We're all OK. It's been very busy.
Clint and I celebrated our 33rd year of marriage and 36th year of being a couple. We had a very nice time away.
In the middle of our anniversary get away, our neighbor called us for help because his aid forgot to secure things before leaving. No one else would answer the phone, so we gladly went to assist him. It was no problem at all. Clint and I are very blessed that we can get in a long weekend together nearly every month, so the interruption wasn't a big deal for either of us. We were happy to help make sure he was safe and comfortable.
As soon as we got home, I knew a friend's time on this earth was very short. I hurried through catching things up at home in case I was called upon as a support person.
A few days after our friend passed, I had to leave again for work (side hustle).
Then I was off to a Labor Day celebration where I prepped food and grilled for eight hours. Our group dined on hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, chicken, shrimp/beef/chicken/pork shishkabobs with plenty of fresh and colorful veggies (yellow squash, zucchini, red and green peppers, sweet purple onions) followed by fruit and some pies.
Then I was off again for more work which is what I am taking a break from at the moment.
I am rewarding myself with a full day of Bible study. Life is busy, but it sure is fun and fruitful!
Brandon was given his review. He received very, very high praises! He was given a very nice raise and a bonus. He was also told that his skill level has advanced enough that his boss is going to recommend him for her position when she leaves the company which will happen in 2-5 years. If he wants it, it will be a sizeable increase in pay for Brandon.
Amanda's boss failed to tell her that she was supposed to work the holiday weekend. She mentioned that she was off, but no one corrected her at the time. When she did not show up, they tried calling, but our family was in an area where there was no reception. One of her co-workers decided to stab her in the back with a lie. Amanda didn't even worry about it. She said the joke was on them because the Lord is on her side and her attendance (perfect) and over-time (a very large amount) record speaks for itself. She went to the boss and set the story straight with directness and honesty like people of integrity do. Her boss told her he believed her and nothing will go on her permanent record. I am very proud of her faith and confidence that the Lord would handle it for her. I am also proud of her for dealing with it quickly with no hesitation or fear.
Joshua has been feeling off. He pukes in the mornings. I am concerned he either has a stomach acid or a blood sugar problem. It's infrequent and tied to not eating regularly. He will get up at 4, skip breakfast, unload a truck for hours for the restaurant, and then eat when lunch rolls around. His teen body handled that well. His adult body is complaining that it needs more nutrition and fuel. He is making adjustments, and we will see what happens.
Caleb is still working three jobs. His bank account is showing his efforts too. Everyone who knows him loves him. He helped his best friend, Desiree, work on her car in the Walmart parking lot when she was stranded this past weekend too.
Bethany is working part-time still. She still does not have her driver's license due to issues with our DMV due to CoVid. We have tried working around it. We have even tried to enroll her in a driving course because the instructor can give her the exam, and she will not need to go to the DMV for the behind-the-wheel test. The local companies are overbooked for the same reasons. Bethany is not in a rush. She has her car and her siblings take her anywhere she wants to go. She is trusting the Lord for the next step.
Emily and Hannah, our two peas in a pod, have been traveling with me some. Other times, they are at home keeping things going and working on their homeschool. They are enjoying the changes in routine. I am enjoying the time with my two youngest daughters in different settings which is bringing out more of their personalities. They are keeping me laughing!
