Schultz Family Christmas–in August!!!

I have been going to the Schultz Family Christmas since before I was a legal Schultz!  It’s always so much fun to get together and see how the family is doing.  It used to be held on Christmas day.  But as the family got larger it became more difficult to hold it then.  So we had changed it to the Saturday before or the Saturday after Christmas – which ever was actually closer to Christmas.  This worked for a while, but then also became difficult to manage.  So now we hold it whenever the person in charge can manage it.  There are 6 Schultz siblings Robert, Martha, Herb, Louise, John, and Doris – though Uncle Herb passed away a few years ago, Aunt Barb still takes her turn.  This year it was Andy’s parents turn to host and it turned out to be a beautiful day!  I was a little worried as we have been having terrible storms – but God was good and provided a beautiful breeze and blue skies!  It was great to see much of the family, but still missed seeing those that just live too far away to make it in!  I didn’t take too many pictures – maybe I can get a few from Uncle Donald later – but we did have fun!Our newest craze – Qwirkle!  Such a fun family game!Do you see the look I’m getting?  That’s because I had just taken several wonderful pictures of him and he was saying “Really?  You want me to smile MORE?!?!?”Here are a few of the wonderful pictures!  Man, I love this kid!!!! Daniel and his PopPop!  I am so thankful for Andy’s family heritage!  All Godly men and women.  So thankful for the influence and example they are to me and my kids!  God is so good!

God is Good - ALL THE TIME!!!

There are times in our lives when we wonder if the above statement is true. This week has been one that has tested us as parents (see post below) as well as homeowners! Late last week Andy noticed a nice size hole developing on the street along our curb. When he looked down the hole he noticed NOTHING under the street! The dirt had washed away and there was a potential for it becoming a very large sink hole! On Saturday, the Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee stopped by to praise our clean street. There was a woman from the streets department who said they would be by on Monday to investigate the hole. They came and said the water department would be along in three days to scope the sewer pipes and determine if it was our pipe causing the problem or our neighbors pipe.

They came today. (Photos courtesy of Matt!)As it turns out it is BOTH of the pipes, ours and our neighbors. They have to be replaced.

The poor fellow who had to check out the pipes!

Andy had a plumber come out and give us an estimate - $3000! The good thing is that we are able to get an interest free loan that will be attached to our water bill each month. That's good since we don't have an extra $3000 lying around! We are going to get another estimate, but since the city is handing out $3000 interest free loans, I think that is probably the quote we are going to be receiving.

The other trying thing we are dealing with is our car. Back in July (the 29th) our car went into the shop because on occasion it just wouldn't start. Last November we had the Computer Control Module (are you impressed I know what that is??? I am!) replaced. Since it is the brain of the car it is expensive, but not as expensive as a new car! Well, this behavior (not turning on) is connected to that CCM. The dealer reprogrammed it and declared it fine. We got it back from the shop July 8th. July 13th when we were all packed up to attend Milford Park it wouldn't start. The same thing we sent it in for! It has since been in the shop. Today we found out the dealer says it's fine and that there is nothing wrong with it. Our mechanic is stumped. There is something wrong, but nobody knows what that is. So, we basically need to find another car if we wish to travel any farther than our grocery store.

Surprisingly, I am not concerned about all the money that will need to be saved. Some of you who know me know that this can be a worry of mine. God is good and will provide. It's His money anyway! We have never been in need or want. So, we are praying.

We are continuing to pray about the homeschool situation. Andy and I had a long (and good) discussion tonight. We have formed a list of pros and cons of each option. We have one that we are leaning towards and are feeling a peace towards, but will discuss it with Matt next week. Please pray with us that we would make the right decision, not based on what we want or emotion, but on what it is God wants for us and our son.