Catch Up Time...AGAIN!

You would think as many times as I have had to do catch up post to show what we have been up to, I would try to keep up with my blog.   I have to say, we have been busy, and blogging is not on my priority list.  So here are some things we have been up to....

Hanging out on the lake with friends.

M wanted a picture of him and his stuffed animals

Spending time with friends in the pool.  This is our friends son who has muscular dystrophy.  He is so precious and M loves to be around him.

M's first day of kindergarten

Spending time with my grandfather before he has open heart surgery.

M has started playing soccer and loves it!!

He even scored 4 goals in 1 game!! Another big event in our family was that M was baptized in July.  I have pictures but I haven't downloaded them from my other camera.  I will soon.

I have gone back to work full-time.  BIG adjustment!!!  It has taken me a while to get into the swing of things and I am still not there yet.  Maybe this explains why I haven't been on here lately.  I look at other peoples blogs but just do not have time to add stuff to mine.  We have lots coming up.  Birthdays, 15 year anniversary for me and Michael and the holidays which I love.  Will try to keep up with things better.

True Brotherhood....

Today, I just want to post my emotions for the past couple of days.  Last weekend the kids and I went to church camp while Michael stayed home to work.  When he texted me Sunday, we were going to try to meet him somewhere so we could see him.  Sometimes that works, sometimes it doesn't.  Just goes with the job.

I called him when we got out of church but no answer so we headed home.  Later that night I tried again.  Still no answer.  I did get a little concerned because it had been a couple hours but didn't get too stressed.  Around 10:30pm he called to tell me that they were ok.  He said "I didn't want you to see the news and be upset so I want you to know we are all ok".

Ok, I was exhausted from camp but after that call, I didn't sleep.  When I did fall asleep I dreamed of what possibly had happened.  He had told me the main issue over the phone.  If you live in our area, you may have heard there was an officer involved shooting where deputies had to shoot a suspect when he raised a gun at them.  It was a very bad situation and very scary situation.

The next morning I started getting text from people who had heard about what had happened and knew Michael had been working.  I am so grateful to people who checked on us.  When people outside of the law enforcement community hear stuff like this on the TV, it seems like no big deal.  Let me tell you it is a big deal.  When anything like this happens, it affects the entire force that was at the scene responding.  It affects families of officers.  It touches us all and affects everyone involved.

Until this week, I did not realize the true brotherhood with law enforcement.  These guys have called and checked on each other daily.  There is such a bond with these guys and now I understand it, as much as I can.  I am reminded everyday of how God stepped in and protected each of these men.  He held them in His hand in a very dangerous situation and I am so thankful.  I have failed in my praying for these men.  These men need our prayers.  You do not know what dangers these men face each time they put their uniform on and walk out that door.  They work hard to protect and serve their community.  I am a proud wife who will begin to diligently pray for her husband and everyone he works with.

I am asking next time you see a law enforcement officer, thank them.  They face dangers that you have no clue that they face.  They have to miss out on things with their families so they can keep your families safe.  Most importantly, pray for them.

I am so thankful for the unseen hand of God.  Thank you Lord for the men and women who dedicate their lives to protect others.  Please protect them.

2012 Beach Trip

Building a sand-cano.

We have been at the beach for the last week.  We had lots of fun and as usual are ready to go back again.  We are so blessed to be able to stay at my aunts house at the beach.  We just hang out on the beach and eat alot of good food.  Here are some pics from our week....

Making sand castles

Playing putt putt

Deer over on the island at Sunset Beach

I have lots more but seem to be having issues getting my pictures where I want them.  We had a great time!

Like we always knew each other......

Michael felt a heavy burden several months ago to find his sisters.  His dad remarried when he was young and they had 2 girls.  When he was young and visited his dad he would see them alot but they were very young at the time.  His dad remarried again and he never knew what ever happened to them. Around the beginning of the year, he felt a strong conviction to find out how his sisters were doing.  In his career he sees alot of times what can happen to children who grow up without a father figure in their life and he was very concerned about what happened to them.

He began by finding their mother. He wrote a letter and wasn't sure if he would ever get a response.  He was just following what he felt God leading him to do.  It wasn't long till he did get a response.  He eventually was able to talk to his sisters by email and began building a relationship with them by email. He cares so much about them.  We met their mother for dinner one evening and I just fell in love with her.  I sat there and listened to her.  What a testimony.  She is such a wonderful mom who loved those girls so much.  Michael was blessed with a loving mother too who made enormous sacrifices for him and his brother.  Even though all four of these children did not have a father in their lives, God gave them all super moms.

Anyways, a couple weeks ago we finally met.  I was so excited to meet them.  They are beautiful young ladies.  I do not know if it is OK with them to say their names on here.  They told me pictures were OK but I will not say their names unless they tell me it is OK.  One of his sisters has 3 little girls who my kids instantly bonded with.  She is married to a wonderful man who feels God leading him into the ministry and will actually begin preaching at a church very soon.  His youngest sister is a teacher. She is very pretty and sweet.  I was worried that it would feel awkward for us since Michael hasn't seen them in 20 years but it was like we always knew each other. I can't wait to get together with them again soon.

It is so amazing how God works if we just allow ourselves to be His instrument.  I am so proud of Michael for following God and letting God work through this whole process.  I am so tickled to have 2 more sister-in-laws and 3 more nieces.  Love you all!

Pics from VBS

On the ferris wheel

Here are some pics from our VBS this year.  We had alot of fun!

M being a soldier in story time.

Emma and her BFF who came with us to VBS this year.

Riding the swings.

We will all be there.....

Where is it we will all be?  That would be....HEAVEN.  Our sweet little M gave his heart to Jesus on June 3rd.  He had been asking lots of questions and that night after the service at church he told his daddy that he wanted to talk to the preachers about getting saved.  They went up there and he gave his heart to Jesus.  He has a precious heart and I know God has big plans for him.  I am so thankful to know that we will all be together with Jesus one day.

Pool Party!!

E had some friends over to celebrate the end of school the last week of school.  They swam, went to a school dance, swam some more and had a sleep over.  These girls were awesome!  I am so glad she has such good friends.