Can you say, "Ahhhhhhh"?

This has been one of the longest, hottest summers that I can remember. In fact, we set several new heat records this summer-106 degrees, not including heat index. For those of you that cook, think about your oven being set at 400 and then putting your face close to the door and opening it. That's what it felt like when you walked outside and it would still be 90 degrees at 10:00pm. Crazy! Now...I am not complaining, just stating the facts because I would much rather it be 106 than 6!!!!

But today, sunny, crystal clear, and the high is going to be 75 degrees. Oh what a relief it is. I am sitting at the computer in our little office and the window has been thrust open and I feel like life is sinking back into me. I love the seasons but I really do dislike the fact that we have to keep windows closed alot of the time due to heat or cold. BUT NOT TODAY...ahhhhhhh.

Here comes Percy, the cat, also known as Fat Boy, Buford, Lead Butt-Buddha Belly-Cow Cat, Mr. Furry Buns, hoisting himself up into the window sill so he can enjoy the outside, too. I don't even care if the window sills are dirty and full of dead bugs and webs.

Today I am putting the finishing touches on a study that I am preparing for a MOPS (Mother of Pre-Schoolers) group on Monday night. They graciously asked me to come share with them about mothering pre-schoolers but also whatever the Lord lays on my heart. I am teaching from John 17:6-19 which is a passage that I have prayed for my kids through the years and used as a guideline in parenting. As it usually happens when I am preparing to speak, there have been a couple of "fiery darts" that Satan has thrown my way to distract and/or discourage me. I thank God that He has given me the eyes to see them for what they are and to keep moving forward in each situation. It is also very humbling to speak about being a successful mom when I can look at my parenting and see so many flaws. But I can also look back at some "things" that Mike and I did when the kids were little that I think are so valuable and practical and worth passing on to moms. I am excited to speak because it has been a long time but I am sure I will get emotional. Just get me talking about my kids or Jesus and it's a sure bet that I will tear up.

Update on Sam:
Sam is doing very well. He walked all day long at school without his boot yesterday. He said that he got an occassional twinge of discomfort, but all in all he did great. His calf muscles were tight to start with so I showed him some stretches that he could do help and it's feeling good. He wants to see if he can run a little on it on Monday but it is sooo hard to pull him back when it's starting to feel good. I made him a follow up appointment with the doctor on Sept 24th. If the doctor gives him the green light, his Grandma JUST MIGHT get to see him play while she is here visiting for his 16th birthday. There is a Mother/Son Pasta Party this Thursday night for the Varsity team and Moms that we are going to before the BIG game Friday night against the local powerhouse: Bowling Green High School. We PROBABLY won't win, but then again, think of the college game two weeeks ago of Appalachian State vs. Michigan St.-anything is possible.

Blessings!

~Deanna