The June Roller-Coaster

It's been a wild ride so far.

Last Friday I drove to Richmond for the homeschool convention.  It was my first time going, and I planned to stay overnight with a friend (and enjoy a kid-free day or two!).

However...

Stephen wasn't feeling well much of last week, and on Friday he seemed to be getting worse.  I abandoned my plans to stay overnight and returned home.  He soon went to the ER with what turned out to be appendicitis.  Ugh.  Surgery was quickly arranged for the next day, and he came through it with no problems. 

In the meantime on Saturday evening, I discovered that Mr. Blue-Eyes had a rash on his hip that was consistent with Lyme disease.  So off to the Urgent Care we went on Sunday morning - all three kids in tow.  

Praise God that we were able to get in and out of there quickly (ie...40 minutes total!  Amazing considering that there was a waiting room full of people by the time we were the first ones in to see the doc).  And praise God for antibiotics which should have him ship-shape in a few weeks. 

Stephen was discharged on Sunday afternoon and has been resting at home most of the week.  He tried going to work mid-week, but his overly cautious (and kind!) bosses sent him home and told him to take it easy for a while.

We had family here for a few days earlier this week and more family here today, and it has been good to have the distraction to take our minds off things.  I admit that Lyme disease really frightens me, and I've been struggling to live faithfully, not fearfully.

But we are praising Him for His grace and mercy to us even through the trials we face.  And we are so thankful for our church family who was such a help during our time of need.  What a testimony of Christ's work in their lives!

Here's a picture, though, of some cousins having fun - proof that there was some fun during this crazy week!!

Beating the Heat

The summer heat came early this year with temperatures soaring into the mid-90s by May, and it forced us to break out the kiddie pools already.

The kids are having a blast in the water, and Miss Cupcake seems to like playing with the hose best.

Just helping to fill the pool, Mom!

It seems that one pair of Crocs isn't enough for this little lady.  She's into shoes already.  It must be a family trait.

Mr. Blue-Eyes likes to splash and although he doesn't like water on his face much, he doesn't seem to mind getting wet in the pool so much as he does in the shower.

Boo-Boo likes splashing too, so long as he is the one doing the splashing. 

Oh, and don't let the protruding rib-cage fool you into thinking that I don't feed this child.  At just four years old, he has already developed a hollow leg and will be eating us out of house and home shortly.

What a ham he is!

Get Away!

Last week Stephen and I had our first opportunity for an extended time away from the children.  A few years ago, after he finished taking the dreaded Bar Exam, we slipped away for 2 days and nights, but this was entirely different.  

We left the kiddos with Grammie and Grandpa for a whole week! Stephen had a convention to attend in Boston, and I accompanied him calling it a delayed celebration of our 10th anniversary. Good excuse, right?!?

It was lovely, and I hope we don't wait until our 20th anniversary before we do that again!

It also turned out to be a great opportunity for some fun photography.  I really enjoy picture-taking and am working on my skills (which very often leave a lot to be desired!).  But it was nice to have the time to putter around and snap as many pictures as I liked.

Historical stationary objects were in no shortage.

Here's Old South Church in Boston:

And Old North Church (of Paul Revere fame)...

But best of all, I like photographing this guy.