Daily Grind

Now that I'm back in the routine of work and the kids and Shane are back in school, it seems were busier than ever. There is not much time for social life. I really gained some fresh ideas on how to minister at work. I've had a hard time fitting in and well not feeling useful for the Lord. That always makes me feel unsettled. As I continued to pray and ask God to help I would keep my eyes open to see where I could share my faith or encourage others. I have exercised my passion to serve the Lord at church with Awana and in the mission committee and, Lo and Behold, things just starting happening at work. I love how God works.
We have had many people relocate to the Longview area. From Iowa, Houston, Dallas, Mississippi, California even. So I would get a feel from our new residents and then invite them to church. Last Sunday, a whole crowd showed up and we took a whole row in the service. It was hard to talk to them at once and make them feel welcome. I have seen them at work this week and they all said they really enjoyed it. Whew!
I went to an Awana Conference and totally enjoyed myself. I learned so much and of course have so much resources to home as well as great speakers. I really got a confirmation that God wants me there and I have such a passion the the kids and training them to serve Him.
Gabrielle had her first six week grade for 1st grade. She is above the requirement for reading! YEAH! I am so proud of her, my sweet girl! She is growing like a weed, were way past due for new school clothes. Were getting ready for her birthday-October 1st. She really wanted to go to the skate rink but they closed down, so we are going horseback riding and maybe the zoo or something.
Austen is in the GT program at school and loves it. This special class will give the opportunity to write his own book about sharks, learn about aviation(go figure)take a trip to a avaition museum in Tyler, Tx. Plus many more things. He has to change classes this year and now he has Social Studies included. He seems to be liking it so far.
Shane has a heavier load this semester. Because of certain circumstances, he decided to change his major to flight mechanic and added a minor in phsycology. I know it doesn't seem to fit together but we talked about somes things over the summer. He truely is gifted in counseling and encouraging, so with a little encouragement of mine and a whole lot of praying... he wasn't going to change directions completely out of flight, so one of his acedemic advisors told him if he wanted to do a minor in phsycology then if he later wanted to get his masters he could easlily. Shane really likes all his classes. He is at school for long days and has more homework than he would like.
Mom was able to get a C-Pap(sp?) machine that helps you breathe while you sleep. She got it right before she left for vacation. It has helped her so much! She is getting up in the mornings rested and isn't taking naps. She is so much more active which is a huge praise. Her diabetes is still maintaining, plus she continues to lose weight.

August travels

I have been working for a year at my job now and have accumulated enough vacation time to take a weeks a vacation. We were going to go all the way down to my brothers house in Bradenton. Fl but we couldn't find a house to rent. So my mom looked in Pensacola and found three condos. We had so much fun. I got up early and stay up late. So my brother victor and his family, my dad and his family, and then our family with mom. We played games, shared the cooking, we collected bunches of shells, boats rides with tubing. We went out once to get fresh seafood. We had such a lovely time.

We then came home a day early so I could rest up before work. I ended up sleeping the entire day, but ended up with a fever blister. Started work again was pretty hard. but I've gotten into my routine again. Then, an old friend from Lubbock showed up at my apartment looking for an apartment. I was so surprised. Daniel was someone that Shane discipled while at Melrose Park. Shane finally convinced him to go back home to Alabama. Then he shows up here. Daniel forgot we had moved here. It is so nice to have him and his family here.