Catching Up

We're home for five minutes. Well, it feels like it anyway. Before we take off again I wanted to do a little catching up.

Ricker & Marg heading off to camp!

M&R are having the time of their lives at camp and I don't blame them. Blobbing (Apparently "blobbing" is sproinging someone off a huge trampoline-balloon-thingie on the lake by jumping on the other side. Since we're not lake folk the blob is completely new to them, and it has inspired a love of lake life.), hiking in the mountains, camping in the wilderness, whitewater rafting, surfing, horseback riding -- it's all super fun. Marg called to tell me that the Lord has felt uniquely present for her and is awakening a fierce love of prayer. I can't tell you what that does to the soul of this mother!

Ricker said (no joke), "Mama, I have two words for you: Chick Magnet". That's my boy. I'm so proud. He just kills me. Really, he's having an incredible experience with Jesus, too, and making great friends, and loving the worship evenings, and the intense physical activity. It's just that being The Babe at camp is a pretty good deal, too!

Just the two of us in San Francisco

The younger three had a ball with Poppy & Nana, as always. I'm going to digress a little here and say that Jackie is the best helper in the world. He cleans up, he happily plays with the babies, he does dishes, he does diapers willingly and well (at 8 years old!) -- even poopy ones. Jackie is the MAN! And the babies... well they are just dessert these days. They are very busy, happy, talkative, and kissy. I would happily bottle them up at this stage and keep them this way forever. So, Poppy and Nana had a fantastic time with them, enjoyed every wild minute, and are ready for more.

MP and I had a restful, quiet time away together in San Francisco. Sadly, I spoiled the first day being exhausted and short-tempered, and he says "touchy", but I disagree. I was more cranky-prickly-nasty than "touchy". After I slept for 15 hours straight and somewhat recovered from my crazy-lady ailment, and he forgave me for wasting precious kid-free time at a swanky hotel, it was lovely. It was great, actually. And so we're going back this week. But, more on that later.

We came home to dear friends as surprise houseguests for a couple of days, which was truly a delight. All sorts of plans for painting this & that room and getting a bunch of projects done were completely ditched for hanging out, going on fun outings together, and staying up until all hours gabbing and laughing like junior highers on a sleepover. So fun.

After taking a solid look at all the airline miles we're logging in June and July, we decided to put off going to The Ethiopian Kids Community Mehaber until next year even though several friends made the trip. Phooey! We heard it was awesome, and next year we are THERE with you guys! Should any other OCEAN or bloggy friends decide to join in on the fun in Minnesota, feel free -- hint hint! Can't make it to The Union? Come to Mehaber! How about it? Maybe we left-coasters can pull something like that together annually here in the coming years??? I think that would be a hoot.

In case you haven't heard the incredible news, CONGRATULATIONS are due to our friends, Brendan & Kendra, who received their referral for an absolutely gorgeous baby girl! PRAISE THE LORD!

And more happy news, after MUCH ado, the Alexanders got a court date for baby A and (Lord willing) will bring their little boy bundle home in August! This just makes my heart rejoice!!!

Know that we are praying every day for all the families still waiting for court dates and travel dates with the court closure in the near future. I remember all too well that these were anxious days for me last year. Be fueled by Philippians 4:6&7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

Since we'll be unplugged for the next few weeks while we're on vacation, please do call us if you have court date/ referral/ nothing happening at all news. We're sneaking in another couple of days in San Francisco sans kids this week, then picking up the older two in Sacramento, and then flying off for Maui the following morning. YAHOO!!! Our whole McClure family is joining us for the second half of the trip to celebrate our folks' big anniversary:

40 Years of Maui-age!

We can't WAIT! Aloha!

Kapalua, September '06