on the road again...

...seems to be where I have been spending a lot of time these past two months! When I last posted I was on my way to junior church camp, which turned out to be a good week. We had 200 people there; a much larger number than years past! Here is a group photo. You can't really tell who individuals are but you can certainly see it was a big group!My cabin of girls was great! We had a lot of fun and made some new friends.

After camp, I was home for 2 weeks. I had much to catch up on since my computer had died on the first trip to Montana. I am still working on reloading programs and info. Having a dial up connection stinks too. It takes forever for things to download and/or upload. And I am still without a cell phone since I am in round two of it dying for whatever reason...actually this time it didn't get dropped, it went for a LONG swim...I really need to replace it but haven't had time to really look into it again! Sorry if you have been trying to call me~!

...and for some reason the need for food and clean laundry never stops. The garden is in full swing as are the flower beds and the yard. We had the pleasure of hosting hubby's family for Father's Day. A rousing game of chicken in the pool was greatly enjoyed by our twin nephews.I never thought I'd want a pool but we certainly have enjoyed it. After mowing or pulling weeds it is wonderful to jump into and cool off!

One of my dear friend's daughters got married in that same two weeks so we enjoyed an entire day with her family. She has been a lifelong mentor, friend, and sister in Christ; a tremendous blessing in my life!

It was a beautiful wedding. I can't believe our kids are growing up so quickly but how blessed we are to have such a great group between us!This is a photo of only 4 out of our 7! Gorgeous, eh?

The end of June found me and my youngest daughter heading out on a mission trip with our church youth group. That was quite a trip. It all went well and the kids worked HARD but it was H-O-T! They told us the hot weather really hadn't hit there yet. I cannot fathom how they live there. Mercy! We spent one afternoon doing yard work and cleaning up debris for a disabled woman. Her yard had not been touched all summer and it was quite a task but it looked amazing when the kids were finished with it. One full day was spent working at God's Katrina Kitchen. The kids were able to help prepare food, serve it to the homeless and to the volunteers who were there working as well as help clean the facilities.

It is a wonderful ministry that is in transition but God has used them greatly. You can learn more about them at www.godskatrinakitchen.org The kids also helped level some dirt at a building site, moved a LOT of volunteer workers supplies and even helped move a stage down an alley. Amazing team work. The guy leading them was an incredible leader. Super nice guy.

We were incredibly blessed in spite of the hot humid conditions. We were home 4 days after the mission trip, one day was a holiday, one day was spent restocking supplies, paying bills, etc and one day was spent photographing a wedding so we were still quite busy.

Early Sunday morning, July 8, we headed out again for Montana. It was a great day for driving. The weather was good and God was great! We experienced some amazing blessings each day. Breath taking sunsets, beautiful wildflowers, lots of wildlife, and best of all seeing my girl doing what she loves. Seeing her happy and fulfilled, challenged and content all in one. Upon returning home from Montana we were met with sad silence. Our faithful companion, Sugar did not greet us. I had a feeling...and I was right. She was older and not in the best of health. She passed away just one day before we got home. The hardest thing for me was to call Katie and tell her over the phone. Life is never easy.

I am running short on time but I wanted to try and briefly catch up before I share more about Montana. Until next time... (hopefully that will be before I leave again for senior high camp next week!)LOL! Later!!