Sorry for the prolonged absence, folks.  If you follow me on twitter, you may have seen my tweet the week-before-last…my Mother-in-law is in the hospital.  It will be two weeks tomorrow.  She’s fighting an infection on top of her cancer, so please wing up those prayers.

The kids are doing great.  Though we missed our lake vacation with all the cousins, they never complained.  They all made comments like “Maybe we can do it next year,” or “It wouldn’t be the same without Grandma,” and “It just wouldn’t seem fair to go without her.”  They are all dealing with this very differently, and I’m doing my best to balance some of them needing information and others needing NOT to talk about it at all.  Here is My Farmer talking with Farmer Boy about it one evening:

I love how Farmer Boy is dressed as closely as possible to the same as his Dad.

I’m thankful for the closeness of my husband’s family – that all his siblings found a way to come home to help their Mom and Dad, to boost their spirits and lend a hand.  I’m thankful for the closeness of my own family – my sister and parents have all been here to stay with the kids, help me keep my life together, lend support and practical aid.  I’m thankful for the friends who have appeared on our doorstep with food to share with all the out-of-town peeps, the calls and texts expressing concern and offers of help.

I’m thankful for and truly humbled by my mother-in-law herself.  Her positive attitude and unflagging kindness to everyone around her is Hallmark-Movie inspirational.

I’m working to get back into our regular pattern now – including healthy food ALL DAY (even if we are not at home, pack some!), running, blogging, and sticking to my fly routines.

We had originally intended to begin school today, but considering current circumstances we are putting it off for at least another week.  The children were much more upset about this than the vacation plans going awry – so I let Shooter help Little Cowgirl start on her math curriculum.  They did five lessons this morning.  Shooter said, “Well, I guess we can have some more summer fun before we move on to school fun!”  Farmer Boy made no comment – he was busy pouring over a magazine of items one could use to trick out one’s mower.  I wonder if they make spinners for the wheels…