Back to School

It's so hard for us to believe that just one year ago Tom was busy preparing for the 2011-12 school year, ready and prepared for what was "norm" for us after so many years of the "back to school routine".  Unimaginable that just 6 short weeks into the Fall school year that he would experience the hardest set-back yet, never to have another "back to school" experience.  We haven't talked much about it...I sense it in his spirit that this has been harder than we thought.  In June, when we cleaned out his office, it was a relief off of his shoulders...just as any other summer season, but now with that behind us, the cooler temperatures, the "back to school" advertisements, the plethora of school supplies that greet us at the grocery store and the schedules of friends being filled with school activities brings us back to the reality of "what was".  We grasp at the hands of Jesus, cling to His Words and breath prayers to sustain us through these seasons of life experiences.  We know from our life experiences that He has always walked with us through whatever lays ahead and we take comfort in His mercies that are new every day. 

Your hands made me and fashioned me;

Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments.

May those who fear You see me and be glad,

Because I wait for Your word.

I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are righteous,

And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me.

O may Your lovingkindness comfort me,

According to Your word to Your servant.

May Your compassion come to me that I may live,

For Your law is my delight.

Psalm 119:73-77

As I think of the students who will be heading back to school it reminds me of all that Tom has had to relearn over this past year.  He has come so far from last October and we give thanks for the abilities he does have and try not to focus on the ones he hasn't regained.  As the 'classrooms' of life continually change it becomes very clear that we are constantly learners at the feet of the Master Teacher who grades with grace and guides us with  much patience.  It is our prayer that at whatever learning experience God has us in that we will grasp His grace and learn from His amazing wisdom as we graduate from one life experience ready to fully absorb and pursue Him in and through the next phase of life.

It seems a little ironic that Tom's next big check up is this Wednesday.  With the "back to school" clamor, Tom's MRI and doctor appointment, we feel an unmentioned tension in the house.  I see it in my hangnails, "twiddle" at the side of my head and sense it in Tom's demeanor.  Even though we fully trust God and His hand upon us...our flesh is weak and  we are still human!  As I put Tom down for his afternoon nap he broke the 'unmentioned tension' with; "I'm okay with Wednesday".  It's what I needed to hear...if he can be okay, then I will be too.  Thank you in advance for lifting us to the throne of God's grace as we faithfully trust Him through all of our tomorrows.

So thankful to Karen Estabrook for our delicious dinner on Saturday...

Spaghetti Pie, Garlic Bread, Salad

and...

Chocolate Cake!

Thank You Karen...you're a sweet blessing!

"Teeny & Big" Cindy & Dale Dunn

What fun we had on Saturday night having Dale and Cindy (who were free from grand-parenting) to come and play cards with us!  After two rounds of Hand & Foot and the guys defeating the gals, badly...we decided to stop and teach them how to play SkipBo!  It was a hit...however, the guys continued to bring the "heat" and beat us girls again.  Thanks Dale and Cindy for a fun evening!

Zac & Sarah return from Ashland, Ohio with an amazing homemade peach pie!

Thanks Elaine for once again blessing us with your amazing baking!

Sunday Evening BBQ!

Thank You Pete & Karen Huling for a fun treat!

and...

more treats (because we don't have enough around here!)

Pete's "famous" Hot Salsa & Chips too!

Zac & Matt loved it...not too hot for them!

I thought it was pretty amazing in very small amounts!

Berkley, Malayna & Dawn McMahon,

Steph Smith & Tom

What and honor and privilege to have a visit from WCHS teachers Dawn & Steph the day before school started.  They assured Tom they were ready and prepared for today.  Dawn and her husband prepared Chicken Enchiladas for our dinner Monday night!

Chicken Enchiladas, Chips, Salsa...

Muffins & Cookies too!

Thank you, Dawn & Brian...we are blessed!

P.S. - We are so blessed by so many who have brought and continue to bring us amazing meals...PLEASE remember that even though Saturday and Sunday are options for meals, only ONE day is supposed to be filled!  Thanks again for your love, prayers and support during this life experience.