Posted in Family Life

Last night we flew in from Dallas and Hubby met us right at the gate.  There is just something so special about being welcomed home again after a long journey, and getting to feel the excitement of long, warm embraces, tears of joy and kisses. We had BIG grins on our faces at being able to be together again.  The three of us have been through so much together these past 10 years, and  know without a doubt that even if we aren't sure where our earthly home truly is, we are always home when we are together.  Ultimately it is our heavenly home that really matters, but in the meantime we have one another,  and It was a beautiful reunion.

The weather is gorgeous here in Minnesota - low 70's and sunny, with a light breeze.  I am remembering our time in Texas the last two weeks.  The main reasons we were down there were to help take care of my Mom (who just had shoulder surgery), and attend my niece Jen's graduation ceremony and party. 

Mom is doing incredibly well despite the immense pain (she doesn't like taking pain medication).  I guess this particular surgery is a "doozy" with an estimated  6 months recovery, although we are believing God will do a quick healing in her body and give her shorter recovery.  I am hoping we helped get her through the hardest part, which was the first two weeks.  We mainly helped with meals and housework, along with driving to physical therapy and doc appointments. Please keep my Mom in your prayers as she continues her recovery - specifically for pain to cease and complete healing and restoration of her body to continue. She also could use atleast one good night of sleep. 

On a brighter note . . . Pure One had a great time while in Texas because she was able to spend extended time with her cousins, and made new friends along the way (Justin, Hannah and Jack). My Mom has an incredible christian homeschooling family next door, and we immediately felt like we had known one another our whole lives - very kindred. Sharon, the Mom, and I had such a great time together laughing, sharing life stories, and encouraging one another in the Lord.  One day we were able to get out and she took me to a place called Costco, which is similar to Sam's, and we had a blast buying fruits and veggies, and sharing packages of produce.  I was also able to find a Father's Day gift for my Dad (portable tool caddy). However, before exploring Costco we ventured over to Mardel's (cue heavenly sound again), where I purchased another character devotions curriculum from Pearable's called The Narrow Way.  What is neat about this character curriculum is not only do the children learn, but Mom and Dad as well.  I am amazed at the incredible truth that is taught -  BIG THUMBS UP.  Pure One and I have been working on the Pearable's Hope Chest Series - Personal Help For Girls for quite some time now and are blessed beyond words at the fruit which has been birthed out of this series, within our lives.  It really focuses on ways in which we can truly walk in femininity and modesty.  It is one of those hidden gems that we are so blessed to have found, and want to highly recomend.

A GREAT BIG HUG and congratulations to my neice Jennifer, who graduated Cum Laude from High School and will be attending college in the Fall. We are so proud of you Jen!! 

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,
plans to prosper you and not harm you,
plans to give you a hope and a future."
Jeremiah 29:11

We are so glad to be home, but thank the Lord for the time we had with family in Texas.  It was for a purpose and a plan, and we are so thankful for God's amazing grace and traveling mercy.  We had much favor on both flights to and from Dallas, and much provision. 

Thank you LORD :-)

<>< Kelly

Special thanks:  to Kim B. for picking us up at the airport, Sharon for your friendship and constant encouragement, and to Justin Hannah and Jack for incredible playtime with Pure One.  Kim F. for your care of Pure One and great days out at the amusement park and dinner movie theatre.  What a blessing you have been and we pray a hundred fold blessing in return to each of you, for all you have done.  Mom and Dad we love you and miss you already! :-)