Labor Day weekend

Well, we had a really great time at the lake over Labor Day weekend. The reason I haven't posted about it sooner is because I was waiting for pictures from my sister. While I was there, we worked on my old desk that I had growing up and got it looking so great! We sanded, painted, repaired and added new knobs on all the drawers. What a joy to see my old desk as a child now being used by my own children. What fun. Thanks daddy for all your help! It was especially a sacrifice for him because his back was killing him. He helped me even in spite of that!
The weekend was also filled with many firsts. Pictures are worth a thousand words they say, so I'll let them do the talking here.

Benjamin swimming in the lake by himself.
He could not have been more proud of himself.

FIRST inner tube ride behind the boat!!!
This is scary for lots of adults, not to mention a 4 year old. He was SO brave and I was SO terrified. I was poised, ready to jump in after him at any moment. I didn't want him to get thrown off on his first ride, and thank the Lord he didn't. He was smiling the whole time!


Me and Cait, Sue and Eli, Mom and Benjamin. We were being given a leisurely boat ride around the lake. It was the perfect temperature all weekend. Not so hot!



Cait caught her first fish! First of many, I'm sure.
We couldn't get her to stop scratching her boody so we could take the picture. So lady-like, I know!

The only real downer to the weekend was the nauseating realization that I was all on my own. Benjamin wanted to swim in the lake and I didn't have my bathing suit. He had to go in the water with Chris Lintelman (my brother-in-laws brother). He was so sweet to help me out and swim with B, but I was overcome with the feeling of aloneness. This was my new life. I kept thinking how I was going to be dependent on others for so many things for so long. I felt quite helpless and weak. And yet now talking about it I realize that this has to be right where God wants me. He wants me to find His strength in my weakness, His joy in my sorrow, His healing in my pain. I need to accept it and keep walking. Some days are easier than others in this, however.
The other cloud that hung over my head during the weekend was knowing that at that moment Chris was moving out of our home. He was setting up a new place that would have no part of me in it. We were supposed to be one, yet we are going to be living separate lives. This is what divorce means, I suppose though. Ripping apart of that which was never meant to be separated again. This realization is hard. All I can do is pray that God's grace will carry me through this. I know beyond a doubt that I could not do it alone.
I'm so grateful to my family that loves me, ministers to me and cheers me on. They were so kind and so helpful this weekend. A special thanks to Ryan who looked for ways to serve me by carrying my bags up and down the stairs, helping me load and unload...knowing full well that there was no other man in my life that would be there to help me. (okay, my dad had a hurt back!!) Ryan stepped up and that is such a testimony to his character. What a blessing to have him in our family! Love you all!