and is now a supporting pastor. Pastor Adam, Pastor Ross, Daniel (Shane's cousin) and Shane We have seen growth in Shane's life and are thrilled with the next step God has prepared for him.   Well done, Shane!

This was the first time in 22 years of motherhood for me to be away from all of my children on Mother's Day.  Keith and I were blessed by the generosity of an Alaskan church to fly both of us to Alaska for a meeting that just happened to be on Mother's Day.  However, my children had many surprises awaiting for me when we returned, and I enjoyed each one.  In return, I thought I would write this post as a letter to them, my six blessings: Dear Children, I have been blessed.  So abundantly!  I love each one of you so much!  As I look back on the past 22 years of wearing the title "Mom," I smile.  I laugh.  We have made precious memories together.   Remember -- - The child who emptied the whole bookshelf into the laundry basket - The one who rinsed his toothbrush in the diaper pail - The one who was actually named Seaton - The fearless 4-year old warrior who proudly showed me the snake he had killed with a rock - The ba...