Quick trip, home improvement, and 3 days to go!

We again enjoyed the gorgeous Alabama Jubilee (hot-air balloon festival) in Decatur this weekend. Seeing dozens of balloons fill the sky is just an incredible sight. This year was extra fun because on Friday night, we were all able to take turns taking a short tethered ride in a balloon. We loved it, and then "our" balloon was the first one to take off Saturday morning. Mrs. Martha and Mr. Bill (my parents' friends who own the farm) were there with their daughter and her family. We've gotten to know each other through email and a couple of visits, so that was fun to be able to have some time together, for our husbands to talk, and the kids to play together. Gramma and Granddaddy were kind enough to let us spend the night with them, and so we had some quality time with them too. It was a nice break from being at home, as we have been so much of the last month.

An unexpected highlight of the day yesterday was visiting with some dear friends of Mom and Dad's in Decatur. Since moving to Decatur and joining First Bible Church, my Dad has been in a Bible study led by Mr. John Cook, the owner of Cook's Pest Control, a highly successful business in the South. Mr. Cook is 81 and in a very serious battle with cancer. During this past year, due to his health issues, he has asked my Dad to help lead their study, so this has enabled Dad to spend some neat time getting to know this precious man. We have been told that he probably doesn't have much time left on this earth, and it's been a very sad time, as he has become a mentor and father-figure to my Dad. James had never had the privilege of meeting him, since many times when we go to Decatur, it's because he is working extra hours. Anyway, we spent some time in the acres of gardens on the Cooks' property yesterday afternoon, and Mr. Cook surprised us and came out to visit for a while. It was precious time, spent with a godly man who is extremely successful by the world's standards, but so much more concerned about people's souls, than the millions of dollars his business makes. He and his wife give away so much and live modestly, and continually refer to missions opportunities and people they love in their conversation, not material things. I was so honored to have that memory with them, and we treasure their impact on my family's life through their kindness and influence on my parents.

James is off for a few days, so he has been able to provide some extra help with Isaac, and that's been wonderful! We have numerous projects we're trying to work on around the house these next few days. He just finished putting up an electric fence since goofy Sugar keeps digging out, and now is working on repairing a water leak near our meter. So, though it's not all fun and games, he's happy to be home, but he's not really getting to relax too much yet! I'm glad he was able to fish some yesterday, or he may be ready to head back to work to get a little rest! I'm so thankful for my handy husband.

Isaac's cast change is Wednesday, so we're really praying this is an improvement and that he'll get a walking cast then. He's doing all right today, but has had a hard week, just being frustrated and feeling cooped up. I hope I can give a great report Wednesday and appreciate your prayers for our family.