Busy Busy

The past couple of weeks have been very busy and hectic. A couple of months ago we had a water leak in our bathroom, so insurance paid for us to get new carpet in the house. Since we were getting new carpet, we decided to go ahead and paint the living room before the new carpet was put in. We definitely overestimated the ease of such a task. Finally, after 2 coats of primer and 3 coats of paint on paneling and brick, we have a clean and bright living room. Even though we took on a huge job, we were not dumb enough to tackle it with the kids here, so they spent a few days with Grampa and Momo. They had a great time, of course, with paint, dirt, and everything they could find.

Momo brought the kids back and was able to stay a couple of days. Thomas had School for Little People graduation and then Thursday School graduation. He sang a few songs, recited his lines for a poem, and looked so handsome in his cap and gown. And yes, Mama shed a few tears. I am really looking forward to spending time with Thomas this summer. He informed me a few months ago that this summer is when I was going to teach him to read, so we have big plans. He is really growing up, and he is so eager to learn. It is amazing to watch him grow into a smart, funny, and interesting little boy! Now, finally, my days at school are winding down. The last week of school is hectic of course, but I am looking forward to a break. Maddie and Blake will go to Mona's most of the time while Thomas and I have "school." Blake's speech teacher supplied me with a "few" (a 3 inch, 3 ring binder full) things for us to work on this summer, so Thursdays (Blake's regular speech days) will be for Blake's school. And Maddie and I will have our own day too, but we'll do FUN stuff, like shopping, painting toenails, and trying out new hairdos. I will definitely post pictures of those days!

On another note, our family has been dealing with some tough stuff lately. Brian's dad Lynn was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma about 2 months ago. The prognosis is very good, but, as any of you that have dealt with something like this know, it is still a scary thing. This is just one more thing that has reaffirmed to Brian and I that we were meant to be in Brownfield. It is hard to see the Pops that is always ready to play with kids and give us a hard time not feeling well, but we are glad to be here so we can help in any way. Lynn is doing well. He had his second chemo treatment a week ago tomorrow. He has 6 treatments - every three weeks for 18 weeks. He hasn't been sick yet, which is a blessing, but he gets worn down very quickly. He has been going to work everyday, just sometimes not all day. Last Sunday, after cleaning out the fish ponds, he decided to cut to the chase and shave his head. He is now sporting some pretty snazzy hats around town, and still looks like Lynn. I asked the boys if they also wanted a "summer haircut" but they declined. I love my boys' hair - Thomas' perfectly blond hair, Blake's wonderful little curls - but I would have totally loved for them to have a summer haircut like their Pops. Another bit of God's handiwork was putting us in Brownfield United Methodist Church, and they and our pastor Ruby have been so supportive of Lynn & Linda, and us also. It is an awesome realization to see God's plan work out so perfectly. We wouldn't want to be any where else at this point in time, and wouldn't want to be around any one else. As tough as it is to think about Lynn being sick and losing our precious nephew Hayden in February, we know it would've been so much harder if we weren't here in Brownfield. It has been a huge step in our walk with God as a family.

We have birthday parties coming up next week - Thomas will be 5 years old and Grampa will be 85. Hopefully G-Pa won't mind sharing his birthday party with Thomas and Speed Racer! It will be nice to head to Perryton for a few days and see family. I will let you all know how the party turns out!