update in our neck of the woods

And yes I sorta do live in the woods. I live 1/2 mile off the main road and it's about 4 miles in either direction from there to get to a store. I am not complaining in anyway trust me.

So, last week we spent a wonderful but busy week with my family both here in MA and then in PA with my sister and her family. My brother-in-law was being ordained into ministry.

It was so much fun to have all the girl cousins together. My niece looks at my girls and says, "you are my cousin, I am your cousin and that's that." It was so cute to listen to six girls giggle together. We camped in a tent. The first night, It was Nique, eight kids and me. I tell you, I never thought the kids were going to go to sleep. I think finally about 1 am, they bit the dust. On Friday Brian joined us and the gleeful screams were amazing. The kids about tackled him.

The ordination was on Sabbath and was a beautiful but HOT day.

The kids have decided that going back to PA for campmeeting is a must. I told them that SNEC has campmeeting. They said "but we have new friends here." "What about your friends at home that go to campmeeting?" "Oh we see them all the time." I think it's because Uncle Bob works in the Junior tent.

We came on Sunday and oh boy I do not like G W Bridge traffic, it was INSANE. But we arrived home safe and sound.

Now to my other updates.

My reading challenges...
I am plugging along. I have only read 13 books FAR behind where I should be on pace for this year. I am not stressing over it, school has taken a lot of my time. The semester will be over August 6th.

Kids finished up the year of Adventurers. We had a good busy year and loved it. Next year the girls will be in Eager Beavers. Not sure which level the boys will be in. Leo has decided to be in Pathfinders.

Brian will be having shoulder surgery in July. After six months of pain, physical therapy and two cortisone shots something more has to be done. Hopefully he will begin to feel a little better after this.

The boys are continuing school throughout the summer. The joys of homeschooling, we get to school year around. LOL. The boys groan, I tell them well when your friends are in school during the year and we have a goof off day you are happy.

Off here for some reading with the kids then study time.

Sometimes life doesn't make sense

On Monday the flower girl from my wedding endured one of the worst pains ever. First of all she is no longer a little girl, she is all grown up, a mother of two. ~F is also a grieving mother. On Monday she delivered a stillborn baby girl at 34 weeks. Now we wait as a family til Jesus comes again and we can see her on resurrection morning. Baby ~Z will forever live in my heart.

A woman who has lost her husband = widow
A man who has lost his wife = widower
A child who has lost their parent = orphan
A couple without children = childless
A parent who still has children but has lost a child = ??? grieving parent

Matthew 5:4 promises Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. That has been my comfort this week. I know that earth doesn't have my answers and that only God knows. Doesn't mean it I have to agree it makes sense to me.