Above the Fruited Plains!

We just returned from a wonderful trip to Colorado Springs. Steve and his other 3 brothers and wives had a mini-family reunion over the weekend. Steve and I arrived on Friday afternoon and spent a long weekend together. We had a great time. Friday night we went to the Flying W ranch for dinner and a cowboy country musical show. Then on Saturday, we travelled on the railway up to Pikes Peak. The scenery was beautiful and well worth the hour and a half trip climbing the mountain.On Saturday evening, we all sat around on the deck and the brothers shared their memories of growing up in the parsonages in Ohio, New York and New England. Sunday we were able to worship together at Steve's brother, Alan's church where he is the pastor. On Monday, we visited the Focus on the Family campus which was very enjoyable. We especially enjoyed the walk around the "Adventures of Odyssey".

Alan and Beth entertained all of us all weekend and were great hosts! The meals and accommodations were awesome! Thanks so much to them.

It has been a busy month with a great 4th of July with Jamie's family visiting from Olathe, KS. The following weekend we travelled to Royersford, Pa. for our cousin Faryl's wedding. It was great to see some of our Andrews relatives.

This weekend we are looking forward to nothing planned. It has been a while since we've been able to just hang out at Shad Point.

Being gone for 6 days, we were unable to "web cam" with Min and the boys until this morning. I missed them so much and it was great to see and talk with them. Mindy said Luke actually asked over the weekend to talk with Guka and MeMe. This morning when Steve began the web cam, Luke asked, "MeMe, wake?" It's so much fun to know he even looks forward to hearing from us!

Well, I need to get ready to go to Praise Team practice. There is so much I could blog about but no time right now. So it will have to wait.

The Military Display at Trinity CoTN- our son Chris!

Steve looking for his golf ball!

Focus on the Family

Adventures at Odyssey

Happy Birthday, USA!

Today is one of my favorite holidays. We are celebratng the Fourth of July! We will be having a picnic on the river with our neighbors, the Willeys and Uncle Joe and Aunt Marge. Jamie's parents are here, Don and Deb Ellis and her sister Dawn from KS so they will be joining us with Randy and Jamie. Good times, Good Food! YAY!

We will then go over to the Shorebirds stadium for a celebration of our soldiers families and fireworks. Thankfully, the 4th is on a Friday this year so no work tomorrow and we have the whole weekend ahead of us!

Last Sunday,the choir sang a Patriotic musical and there were displays for those soldiers who had fought for our freedom. It was a great service and a beautiful tribute to our military and our country. I actually kept my composure and made it through the program without boohooing. One of the soldiers called from Iraq which was pretty powerful. There are several family members from our church in Iraq and Afganistan. We appreciate and pray for every one of you. You make us proud!

Hopefully Min and the boys are getting closer to coming back.It has been a very frustrating few months for everyone, especially Mindy. One of them has been sick or injured every couple weeks with not much of a break. Mindy is exhausted and we are praying continually that the Lord will open the door to bring her and the boys home.

Last night we went to Randy and Jamie's for a cookout with Jamie's family. It was great fun. Randy cooked on his gas grill and we ate outside in their yard. Once the bugs started biting we went inside and played "Mab Gabs." It was lots of laughs.

Just to bring everyone up to date in case you were wondering, I'm still on my weight loss attempt. I have lost 8 lbs but this week I've not been behaving so I may need to regroup. I would like to at least lose 5 more and maintain. The weight watchers point system is pretty good if you can get past the first few weeks. The exercise routine hasn't been happening, I'm sorry to say!

We still meet with our small group every other week and are still studying the book, "Velvet Elvis." The book has really stimulated some good discussions and is helping us take a look at ourselves and the way we do church. Rob Bell is still way out there for me but he makes some really thought provoking points.

We wish you a Happy 4th of July! Please remember to pray for those who have fought and are fighting for the freedom we enjoy as a nation. Let us all remember the God in Whom we trust and Who has brought us through many struggles. May He continue to bless our nation and remind us to return to the principles on which this nation was built.