Renewal

I have been with out my precious husband and children for the past 3 days. It has been an amazing time of renewal on several levels. Most important, my relationship with Jesus has been real and refreshed. I have had time to sit and think, to pray and just worship. I am thankful that many circumstances have drawn me closer to Him in the last few days and that I have been able to rest in his grace. One of my friends dad's had serious surgery today and being able to spend the weekend talking, hiking and praying with/ for her and her family has been so special. Praying for your family has helped renew my relationship with the Lord.
I had lunch Monday with a friend whose family has been walking a long, tough road with us for the last couple of years and who I adore being around. It is wonderful to have someone on the road with Jer and I who knows and understands completely when no one else does. Thank you friend, your understanding renews me.
I had a fun supper with some girls last night (shout out Mary Beth, Julia, Ashley B, Elizabeth, Lindsay and Mollie) at PF Changs where we just laughed a lot and enjoyed being together. Laughter and friendship is so renewing.
There has been a continual situation for about a year now that I can not seem to get a grasp on mentally or emotionally. I think that it is under control and then something flares up again. I have felt God today just holding me and comforting me emotionally and mentally. What it boils down to is that God is enough, all I need and the cares of the world are nothing! Thank you Jesus for dying for me so that one day my sinful, nasty self will be completely renewed with a glorified self! There is nothing I could do to deserve or earn that. I look forward to that day.....

Firsts

I was privileged to be with one of my most special friends while she experienced a first. Yep, Leah got her ears pierced! Most people say "for the first time!?" and I reply "Yep!" She was really scared so she invited Laura and I along to hold her hands. She did well, only cried a little bit. She looks beautiful!

"Snort- HOLES" and the likes

After one of our trips to the pool this summer, (thanks to the Espinosas, Fowlers, Osborns, Jacobs, and Nelsons) Calahan requested that we go and get him a snort-hole. Took me a minute then I realized what he wanted.
This brings up another point. Please do not correct our children when they use incorrect words! We, or maybe I should say I, think it is precious and it makes my heart so happy! They will learn the correct words when they start school and are teased!!!! (Just kidding grandparents, we'll tell them before then!)

The "Brothers"

These are the "brothers" our family has prayed for during the past 2 years. We adore them and can not believe how big they have gotten. It has been extremely tough to have the Peru Team return and see all the people loving on them but it makes me so happy to see them happy and healthy.
By the way, They do NOT like the Dolphins. They let Jer know when he was there that they LOVE the COWBOYS!

Reunited

Jeremy and the team returned home safe and well from Peru about noon today. The kids and I had fun going to GSP Airport to pick him up. Harper Charis did not let go of him! It feels wonderful to have all of us together after 10 days. We celebrated by coming home and doing our Keever Pile! :)

Fourth of July with the cousins

Chad, Tish, Hudson and Kassady came up to see us this weekend! We had a blast eating at the Taylor's with the Espinosa's and then doing fireworks at the Fowler's. We got up early Saturday and went to Falls Park to take some pictures, that was tough!!! 4 kids happy and looking at the camera, close to impossible!

Our precious "Boys"

Jer called from Peru today to let me talk to "our Boys". All I could do was laugh, they were SOOO talkative! They said "hola Kelly" and told me their names and good job and bye bye and talked about their brother and then would hand the phone to the other and do it all over again. I got in Hola and I love you and then ciao. Thank you Jesus, I will treasure it always.
Oh, and Jer and the team are great. :)