Wet and Wild!

Though it is not summer yet, we have been experiencing some pretty wet and wild weather in the Mid Atlantic. It has rained or stormed nearly every day. The lakes are full and the garden is green and happy. Unfortunately this weather is also perfect for growing a healthy family of ticks. The boys both have had their share of these parasitic creatures crawling on their bodies. So, included in their daily routines is "inspection time". You would be surprised where we have been finding these creepy crawlies!

The Lord has also been showering blessings up on us. As we count our blessings, I ask you to make a list of your own blessings.
1. We are blessed to have primary care physicians who are Christians and practice at the
University. We all had physical exams for the first time in two years.
2. Grades were posted and Roger aced his classes. He is taking two intensive classes right now.
3. Today the Miller-Motte College is hosting a fundraiser for Steven. We will show up to support
the project this afternoon.
4. Shriner's Hospital is very pleased with Steven's progress, particular his range of motion. He
has been officially diagnosed with Arthrogryposis. We have seen progress since he came to live
with us and we believe he will continue to show improvement and gain functional strength in
his upper limbs. Our O.T. has suggested we include exercises that are "fun". So we had a
pillow fight last night. Having a brother (Samuel) has been very good for Steven's physical development
5. Amy is pondering what the Lord would have her do this summer. She is considering work at
a Christian camp. She is also taking three college classes this summer! I can see the Lord
grooming her to become a lovely caring woman.
6. The blessing of having a lovely wife and life partner - Holly works hard to make our house a
home. And she strives to provide the best for our little family - even the pets. This week we
rented an edger and buried wire to create an underground pet fence. It's enjoyable to work on
a project together. We are blessed to be living close to Holly's parents. Roger lost his father
last May and it was nice to have another set of parents to be with at this time of year.
7. The knowledge that "My God shall provide all your needs according to His riches in glory".
Even though we do not yet have income, we are debt free and have food in the cupboard.

When you become discouraged, count your blessings and share them with someone today

A new family member

Holly and I would like to introduce you to our newest family member, Lorelai, born to Alicia on April 17 She entered this world as a 7.3 pound little bundle. Mommy and baby are well.

Classes are rapidly coming to a close for this semester but two other classes are about to start for Roger - one class on classroom behavioral management and another class on philosophy of education. Amy also finishes up one college class and immediately takes three other classes. She is also exploring the possibilility of volunteering at a Christian camp this summer.

On May 7-8 we travel to Greenville, S.C. with the boys for an appointment with the orthopedic department of Shriners Hospital. Lord willing, they should give us both an official diagnosis and prognosis of Steven's condition. Once we have this information we will be able to figure out the best way to meet his needs.

Our summer plans are uncertain but there may be a trip to New York in the future. Of course there will be multiple trips to Smith Mountain Lake where we hope to do a lot of kayaking. We would love to explore some wonderful local rivers right in our neighborhood.

Holly's garden looks beautiful! Green and growing! Though we have had an abundance of rain this week, the garden plot is draining well, thank the Lord.

Jobs are still pretty elusive but God knows best and will take care of our needs.

We hope you have a wonderful Mother's Day!