The Long,Slow,Happy,Sad,Busy Summer!!

My last post was prophetic and a bit of a "curse" as well. Shortly after I signed off, several events happened that totally changed what I had planned for this summer. The unusual quiet was replaced by some turmoil and heartache.God clearly had other things in mind for me. I've spent most of this summer flying by the seat of my pants due to the unexpected happenings in our household. Through all of the trials and triumphs, I know He is polishing me to be a better wife,mother,daughter,sister,homeschooler,church member........

So now as the summer hurtles to a close after seemingly standing still for a time,I'm glad I had this opportunity to draw closer to the Lord. My prayer life and quiet time have become more consistent in the good times and bad times. Several people have stepped forward to help me when I've felt like I've been in over my head and at my wit's end......another God-thing!

This coming school year I will have "only" two of my children to homeschool. Another child is going to community college full time and another will be a sophomore at a public high school. I'm looking forward to starting the school year with a renewed sense of purpose as for the last few years we've been barely moving forward. My youngest is now 12. I would really like the next 6 years to be the most energetic years we've had as homeschoolers! Big dreams,for sure,but with God anything is possible. Still, I do expect the inevitable bumps in the road. Knowing where to go and what to do when I encounter the bumps helps me to move forward and not get stuck in self pity or anger modes!

My brother came to visit us in FL this summer before and after his family took a cruise. I really wasn't happy about it because it meant cleaning and spending time that I didn't have going out and about. BUT,being able to relax (well,maybe after the credit card bills for some of the outings are paid for,lol!) with my family and seeing my children plus my nieces and nephews all together was the antidote for the sadness I felt earlier in the summer. The cousins who were together are 18,16,15,15,14,13,13, and 12. All the babies are gone! Overall they all got along pretty well. We visited a waterpark,the beach, pool, and playgrounds. Had dinner at Chic Fil-A and Golden Corral. They saw the new Planet of the Apes movie.Monday night,I had 7 kids sleeping in my living room. My brother left about 8 last night and his most recent FB post said they had already made it to Maryland. I'm already missing everyone......

Anyway,this summer has been one of extreme ups and downs. Still,God holds my hand and sends me what I need exactly when I need it.

Here is a picture of two of my children and my nephews and niece. We almost didn't go to the beach that afternoon as it had stormed heavily and it rained most of the 45 minuted drive to this particulaf beach! Safe to say, we all had the time of our lives the three hours we were there!!!

Memories to cherish!!!!