Camp Banquet

The day after Joe's accident, we took him back to camp to visit the campers and staff.

It was banquet night after all and we would not want to miss that!

He wasn't moving very fast, but it was good for all to see that he was ok!     

It was our good friends' son Asher's first year at camp and he was quick with a hug

and I was happy to give him a little hug from home!  

Look at this group, surrounded by these caring kiddos!  

Camp directory Chris wheeled out a recliner for Joe, we were all able

to gather around Joe and pray for him.  Several campers prayed for Joe, thanking

God for his protection that things were not much worse.

We know that God placed this is Joe's life for a reason, a slow down.

Even a few weeks later as we look back, we are in awe at God's ultimate protection.

Joe is up at the front table enjoying dinner with his camp pals.

We went back to his cabin to collect his things, a pretty view from the front porch.

The accident happened here.  The 3 pipes with wood covering them were covered the day before with a thin piece of metal that flipped up and Joe's leg was sliced open on the edge of those large septic vents.

They had made a stronger cover and roped off the area.

We missed a visit  while we were gone from Ed and Judy who brought Joe a candy bouquet!

9 years ago - gone in a flash.

And while I am road tripping down memory lane, let me not forget that 9 years ago, 

I was using every word I knew to explain to Joe that it would be a couple weeks until preschool started. 

Seriously, that kid could question everything- even when he was 4(and before) and to this day. 

9 years ago, I was holding this one back 

until it was his turn. 

I already knew there would be something I had forgotten or not taught him. 

I remember how it used to make me feel when he learned something new- a little twinge of guilt that I hadn’t thought to teach him that. 

But, again, that goodness and provision of God. 

Remember how he goes before us with a plan laid out and specifically fit for each of us, 

especially my preschooler. 

And as he enters junior high, a 7th grader - we’ve officially hit teenage only years 

in the Graber household. 

Joe still has no shortage of words. 

I’m so thankful for this. 

I love his voice, 

the things he stands for and stands against. 

He is passionate and his words have caused him to be humbled to ask for grace more than once- 

easily given as Jesus does for us over and over. 

Junior High can still be tough- I am thankful 

That Jesus is near. 

There will be days when mom doesn’t have the right words. But, the Bible does. 

9 years ago

9 years ago we were preparing Sam for Kindergarten. 

I remember the excitement and nerves I felt for him as he entered Kindergarten. 

I remember wondering if I had told him everything 

he would need to know. 

I did not. 

I remember wondering if he would 

ask for help if he needed it. 

Knowing him, he may not have. 

I remember knowing it was the right thing. 

And God was there. 

He was guiding people to fill in the gaps. 

He was making paths for friendships 

that have lasted to today.  

Tuesday, Sam is going to high school. 

He will be a high school Freshman. 

I am feeling those nerves for him once again- but not too much. 

I am now wondering if I have told him everything, 

I most certainly have not 

cause  when I try it ends in ‘that look’.

I know once again it is the right thing,

he is ready 

and I would not want to stand on the way of that. 

And after memories of all those milestones that come flooding back,along the way, 

I am even more reassured that God is near. 

God fills in the gaps. 

I am thankful and hopeful. 

Jeremiah 29:11

City Park with Cousins

The city park is much more fun with cousins.

We wanted one more day with them before school started.

This was way back on Aug 10, the smiles we enjoyed

feel like yesterday.  

P

Birth Day 2020

Joe and I had a really special birthday this year.

Joe had saved his money for the last 3 years from his famous pop challenge with dad, he 

added this to our birthday money to purchase a new computer.

He and Sam were excited when it came in the mail on Aug 4, they set out

to get it set up together. Sam was as excited as Joe was.

This has been on his list since age 10.  He was pretty excited.

And it true Joe fashion, the last button on the set up lauch was Let's Go!

One of his favorite sayings when he is excited!

I worked from home on our birthday, so I look a quick break to write Joe

a couple messages for when he came home from the farm with dad.

Having his pop for his birthday (he talked dad into the day after as well this year!)

My friend Allison brought flowers the night before that she and the twins had picked at the flower farm

AND lunch the day of - my favorite BLT pizza from Pizza Junction!

I worked until 230 then we headed North for a work meeting for mom,

but we turned it into a hotel stay and day away!

I had dinner here for work.

It was very good and we had a nice evening.

And Dan spoiled the boys with 1/2 price games at Dave and Busters.

This is always a favorite for them (all 3)

A fun birthday for Joe and I, blessed with another year!