God is in Control of all things...

This past week has been one that has been full of Joy, tears, excitement, business and good times with friends and family.
One week ago tonight, I got a phone call from one of my dear friend Melissa's , sister. She called me in distress telling me that Melissa had gone into labor and that she was being flown to Baltimore from her home on the eastern shore. Melissa's shower was last week. She was only 24 weeks pregnant. I was able to get to the Hospital in about 20 minutes. The flight from the eastern-shore was about the same time. Melissa had her baby, very early due to complications. However, God is in control and Peyton Reece is one week old today!!!! She is in the NICU and will be until November. She is a little over one pound. I was able to see her with in the first hour after she was born. I went to see her with Melissa's husband Dave and sister Lori. Melissa was not in a condition to see her after a life treating birth. Being in the NICU, brought back many memories for me, but I was so glad to be able to offer her support and translate ( since I understood some of the terms) some of what the Nurses were telling us in those first hours. Please pray for Melissa as you think of her and her new baby girl. Melissa lives 72 miles from the Hospital where her baby will be for the next three months. She is beyond tired and also has a 2 year old boy named Logan.
Last week we had a fun day with our Buddy's Aj, Cooper, Grayson, and Thatcher and Brittany. All of the boys and one girl had a fun day in the sun and a very nice picnic lunch by the water!! It was great to be with these guys again, it had been a while.
We also had a wonderful week at VBS. LD had a wonderful teen age helper this year. Ryan went to class each night with Drake and helped him in the room with his walker, art projects, snack, etc. Ryan and his family are a blessing to us, we do not know what we would do with out there help. Caleb had a blast in the two year old room, he loves music and dancing!! I taught the baby's. I had a room full of tired 1-2 year old's all week. They were so sweet, we had a great time with songs, books, snack and music as well. By the end of the week, no was was crying when dropped off , but all were so tired and ready for bed by the end of class. We even went to the play ground one night and used the John and Kate plus eight rope!!! That was sooo funny and cute.
We celebrated my parents b-days over the past few days. Moms was Sunday and Dads was today's. I am really blessed to still have parents to celebrate... We had nice dinners out, cake and even a night in Annapolis for a concert. Drake was able to join us for some of the events, as he was working for some of them. The boys and I were the party animals this time!
Tomorrow night, Drake will be speaking in church. He will be joining the Youth Pastor in speaking about the mission trip. During VBS, when not working late, Drake spent some more time with the youth. One of the bad habits that Drake carried with him from the Marines was smoking. It has been a horrible problem for him for years. While on his mission trip he was not allowed to smoke, and did not want to in front of the kids. He did not want to set a bad example. He was open and honest with the kids about his past. I report to you today that it has been over three weeks and Drake continues to be SMOKE FREE!!!!!! Go Hubby!!!! From almost two packs a day to 0, is only God and answered prayers. He is human , he can be weak and stumble, but he is doing so, so good!!!
Little Drake will have surgery one week from today at John's Hopkins. I promise to update as soon as I can.
I can not believe that school will start in just a few weeks. This by far has been one of our best, but busiest summers yet.
I hope that this finds you doing well. Come and see us when you can.
I am not going to say anything about photos b/c Bonny and Maryte make fun of me. I told Drake I would not share the Mexico photos until tomorrow night at church is over. I have been waiting to do so, So they are still coming. :)
Hugs