The weather in NE Tennessee has been just wonderful this last week. It certainly doesn't seem anything like the July summers we had back in Alabama. Tonight we are meeting the Malone's to watch fireworks. I know we will have a great time.

Last night we had a fabulous time. Brian and Shuree hosted a cookout since Patty and Sandy Kendallball were in town. It was so nice getting to meet the fine people who were here before we arrived. They had their grandson with them and the kids all had a great time playing. I think we all ate too much and stayed up way too late, but it was so great getting to visit with everyone. The church at 11-E definately has some good cooks. One of the best things about the night was that Alvin and Sanda were able to come. Alvin is only about 2 weeks out of bypass surgery. It amazes me how well he is doing. It was just a joy to see everyone.

David and the boys have spent a lot of time under the house tearing out moldy insulation and repairing holes under the house. (They are wearing suits and masks) Quite unsettling was the amount of rat skeletons they found under there, 5! And I do mean rats and not mice. David has used about 6 cans of great stuff to fill in around the plumbing and ventilation. I am hoping that we never see a rat in the house! The insulation provided a lot of room for them to make beds and hide. I am hoping that without a good habitat, and with no holes to get in, we will see none of them.

Tomorrow David will be working at the hospital, so we won't be grilling out or anything during the day. Instead, I will be doing last minute cleaning and cooking. We are having another couple over to have lunch with us Sunday. Lord willing all will work out for a good day then.

Hope everyone is enjoying the day God has given!

Beautiful day today after all the rain we have been having. It has been a busy few days for us. Last week one of the members went in for stints and found out that he needed triple bypass instead. He has been through it and is home now, and we are so thankful that he is doing well.

We had a good visit with David's parents last week. They came up for a quick weekend visit. We had a good time seeing them, and David's dad helped him get some of the wiring taken care of around here. (Nice to have a FIL who knows electrical)

Last night, the older man whom we have been studying with came to services. I was so encouraged to see him there. He says he is coming Sunday too, so I sure hope that he does.

My parents are coming up next week. I am so excited to see them. Please remember them in your prayers as they are enduring some storms in life right now.

How I wish housecleaning could be done by pushing a button on the wall, but I suppose I should just push my own go button and take care of it. I think I will tackle the bathrooms first. The smell of Mr. Clean is a good thing in the morning.

One more thing, we have new visitors! A sweet hummingbird, and a pair of chickidees, and doves have decided that this is where they want to call home. The other birds were singing welcome to them this morning. (Although one was being quite rude and being way too loud) I wish I was a gifted at photography as some so I could share with you.

Bye all.

I hope those show up. I am so inept at posting pictures, but these are really cute. Last night David and the boys went to Lowe's and purchased the pipe and pipe insulation to make our version of Nerf swords, the Wh-erf sword. The boys learned a lesson in economics too, for the price of 1 of the authentic ones at Walmart, they were able to make about 4 complete swords and have leftovers to make about 2 more, not including endcaps.

They had a glorious time jumping around and having duals last night, and today as well. It is still a bit rainy outside so I am letting them fight in the living room. (high ceilings keep the light fixtures safe)

They enjoyed making them as much as they do playing with them.

Love,

Today David's aunt and uncle were up in Bristol and called and said they were coming. I quickly threw together some banana muffins, and we had such and enjoyable visit. They could just stay a couple of hours because they were headed for Gatlinburg for the night and are on a motorcycle (and it looks like rain). So we had a nice visit with them. It is amazing how quickly a house can go from "kinda messy" to "ready for company" when 5 people are all working together.

love

Amy updated on Donna's condition here.

I am so glad that it is not ovarian cancer or hodgkins. Continue to pray

Love,
Tonya