Time is passing rather quickly these days. I have a lot to get caught up on since the middle of June. Let's see... (I'll try to keep it short)

Since then I have almost finished my first quilt, made a trip back home to surprise Mike in PA, done more reading than usual (thanks to Cherry's library), taken many vacation days to spend time with Mike, and now Mike is trying to prepare to start third year. Let's just say that he is tired of school so it is going to take more to mentally prepare to go back to school.

I surprised Mike and his family on Father's Day. It was priceless to see Mike's face the first time he saw me at the restaurant. He was even speechless and for any of you who know Mike rather well, know that once he gets to know you he doesn't really shut up. I was glad to be able to spend that time with my family and then we headed off to his family's house. We had a good time hanging out with them and spending a few days with his niece, Angela. We even got to be together on our anniversary, which was nice. This definitely could not have happened without the help of some awesome friends and a lot of prayers...thanks to all of you!!!

As for the summer traveling, Mike and my brother made it back to KS with no car problems this time and we had a nice visit with him. We were able to have nice weather and the chance to go and do something every day, Jim lucked out from having to experience a KS summer.

Maggie has definitely become one of the family, even though she can be a bully. However, she had her day of pay back. Maggie lost her womanhood at the end of June and she even had to wear a plastic cone around her head afterward. None of the animals would go near her. They must have thought she was Frankinkitty. However, as soon as that thing came off, she was back to normal. Frick (Hammy) and Frack (Maggie) are back at it as you can see in the pictures.

Maggie on drugs (after surgery).

This is Maggie and her naked blubber belly at home recuperating (maybe we should have had lyposuction done while she was under anesthesia).

Frankinkitty

FRICK & FRACK PICTURES

Here are Tiger & Henry sporting their 4th of July gear. (I don't know why Tiger is sticking out his tongue but I promise he means no disrespect to Independence Day)

These were our other summer family members (Cleoutus and Marvin) who have now gone to a new home. Frick and Frack are going to miss them the most.

We have had many ups and downs this summer dealing with family health problems and have appreciated all of the prayers. It has been rather stressful especially as Mike's mom has been in and out of the hospital, but we know God is in control. My grandmother's arm has been healing well since her fall and she is not even wearing a cast anymore. My dad came out of his car accident with just minor injuries and has now purchased a new car to replace his. Mike's dad has been doing really well considering what his body has been through these past few months. Mike's mom is still dealing with issues and we are not sure if they are due to the septic shock back in January when she was on the ventilator but we just ask for continued prayers for her health. It seems that every time she goes to the doctor's that she ends up in the hospital for a few days with a new concern. It is easier to be here away from this all at times but other times you wish you could be with your family. God has been good though and Mike and I know that things do happen for a reason and that God can also heal as he desires. I have held on dearly to James 1:2-6 this summer as it seems that there has been one thing after another. We are also still trying to witness to his family especially though all of this, please remember that in your prayers too.

I'm thankful for the good and the bad even though it isn't always easy. Now we look ahead to Mike starting third year and me doing the same as always.