Catching up

**Update** The kids and I were able to run a little something over to Elini and Diego tonight and my heart is hurting for her. When I asked if they needed anything she only asked for prayer and then teared up as she shared that it hurt so much to leave the hospital without her baby--that's not the way we dream it will be! She is precious in her pictures, barely larger than Elini's palm.....she weighs 2 pounds and 10 ounces. Estella seems to be fighting and doing well.



Well, Jim made it back from his reunion with most of his college roommates and they had a blast! The guys hadn't seen each other all together in 11 years so they had a lot of catching up to do. We've seen many of them over the years with each of their families, but distance and life has prevented such a reunion of everyone all at once. I'm blessed because these men are a part of my husband's life. They have encouraged, grown and laughed together over the years and I'm grateful for what they mean to Jim.

With Jim gone I tried hard to keep the kids busy! We went for walks (Meg walked all the way around to the lake and back), fed the ducks, visited the library, got the car fixed AGAIN and even fit in a trip to Sea World. They've started the trick-or-treating so we checked out the new Count (Sesame Street) show and loaded up on some sugar and mini bananas. Jacob loved those! We were very excited to see Daddy yesterday and had some good time before he left this morning for a conference. We ran errands today and have things planned every day until he comes home!

So much is going on all around us and we're loving being able to love on our friends around us right now. Mama is set for her final chemo treatment tomorrow as long as the doctor gives her the okay in the morning. We are so excited for this graduation! As you are praying we would appreciate prayers for our next door neighbors. They are Christ followers and are from Brazil. Elini was hospitalized two weeks ago and delivered her baby Estella on Saturday at 28 weeks. Mommy was able to come home yesterday and Estella will be in the hospital until her due date in December! Please pray for this sweet family as they are separated and begin this new chapter in their lives.

I pray that you are having a great week! Jim left his computer behind, so I promise on one of my sleepless nights this week to add some new pictures of the kids : )