Summer Sequence --- A whole lot of healing going on

 Terry had coped with heel pain for over 9 months and surgery was scheduled for the end of June.

Walking had become quite difficult and the pain was intense.  God led us to the best of podiatrists, Dr. Francis, who rebuilt Terry's heal and injected growth hormones.

Terry was teaching a  compressed semester course in Humanities at TCC and showed up on his scooter each day to finish out the semester.   I became the designated driver over the 6 weeks.  I know one guy who can't wait to get back behind the wheel.

In the meantime, I had to have dental surgery -- and spent the summer getting ready for dental implants.

The kids have been great boosts to Pawpaw's healing.  6 weeks without bearing weight on his foot has been a real test of wits.  Pawpaw shows Jack and Campbell how the Samarians told time using a waterclock.

 Campbell's birthday adventure had to be sandwiched in after Kanakuk and before their trip to Rosemary Beach.  Getting everyone's schedule coordinated was a feat -- but it ended up being a great time for our precious 9 yr. old.  Sienna, one of my high school students, teaches at a stable that works with young children.  I wanted Campbell to have the chance to learn from this gifted girl so we scheduled a session with Sienna.  She and Campbell became best buddies right from the first as she taught her all the "ins and outs" of caring for and grooming a horse.  Never mind that the heat index was 106 degrees -- she had a great time, anyway!

With healing happening and strength returning, we felt it best to give more time for both Terry and me  to refocus and renew. We have made a decision to not return to our Fall Kids University Schedule.  

After 8 years, it has been a difficult one -- but we feel a new season is in store for this great work. 

Family Time . . .

Rosemary Beach was calling our Grands, Kids and Grammy and Grandad Good.  This fun family trip included 

LOTS OF SAND

SUN 

WAVES

DADDY TIME

COUSIN FUN

 SWEET TREATS

BONFIRE DINNER AT THE BEACH

FISHING FOR THE BIG ONES!

These fishermen caught a 400# Goliath Grouper

 BABY LOVIN' on Calvin Tucker 

COUPLE TIME;  DATE NIGHT COURTESY OF Grammy and Grandad Good

Even though these four were chasing a total of 6 little ones, they did manage to enjoy time catching up.

Now I know why . . .

. . .  Jesus retreated to a Garden.  All of life began in a Garden and this summer has breathed life into me as I retreated to our yard.  Lots and lots of rain meant - the weeds sprouted quickly in late May -- so I worked feverishly for 2 weeks once school was out for the summer weeding, mulching and planting.

Mother's day I received a gift of Gardenia perennials and lots of annuals and bags and bags of mulch from Terry and Bethany.

Bunnies bought from the garage sale across the street

A nautical theme for the front door

In the background: a rain barrel (Terry's Father's day gift)

 The kids play out as much as they can when they are over -- Terry and I love to have our morning coffee before the heat sets in.  We invent projects to keep us outside.

Creating holiday pallet art --  more pictures to come!

 My classroom has no windows.  I don't experience the outdoors much during the long 9 months except to drive up 169 in the morning when it is nearly dark and rush to my car in the scorching afternoons. The year has had plenty of challenges that left me weary.  The summer in my garden has renewed me and given me a fresh outlook.  I started the summer exhausted . . . I am revived.  I planted tiny bedding plants and they have flourished -- as have I!






I truly believe the saying "one is nearer God's heart in the garden than anywhere else on earth."