Linam Vacation Update - August 26

Hiking in Zion NP

We're BACK! And the desert canyon country was breathtaking!

We packed a lot of sightseeing (and driving) into 13 days. Fredonia, AZ, population about 3,000 and home of my sister-in-law, Linda, is truly the center of the "Grand Circle." Plus, the scenery on the way there and back wasn't too shabby either (well, except for the flat parts of West Texas, which go on and on and on...). Frank had a great time climbing rocks. Abby had a great time riding every horse she could. I had a great time lizard- and bird-watching (and even had a close encounter with a California Condor!). I think Gordon had a great time too, even considering that he spent more than a week with all my family. And we all enjoyed the smiles from Linda and Greg's one-year-old daughter. I've decided that Frank's first writing assignment for homeschool will be to put his trip diary up on our travel blog (www.linamramblings.blogspot.com) [the link is in the side panel to the right], so feel free to follow along on our trip (and see LOTS more photos) as he starts posting to that site this week.

Speaking of homeschool, school starts tomorrow for both Abby and Frank. Frank has asked to homeschool again. I'm thankful that my work schedule allows me the flexibility to be with him (we actually work side-by-side quite a lot), and I'm thankful that he still wants to spend time at home and with me. Last year his homeschooling was a blessing in allowing our family to be together, but this year we're looking forward to a more normal year at home for school, God willing.

As for Abby, she very much wants to be back among her classmates at Hill Country Christian School, and I'm very glad for that. It's a warm, supportive environment, with a lot of Godly love. Because she was so far ahead in her schoolwork before the accident, the great news is that Abby will be able to start with her regular 8th grade classes. The downside is that I'm feeling like a tearful mother of a kindergartener again! I'm always very emotional the night before school begins, anyway, and this year brings extra emotions. One is that I know Abby may face some challenges in areas where she's never had them before. Please pray for her as she begins this year and faces those challenges. But the other side is mainly me--Abby and I have spent so much time together over the last 10 months. We're truly closer than we have ever been before (how many mothers of a 13-year-old can say that??), and I'm going to miss having her near me. So, say a little prayer for me too, okay? (She would be saying, "Okay, Mom, no crying.")

But, like all nights before school begins, there is much to do, so I'd better close--thanks for reading...hope you enjoy the photos below--keep checking Frank's diary for additional updates...
Love,
-the Linams

P.S. I almost forgot the mention a very special praise and prayer request! When we came through El Paso on our way home we stopped in to see Priscilla and her family. (Priscilla was the 18-month-old who was also a patient at Warm Springs when we were there, and her mother and I shared many emotions and hugs while there). She has improved so much--now being able to sit up, eat well, and use her hands, while starting to make some sounds and stand and move with support. She's such a beautiful little girl. We were happy to see her having come so far, but I know her family would cherish your prayers for her continued and complete improvement.

Abby riding "Lilly," a one-ton Shire

At Saguaro NP

At Cedar Breaks National Monument

At the North Rim of the Grand Canyon

Linam Family Update - August 12

Just a quick note tonight, as I still have lots of packing to do. Besides, the little tasks of this past week won't be very interesting reading compared to the updates to come...

We leave tomorrow on our summer vacation to northern Arizona and southern Utah. This is the trip that Abby has looked forward to all summer--the chance to visit the places that her Aunt Linda (Greg's wife) grew up riding horses. The rest of us are pretty excited too. Linda's hometown, Fredonia, is 1-2 hours from the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon NP, Lake Powell...it should be a great chance to explore some awesome country. We won't promise to blog on the trip, but there will definitely be some photos when we return in two weeks.

This week did have some bittersweet moments. We said so long to three of my co-workers who are moving on to new jobs, and all of whom have expressed so much affection for our family this year. We will especially miss my boss and friend, Pat, who introduced Abby to the world of dog agility. We'll think of her during those long days waiting outside dusty arenas...! On the other hand, today we visited with old friends at church who had returned for a visit. Abby and her buddy, Josh, picked up their friendship right where it left off seven years ago. We still think they're both pretty cute kids, but how did they get so tall???

But now, I really must pack, so keep our travels in your prayers and give a hug to someone you love while they're here with you...
-the Linams

Linam Family Update - August 5

I'm happy to report that Abby is recovering rapidly from her surgery. We let her take it easy all week--watching lots of DVDs and drinking lots of milkshakes--but this weekend was back up to "Linam-speed!"

We headed home to Austwell and Victoria for the first time in several months for some special family events, but first we need to tell you a fish story...Gordon and the kids were eager to try some fishing from the Austwell pier when we arrived there Friday night. After only a few minutes Abby's tiny, cheap "perch" pole started bending and running out line, while Abby excitedly called, "I've got something!" At the same time, Frank's pole started bending and he called out "I've got something!" What Abby had was a 20-inch redfish. What Frank had was Abby's line. Just when we thought we were going to have to divide that nice redfish down the middle, like Solomon and the baby, Frank's line came unhooked and Abby landed Austwell's biggest fish of the night. The adrenaline kept us fishing for another couple of hours, but produced no more fish tales...or brotherly-sisterly competition...

On Saturday we attended the Linam family reunion, where we got lots of good barbecue and lots of hugs (and the kids enjoyed a pavilion soccer game). Everyone was especially glad to see Abby, but every time I tried to tell them some interesting story about our past year, like the trips to the TAMU softball games or Frank's All-Star season, they would say "Oh yes, I read it on the blog..." Hmmmm--maybe I shouldn't write everything, just so I can have something left for conversation!! Just kidding--it's an honor to have so many readers...and so many people praying for Abby...

Then back to Cuero for my niece Kayla's first birthday! She seemed genuinely happy with all the gifts, but especially happy about eating her first two cupcakes. Ahhhh--cake....! It was good to have all of the Texas Johnsons there. We also got the chance to visit Cheyenne and the other horses. Anyone in the market for a very sassy, very fat, but very healthy little mare??

Finally, we spent last night and today with Gordon's parents. Grandma Linam spoiled us all with some really great food as always. I'll have to do some serious hiking in Arizona next week to work it off...but now I'd better close and start tackling this week's serious packing...

Love,
-the Linams