Long time, No Post

Well, I can not believe that it has almost been a month since my last post. Partly because our DSL messed up when we were at the lake for July 4th and because our life has been such a whirlwind for the past month that I don't know where to begin! Looks like I left off with swimming lessons. Hmm...We went to the condo for the 4th of July and had a great time. None of us (the girls or their parents) made it to watch the fireworks. We were all too pooped!

The week following we were getting prepared for our family and friends coming in town for Mary Clare's baptism. We were completely shocked (and still are) about the loss of one of Tim's friends Chris Brumley. Tim has know Chris since high school and is actually best friends with Chris' brother Nathan. Chris was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident just an hour and a half away from Wichita Falls. He leaves behind his wife and 2 1/2 month old son. I think why it has affected me so much is that it brought back all of the memories and anguish I had when my dad suddenly died in March 2007. What got me the most though is that he is leaving behind his newborn son. His two month old son that he was crazy about. I can't imagine Tim not being in Kate or Mary Clare's life. Just the thought of something happening to him and him not being here makes me ill. I know that God has His Master Plan set for us all the day we are born, and we must stay strong in our faith and know that He is in complete control. My faith is the only thing that has not let me down, even though I catch myself wondering why sometimes. Please pray for Chris' wife Jennifer and his son Chase. Please pray for acceptance of God's will and strength of her faith during this difficult time.

http://www.owensandbrumley.com/obituary.php?id=484&cp=8#condl

After we left his funeral that Saturday morning, we had to get ready for Mary Clare's baptism. We were so overwhelmed by the love and support we received from our family. I don't think the dinner after the Mass would have been successful if it wasn't for my two favorite sisters (in-laws) Carlye and Amanda. Thanks ladies! The picture below is our family with Mary Clare's Godparents Theresa and Chuck Berend from Fort Worth, Texas. We are really blessed to have them in our lives.



After the baptism we prepared for our 2,800 mile vacation. We drove to Omaha, Nebraska, then to Chicago and Lisle, Illinois, over to South Bend, Indiana, to Effingham, and stopped off in Fort Smith, Arkansas before our return home. We are resting up this week in preparation of our busy month in August! Vacation pictures and more pictures of the girls soon!