Wow, how time is flying! July started off with Peter being home for the week because of a forced vacation time from work. The first was also my birthday. My husband was amazing, cooking me a crab leg feast with my little brother, Caleb and of course the boys. Scott didn't partake in the crab, but I am sure he will love it as much as his brother does! We also went to Julia's birthday party, a friend of Stephen's, who turned 7. We had a great time splashing in Ida Lee's new water park.
Next came the 4th of July... We had many people over and had a wonderful time. Steph and Jarrod cooked hamburgers
and hot dogs on the grill and everyone else filled in the sides. Peter, Jarrod and my cousin, Mike, had a blast setting off all the fireworks we bought. Some were legal and some not so legal in our beautiful Commonwealth. The cops came by
and said that they didn't mind as long as we were blowing them off in our yard instead of the street. Since Peter didn't get into trouble, he has put out there that next year will be better and bigger! It was a great time and I loved seeing everyone. I am only sad that it was a kind of farewell to my sister, Steph, because they are going to Korea on the 22 for two years. Keep her and Jarrod in your prayers as they are going to teach international students and hopefully be able to present Jesus to many of them.
Peter is back at work this week so we are trying to get back into our routine. With the family all at the beach, it has been pretty quiet around here. Hopefully next year we will be able to go with them. My brother is coming to my house to say his goodbye's and will be going to the airport tomorrow to go back to the Air Force Academy. Keep him in your prayers as he will be undergoing his survival training in the last session before school kicks back in.
The boys are doing well. Scott seems to be getting really close to walking. He loves to be up and scooting around anything that will hold him. He is also getting into everything. The other morning I was doing dishes and the next thing I knew he had dumped over my plant and was playing in the dirt! He is for sure all BOY! Stephen is sweet as ever. He has such a servant's
heart. He wants to do what is good and right all the time. He loves playing with his friends and helping me out with my chores. He is also a little green thumb. He loves to be in the garden with me and pull out all the fresh veggies. Roxy is taking well to being the big sister dog. She still longs for her alone time with the family on walks, but for the most part the two are romping around and she even taught Boots to go through the doggie door. (That's good and bad since he is not potty trained all the way yet!) Boots is becoming a horse. He seems to grow overnight. He loves to swing in Stephen's swing and still likes to chew. I can't wait for that phase to be over, since he tore a hole in one of my favorite t-shirts.
Next week will be busy. Keep us in your prayers as we will be helping in our church's vacation Bible school. We are doing it on Paul and the underground church and pray that many lives will be changed. It is a little different since whole families (parents included) are invited. We are looking forward to the challenge and I am so blessed to be a part of a great church family!
Saying goodbye is one of the hardest things I think to be done no matter how well you feel prepared or have done it. I had to say goodbye to my sister and her husband as they took off for a new adventure in Soul, South Korea. They are going to be teaching in a international school for two years with one trip paid home in between. I have grown very close to her since our move to Virginia, and it was hard but important to say goodbye. I definately did it in my own way while she did in hers. She has great words for people while I feel like I do things for them instead. 
We shared a "last American meal" together the night before they flew out that included turkey (since they don't serve turkey in Korea), mac and cheese, home grown green beans, salad with home grown lettuce and cucumbers, and corn casserole (on Jarrod's request). Then for dessert, we had cream puffs, a treat from my and Steph's childhood. We played games and enjoyed each other's company. Stephen enjoyed playing in the front yard with Uncle Jarrod and Aunt Stephanie. He will sure miss them. I am so happy that Stephen had this time with them so that he built a relationship with them and knows them. Then, on Wednesday morning, we had cheese danishes, which has become a traditional breakfast food at our house. After that, Jarrod's parents came and we all went to the airport. We had a great time with them and are excited to see what God has in store for their future. I am already counting the days until I will see my sister (and my best friend) again. We love you guys!
