On September 26th, when I posted the picture of the monarch caterpillar hanging upside down gettin ready to weave it's chrysalis, and titled it "Preparing for Change," I had no idea just how much change was about to take place in my life.

     It's been a stormy month for me emotionally and thus the reason for my absence on homeschoolblogger. It began with the resignation of our beloved pastor. It came as a shock and took me a few weeks to really accept and contemplate what this would mean for our church and my family.

     The culmination of the storm and what will cause the most change is the unexpected passing of my brother on October 21st. He was only 47 years old and died of a heart attack. We were all shocked and grieved and will continue to grieve for a while. One true blessing is that we have a large family and were all able to gather and share several times in the past week, as well as the knowledge that my brother is present with His Savior. For these things I am truly thankful.

Oct 1 ~ Beautiful changing leaves, long evenings, DH enjoying his Spanish class that he is taking
Oct 2 ~ DS16 does not have strep throat just a viral canker sore on his tonsil
Oct 3 ~ Hugs and nice talk with our Pastor and wife about their decision to leave our church
Oct 4 ~ Not having to go anywhere for the entire day, another truckload of firewood, DS16 invited to be assistant on a photo shoot
Oct 5 ~ A beautiful hike with the kiddos, seeing a deer
Oct 6 ~ hearing a heartfelt "you're awesome," from my husband first thing in the morning
Oct 7 ~ wonderful visit with pastor's sife after evening service, nice chance to talk and share sadness over their leaving at end of year
Oct 8 ~ A wonderful Columbus day hike and day at the ocean, beautiful, unseasonable weather
Oct 9 ~ took delivery of our new refrigerator
Oct 10 ~ getting our new refrigerator installed, not having to tear out walls, it just fit in the space that the old one was
Oct 11 ~ Amazing grace, and knowing God's grace follows us and helps us through each and every day
Oct 12 ~ getting everything prepared for our trip and being able to paint the kitchen floor so it can dry while we are gone
Oct 13 ~ getting to stay in a beautiful old farmhouse with awesome hosts, getting to meet ds20's room mates and feeling comfortable with who they are
Oct 14 ~ hike in NH with ds20, special extended visit all together as a family
Oct 15 ~ beautiful, uneventful trip home from NH, gorgeous autumn colors
Oct 16 ~ dh spent couple hours cleaning in boys room for me,
Oct 17 ~ got woodstove going, nice to feel the warmth of the woodfire
Oct 18 ~ Hearing from my brother that I have a new great nephew, and his first grandson
Oct 19 ~ Chance to work for three hours to make a little money to help with bills
Oct 20 ~ sharing a meal with special friends at church
Oct 21 ~ a large family to lean on when bad things happen
Oct 22 ~ calls and emails from friends, sacrificial offers of help
Oct 23 ~ beautiful letters delivered that ds20 and dh wrote to themselves when they were in the DR
Oct 24 ~ knowing people care, a call from ds20, a beautiful Calla lilly delivered to my door
Oct 25 ~ a caring community and the knowledge that my brother is no longer in his flawed body but perfected now in Christ
Oct 26 ~ beautiful service and friends to share our pain with, sunset walk on the beach and breakwater, a beautiful hunter's moon
Oct 27 ~ time spent with family and getting to know new family members
Oct 28 ~ the chance to just crash for a couple of hours
Oct 29 ~   a short visit with my nephew before he headed back to Washington
Oct 30 ~ getting a refund I wasn't expecting and leading from God to reorder my priorities and make room for closer relationships in my life
Oct 31 ~ fun harvest party hosted by a local church

I'm so sorry about the loss of your brother. It's so hard to lose those we love. I lost my mother (unexpectedly) in June 2006 and I miss her every single day. I'm reading Randy Alcorn's book, Heaven, right now and it's been a great encouragement to my heart.
A few days ago the Lord gave me the idea of buying a blank book and for the month of Nov. have each family member write what they're thankful for each day of that month. Your list of thanksgiving confirmed that idea and I'll buy a book today. My dh and I really want to cultivate an attitude of thanksgiving with our teens.
Praying for you today,
Julie D.

for you and your family. It was great to talk to you. Did you read my post after my trip to the coast? We may be close enough to visit occassionally, soon! Would love to see you in person again.

So new fridge, but same old soda stains? Huh? Sorry, just couldn't resist. You've painted the floor -- is the ceiling next? Do you really want to paint over the memories? Just teasing -- only my children could leave such special "marks" on the lives of others. *grin*

Hugs, MaggieRaye

I'm so sorry to hear about your brother. May you and your family continue to find peace from the Lord in this very hard trying time of your lives.

I am so sorry to hear about this difficult time that you have been having. I will be praying for you. So sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. Praying for the whole family. Is this the same brother with the new grandchild in your post?
Blessings,
Ruth

It is so difficult when it is unexpected to us, but it is never a surprise to God; for it is He who numbers our days. Rejoicing that he is in God's presence and pray the Lord bless you all and comfort your hearts.

Because of Jesus, Bobbie

I just read your news... I am so sorry for your loss...it is so hard for those of us left here with only memories of a loved one gone home to be with the Lord. I want you to know I am praying for you...

May you be Blessed in His grace... and brought closer even still to His throne. May your sorrow be comforted by the knowledge of who He is and who your brother was in Him.

Peace.

I hope you are having better days. I just wanted to let you know about a contest I am having on my blog. When you have a few minutes come on over and check it out.
Ruth

I am so sorry for your loss. I absolutely love your month of praises... I think I will have to do this as well. What a wonderful thing to look back on!

As the Mickey Mouse Club groomed the children of the 60s for the 70s revelry cycle so is the Disney-production that is Hannah Montana grooming the children for the next revelry cycle, 2010-2020. The incest photo was a clue.
Similarly, as guitar strumming was very sociable back then so is Guitar Hero the training tool used to gain male interest today.
Osama struck a "deal" with a record company executive in 2007::::With this Democrat in office I suspect we are going to witness an intense revelry cycle like we experienced in the 1970s.