The Oraz Bridge, chapter 4

Long overdue, this chapter has been postponed by chaos and exhaustion.

What a week! We still haven't found any sort of normal around here but are continuing to wander through each day. Of course, summer has a loosey-goosey feeling around here to begin with. Gavin is still in DC with the Scouts, which contributes to the craziness because he is 25% of our trained workforce.

If I could remember Monday, I would share it with you, but it is really just a blur. Tuesday is where memory kicks in again. Great-Grandma Dorothy came for a visit in the morning, bringing treats and magazines and adult company. The kids adore her; Nolan was particularly generous with his kisses.

Tuesday evening, we went over to my parents' house for dinner. Lovely to sit and visit with them. Great-Grandma joined us for dinner, too. So nice to see her twice in a day.

Wednesday, Mason and Sarah wanted to show off the bike skills, so I moved the van down the driveway a bit and grabbed the camera.

Not only does Mason strongly resemble Grandpa Ron's childhood

photos, he inherited the "chews on tongue while concentrating" trait.

Thursday I spent the day scrapbooking at a friend's house. Madelyn, Sarah and Evelyn came along to play with their 4 girls. Another dear friend brought her 5 daughters, so the house rang with the giggles and laughter of a dozen little ladies. I was thoroughly spoiled the host and hostess. In addition to the lively conversation and sweet companionship, I had the the yummiest decaf mocha, a superlative slice of lemon cheesecake, and my daughters were blessed with new friendships. A wonderful way to spend the day!

The evening brought stresses that I won't bore you with here, but the Lord was gracious to supply all the wisdom Bryan and I needed for our first multi-state parenting challenge. Sometimes it is good to be at the end of yourself because then there is no question that is was indeed the Lord who provided. If this time of separation accomplishes nothing else but a new dependence on the Lord, it will have been worth it.