This past week was so chock-full with making good memories that I rarely picked up my laptop.
Ed was feeling great all week so we stuffed the schedule. We usually keep a strict early bedtime for his sake, but this week we were up late many nights. One night we butchered beef with my family. Another night we talked until after bedtime with friends from church.
A special treat was spending a day with a friend who I haven't seen for years who was on furlough. I love friends who only take minutes to bridge the years and get deep in discussion of what really matters.
We spent the Fourth with friends who took our children caving and introduced us to an amazing park with huge rocks for exploring.
Even raindrops can't ruin the fun when children are getting dirty, and the moms are discussing books.
Like last year, Ed's brother and his family insisted on coming to stay with our children so we could take an early anniversary get-away. We had a relaxing overnight stay at Annapolis, Maryland and enjoyed a perfect July day.
We kayaked for several hours, watched the sailboats, and soaked in sunshine while eating lunch on the dock. The weather couldn't have been better.
In the afternoon we searched for some air conditioning and found a fascinating museum at the Naval Academy. The old boat models on the second floor were stunning. The one above was built by a French prisoner of war out of bones. The detail of the carving was unbelievable. We didn't have near enough time, and we want to bring our children sometime.
Back home we are listening to our children tell us about their fun (aunts and uncles are far cooler than parents) and transitioning back to a school schedule. (We start school in July, a few days a week, with the goal of finishing the school year in April.) It is time to get back to a routine. I'm reminded again of how much I enjoy teaching, but of how much time teaching takes.
Also this week Ed has his doctor's appointments where he'll get his staples removed and learn what the testing showed and what treatment is recommended.
I wish we could forget cancer. But that is not our reality. So we attempt to add to our bank of good memories.
Gina, how lovely for you and Ed to have that time together. You are so blessed to have such a wonderful support group of family and friends. We are continuing to pray for you all. How wonderful it would be for Ed to receive a good report.
ReplyDeleteYou and Ed are a beautiful couple - inside and out! My prayers are with you everyday on your cancer journey. My husband goes to see his surgeon the August 4th...as a follow up to make sure his cancer has not returned. My husband's cancer was in his tonsils and lymph nodes. My husband was stage four and is now cancer free for 17 months now. My best to Ed.
ReplyDeleteThe memory of the righteous is blessed... Proverbs 10:7
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful to hear that you have had such a full and enjoyable week. I'm glad to know that Ed is feeling so well and am hoping that the Dr's report will be positive and offer hope for the future.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely vacation you had! So nice to see Ed doing very well. I love reading posts about your family and everyday happenings. We are continuing to pray for all of you and especially for Ed's upcoming treatments. God has surely blessed Ed with wonderful doctors and miraculous recoveries. Praise our Lord Jesus Christ for He is so faithful! God bless you all!
ReplyDeleteI had to smile @ "aunts & uncles are far cooler than parents"-that's so funny! What park has the big rocks? Would like to go there if it's in my parents' area. Still praying for all of you!
ReplyDeleteThe rocks were at Bilger Park and is several hours from here - probably closer to your area than mine, if I remember where you are from, Jeannie.
DeleteGina
Okay, thanx Gina!
DeleteYou are making moments count! What a storehouse of treasured moments.
ReplyDeleteDiane
Oh,how wonderful to see this happy time!! You all look so happy, and in spite of all, what a blessing! I love that your family is continuing on in the face of trial. I continue to pray for you all.
ReplyDeleteTristan was really excited about keeping your kiddos. He was telling me about it while he mowed our lawn :)
ReplyDeleteYour visits looked wonderful, and thank you for reminding me to "bank" our own memories. We were actually in Annapolis when you were - you might have had a fan visit too! : ) I love that Naval museum and have rarely found it crowded. We also like nearby London Town for its colonial history and the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center for a cool wooded hike (both also have "citizen science" archaeological digs which my daughter loved to participate in). If you do bring your kids back with you, maybe they would enjoy it too!
ReplyDeleteJulie, a friend from the prayer line I belong to, said, "We pray for Ed's victorious outcome, in Jesus mighty name!
ReplyDeleteFather in Heaven, surround Ed and his family with Peace, Hope, Love and Patience while they go through this trial, that they may wait on You, trusting You in ALL YOUR WAYS!
Amen! Thank You, LORD!" We join her in her prayer for you all and pray that the biopsy outcome will be a glowing testimony to Jesus! Praying for wonderful glowing health to surround Ed, that Ed will be a wonderful testimony to others of Jesus' mighty healing power and love! God bless you all!
"So we attempt to add to our bank of good memories"...you have done well, Ed & Gina, and we're rejoicing that you had this wonderful time to add to your bank as a family! We're continuing to pray as you have dr appts this week. ~Randy & Eunice
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely series of photos of you all. I'm glad to see you making such lovely memories.
ReplyDeleteI think the two of you are making memories to cherish. I have a question about your homeschooling. How do you do it with six children, a garden to "put up", and a husband needing your attention and care. Aren't you overwhelmed at tines? I will continue to pray for you and your fsmily.
ReplyDeleteThere are certainly times I'm overwhelmed, but I don't do all the things you list all the time. Right now I'm not doing anything in my garden. If I have a day that I pick corn or beans, we won't do school that day. And if I go along with Ed for an appointment, we'll have a school holiday. That is one reason I start so early, so we can skip a day and not get behind. It worked well last year though there were a few things that just fell through the cracks. I try to get the most important things done and not stress about the rest. So if you see weeds in my flower beds or dirty windows - you know that I'm ignoring them!
DeleteThanks for praying.
Gina
Wow, yes cherish the many memories and I am sure someday you may or already have made a scrapbook! God is good all the time as I am sure you have experienced is grace and it's great to hear Ed is doing great and all your family!! Is there new treatment for the future and is Ed still doing the keto diet? Thanks and continued prayers for you and Ed and the doctors and your children!
DeleteGlad you are making these good memories. Love and prayers.
ReplyDelete