Family Togetherness

Our family has been counting the days until Leonard's return.  On Saturday, Alyssa and I spent the day running errands to prepare for this week.  We went from a typical summer week schedule to a Nascar pit crew schedule!
Sunday, June 19 was Father's Day.  So after church we celebrated Scott's day and my birthday, since my birthday is on the twentieth.  Monday was the beginning of the Teen Convention.  Wow! That was exciting! Days began at 5:30 a.m. and finished around 10:00 p.m. Wednesday was our other son-in-law Martin's birthday.  We gave him his gift and had his birthday cake the following Sunday!
Finally, on Wednesday afternoon at 5:00 p.m.  Leonard arrived at the Longview airport.  What a blessing!  We got to give him a hug take pictures and make it in time for rehearsal for the Teen Convention service that night.  My whole family was there. Hallelujah!
Thursday morning was the closing day for the convention.  The young people were such a blessing but we were exhausted!!  (physically and emotionally)  I was looking forward to some time off - then Scott called and told me that his van broke down, so I had to pick him up from work at 6:00 p.m.  I got to be his ride for the next two days!!!
Alyssa got her quality time when I took her to the orthodontist on Friday morning and then we spent some time shopping at Hobby Lobby and Mardell's.  Friday afternoon was spent getting ready for Kate's first birthday party.  Victoria invited a few close friends and we enjoyed watching Kate eat her birthday cupcake!
On Sunday we hosted a family dinner for the Costas and his Dad, Leonard, Sr.  Martin got his birthday song and cake and we had a great time!  Alyssa came down with a virus and is still recuperating.
Just when you're a little down or lonely God pours out his blessing of family togetherness!  I think I need a nap now!

Brave Girl

Victoria has been looking forward to seeing Leonard since he was shipped overseas.  He left for Korea in March of 2010, Kate was born in June of 2010, and she hoped to see him this week.
Because of paperwork, passports, military protocol, Leonard's return has been put off again.  Victoria has been "holding on" bravely, but is now getting a little impatient.  Please pray for all of the little things that will make a difference in him coming home.  The Lord knows the exact timing and when will be best.  Victoria just needs a little strength to make it through the last long days.  (even though we as grandparents are enjoying Kate, we know it's time for her to see her daddy!)

Enjoying every minute

This is my first post for 2011 and it is April 9!  Life has been busy and good.  Scott and I have been busy being parents and grandparents.  Lots of fun.  To catch up on events, we've done the following...

• travelled to Joy Britt's and Robert Bleak's winter wedding in Oklahoma - beautiful!
• Enjoyed going with Meagan to her last teen banquet
• Snow days
• celebrated Jessica's 24th birthday in February
• celebrated Mom's 83rd and Mark's 43rd birthdays on March 2
• helped hostess a bridal shower for DeAnna Gray, to be married to Josh Doyle
• Spring break
• celebrated Scott's 51st birthday
• put in new landscaping in the front yard in two areas
• we work with Alyssa on her homework, piano playing, art work, and goofing around time!
• we've spent time with our granddaughter, Kate at least once a week!

Scott has been going through several changes at his work including schedule cuts, machine changes, management changes, etc...  I have been honored to teach four Texas Baptist College classes this semester: "Church Music Administration", "Music Appreciation", "Music in a Soul Winning Church", and "Marriage and the Christian Home."  

In February, Scott's mom fell and broke her leg in two places.  She is still unable to put any weight on her leg, walk, or get around on her own.  She is in a nursing home for daily rehab and care.  Thankfully, she enjoys the company, the caretakers, and the food!  What a blessing.  We hope she will be up and around my the end of the month.

A highlight of this month is our church Spring campaign.  It is a "Spring Thing Fling" - (a Dr. Suess theme - Thing 1 vs. Thing 2) Our family is on the Thing Two side.  It has been a very fun campaign.  We are looking forward to each Sunday to see what's coming up!  We had a lot of visitors the first week.