Summer is almost over.....where did it go?

Life seems like it never slows down for us....Not letley.... we are so busy! I am trying to squeeze in the last of summer break,(trying to find one!*Ü*)trying to prepare for birthdays, working 2 1/2 days a week, being a wife, mom, daughter,friend.....God only gives me 24 hours to accomplish what I need too.... and yet... if he gave more, I'm sure those hours would be full too! Ha! Isn't that how we are?? Truly it is by Gods awesome grace it all seems to get done.... and if it doesn't... it is also by His grace I have peace about it....I could not have said that 2 years ago!

This isn't a complaint, nor meant to be a whine. Just reality!This has been one of our best summers in a long time believe it or not!our family has grown closer.... we have spent such memorable times together over this past month....we have met wonderful people...... met a new friend with kids that are my kids ages!(They also had a Basque student and they home school!Bonus!)we have enjoyed playing at the beach, BBQs, pool party's, miniature golfing.... you name it... I think we did it! Its been a good, good month!

However good....

At the moment,we are awaiting the return of our son who has been gone since June 22nd. He is on a short term mission trip.... here he is...not our best picture of him... but he is smiling! *Ü*




He will not arrive home from his short term mission trip until the 11th. 5 days later than planned. :( but he will return soon enough...I miss that boy so much! We cant wait to see him! He has been in Sierra Leon Africa with Children of the Nations and 4 other students from our youth group and 3 leaders. We cant wait for his return!!!


I began work again after having a month long break! I am only working 2 hours on Tuesday, but 9 hours on Wed and Thursdays for the month of August. September 5th my hours change again, but only 2 hours on Tuesday and then 2:00 - 8:00 pm Wed and 12- 8 on Thursday. I bring work home with me so *Ü* I am only truly gone a few hours..... but still...

What do I do for work you ask? I am a respite care provider for a 13 year old Autistic boy named Sean. *Ü* He is such a wonderful child! He really fits in with my family. We love him.... he has such a precious face and smile.

I have an 11 year old autistic nephew, so autism is no stranger to us. My kids can handle him fine, although it is hard at times. I am trying to teach my kids and show them what others go through on a daily basis when an autistic child is in the home. It is 24/7 caring for such a child and 24/7 watching such a child. Parents have little to zero down time. In fact... statistics are showing that 71% of families with an autistic child are ending in divorce.... sad, but true. 1 n 160 children have some form of autism... be it aspergers or some other spectrum.....

Working with Sean has been teaching my girls what his mother and older sister must go through having a son/sibling who is autistic. Sometimes its embarrassing for my kids when in public Sean decides he is tired and lays down in the middle of the floor at Joann fabrics and we do nothing about it. I cant pick him up or make him get up. He is to string and heavy. I was their in that store for 45 minutes trying to get him up! Coaxing and talking.... or when we are out and all of a sudden he breaks out in a screaming panic and we cant communicate and find out what is going on.... or he will sob uncontrollably for 10-15 minutes and we cant find out why..... this is a day and the life of a family like Sean's family.

Helping find a cure for Autism and or helping families with autism has a huge place in my heart. These kids are lost inside them selves....I love my job... and really don't look at it as one. Its more ministry for me.... I am teaching my kids about autism and caring for people who cant care for themselves.... Teaching comapssion....

Our days are full, schedules seem tight... but its all good.... because God is good... all the time.... and all the time.... God is good.

If you would like to know more about Autism, I have a few links on the side of my blog that can help inform you. in my perspective, it is like an epidemic..... we need a cure and find the cause.....