A Very Tardy Update !

Greetings! Just wanted to give you all a quick update this morning. We've been quite busy these past weeks with the usual trips to physical therapy, doctor's offices, and the like. The above picture was taken of the little ones in the van. Music c.d.'s and Bible story tapes are fast becoming familiar friends as we still spend lots of time on the road.
Libby is taking advantage of an opportunity to read to Judson while standing in the front yard of our lovely temporary home.
Baby boy learned to ride a borrowed bike since moving here. The sweet family who own the home left a few in the barn, and Hannah Joy taught Judson to ride. We forgot the small but important detail of teaching him about brakes until someone realized he was coming to a stop by running into a tree:( No injuries:)
Jeremiah found his father's hat and wears it all the time. He also discovered his old navy uniform in a bag returned to us by some of the dear friends and even sweet strangers who collected clothing and other items found amongst the rubble. He treasures these items, and we're very grateful to have these memento's.
Oldest son spends much of his time at work these days and tries to catch up on auto repairs, work in the valley, and other things on his days off. Much to do and so little time.
In the vehicle again...I lovingly refer to it as my "rolling office". Much work is accomplished here and many phone calls are made and returned while parked and waiting. A large bag of folders and work projects are kept at hand.
I'm hearing sweet music again, and we're trying to get back to some semblance of a schedule.

Miss Emily is standing on her own now! She first used a wheelchair, then a walker, a cane, and recently she passed the cane to Tiffiny!
We've had quite a bit of rain lately, and we've been out in a vehicle during stormy weather on at least three occasions since the tornadoes. On one occasion, trees fell on side roads and limbs hit our vehicle and fell around us. Power was out in all the stores. One of the younger children requested that we listen to James Spann, a local weatherman. The National Weatherman came on and suggested people in the area take cover because of potentially high winds and lightning. Everyone became very quiet. I had to concentrate on prayer and maneuvering around fallen tree limbs and traffic. Audible prayers went up. Emily opened her bible and read scripture, another started singing a hymn, and all eventually went well. We finally made it off the tree-lined streets and arrived home safely. We're definitely more aware of impending bad weather, and I believe there is a dread of having something fall from above our heads. But God is our ever-present help in time of need, and we are thankful for the comfort that brings.
We've shared lovely meals with sweet friends. Our Bible Study recently resumed in the home of our teacher and his lovely family. They made the beautiful salad above and have been so gracious to open their home and delay their own work projects for the sake of helping with the work going on in the valley. Actually, many families have delayed their own projects. Thank you, thank you!!!

Miss Tiffiny still applies ice to her leg frequently and continues to experience swelling. She especially swells after traveling in a vehicle, but she has improved greatly, and we are thankful:) She will be on the blood thinner until Christmas, but she no longer has to go to the hospital lab for a weekly blood test. She now goes every six weeks:) She and Emily still go to physical therapy twice a week. What a blessing:)
As you can see, she now stands on her own and is walking with a cane. She can walk without it and prefers doing so, but her wonderful therapist has other ideas, and she must obey!
More beautiful salads prepared by Mr. and Mrs. T and family:) Yum!
Josh, Jacob, and Johnathon spend most of their days out in the valley working on the railroad house. Jacob is seen here putting away some tools. He saw the neurologist recently and received a very good report. The only noticeable thing left to clear up is one eye blinking more rapidly than the other:) Tiffiny and Emily also received a good report. Tiffiny will go back in December.
Our temporary home has a great driveway for riding bikes. It makes a circle all around the house.

There's a very nice playground for the children, and they made a ramp for the girls to get into the house more easily.
Judson caught as he awakens from a nap in the van.
Some of the family talking to a sweet friend about "Old Blue". We have a 51 Ford truck which was bought new by Tom's father. The children hope to someday repair it, and Mr. W is just the person to know about such things.

Abi planted some flowers. She's longed to work in the garden or in the flower beds. Since those are gone, she decided to plant some flowers and a few fruit bushes in large pots.

Please know how very much we appreciate your prayers and acts of kindness. We're busy writing thank you notes, but we have a long way to go. Many addresses we do not have. Please accept our sincerest thanks for all you've done and for every prayer and sweet note and lovely gift sent. God bless you all!

Blessings,

Sherry