Fishing, Family, and Friends

So, after Billy's parents left San Antonio we began to pack for 2 seperate trips. Billy packed for a fly-fishing trip to the San Juan River in NM and Libby and I packed for a trip to see my family in SC. Billy had an amazing time on the river with his friend, "Steve the Fireman". They both caught an incredible amount of beautiful trout. Billy said he's appreciating his time on the river more and more as he gets older. He came home feeling refreshed and wishing he could fish like that every day. He promises to get some proof of caught fish (a.k.a. photos) from Steve. When I have them I'll post them.

Libby and I flew across the nation to be pleasantly surprised by cooler weather. Our first evening in SC we celebrated my brothers birthday. Each day after that was full of adventure as we met with friends and family - many of which I have not seen in quite a long time. The long list of people we had a chance to see are: my mom and dad, my sister, brother-in-law and niece, my brother and sister-in-law, Mema, baby Matthew, Aunt Marsha, Aunt Jenny, Cousin Arlyn, Alli, Jennie, all of Becky and Taylor's friends, Pepa and Ann, and Mrs. Carol. Libby and I stayed at my sister's house. Kuddos Jason on all the remodeling you've done! It's lookin' GREAT!

Libby is blossoming so beautifully. She is becoming less and less intimidated by a crowd and she's starting to call people by their names and engage in "conversation" and initiate games. She just seems so happy and free these days. Her smile makes her whole face beam - like it's coming from deep within. She is starting to try and sing the words in songs, she's saying several full sentences ("i see you" or "i guess so" or "i see mommy and daddy"), and she's counting (kinda -if 1,2,3,11,12,9,10 can be called counting).

One particular reason for going to SC was that some dear college friends asked me to meet them there to have a reunion of sorts. Alli, Jennie and I have not all three been together since my wedding - in 1999. I spent Friday morning being extremely nervous about 1: leaving Libby for 2 days and 2: seeing friends I had not seen in so long - after lots of life changes. But Libby ended up being an angel for my very pregnant sister and the time with my friends was WONDERFUL! I had no idea it was possible to talk that much in such a short perioud of time - but we did! We talked until 1AM Saturday morning and then woke up early and started talking again. We had a delicious breakfast in downtown Charleston and drove to N. Chas to visit CSU for old time's sake. I can't believe 10 years have passed since that season of our lives. Time flies. Each of us is a mother and involved in ministry in one way or another. It's amazing to see how God has protected and blessed each of our lives all these years. God is so faithful, so good. And, by the way, I have some beautiful friends - inside and out!

Libby is doing great in her new Kids Day Out program. She cries when we first leave her, but from day one at this new program she has taken her naps, eaten her food, played well with the other kids and not cried at all! She knows this place is different. She comes home with crafts and a sheet that tells us what/how she did for the day. And she comes home happy! Billy went with me to drop her off the other morning and he could tell a difference right away! So we are confident we did the right thing by moving her to this program and we are so grateful to the Lord for providing us with that alternative. I feel like a new woman because after having 2 successful days of Libby going to "school" I now have a clean house and I'm getting caught up on office work. LOVE THAT!

A few things to be praying about:1. Yesterday my dad, Dennis Graham, had a strange sensation that really worried him. He said it felt like he might pass out and he thought it might be a heart attack. He went to his doctor and the doc did the EKG thing and there was no sign of a heart attack. However, the dr. could not do the stress tests because of some ridiculous insurance issue. Anyway - please pray that my dad can get the stress tests done ASAP to make sure there's not some kind of blockage. While my dad feels like there may have been other, less significant things going on - I am certainly concerned that he might have a blockage. Please pray for his protection as he waits for the appropriate tests.

2. Billy's grandfather fell and broke his hip last week. Pray for his healing and pray for Billy's family as they are having to care for him and work through some really difficult issues concerning Papa's bills and healthcare.

3. My sister should be having her 2nd baby girl any day now. If she doesn't go into labor by Oct. 5 the dr. will induce her. Can't wait to see that precious baby (and know her name!)!

4. I am coming down with a cold/brochitus (sp?). Please pray that my cough and drainage would come to an end so I can sing next week in Wisconsin.

We are home for a few days. Next Wednesday Billy is supposed to drive to Dallas to teach a couple of classes at Christ for the Nations (a worship institute). Then Thursday we fly to Wisconsin (yep, that's a first!). We are looking forward to that trip - can you say cool weather!! YES!

Some of the pictures posted include: (in no paticular order)

Alli, Jennie and I reuniting!

Libby at a park with Taylor's friends

Gigi helping Taylor and Libby put together a puzzle

Papa showing Libby how to fill a bird feeder

Aunt Becky looking beautiful at 9 months pregnant

Libby and Taylor in the grocery story "car cart"

Mema (who refuses to look at the camera!) and I

Libby throwing a good fit while trying to get a photo with Kelly and Carissa

Libby in our house reading a book - thought my family would like to see the inside of our home.

Taylor with her arm around Libby

Much love to all!
Cindy