Blog catch up

OK, I'm going to get this "thang" caught up if I die trying!! San Diego was so wonderful and relaxing.....it was hard to come home to EVERYTHING. Homeschool planning, smooshed car, kids activities......and the like. Ben jumped right into Piano Camp at Master's College the Monday after we got home. He had a fun week of learning new music, improvisation, music history, and lots more. I was able to get a video of his end of week performance, so when it gets put on a cd for me, I'll post it here. We also found out when we got home that Mark's dad was still in the hospital. The small stroke (?) that he had in the midst of the Labrynthitis (wacky inner ear virus) was still making it hard for him to get around very well (it mildly affected one side). The doctors also found an aneurysm in his neck, but we still haven't gotten the real scoop on all of that. Mark was planning of going on his usual backpacking trip with Hughes and Stones, but began waffling, considering the car and his dad. We convinced him to go, and the day before they left we found out that his dad was home from the hospital. God is so good, and we are learning that he is always in control, even with aging parents and car accidents. Mark had a few days of good exercise and fellowship with the guys up in the mountains above Mammoth.

BEAUTIFUL CALIFORNIA SIERRAS

So here we are. I'm frantically getting curriculum ordered, and lesson plans done. Mark got back last Sun. evening. Kendra is in Tijuana on a missions trip with our church through Caravan Ministries. She left Sunday morning, and we heard that they arrived safely and made good time driving down. They are building shelters/houses, working in an orphanage, and assisting the ministry there, so we're praying that Kendra is learning a lot this week, and growing spiritually. Cami and Ben began their 2 week Broadway Review with Escape, so they are busy every evening singing and dancing, having fun, and getting good exercise. We'll be going camping this weekend near Santa Barbara with a group from church, so I'm trying to wrap my brain around getting ready for that as well. Busy busy summer! Maybe next week we can start seriously looking for a new-used van. Mark has been taking the train every day, which, although do-able, isn't the most convenient option. We're continuing to trust God with each day that he brings, trying not to sweat the small stuff, and just keeping moving forward (if you can say it that way).