Convention Days 2016

Music with Steve P. was such a treat after the Spanish convention...violin, viola, cello, trumpet, piano.  The boys' 2nd cousin, Mandy, was with us also!

Visit with John & Bernard.  I think we went around the world twice that evening.  What a wonderful privilege to get to know Bernard just a little.  He shared some precious things.

Crutches at convention!  Short version:  an unfortunate accident when a friend stepped on Ben's foot on Sunday at the Spanish convention, pain & immobility sent him to the ER that night...xrays showed a line with a possible fracture...dr's orders "nonweightbearing for 1 week." He didn't let the crutches slow him down too much(after he finally let me teach him a thing or two about crutches...if only he knew I've done crutch training 573 times at the hospital).  Anyway, he can check that one off as another 'first'.   

Sans crutches the following week. 

This was an accidental picture, but I love it anyway...a strong arm around our little boy & the comfort there.  We love the feeling of comfort at convention, being together while separated from so much.  And now tomorrow we go back out again.  Even the boys feel the difference.  Trevin told me tonight, It feels like tomorrow will be the first day of school again.

Tonight I'm thankful for all that was poured out to us in these past few weeks and to be counted in.

more & more candles

"The years tell what the days are doing."  Love this quote from J.Douglass.  September is a month of milestones for our family....100, 7, 11, 41.  My wonderful grandma was surprised with so many birthday cards.  Way over 100 cards, maybe 150?  I'm not sure of the final count.  I'm so thankful for her steady influence on my life.  I feel like I've blinked a few times & the boys have gone from being babies to being half grown.  I love them both so much.  The boys enjoyed spoiling me on my birthday.  A few more gray hairs & glasses too, but that's okay!  Russell was able to work from home some this month instead of going to Dallas every week.  I'm glad he didn't miss the celebrations.

And remembering my sweet friend & sister-in-law.  She would have been 38 in September.  I cherish memories with her and will never forget her gentle spirit.  What a privilege to be married into the same family.

1st and 5th grades

Summer ended with a special treat...Rachel J spent the evening & night with us.  I remember what Benjamin told me once "our house feels very safe when the workers are with us.".  I marvel at the children's insight & perception.  So true, we love what they bring into our home.  What we share with them is so little compared to what they share with us.   For this we are so thankful.

 Trying so hard to give me one last smile before I leave the classroom.  Yes, my shoulder was wet from his little tears.

A quick snapshot of the 3 of us.  Russell had already headed back to Dallas.