Our summer has gotten off to a good start!

Daily – swimming lessons for Hans, Catherine and Aunnika with other kids and mom swimming at the pool as well – or at home nursing colds from getting all that swimming coupled with our cool rainy weather early this week

Daily chores, piano practicing, school work, reading and even a nap here and there coupled with lots of good play time make up the bulk of the rest of our days (when multiplied by 7 little people the time quickly runs short)

Miracles this week – Stone’s v City of Colorado Springs on 4 June – thanks to the Hand of the Lord and through his instruments, Dad Redd, the good Municipal Court Judge, our many good neighbors and all of your prayers – justice was served and we were found “not guilty” or rather our children were found not guilty of violating the City of Colorado Springs “Noise Prohibited” ordinance for playing in their own backyard – we are truly grateful to all for your faith and prayers on our behalf and to the Lord for His watch care through this past nearly 11 months on this case in particular and nearly two years of dealing with a truly challenging “love thy neighbor” situation – A special thanks to Dad Redd for making the trip here to provide his services as legal counsel for this case – we would not have made it through the 3.5 hour trial proceeding without his guidance and expertise, and Mom Redd for her coming and testifying in our behalf.

We were also still celebrating Mylinda’s birthday this week with the arrival of the porch swing she has been wanting for 14 years! – with a little effort late in the day on Saturday the swing is assembled and being enjoyed by our birthday lady.
We even managed to do some planting in the garden (green beans and pumpkins), cutting of firewood, and other yard work on Saturday. It was great to work as a family to get so much done and then enjoy a little picnic in the backyard with our neighbors along with some fun board games to top it off.

This is truly a brief snap shot of our week and we have been richly blessed here. Mike started work as the head of the benefits and patient administration department while maintaining his post as chief information officer at the AF Academy Clinic this week and Mylinda had her hands full at home. Still the Lord blesses us through these opportunities to work and through the visits of family and friends. It was great to have Dad and Mom here for a day and benefit from their wise counsel and their love.

May the Lord bless you and please know of our heartfelt thanks for the prayers offered in our behalf for the events of this week.