Trials. We've had a few. It is comforting to know that we were not promised a life of ease because of our faith, but a life of trials. Even so, why so many at one time? Why us? Well, the only answer we have found is this: Why NOT us? And so it goes...
Trial 1: First week of summer & our A/C goes out. If not for the generosity of family, we would still have an issue there.
Trial 2: Second week of summer & we find out the plumbing under the house has disintegrated and will need replacement. Estimates in the many thousands of dollars and the work is still on the "To Do" list.
Trial 3: Economics. We are not the only family with this particular trial, but we may feel it differently than others. Chris' business is off by about 40 - 50% this year. This particular trial has caused us to change our entire life strategy - homeschool instead of private school being the biggest change ever.
Trial 4: Car Share. Although we were truly blessed by the gift of a 2nd car this summer, it was not meant to last. I am sad to report here the demise of Barney, our beloved purple minivan. It was a short, but wonderful relationship with Barney and we are now back to sharing the Element (a.k.a. "Orange Toaster").
Treats. Our Florida vacation was a big treat this summer. Although we did everything from a sweaty, sticky campsite, we had a tremendously fun time in the sun. So much so, we plan to return next year with the same family for a do-over - except this time we booked a cabin :D
Other treats included a visit with cousins Tim & Maddy, Aunt Barb and Aunt Phyllis & Uncle Dis from Iowa. They came down in the heat of August and braved the mosquitoes, their trip corresponding with Buck's trip in from Paris. We had a great time with them all.
Treading Water. Getting this Fall off to a start was slow - sloth-like, as it were. We are now trying to figure out what our life is supposed to look like. With one week of homeschooling safely under our belts, things are beginning to take shape. We are merging our lives in a way we never expected to. We are slowly moving along and really don't know where we will be taken. We trust that God has a plan for us (Jeremiah 29:11 - I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.) and although we don't have a clue what that might be right now, we are just going to keep treading water until He reveals that plan.
Now, I must move away from the computer and break up the sisters, as they tend to argue a bit in the mornings before school. WOW! What is with children growling at each other??? I will never get that!
(Rhylan: "She's annoying me!" Skylar: "Well, she's a slob!" Rhylan: "I don't like stinky sisters and you're stinky!" Skylar: "I'm telling on you! MOM!!!" - neither one is up for the good citizenship award today. Oh, well. Works in progress...)
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