Home

What a welcome home we got when we arrived late Tuesday evening! Clairesy actually came to me this time. When I returned from being away for my Dad's memorial service, she didn't want much to do with me that first week. It was heartbreaking, so I specifically prayed that God would not let that happen again. And He answered with a big, "Yes."

Cap'n. Well, he was the picture of surprise. He looked at me, perhaps remembering that he had heard my voice in the previous days, then looked at Mountain Man, and then at Corey. Within a couple of minutes, his little arms were wrapped around my neck, embracing me AND the reality that I was really there.

Jake did a super job of managing things, and he told me he would be glad to eat my "substantial" meals again. :) The following morning, Emma, upon seeing me sitting at the table where I have my Bible study, declared, "It's so nice to wake up and see you sitting there."

There's a lot of living that goes on in just nine days. While I was gone, Cap'n took his first steps! Jake was so excited when he shared the great news with me that I felt like I was right there. His delight so warmed my heart, and I was reminded that he's going to make a great Daddy one day.

Then there was the invasion of "The Vampire Bull." Never heard of such a thing, but don't worry, he was lured by Emma's lovely red cape and quickly disposed of.

There were also a couple of collisions while I was away. Clairesy was just standing there looking super-cute when a gun-fight came her way, and she was injured in the commotion. Poor thing...just a little while later, she walked into a table.

As I looked around and saw how well the children kept our home together, I told them what a blessing it was to have such dependable, trustworthy children. They blessed me and their Daddy and Michele and David with their willingness to serve and carry a heavier load.

Reaches Up did a great job of looking after Mountain Man, getting up to make his coffee, breakfast, and lunch. Emma did much of the cooking, and mastered my Southern Biscuits, to the delight of her siblings.

And Ella, Elisabeth, and Claire provided great support with their smiles and laughter and little helping hands.

Most importantly, they did what needed to be done graciously. Not once did they complain to me while I was away. I'm sure there were hard days, but they managed things well, and that is a glorious testimony of the grace of God. 

He is good. All the time.

Love,