Or the picture below may be more aptly titled, “What I Did on My Summer Vacation.” Yesterday, the school bus passed down our street for the first day of school. It was the first time in over twenty years that we have not had a student headed to preschool, high school, or even college. How I felt like a fish out of water as I realized our school days are over and another chapter of our lives begins.

I have missed you! I have been somewhat MIA this summer due to a few added responsibilities, i.e. full-time mother once again and babysitter to extra animals. We have had up to four dogs and two cats in the house at one time. (Consequently, we had the house exterminated for fleas for the first time in many years.) We’re in full swing right now with Lindsay’s wedding just two months from yesterday. Today would have been my parents’ 58th wedding anniversary. Such sweet full circles. The dogs are fun but I can’t wait for the real thing with grandbabies.

Today we’re going for a taste test for the reception food. People ,this is serious stuff–this wedding planning. I know while some of you aren’t feeling too sorry for me about now, I am up to my neck and feeling a bit overwhelmed and out of my league. My idea of a party is inviting the neighbors over for dinner! That’s enough stress for any one day. Fortunately, Lindsay is such a sweet girl about all of it and rolls with the punches very well. However, she was just diagnosed with the h. pylori bacteria (the cause of stomach ulcers.) I think this summer has taken its toll on her, too, as she finished her degree, completed a 40 hour weekly internship, and travelled back and forth to Austin to wrap up details of moving home, finishing degrees, and multiple wedding errands. This is our life right now. I look forward to October 24 but I will welcome “normal” again when that comes, too.

Also thank you for all your prayers and concerns for Lauren. She is doing much better after having two seizures a couple of weeks ago and diagnosed with reactive hypoglycemia. She will leave tomorrow to wrap up her thesis from Oxford in the U.K. and graduate on September 26 with her Masters in Environmental Change. We are very proud of her working so hard during this less than optimal time with her health. She’s a real trooper. Lindsay will go with her just to make sure she continues to do well with no forther blood sugar plummets. They will have a last hurrah before Lindsay marries and Lauren moves to Ft. Worth.

I still may be a little scarce over the next two months, but our family would appreciate your prayers as we center on wrapping up several chapters in our lives. I can’t wait to tell you all about the wedding. However, I will be popping in from time to time just to catch up. In the meantime, email me or leave a comment and let me know what you are up to, and tell me your prayer needs and I will consider it a privilege to pray for you. We can’t wait for fall here in Houston! Blessings abundant as you enter a new season of your lives with fall and school and life!