Oh my goodness, what a weekend.  The kids and I left Thursday, with Mom and Dad.  We headed south to Clif's home in Hamilton.  We packed (they are moving), we played (cards and video games) and we visited (into the wee hours of the morning.) We got home yesterday evening.  My dad works a lot, so even when I go to their home for a visit, I don't get to spend as much time with him as I'd like.  So it was nice being able to visit with my parents for the many hours in the car...down there and back.

I was exhausted....but it was worth it.  It was so nice to see my brother and his wife.  I enjoyed trailing after Clif as he finished out his time as Vicor.   I packed up his office as he finished up his last Sunday School lesson.   I went with him (WAY TOO EARLY) as he recorded his sermon for the radio and set up his Sunday School stuff on Sunday morning before church.

I actually put my makeup on in the sanctuary of the church while he was getting ready for church.   After he recorded his sermon, we dropped it off at the radio station and I headed back home to get dressed for church and to get the kids and Lora up.  I dropped by the little apt that Mama and Daddy were staying in, but Daddy was in the shower and Mom was still asleep, so they didn't hear me knock.  Eventually everyone was ready and we headed to Sunday School and the second service of the day. 

Shai and Matt were so excited to see their Bubba walk up the aisle in his "pastor garb".  Clif told me what it was called, but I cannot remember.  Sorry.   Of course he can't wear the stoles yet, as he hasn't officially graduated and become a pastor for another year.  But the church DID set up a money tree and they raised a LOT of money specifically for his stoles. But regardless of all of that, he looked pretty impressive. 

He, of course, did an amazing job.   I  can't help but be impressed by him.  Growing up with him, knowing all that he's been through, having seen his journey as a child, a teen and a young man, I am in awe of the man he has become.  He isn't perfect, only ONE man was perfect.  But Clif has such a humble, gentle, caring heart that blends so well with his creative, humorous, knowledgeable mind.  I can't tell you how many people came up to me and told me what a blessing he and his beautiful wife Lora are going to be to whichever church they are sent to in May.  I was told what  a wonderful, caring "pastor's wife" my sister in law was going to be.  I am proud of her as well. 

With all they've been through lately, I am very excited to see that they are "holding on".  Things continue to come up and stessors continue to pile on, but they are doing well.  We tried to help them as much as possible, while we were there.  I wish we could have done more.  I seriously considered postponing my surgery to help them get through this time.  Clif wouldn't let me.  My sweet husband though, is going to go help him.  Jade had taken off to be with me after my surgery.  He had planned to take care of me.  Instead, Mom is once again stepping in (and stepping up) to stay with me and my children after the surgery, so that Jade can ride with Clif and Lora to St Louis and help them unload their stuff.  Clif couldn't figure out how he was going to get that done.  They have a few big ("big" is a gross understatement)  pieces of furniture that are going to have to be moved down a couple flights of stairs.  Clif knew he couldn't do this alone and his original plans for help had fallen through.  I talked to Jade, and when Jade offered to help Clif (if Clif could postpone leaving for a day, and promise to have him home for work on Monday) I could just SEE the weight lift off of his shoulders. 

So this is what our schedule looks like.  I have to have Jade completely packed by tomorrow (Wednesday)  night.  Mom will come down tomorrow night.  Surgery is Thursday morning.  Jade will leave with Clif on Friday, Mom will spend the weekend with us.  Jade and Clif and them will be back in OK on Sunday.  Jade will leave Monday morning for training out of town.  He will be home on Thursday. 

As soon as I am healed up from surgery...shouldn't take long...I'm going to organize a big birthday bash for all of the guys.  Wil's birthday was in June, Chris' is this month, and Jade and Clif have birthdays in August.  I'm thinking we'll grill, play in the pool and just relax.  Throw horse shoes, eat, joke, swim, play and just enjoy time together.  They all deserve a day to honor them.  We are short on time, so they'll have to share the day....but I think they might actually enoy that more.  They are all kind of "tight".  lol 

I love the men in my life.

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