Golden Autumn Days

Well, I have been away for quite a while.  It always takes a little umph for me to begin blogging after being away too long.  It has been hectic to be sure.  I hate adding how hectic things are, because it seems like a constant drone or excuse spoken of too often these days... and yet I must say it has been more hectic than I can ever remember.  We have had our own struggles and tragic news of close friends  to  our youngest children... things you don't anticipate hearing about, and things I don't really want to blog about, but have felt compelled to mention, I suppose,  as an obscure way of filling in the gaps of where we have been, and why  my heart has been so heavy.  Then there was also the loss of the father of our two sons in law last month which added to a very sad few weeks;  It is enough to say that life has not been its usual,  since Steve's accident.  The Lord, however, is always good to us.  His grace abounds and He blesses us and comforts us when we need it most.  For us that comfort is found in our  children and grandchildren.  We have had a delightful houseful for about a month now.  Beginning with the visit from Elizabeth and baby Winston whom we enjoyed for about a week, then was joined by her husband, Benjamin.  Next came Nathan and Himilce with Elon and baby Asher, and finally  Marie with baby Zane and baby Ezra.  We were only missing Jon, Marie's husband, who has been in Mexico and Russell who has been out to sea with the Navy.  I don't think I mentioned in my previous posts any updates about Olga, who has come back this semester from Wyoming.  She is going to finish school and work here close to home.

The golden light of Autumn has shone upon us and blessed our brief moment of togetherness.   We were able to do a family picture (the results of which I will post after Nathan works on them a little and sends them our way); a family picnic, and a wonderful cowboy birthday party for Elon, who turned 5 in September.  Here is the little conversation that Steve had on the phone the morning Elon and family got in the car to drive to Colorado

Phone rings.  Steve picks up and says hello.  Little voice on the the other end says: "Hi its me. *!#*!! (un decipherable excitement) something something... Colorado!"

Now if any of you have Grandchildren yet, you will understand  how delighted such phrases as "Hi its me" can be to your heart.  Elon told Himilce that there was no time to stop for breakfast.... nor any other breaks...just go straight there.... I am sure 12 hours of driving was inconceivable no matter how many breaks were  cut.

Nathan and Himilce arrived by car on a Friday evening, and Marie and babies arrived by plane the same night in Denver, whereby I picked them up at the airport and we drove back together, arriving home very late, thus uniting the whole group for the first time in a long time. We had a brief reunion that night, but the next morning was like Christmas itself... all the little cousins together for the first time.  There was noise and laughter just like I am sure we will experience in Heaven... as if we had opened presents all morning... and for Steve and I it was just the same as opening presents.

For 3 and 1/2 days, we were all together, then they began leaving in the order they came; with Marie and babies still amongst us.  We are very blessed.

We have had a wonderful time catching up with each other and various old friends each week (loved getting to be with you Roxy, Amy and Danielle... you were all so good for my heart).    I will post what pictures I can (Elizabeth was sweet enough to e-mail me pictures... I cannot seem to get the pictures taken when so much is going on... but it is exactly the time I wish that I had taken the pictures.. so thank you Elizabeth.  Marie and Nathan will get me some of theirs as well.  Many Blessings to you all. I am hopeful to get over to each of your blogs this week, and catch up with your families, which is always a blessing and delight to me.

Benjamin and little Winston

Uncle Luke with baby Zane

Aunty Olga with baby Winston

Trying to take a family pictures can be a little confusing some times.   Left to right.... Eddie, Olga, little Zane and Nathan

Steve getting around with arm in a sling, and foot in a boot.

"Lolli pops all around!"  Bribery seems to be the only way to get 5 little boys in one picture at one time.

From left to right: Baby Winston 18 months, Asher 2, Elon 5, Baby Ezra 10 months, and Zane 2


Stay tuned for pictures of the Cowboy Birthday Party later this week.